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.
Monday, May 31, 2010
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?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
In the Groove
Our second night of racing is in the books at Knoxville Raceway and boy was it a chilly one! Apparently there was some talk of canceling because of the cold temps but I'm sure glad we didn't as the racing was hot.
It's always a joy to have the Interstate Racing Association folks in the house. They bring a little spice to our weekly program.
Drivers who impressed me this week were Jon Agan, who came from the back of the B-Main to transfer to the 360 A, and Mark Dobmeier, who for the second week in a row demonstrated what an exciting driver he is in the 410 class.
My real gig of entering live results was a little bit of a chore this week as technology was not too cooperative through the first part of the night. But thankfully, our web guru, Kyle McCullough, came around to fix some of the issues and things went much more smoothly.
My "other" gig on John Hall's race team went pretty well too. Though John's results were not the best, it was his first night back racing since the July 4, 2009, wreck which sidelined him. This is the second time in three years we have had to come to the track with everything brand new and try to make sure it all works properly. It's a lot of hard work for John, crew chief Darrell Bonesteel and the rest of the guys and I'm really proud of them for their efforts last night.
Next weekend is my annual birthday bash at the race track. I turn another year older on May 17. While I'm not fond of getting older, celebrating my birthdays at the track has become an annual tradition I love. Thanks for reading and if you see me at the track next week, be sure to say hello!
It's always a joy to have the Interstate Racing Association folks in the house. They bring a little spice to our weekly program.
Drivers who impressed me this week were Jon Agan, who came from the back of the B-Main to transfer to the 360 A, and Mark Dobmeier, who for the second week in a row demonstrated what an exciting driver he is in the 410 class.
My real gig of entering live results was a little bit of a chore this week as technology was not too cooperative through the first part of the night. But thankfully, our web guru, Kyle McCullough, came around to fix some of the issues and things went much more smoothly.
My "other" gig on John Hall's race team went pretty well too. Though John's results were not the best, it was his first night back racing since the July 4, 2009, wreck which sidelined him. This is the second time in three years we have had to come to the track with everything brand new and try to make sure it all works properly. It's a lot of hard work for John, crew chief Darrell Bonesteel and the rest of the guys and I'm really proud of them for their efforts last night.
Next weekend is my annual birthday bash at the race track. I turn another year older on May 17. While I'm not fond of getting older, celebrating my birthdays at the track has become an annual tradition I love. Thanks for reading and if you see me at the track next week, be sure to say hello!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
In the Groove
So opening night at Knoxville Raceway is in the books for 2010 and we could not have asked for better weather or better track conditions. The main events were won by the veterans, Steve Breazeale in 305, Josh Higday in 360 and Don Droud Jr. in 410.
Car counts continue to be pretty good, especially in 360 and I know at least a couple additional drivers who weren't ready for the opener but plan to return to action soon.
For myself and Bob Wilson, it was a night to get back "in the groove" with our live results updates and I think we kept up pretty well when technology was on our side. It was great to have our website guru, Kyle McCullough close by to work out the bugs.
For the most part, returning to Knoxville for the season opener is always a great experience. Everyone is in great spirits with fresh hope for a great year. More and more though, it seems just like we never were away. Old friendships just pick up right where they left off at the end of the previous season.
It was nice to have a moment of silence for those who could no longer be with us at the track. I thought of my good friend, photographer Palmer Berger, and of Yard Dog, a pitside staple for so long. I know they were watching from a better place.
The only downsides to the night were a couple of nasty accidents and some mechanical troubles. Ian Madsen really took the worst of it all with a wicked tumble down the frontstretch. I was bummed for Jay Russell, winning his heat race only to have his machine shut off after the checkered flag. Austin McCarl really impressed me with his quick improvement and ability to hang onto his machine and keep it from suffering a worse fate when his tire blew out in the middle of the corner. Mark Dobmeier also impressed me before his tire blew out with his fun-to-watch driving skills.
All things considered, it was a nice start to what will be a big season for us at the historic half mile. While we were kicking things off for sprint-car racing in Knoxville, back in my hometown in late-model country, West Liberty Raceway was hosting what one of my racing buddies calls "a Birky benefit." Muscatine native Brian Birkhofer won an open $10,000 to win show that sounds like it would have been a good one to see.
See everyone next week at Knoxville and here's hoping the weather continues to be as great as we saw last night.
Car counts continue to be pretty good, especially in 360 and I know at least a couple additional drivers who weren't ready for the opener but plan to return to action soon.
For myself and Bob Wilson, it was a night to get back "in the groove" with our live results updates and I think we kept up pretty well when technology was on our side. It was great to have our website guru, Kyle McCullough close by to work out the bugs.
For the most part, returning to Knoxville for the season opener is always a great experience. Everyone is in great spirits with fresh hope for a great year. More and more though, it seems just like we never were away. Old friendships just pick up right where they left off at the end of the previous season.
It was nice to have a moment of silence for those who could no longer be with us at the track. I thought of my good friend, photographer Palmer Berger, and of Yard Dog, a pitside staple for so long. I know they were watching from a better place.
The only downsides to the night were a couple of nasty accidents and some mechanical troubles. Ian Madsen really took the worst of it all with a wicked tumble down the frontstretch. I was bummed for Jay Russell, winning his heat race only to have his machine shut off after the checkered flag. Austin McCarl really impressed me with his quick improvement and ability to hang onto his machine and keep it from suffering a worse fate when his tire blew out in the middle of the corner. Mark Dobmeier also impressed me before his tire blew out with his fun-to-watch driving skills.
All things considered, it was a nice start to what will be a big season for us at the historic half mile. While we were kicking things off for sprint-car racing in Knoxville, back in my hometown in late-model country, West Liberty Raceway was hosting what one of my racing buddies calls "a Birky benefit." Muscatine native Brian Birkhofer won an open $10,000 to win show that sounds like it would have been a good one to see.
See everyone next week at Knoxville and here's hoping the weather continues to be as great as we saw last night.
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