The plan has been to update this blog once I was fully recovered from the 50th Annual Knoxville Nationals. I think I failed to take into account my increasing age and its effect on my ability to "fully" recover.
The truth is, the 50th Nats was such a grand event, we may never completely get over it, at least not until another big one like that comes along. It brought to mind the Nationals of 1990, when Bobby Allen pulled off the upset of the decade. Given the historical significance of this year's event, we may be able to say that Tim Shaffer pulled off the upset of the century.
The racing was fabulous from the Thursday night beginning of 360 Nationals right until the double checkereds flew and the fireworks went off just before midnight on Saturday of 410 Nationals. And amazingly, we only suffered one night of rain in spite of major flooding and road closing obstacles many had to endure close by.
It was awesome to see so many "locals" shining throughout the week and a half. Most notably, how great is Davey Heskin running eighth and Brian Brown sitting on the pole of the granddaddy of all sprint car mains. Josh Schneiderman plugged away in the B-Main, gained a transfer to the A and posted a great showing too, as the only true Iowa driver in the field.
It's always great to see the grandstands both full and this year there were more seats filled than there have been in a while. Though it didn't rain as much as it could have, the heat and humidity were sweltering throughout the week and that was hard on some.
In my book, the 50th lived up to all the expectations we had. Though I am not a big fan of 50 laps for a sprint car race, that one sure had all the necessary dramatic components.
As a lifelong Sammy fan, I have to say I am still in awe of the way 20-some thousand people chanted his name in support when his tire blew out and flipped him over while leading late in the race. He really was the sentimental favorite of the week, having only won the one Nats in 1983. It would have been great to see him win, but his misfortune set up a real nail-biter. Just about all of those 20-some thousand probably would have had the big check made out to four-time defending champ Donny Schatz when he inherited the lead with a handful of laps to go. But when his motor sputtered on the restart, it became evident there was going to be a new and different ending to this one.
As for me, I would like to say a special thanks to all who made my week go so great. Those guys with the coffee hut really kept me going and I'm so glad they are around. My partner in live results, Bob Wilson, is still the best and everyone I work with in the pressbox is still family to me.
My forum on Women in Sprint Car Racing on Thursday was a hot one, with a standing-room only crowd packed into the Hall of Fame to hear female drivers Melinda Dumesny, Lisa French Engler, Erin Crocker Evernham, Kaylene Verville, Trish Dover, Casie Shilling, Dakota Carroll, Haley Arnold, Miranda Arnold, Kendall Higday and Michaela Dumesny. Those women are fantastic! Next time you are at a race and you see them, please tell them how wonderful they are.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
In the Groove
As I write this, we are three nights into Southern Iowa Sprint Week. The 360 Nationals once again proved some of the best racing ever seen. Everyone knows I love the 360 class and I fail to understand why race fans don't come out to watch them more often. Fortunately, there was an awesome crowd all three nights this year.
The big win by Shane Stewart was definitely fairy tale, as he led only the last lap on Friday night, which was undoubtedly the best race of the weekend. He then inherited the lead from early favorite Chad Humston in the finale and cruised to the win.
It was heartbreaking for Humston, the Knoxville regular who started on the pole. With eight laps in, there was a caution for a blown motor on Brian Brown's car and it was discovered Humston had no brakes. Shortly after, the front end broke on his car and he was hit by Johnny Herrera. It was a devastating end of the race for Herrera too, who simply had nowhere to go as the hapless Humston couldn't control his car sliding down the track. Herrera got the best air of the weekend, nearly crashing victory lane a dozen laps early.
The 410 division always puts on a good show on the Saturday before Nationals, largely due to the influx of visiting drivers. Dale Blaney had a heartbreak in his visit when the wheel slid right off and he backed hard into the fence.
But I was most bummed for Erin Crocker, whose 360 Nationals was short-lived when she took a hard series of flips in her heat race. We'll hope for much better for her and all the other competitors as the 50th Annual Knoxville Nationals gets underway Wednesday night.
Crocker will be a star of the panel for my Women in Sprint Car Racing forum at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum on Thursday at 3 p.m. Come over to the museum and have the chance to hear from female drivers like Crocker, Melinda Dumesny, Lisa French, Kaylene Verville, Trish Dover, Casie Shilling, Dakota Carroll, Haley Arnold, Miranda Arnold, Kendall Higday and Michaela Dumesny.
The big win by Shane Stewart was definitely fairy tale, as he led only the last lap on Friday night, which was undoubtedly the best race of the weekend. He then inherited the lead from early favorite Chad Humston in the finale and cruised to the win.
It was heartbreaking for Humston, the Knoxville regular who started on the pole. With eight laps in, there was a caution for a blown motor on Brian Brown's car and it was discovered Humston had no brakes. Shortly after, the front end broke on his car and he was hit by Johnny Herrera. It was a devastating end of the race for Herrera too, who simply had nowhere to go as the hapless Humston couldn't control his car sliding down the track. Herrera got the best air of the weekend, nearly crashing victory lane a dozen laps early.
The 410 division always puts on a good show on the Saturday before Nationals, largely due to the influx of visiting drivers. Dale Blaney had a heartbreak in his visit when the wheel slid right off and he backed hard into the fence.
But I was most bummed for Erin Crocker, whose 360 Nationals was short-lived when she took a hard series of flips in her heat race. We'll hope for much better for her and all the other competitors as the 50th Annual Knoxville Nationals gets underway Wednesday night.
Crocker will be a star of the panel for my Women in Sprint Car Racing forum at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum on Thursday at 3 p.m. Come over to the museum and have the chance to hear from female drivers like Crocker, Melinda Dumesny, Lisa French, Kaylene Verville, Trish Dover, Casie Shilling, Dakota Carroll, Haley Arnold, Miranda Arnold, Kendall Higday and Michaela Dumesny.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
In the Groove
Well, this summer has been a lot more hectic than I expected and getting this blog updated has taken more effort than I would have liked.
With all that aside though, I have to say that this past Saturday of racing at the Knoxville Raceway was the greatest I have seen in a long time. The twin features for the 410s were amazing. And if that wasn't enough, the 360 feature was no slouch either.
The unfortunate thing happening this summer is we are steadily losing car count. Mostly this has been due to parts breaking and teams not able to fund repairs. Both of my race teams from Marion, John Hall and Tom Lenz, have suffered season-ending motor blow-ups and that's been disappointing. Other drivers too have left and not been able to return.
And yet, once in a while, we still get a driver returning after being away, like our beloved Brent Antill. He was always a sure-bet pick on any twin features night and more than one person in the pressbox mentioned him as a favorite to win the second main last week. It was almost odd that he didn't win something on twin features night. But it's great to have him back.
Even as we lose good drivers to financial situations, some drivers are really showing how great they are and how much they deserve to be part of national touring series, doing this for a living with great equipment. Not that we want to lose them, of course, because they make our weekly show still the best in the country.
In the 410 class, Mark Dobmeier continues to be the most exciting and watchable driver on the track. Austin McCarl has been very impressive, quickly coming into his own while still showing a lot of his dad's driving traits. Wayne Johnson is easily one of the most gutsy drivers in any class in the United States. It is just mind-boggling that a driver of his caliber, with a pleasant and fun personality, has trouble finding a ride and must eventually buy his own car with his family's help.
In the 360 class, Chad Humston is consistently amazing the way he puts that car in grooves that other people won't try and makes passes work on various types of tracks. Jon Agan has really shown improvement this year, putting himself in position to be one of the top drivers in our show. Nate Van Haaften also steadily improves each week. And really, many of the 360 drivers are threatening to win on any given night.
Summer is heating up now and the Nationals are fast approaching. This is really the time to shine for those who are still able to race.
With all that aside though, I have to say that this past Saturday of racing at the Knoxville Raceway was the greatest I have seen in a long time. The twin features for the 410s were amazing. And if that wasn't enough, the 360 feature was no slouch either.
The unfortunate thing happening this summer is we are steadily losing car count. Mostly this has been due to parts breaking and teams not able to fund repairs. Both of my race teams from Marion, John Hall and Tom Lenz, have suffered season-ending motor blow-ups and that's been disappointing. Other drivers too have left and not been able to return.
And yet, once in a while, we still get a driver returning after being away, like our beloved Brent Antill. He was always a sure-bet pick on any twin features night and more than one person in the pressbox mentioned him as a favorite to win the second main last week. It was almost odd that he didn't win something on twin features night. But it's great to have him back.
Even as we lose good drivers to financial situations, some drivers are really showing how great they are and how much they deserve to be part of national touring series, doing this for a living with great equipment. Not that we want to lose them, of course, because they make our weekly show still the best in the country.
In the 410 class, Mark Dobmeier continues to be the most exciting and watchable driver on the track. Austin McCarl has been very impressive, quickly coming into his own while still showing a lot of his dad's driving traits. Wayne Johnson is easily one of the most gutsy drivers in any class in the United States. It is just mind-boggling that a driver of his caliber, with a pleasant and fun personality, has trouble finding a ride and must eventually buy his own car with his family's help.
In the 360 class, Chad Humston is consistently amazing the way he puts that car in grooves that other people won't try and makes passes work on various types of tracks. Jon Agan has really shown improvement this year, putting himself in position to be one of the top drivers in our show. Nate Van Haaften also steadily improves each week. And really, many of the 360 drivers are threatening to win on any given night.
Summer is heating up now and the Nationals are fast approaching. This is really the time to shine for those who are still able to race.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
In the Groove
With two Saturdays of rainouts and more heavy rains forecast for this week, I was having some trouble finding my "positivity" for much of anything. That's why it was really nice to get back to Knoxville and have three great classes of sprint-car racing on the black gumbo.
Every year we say it's hard to believe when mid-season comes around. After all, it seems like we are just getting started. While car counts continue to be a little disappointing, the racing never disappoints as stellar battles abound in all classes. The 360 heat race between Chad Humston and Dustin Selvage was one for the books. Then there was Humston taking the late-race lead and win from Ryan Roberts.
In the 410 division, it's great to have Wayne Johnson back in the house. He shows he is not afraid to really race his newly owned ride, and his racing prowess begs the question of why a driver of his caliber can't get hired. In any case, he and wife, Erin, are now car owners and something tells me it is a move that will pay off in no time.
The 305 class grew a bit this week in car count, so maybe it is beginning to catch on now. We had Tasker Phillips win this feature and then go on to race in the 360 division too.
What we need now is this pattern of rain to go away so we can concentrate on summer racing heating up!
Every year we say it's hard to believe when mid-season comes around. After all, it seems like we are just getting started. While car counts continue to be a little disappointing, the racing never disappoints as stellar battles abound in all classes. The 360 heat race between Chad Humston and Dustin Selvage was one for the books. Then there was Humston taking the late-race lead and win from Ryan Roberts.
In the 410 division, it's great to have Wayne Johnson back in the house. He shows he is not afraid to really race his newly owned ride, and his racing prowess begs the question of why a driver of his caliber can't get hired. In any case, he and wife, Erin, are now car owners and something tells me it is a move that will pay off in no time.
The 305 class grew a bit this week in car count, so maybe it is beginning to catch on now. We had Tasker Phillips win this feature and then go on to race in the 360 division too.
What we need now is this pattern of rain to go away so we can concentrate on summer racing heating up!
Monday, May 31, 2010
In the Groove
While the Memorial Day weekend of racing was phenomenal, most dirt racers and fans across the country are doing what we love with very heavy hearts.
On Wednesday last week, we lost Jesse Hockett, one of the most talented and versatile young racers around. The Missouri pilot known as "the Rocket" lost his life at age 26 in a freak accident in his race shop. Ironically, the weekend before had probably been the most successful time in his career. That, coupled with a beautiful new bride, made it seem like the world was at his feet. Now we're just left with good memories and sadness over what might have been.
I think the most shocking part of this whole ordeal is that he did not lose his life on a race track. Those of us who have spent our lives around this sport always know in the back of our minds that the inevitable can happen. It often does. And while we try not to dwell on it, we go into it knowing full well we probably will lose friends along the way.
When I opened an email on Wednesday evening that told me Jesse was gone, my first thought was, "Where were they racing on a Wednesday afternoon?" I've talked with others who had the same first thought. Some drivers can seem to be bigger than life, but in reality, no one is immune from death. When it happens on the track, no matter who it is, we half expected the shock. When it happens away from the race track, it's so hard to understand how it can be so.
Jesse Hockett was one of the most likable drivers in any pit area and always one that could be counted on to put on a fantastic show and probably win in dramatic fashion. He'd been through a lot in a short life, having lost his cousin, best friend and crew chief in a different accident a few years ago. Now his family and friends are left to grieve once again. It just doesn't seem fair.
But as the saying goes, we all know life goes on. Jesse would want us to continue racing because it's what we love...it's what he loved. And that's exactly what happened over this Memorial Day weekend. Tracks around the country raced in tribute to the Rocket, took collections for his family, packed pits and grandstands in his honor and started parade laps with missing man formation for him. Racing is a family sport, we all know. Not only does it keep blood relatives together, but anyone in racing becomes part of a larger family. Partly that is due to the dangers involved and the potential need for a strong support system.
Racing people are passionate individuals by nature, and nothing brings out our giving sides like the need to help a fellow racer or the family of a fallen racer. That's what makes me so proud to be part of this racing family. And on this Memorial Day, it's what makes me proud to have been part of my Grandpa Rocky's family. I've noted many times before that he's the one who fueled this great passion for racing in my life and even in tough times like we've seen this past week, I would not want to be anywhere else.
On Wednesday last week, we lost Jesse Hockett, one of the most talented and versatile young racers around. The Missouri pilot known as "the Rocket" lost his life at age 26 in a freak accident in his race shop. Ironically, the weekend before had probably been the most successful time in his career. That, coupled with a beautiful new bride, made it seem like the world was at his feet. Now we're just left with good memories and sadness over what might have been.
I think the most shocking part of this whole ordeal is that he did not lose his life on a race track. Those of us who have spent our lives around this sport always know in the back of our minds that the inevitable can happen. It often does. And while we try not to dwell on it, we go into it knowing full well we probably will lose friends along the way.
When I opened an email on Wednesday evening that told me Jesse was gone, my first thought was, "Where were they racing on a Wednesday afternoon?" I've talked with others who had the same first thought. Some drivers can seem to be bigger than life, but in reality, no one is immune from death. When it happens on the track, no matter who it is, we half expected the shock. When it happens away from the race track, it's so hard to understand how it can be so.
Jesse Hockett was one of the most likable drivers in any pit area and always one that could be counted on to put on a fantastic show and probably win in dramatic fashion. He'd been through a lot in a short life, having lost his cousin, best friend and crew chief in a different accident a few years ago. Now his family and friends are left to grieve once again. It just doesn't seem fair.
But as the saying goes, we all know life goes on. Jesse would want us to continue racing because it's what we love...it's what he loved. And that's exactly what happened over this Memorial Day weekend. Tracks around the country raced in tribute to the Rocket, took collections for his family, packed pits and grandstands in his honor and started parade laps with missing man formation for him. Racing is a family sport, we all know. Not only does it keep blood relatives together, but anyone in racing becomes part of a larger family. Partly that is due to the dangers involved and the potential need for a strong support system.
Racing people are passionate individuals by nature, and nothing brings out our giving sides like the need to help a fellow racer or the family of a fallen racer. That's what makes me so proud to be part of this racing family. And on this Memorial Day, it's what makes me proud to have been part of my Grandpa Rocky's family. I've noted many times before that he's the one who fueled this great passion for racing in my life and even in tough times like we've seen this past week, I would not want to be anywhere else.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
In the Groove
Well we certainly had a fascinating night of racing on May 22 at the Knoxville Raceway. While the car count may have been down a little, the racing action sure did not disappoint.
Love him or hate him, Sammy Swindell is so incredible as he continues to amaze us with his driving talent. The way he came from near the back of the field to win the feature event in the 410 class was a driving clinic according to many observers. And the drama went all the way down to the end as a tire on his machine exploded right after he took the checkered flags.
The start of the A-main was one of those odd mysteries of Knoxville lore, as half the field of cars got tangled in a melee and amazingly no one flipped.
It was unfortunate that Shane Stewart was in our house and could not turn some laps due to motor issues. It's always fun to watch Shane. It was also unfortunate that Dusty Zomer took such a nasty ride down in turn one.
Brian Brown tried as many slide jobs as he could muster on Swindell during a late-race restart. Brownie gave it all he had, just came up short to a master of our sport.
In the 360 division, drivers are continuing to get used to new formats, with group time trials and the experimental passing point changes.
The main event really belonged to Chad Humston until he approached the penultimate corner and rode over the wheel of a dramatically slowing Jonathan Cornell. The contact launched Humston into a violent flip and his night ended far differently than it seemed it would.
Johnny Anderson was the benefactor of Humston's misfortune, but that wasn't all luck. Anderson is such a great driver and had himself in position to take advantage of any mistake throughout the race.
Jon Agan had a fantastic night with a convincing run in his heat race against strong competitor Clint Garner and a run from 12th starting spot to fourth in the main event. He really showed a lot of driving prowess.
The contact between Ricky Logan and Chad Heimbaugh was unfortunate to say the least, but Logan noted later in the night that he would be helping Heimbaugh with some donated parts to get his car back together after the flip. And that brought a cheer from the crowd for Logan's great gesture.
Love him or hate him, Sammy Swindell is so incredible as he continues to amaze us with his driving talent. The way he came from near the back of the field to win the feature event in the 410 class was a driving clinic according to many observers. And the drama went all the way down to the end as a tire on his machine exploded right after he took the checkered flags.
The start of the A-main was one of those odd mysteries of Knoxville lore, as half the field of cars got tangled in a melee and amazingly no one flipped.
It was unfortunate that Shane Stewart was in our house and could not turn some laps due to motor issues. It's always fun to watch Shane. It was also unfortunate that Dusty Zomer took such a nasty ride down in turn one.
Brian Brown tried as many slide jobs as he could muster on Swindell during a late-race restart. Brownie gave it all he had, just came up short to a master of our sport.
In the 360 division, drivers are continuing to get used to new formats, with group time trials and the experimental passing point changes.
The main event really belonged to Chad Humston until he approached the penultimate corner and rode over the wheel of a dramatically slowing Jonathan Cornell. The contact launched Humston into a violent flip and his night ended far differently than it seemed it would.
Johnny Anderson was the benefactor of Humston's misfortune, but that wasn't all luck. Anderson is such a great driver and had himself in position to take advantage of any mistake throughout the race.
Jon Agan had a fantastic night with a convincing run in his heat race against strong competitor Clint Garner and a run from 12th starting spot to fourth in the main event. He really showed a lot of driving prowess.
The contact between Ricky Logan and Chad Heimbaugh was unfortunate to say the least, but Logan noted later in the night that he would be helping Heimbaugh with some donated parts to get his car back together after the flip. And that brought a cheer from the crowd for Logan's great gesture.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
In the Groove
Celebrating my birthday at the Knoxville Raceway has developed into a tradition I look forward to each year. I don't like turning another year older, mind you. But somehow, observing the occasion at my happy place and surrounded by many people I really love makes it better.
Last night was no exception. I don't actually turn another year older until tomorrow, by the way. I want to thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday at the track and who helped me enjoy the evening.
I did not enjoy Mother Nature making everything so hurried last night, however. I have never seen a race program at Knoxville run so fast and actually beat the rain by mere minutes. But doing the jobs we all do up in the pressbox really takes a lot out of you when we never get a break. I guess you could say I am really feeling my age today.
This is the third week in a row I am impressed by Mark Dobmeier. I had a real gut feeling he would win this week and I was right. I was also greatly impressed by David Gravel, whose name I had not heard until he showed up last night. He made a lot of fans in Iowa this weekend.
There was plenty of drama in all three of our divisions this week and the track conditions were interesting and somewhat perplexing throughout the night. All three main events kept the good crowd on the edge of its collective seat.
We'll be at it again next week before you know it and I'd like to write more, but I really need a nap. That's what old folks do, right?
Last night was no exception. I don't actually turn another year older until tomorrow, by the way. I want to thank everyone who wished me a happy birthday at the track and who helped me enjoy the evening.
I did not enjoy Mother Nature making everything so hurried last night, however. I have never seen a race program at Knoxville run so fast and actually beat the rain by mere minutes. But doing the jobs we all do up in the pressbox really takes a lot out of you when we never get a break. I guess you could say I am really feeling my age today.
This is the third week in a row I am impressed by Mark Dobmeier. I had a real gut feeling he would win this week and I was right. I was also greatly impressed by David Gravel, whose name I had not heard until he showed up last night. He made a lot of fans in Iowa this weekend.
There was plenty of drama in all three of our divisions this week and the track conditions were interesting and somewhat perplexing throughout the night. All three main events kept the good crowd on the edge of its collective seat.
We'll be at it again next week before you know it and I'd like to write more, but I really need a nap. That's what old folks do, right?
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