Rapid Roy's Ramblings

2011-12-17T18:30:00.000-06:00

What To Do In The Off Season? Part 2

2011-11-03T14:41:00.004-05:00

Ok with the first batch under our belts, we wanted to make a larger batch of from scratch wine.

Again this is following hours of internet research to find a recipe that would be good for beginners.

I found lots of information pointing to Jack Keller, a winemaker from Pleasanton, Texas, just south of San Antone. Wine making is his passion and for years he has been making wine from just about anything both fermentable and nontoxic. He has won many awards with his recipes.

We decided that we would like Strawberry wine and with them being out of season we opted for using frozen ones and Jack has a great recipe for that.

Frozen Strawberry Wine

3 lbs. frozen strawberries
1 11-oz. can Welch's 100% White Grape Juice Frozen Concentrate
1 lb 14 oz. light brown sugar
2 tsp. citric acid
1/4 tsp. grape tannin
water to make 1 gallon
1 tsp. yeast nutrient
1 sachet Red Star Côte des Blancs wine yeast
This makes 1 gallon so we tripled it all but the yeast and started our 3 gallon batch.

Long story short we had it put together and ready to ferment Sunday afternoon after we completed the 1 gallon red wine.

This is what it looked like in the fermenting bucket. The strawberries where divided up into 3 sanitized new panty hose socks. (To cheap to spring for a mesh fermenting bag & at $.33 a pair for panty hose why would you!)

Mal took this picture and also got to use it in her photo class at school under the heading of Scary Halloween photos. She had a lot of fun in class letting class mates guess what nasty things where floating in that bucket of blood colored juice!

Now other than checking on them daily to stir the strawberry and check specific gravity to see when they are done fermenting, we just have to wait and stare at them! Patience and time are very critical in wine making. The red grape wine from the kit will be ready to drink as early as 7 weeks or so. The strawberry from scratch will be best after 6 months or so. Can't wait!

On the 7th day we removed the bags of fruit and let the juice drain back into the bucket.

Then we racked (transfer with hose) the wine from the bucket to a 3 gallon glass carboy, leaving as much of the sediment in the bottom of the bucket as we could.

Now the strawberry is ready to sit for 45 days in the carboy to allow the dead yeast to settle to the bottom and the wine will begin to clear up.

Gonna be a long winter, I will probably start brewing something else real soon! This is very addictive!

What To Do In The Off Season?

2011-11-02T10:05:00.003-05:00

Well with the racing season winding down I needed to find something to occupy my free time.

I decided to do something I have been wanting to do for quite some time, Home Made Wine!

As anyone who knows me will could imagine, I did what I always do when I want to learn something new, I spend thousands of hours on the internet researching it! I spend way to much time here in front of this electric glow so why not use it wisely?

I spent a few months gathering up some basic equipment and then went for it!

Sunday we made a family project out of turning our kitchen into a make shift chemistry lab, Mal said it looked more like a meth lab... (joking of course!) We had fun with it and made a couple of batches to get us started.

The first one was a WonderWine kit I picked up off Ebay for $8. I figured not much of an investment if it goes bad! It was a small package including powdered grape juice, yeast and a clearing agent. I had know idea how long this kit sat around so I threw away the included yeast and used a new Lalvin wine yeast I had picked up. I also added a tsp of yeast nutrient to help it out. We mixed the kit in a big bowl with the amount of sugar listed to make a semi-sweet red.
Poured it into a 1 gallon glass jug and installed a bung with an airlock. (You can imagine the fun we had talking about sticking a bung plug into the bottles bung hole, Yes these are wine making terms and we do act like little kids sometimes!)

The wine started to bubble right away and the airlock bubbled off the unneeded gasses. Mal wanted to know how the yeast worked and in my most technical voice I told her that the yeast eats the sugar and poops out the booze! (Not real wine making terms!)

I will post more on this and info on the second batch latter!

2011-09-26T09:21:00.000-05:00

The Next Event On The Schedule Is Saturday October 1st At Hawkeye Downs Speedway In Cedar Rapids!

Please Note: Due To The Weather Cancelling The Farley Speedway Event, It Will Be Rescheduled For Sunday October 9th!

Update For Race'em Or Wreck'em Sept. 25th @ Farley Speedway

2011-09-06T12:00:00.000-05:00

Update For Race'em Or Wreck'em Sept. 25th @ Farley Speedway: The racing divisions that will be running at the Race'em & Wreck'em are the IMCA Modifieds and the IMCA Sport Modifieds. Event starts at 1:30. Also on tap is Popular Trailer Races, 2 classes of Demolition Derbies, Rollover Contest, School Bus Races/Camper Races. Admission is Adults $12.00, Seniors(62& over) & Students (11-18) $10.00, Children (6-10) $5.00, Children 5 & under FREE with paid adult.

2011-02-20T08:37:00.002-06:00

ANNETT TO PILOT RUSTY WALLACE RACING’S NO. 62 IN 2011

2010-11-20T06:46:00.000-06:00

Pilot Travel Centers to Continue Backing of Up and Coming Iowa Native

HOMESTEAD, FL (November 19, 2010) — Officials of Rusty Wallace Racing
(RWR) announced today that Iowa native, Michael Annett, will take the helm
of the team’s No. 62 Toyota Camry in a full-season bid for the 2011
NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.

Pilot Travel Centers, a long-time Annett backer, will serve as primary
sponsor of Annett’s No. 62 Toyota for his 2011 campaign.

Annett, a 24-year old native of Des Moines, Iowa, will be embarking upon
his third full Nationwide Series season in 2011. Considered one of the
sports' most promising up and coming drivers, Annett finished among the
top-10 in the Nationwide Series driver standings during his 2009 rookie
season. He also has two ARCA Racing Series wins to his credit, including
a victory in the series’ most prestigious event at Daytona in 2008.

Said Annett, “I’m really looking forward to joining Rusty Wallace
Racing in 2011. This is going to be a great next step in my career and
I’m very grateful to Pilot Travel Centers for helping to make this
possible.

“Rusty Wallace Racing has fielded top-10 cars consistently over the past
few years; I feel we’ll be very competitive right out of the box. I’m
looking forward to having one of my good friends, Steve Wallace, as my
teammate as well. Coming from a single car team, I’m excited about the
resources that having a teammate can provide.

“While I’m focused 100% on finishing out 2010 as strongly as possible,
I can’t wait for Daytona. I’m ready to put the Pilot Travel Centers
Toyota up front next season.”

Stated RWR team owner, Rusty Wallace, “We’re extremely excited to
welcome Michael Annett and Pilot Travel Centers to our team. Michael has
shown a lot of promise over his first two seasons and we’re looking
forward to helping him continue to develop his career. We fully expect
Michael and the No. 62 team to be among the contenders in 2011.

I’d also like to wish Brendan Gaughan all the best as he transitions
back to the truck series for next year. With his new child, the reduced
schedule should allow him to spend more time with his family and we wish
them all well in the future.”

# # #

About Rusty Wallace Racing, LLC

North Carolina-based Rusty Wallace Racing (RWR) is a professional auto
racing team steeped in the legendary history of its founder, Rusty
Wallace—one of NASCAR’s top-ten drivers of all-time. The team
currently campaigns the No. 66 and No. 62 Toyota Camrys in the prestigious
NASCAR Nationwide Series. In 2009, RWR stood as the only team with
multiple drivers ranked among the top-ten in the final Nationwide Series
driver standings. For more on Rusty Wallace Racing, please visit the
award-winning rustywallace.com.

About Pilot Flying J

Pilot Flying J is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, and has more than
550 locations in North America. The company employs more than 20,000
people and is the largest retail operator of travel centers in North
America.

One Light Bulb at a Time

2010-11-19T16:01:00.006-06:00

**Writer Unknown**

One Light Bulb at a Time

A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would.

With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American.

Good idea...one light bulb at a time...

Check this out . I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day - I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China . The next day I was in Ace Hardware, and just for the heck of it, I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA .

Start looking --- In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let's get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more..

My favorite toothpaste, Colgate is now made in Mexico . I have switched to Crest.

You have to read the labels on everything ..

This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 Watt light bulbs and dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand that I normally buy was an off-brand labeled, "Everyday Value". I picked up both brands of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same, except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand - - - but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA , in a company in Cleveland , Ohio .

So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets..... yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada . The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here. My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! (We should have awakened a decade ago!!!!!!)

Let's get with the program...help our fellow Americans keep their jobs and create more jobs here in the U.S.A.

2010-06-29T11:42:00.001-05:00

Kerry Earnhardt will drive Dale Sr.'s famous No. 3 that won the '95 Brickyard race at Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

2010-06-08T12:42:00.003-05:00

(2 of 2) Cassill will drive the No. 09 car for Phoenix Racing and will be one of 10 drivers vying for seven spots in the field.

2010-06-08T12:42:00.001-05:00

(1 of 2) Landon Cassill will attempt to make his Sprint Cup debut in the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips 400 this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.

Race'em & Wreck'em 5-16-10.flv

2010-06-04T05:43:00.000-05:00

2010-05-05T07:46:00.001-05:00

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

Happy Easter Everyone!

2010-04-04T07:06:00.002-05:00

I hope the Easter bunny brings lots of racing goodies!

2010-03-12T10:19:00.001-06:00

Aaron’s To Sponsor Michael Waltrip’s Return to Sprint Cup Racing

ATLANTA, GA. –In celebration of its 55th year, Aaron’s, Inc. will sponsor PRISM Motorsports’ No. 55 with driver Michael Waltrip in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway April 25.

Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 champion and former winner at Talladega, will return to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing with a long-time sponsor in Aaron’s and a long-time friend in PRISM co-owner Phil Parsons.

“This is cool. I’m ready to race again and Talladega is a place where I know we will be very competitive,” said Waltrip who owns four restrictor plate victories including a Talladega win in the fall of 2003.

Parsons said Waltrip was a natural choice for the Talladega high banks.

“Michael brings a tremendous amount of experience to our race team,” Parsons said. “He knows what he is looking for in our cars, in our race setups and what we need to do to make our team better on these types of tracks. Plus he’s a very dear friend and I’m excited we’re putting him behind the wheel. We’re going to Talladega with every intention of winning the race.”

Waltrip owns 760 Sprint Cup starts and finished 18th in the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14 in his lone 2010 start.

“Phil and (co-owner) Randy Humphrey are getting started at PRISM Motorsports and I hope I can help them move through the learning curve a little bit faster,” Waltrip said. “I think it is going to be a lot of fun. Talladega is some of the best racing in the world and I’m glad I’ll get to be part of it in the Aaron’s 55th Anniversary Toyota.”

“Having Michael Waltrip drive the No. 55 in honor of Aaron’s 55th anniversary celebration is special to everyone at Aaron’s.” stated Robin Loudermilk, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aaron’s, Inc. “There is no better ambassador for our brand than Michael and no better way to celebrate 55 years of offering quality home furnishings to our customers than having the No. 55 Anniversary Dream Machine racing at the front of the pack during the Aaron’s 499.”

Aaron’s Chief Operating Officer Ken Butler continued, “Talladega will mark the first time that Michael has driven for Aaron’s on the Cup side and we are thrilled to have him pilot this commemorative 55th anniversary paint scheme. We have a long history together and are glad we have the opportunity to support him in his second Cup Series start of 2010.”

This season Waltrip has devoted more time to ownership of Michael Waltrip Racing which fields Toyotas for David Reutimann’s No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine and Martin Truex Jr.’s No. 56 NAPA AUTO PARTS entry. In addition, Waltrip’s time is spent as an analyst on Showtime’s “Inside NASCAR” and SPEED’s weekly talent show “Fast Track to Fame” as well as joining Parsons as a television commentator in SPEED’s coverage of truck series races.

The Aaron’s 499 at Talladega is the only race Waltrip has planned in the 2010 season.

PRISM Motorsports will field the No. 55 for Waltrip and the No. 66 for Dave Blaney at Talladega. Since its inception in 2009, PRISM Motorsports has purchased race cars from Michael Waltrip Racing.

2010-03-03T19:46:00.001-06:00

GREASED LIGHTNING: Movie Trailer - Free videos are just a click away

2010-02-25T08:29:00.001-06:00

Will it ever warm up enough for race season to start? 80 some days under 40 degrees & 40 some straighy days with snow on the ground!

2010-02-21T17:49:00.001-06:00

Prayers go out to the family of the lady killed by a tire at NHRA event in Pheonix.

2010-02-21T14:13:00.001-06:00

For those keeping track - Today's start is David Reutimann's 100th in a Toyota Camry - Most in Sprint Cup Series!

2010-02-21T14:03:00.001-06:00

Auto Club 500 is about to start. I hope Martin Truex can do well in the NAPA Toyota! "Boogity Boogity Boogity... Let's Go Racin' Boys!"

Great Deal From Hawkeye Downs Speedway!

2010-02-03T07:17:00.001-06:00

Hawkeye Downs Speedway Class Meetings!

2010-01-24T09:32:00.000-06:00

Don't forget the Hawkeye Downs class meetings this week! The times are posted
on the home page of RacingInIowa.com! I encourage every one to attend,
this will be a great opprotunitie to meet the new promotor Mike Becker!

**GET INVOLVED!**

Lil' Racer Car Club to come to Hawkeye Downs Speedway in 2010!

2010-01-17T11:17:00.000-06:00

Lil' Racer Car Club to come to Hawkeye Downs in 2010!

Mitch Swinton from Lone Tree will be bringing his Lil' Racers Car Club to the Grandstands at Hawkeye Downs
for the 2010 race season and beyond!

"Lil' Racer Car Club was established in 2006 to provide educational, recreational, and entertainment opportunities to the young race fan at West Liberty (IA) Raceway. All kids under the age of 14 are welcome to join and participate in Lil' Racer activities. Currently the club has over 700 members. We are a non-profit, volunteer group, working hard to provide great quality fun for the kids. In 2009 we expanded to three tracks with the addition of CJ Speedway and Jackson County Speedway"

Mitch has enlisted the help from the "Big Kids Helping Little Kids" charity group to help his organization find another home under the grandstands of Hawkeye Downs to compliment the booths at the other tracks.

The Lil' Racers Car Club has been also operating at the West Liberty Speedway, CJ Speedway and Jackson County Speedway.

More info on the Lil' Racers Car Club can be found at:

http://www.lilracercarclub.com/

We look forward to having alot of fun this season with the kids and also would love everyone to get involved with the effort!

2010-01-11T20:33:00.001-06:00

2009-12-05T12:50:00.003-06:00

2009-11-29T11:56:00.000-06:00

2009-10-29T07:02:00.001-05:00

October 31, November 21, December 5,
February 6 and March 6

Doors Open @ 8:00am, Sign in by 12:00pm
Mandatory Drivers and Owners Meeting at 10:15
Hot Laps 10:30a-1:00p
Heat Races @ 2:00pm
Features to start approx. 6:00pm
Entry Fee $40 per class,
Kid Kart and Rookie Entry Fee $25, All Pit Passes $15
General Admission ONLY $5 and Kids under 3 FREE

2009-10-27T07:02:00.000-05:00

2009-07-23T15:37:00.002-05:00

Sunday September 13th

Gates open at 12:00

Hawkeye Downs Speedway

4400 6th Street SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404

"YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!"

Public Service Announcement From The Bean Foundation Of Iowa!

2009-07-13T11:14:00.001-05:00

2009-07-08T19:16:00.001-05:00

Check Out This Great Deal! I'm In!

2009-06-24T15:18:00.005-05:00

Click on image for better view!

2009-06-18T06:54:00.000-05:00

It's getting HOT and this rain SUCKS!

Pocket Tazer Stun Gun, a great gift for the wife.

2009-06-05T12:13:00.001-05:00

A guy who purchased his lovely wife a pocket Tazer for their anniversary submitted this:

Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Julie. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse- sized tazer. The effects of the tazer were supposed to be short lived, with no long-term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety....??

WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home. I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button and pressed it against a metal surface at the same time; I'd get the blue arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs.

AWESOME!!!

Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave.

Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn't be all that bad with only two triple-A batteries, right? There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target. I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did want some assurance that it would work as advertised. Am I wrong?

So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, and tazer in another. The directions said that a one -second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries.

All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5" long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference; pretty cute really and (loaded with two itsy, bitsy triple-A batteries) thinking to myself, 'no possible way!' What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best...?

I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side as to say, 'don't do it dipshit,' reasoning that a one second burst from such a tiny little ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad. I decided to give myself a one second burst just for heck of it. I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and . .

HOLY MOTHER OF GOD . . WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION . . . WHAT THE HELL!!!

I'm pretty sure Jessie Ventura ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs? The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before, clinging to a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room.

Note: If you ever feel compelled to 'mug' yourself with a tazer, one note of caution: there is no such thing as a one second burst when you zap yourself! You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor... A three second burst would be considered conservative?

IT HURT LIKE HELL!!!

A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape.. My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace. The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it originally was. My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching. My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I had no control over the drooling.

Apparently I pooped on myself, but was too numb to know for sure and my sense of smell was gone. I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head which I believe came from my hair. I'm still looking for my nuts and I'm offering a significant reward for their safe return!
P.S... My wife, can't stop laughing about my experience, loved the gift, and now regularly threatens me with it!

If you think education is difficult, try being stupid !!!

2009-06-02T06:09:00.003-05:00

Come see the Prelude To The Dream -
from the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg Ohio.

Live On Pay Per View on all TVS!

Wednesday June 3rd
6:00 pm
Checkers Tavern
3120 6th Street S.W
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Landon Cassill Racing At Hawkeye Downs Speedway Friday May 29th!

2009-05-26T13:53:00.007-05:00

Sat. May 30th: Meet and Greet Landon at the new "North" Cassill Motors, Inc. store starting at 10am. Landon will be hosting the opening of the North store located at: Corner of Center Point Rd. NE and 32nd Street, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Join the Cassill Motors staff for a BBQ along with the a Live KHAK radio remote!

AUTOGRAPHED POSTER TO BE RAFFLED FOR FLOOD RELIEF AT HAWKEYE DOWNS

(Cedar Rapids, IA 05/28/09)—NASCAR Nationwide 2008 Rookie of the Year driver Landon Cassill has announced he will be donating all proceeds from a raffle to be held during “Van Meter Industrial Fast Lane Friday” for a one of a kind poster. The 20 x 30 autographed and framed poster entitled “Hawkeye Downs to NASCAR” shows Go-Karts, Legends, Modifieds, and Late Models that Cassill has raced over the years at Hawkeye Downs Speedway.

Raffle Tickets can be purchased for $1.00 each at the Speedway Souvenir booth located near the main grandstand. Raffle Ticket holders must be present in order to win.

All Raffle Ticket proceeds will benefit the “Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Flood 2008 Fund” and will supplement other funds donated at Hawkeye Downs on Friday night during “Van Meter Industrial Fast Lane Friday” night at the races.

Landon will draw the winning ticket right before the Late Model Feature, which he will also be driving in.

2009-05-24T07:21:00.000-05:00

F. A. N. S.
Friends And Neighbors of the Speedway

You are invited to be a part of a community group that will help to make improvements around the Hawkeye Downs Speedway property.

We will work side by side with members of the Fair Board and speedway staff.

I hope you will see, as I do, that Hawkeye Downs Speedway has been a fixture in the community for a very long time. I have been coming to the speedway as a fan, a racer, a sponsor and as media over my lifetime starting as a small child being overwhelmed by the spectacular facility as a whole.

I want that overwhelming feeling to be around for children to enjoy with their families for years to come!

This facility, as any with age, is in need of a little facelift and I feel that with help, we can keep the speedway looking spectacular to any visitor arriving at the front gate.

I have arranged for an informational meeting with Hawkeye Downs staff to discuss projects needed, schedules and other basic information.

I would like to see as many interested people as possible at this meeting weather you are available to help with labor or even donations of materials to complete certain projects.

The meeting will be held at the Bingo hall on the track grounds Saturday May 30th at 12:00 noon.

Anyone wanting more information or wanting to offer suggestions, please feel free to contact me directly.

Thank you,
Roy Parker
RacingInIowa.com
roy@racinginiowa.com
(319) 431-1967

Race'em Or Wreck'em Highlights!

2009-05-19T15:05:00.001-05:00

2009-05-10T06:37:00.000-05:00

Check Out SpeedwaySouvenir.com !

2009-04-30T07:07:00.003-05:00

Thank you to Jim Wittke from Speedway Souvenir for giving us this great promotional photo to use this season!

Please check out his booth at the Hawkeye Downs Speedway every Friday night or online at http://www.speedwaysouvenir.com/

Michael Waltrip On "My Name Is Earl" !

2009-04-29T06:38:00.002-05:00

If anyone in Sprint Cup garage has a love affair with the camera, it's owner/driver Michael Waltrip.

For years, NASCAR's most accomplished pitchman has livened up TV commercials for his sponsors--NAPA Auto Parts, Aaron's and Best Western, to name a few. On Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, NASCAR fans will have a chance to see Waltrip in a new setting--in a substantial role on NBC's "My Name Is Earl."

The episode, "Inside Probe," also features Geraldo Rivera, who arrives to investigate the disappearance of the owner of the Crab Shack, a recurring location for the show's action. The sitcom stars Jason Lee as Earl Hickey, who's doing his best to make amends for a misspent life.

"When I do those commercials, I like to think I'm acting," Waltrip said in an interview on the set during filming. "This is the next step. I'm on a TV show. Geraldo Rivera's sitting right there asking me questions, Jason Lee and everybody on the show. It's a real honor for me to be on the show and step out of my world somewhat.

"I think this is the first real TV show I've ever done. I've done a few spots, cameos on different things, Comedy Channel stuff, but this is real. 'Earl' is an instant classic, and I promise you that the demographics for an 'Earl' fan and a NASCAR fan--and racecar drivers, too, as far as that goes--lay over top of each other perfectly.

"I know that there's a lot of people in Hollywood, that when they see me standing there in my NAPA suit, they're going to think, 'What's that got to do with anything?' But whoever turns on Earl and sees my big butt standing there, they're going to get it. They're going to understand exactly what I'm doing there--I'm over checking out Earl."

Waltrip got the opportunity to appear as a guest star on the show when Gillian Zucker, president of Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., introduced him to Greg Garcia, the show's creator and executive producer.

Coincidentally, Garcia had a script that would work with Waltrip's appearance (he provides an alibi for Earl and his brother Randy), and Waltrip had a rare week off in the Cup schedule when the episode was filmed March 13.

Despite his affinity for the camera, Waltrip confessed to a few butterflies during his work on the show.

"They do this every day, and here I stumble in as a racecar driver, acting like I know what I'm doing," he said. "I get nervous, because if I have to do it over or don't say my words correctly, and when they say, 'No, we need to do this, or we need to do that,' it makes me think that I'm holding the show up, that I wasn't as prepared as I needed to be.

"It's still intimidating, even if you study the lines like I did and know the lines, it's just hard to say when they say, 'Ok, roll!' "

Lee was impressed with Waltrip's uninhibited approach.

"It turns out he's a big fan of the show, and he wanted to come out and play," Lee said. "I had just met him, before we took turns lighting our farts on fire for a picture that's going to be used in the episode.

"If that's not leaving it all at the door and being willing to play, I don't know what is."

2009-04-28T07:45:00.003-05:00

TALLADEGA, Ala. — At a place where you know anything can happen, there was no way anybody could anticipate what happened at the finish of Sunday's Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway.

Brad Keselowski, in just his fifth Sprint Cup start, got an improbable victory in a last-lap duel with Carl Edwards that ended with Edwards' car slashing into the catch-fence as it crashed violently after contact from the winner.

Edwards' Ford gashed the fencing in a manner similar to the horrifying 1987 wreck here by Bobby Allison that led to the birth of the restrictor-plate era at this 2.66-mile track.

Debris scattered in all directions and seven fans were injured but track medical director Bobby Lewis said none of the injuries was life-threatening.

Edwards, who climbed from his crumpled car and jogged across the finish line, railed against the racing style at Talladega and Daytona, the tracks where the horsepower-sapping restrictor plates are used.

"We'll race like this until we kill somebody," said Edwards, "then (NASCAR) will change it."

The final drama began on a restart with four laps left in the Aaron's 499. Ryan Newman led Dale Earnhardt Jr. to the green flag. Those two broke away, but Edwards and Keselowski jumped to the outside and their two-car train picked up an immediate head of steam. They passed Newman and Earnhardt on the outside and at the white flag Edwards led.

On the final lap Keselowski, who drives for Earnhardt in the Nationwide series but was racing a James Finch-owned Chevrolet in this race, dipped inside of Edwards' car into the trioval. Edwards tried to block an instant too late. Keselowski's nose touched Edwards' rear bumper, and the contact sent Edwards toward the wall.

The No. 99 Ford's wheels came off the ground and Newman's car hit it, sending Edwards catapulting toward the catch fence. Keselowski went on to the victory, while Earnhardt swept to second and Newman, after bouncing off the wall, finished third.

"He blocked and I wasn't going to go below the yellow line," Keselowski said. "I felt bad. I was watching Carl wreck in my mirror, but he put himself in that spot. I hope he's okay."

Edwards was. He got out of his car under his own power and ran to the start-finish line. He didn't blame Keselowski.

"It was what Brad was supposed to do. … He did a great job," Edwards said. "I was doing everything I could do to keep him from winning."

The mayhem at the end provided a fitting bookend for a race that saw a big wreck near the start, too. On Lap 7, Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon made contact. Gordon's car went up the track and tapped David Gilliland's against the outside wall. With those two out of control, the cars around them were in big trouble. At least 14 cars wound up being involved.

Earnhardt Jr., a five-time Talladega winner, echoed concerns about the racing style.

"For years, we've had wrecks like this every time we've come to Talladega. Ever since the plate got here," he said. "…The media celebrated it, the networks celebrated it, calling it 'The Big One' just trying to attract attention and bring people's attention to the race."

Lewis, the track medical director, said two women were airlifted to Birmingham hospitals – one likely with a broken jaw from debris off of Edwards' wreck. The other had an undisclosed medical condition. Lewis said they were airlifted because of traffic, not the severity of the injuries. The other people struck by debris were treated and released.

Amid the chaos, the 25-year-old Keselowski hopped out of his car and needed to know his win — the first for Finch in 20 years of part-time racing in the Cup series — was for real.

"Pinch me! Am I awake?" he yelled. He was.

KCRG.com Buy It For Half!

2009-04-22T10:55:00.001-05:00

Check Out KCRG.com For This Great Deal!

Available to purchase at 10:00 am on 04/23/09.

You will receive 5 certificates of $10
Purchase price... $25.00
Certificates good only for admission to regular Friday racing series only – NO SPECIALS (ie, ASA, Dirt at the Downs, Race Em/Wreck Em, Truck or Tractor pulls, AMA) Not valid for food or beverage. Tax and gratuity not included.

HAWKEYE DOWNS SPEEDWAY has been a fixture in Cedar Rapids since 1925, now featuring a regular Friday stock car racing series sanctioned by IMCA. 2009 will bring brand new action and features, including enduro series, USST Super Trucks, Family Fun night with candy grab and coin toss, bikini and cowboy boot night, bike giveaways for the kids, Dr. Danger, even shopping cart races. It’s a Family Tradition – Hawkeye Downs!

Total Card(s) Value:

$50.00

Number Of Cards You Will Receive:

5 @ $10.00 Ea

How Many Deals Can I Purchase:

Can Be Used For Alcohol:

Cash or Credit Back For Unused Portion:

Use More Than One Card Per Visit:

Certificates good only for admission to regular Friday racing series only – NO SPECIALS (ie, ASA, Dirt at the Downs, Race Em/Wreck Em, Truck or Tractor pulls, AMA) Not valid for food or beverage. Tax and gratuity not included.

4400 6th St. SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Phone: 319-365-8656
www.HawkeyeDownsSpeedway.com

Redbox Free Movie Monday Code!

2009-04-20T10:12:00.003-05:00

Check out with coupon code: M6FR97

Expires midnight 4-20-09

2009-04-18T09:53:00.000-05:00

2009-04-17T07:08:00.002-05:00

Patrick Carpentier, who won the pole for the inaugural race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in 2007 and has posted second-place finishes in both series races there, answers questions following a press conference announcing him as the driver of the No. 99 NAPA Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing at the NASCAR Nationwide Series NAPA Auto Parts 200 on Aug. 30.

2009-04-14T07:23:00.003-05:00

Hawkeye Downs Speedway Full Practice on Wednesday April 22!

2009-04-13T17:51:00.000-05:00

Drivers, teams and officials,

On Wednesday, April 22 there will be a full practice with rescue/ambulance. The back gate will open at 3 PM and the track will go green 4 PM to 7PM. Cost is $15 per person.

Practice rotation order:

Late Models

Sportsmen

1/2 Mile Mods

Stock Cars

Hobby Stocks

Sport Mods

Hornets (only 8 cars at a time)

Track will close at 7PM sharp due to officials firefighting training.

Some reminders.....

No personal cars in the pits for race nights or practice! Don't even ask.

No demo-derbying on the race track and no racing on the track that your car doesn't belong on.

All safety equipment must be used. No racing in shorts or blue jeans.

Any pit stalls not reserved near the tech barn/bingo hall areas will left open (during race nights). No squatters. You will be charged a parking fee (taken from your purse check, $25) if you are found to be pitting in an unreserved area. An extra $25 per night if you are also hooked up to power per night.

Thanks,

Chris Stocks
Director of Race Operations
Hawkeye Downs Speedway

Office (319)365-8656
Fax (319)365-1735

www.HawkeyeDownsSpeedway.com

Back To Work!

2009-04-13T06:45:00.005-05:00

Well here I go..... Back to work after a week in Las Vegas!

Had a great time, weather was GREAT, beer was cold.

Now its time to get back to reality.

I need to start my diet after all of the buffets!

Check out my photos from our trip to the Neon Boneyard at Photobucket here:

http://s253.photobucket.com/albums/hh56/racinginiowa/Vegas%20Neon%20Bone%20Yard/

2009-04-01T06:07:00.005-05:00

Interview With A Racing Legend!

Yesterday I was backing up files from my old computer hard drive to my new external hard drive and I came across some old audio clips from my college days doing my internship with WMT sports radio.

I was allowed air time once a week for a segment I called "One Minute With" where I was able to do phone interviews with any sports personalities I could get to take my phone calls!

In February 1998 I was lucky enough to be able to talk on the phone to Dale Earnhardt Sr. just days after he finally won the Daytona 500! A race that had eluded him for over 20 years!

Click play below to hear the file!

2009-03-31T09:28:00.000-05:00

MySpace Countdown Clocks

Real Estate Disclosure.....it's the LAW!

2009-03-28T09:36:00.000-05:00

PS: Thanks Josh Hogan!

Redblog Free Movie Wednesday Code

2009-03-25T06:30:00.000-05:00

Redblog Free Movie Wednesday Code

It's March Movie Madness at redbox!
Visit redblog every Wednesday in March (plus the first week of April) at the stroke of midnight (Central Time), to get a promo code for a free night's rental from redbox.*

This week's promo code, good all day Wednesday, 3/25: MMM325

Want a free night's rental* every Monday?
Sign up for Free Movie Mondays with redbox SMS alerts and get a free code sent to your mobile phone every Monday!

*Good for one free night's rental. Code expires at midnight Central Time and is good at redbox kiosks only -- cannot be used for online reservations on redbox.com.

Claude The Hypnotist!

2009-03-23T19:23:00.001-05:00

It was entertainment night at the Lufkin, Texas Senior Center and over 300 seniors came to see the show.

Claude the hypnotist exclaimed:'I'm here to put you into a trance; I intend to hypnotize each and every member of the audience.' The excitement was almost electric as Claude withdrew a beautiful antique pocket watch from his coat… 'I want you each to keep your eye on this antique watch. It's a very special watch. It's been in my family for six generations.'

He began to swing the watch gently back and forth while quietly chanting, 'Watch the watch, watch the watch, and watch the watch...' The crowd became mesmerized as the watch swayed back and forth, light gleaming off its polished surface. Hundreds of pairs of eyes followed the swaying watch, until, suddenly, it slipped from the hypnotist's fingers and fell to the floor, breaking into a hundred pieces.

'SHIT!' said the Hypnotist.

It took three days to clean up the Senior Center .

This Damn Weather!

2009-03-23T06:12:00.002-05:00

Ok.... it's spring finally!

I can handle a little springtime rain, that's a given this time of year.

But looking at the 7 day forecast I see that dirty word SNOW in the forecast
for this coming weekend.

I would like to think that we could be done with that this year.

I was just hearing of tracks trying to get work done and the frost is still
in the ground. Now rain will help with the cause by working the frost out.
Do we really need show? I don't think that would help anyone!

Sorry to Ramble on..... but can you tell that I feel we have had a long enough
winter already this year!

NASCAR Points

2009-03-20T06:14:00.001-05:00

Do You Use REDBOX To Rent Movies?

2009-03-18T07:10:00.003-05:00

Redbox Free Movie Wednesday Code

It's March Movie Madness at redbox!
Visit redblog every Wednesday in March (plus the first week of April) at the stroke of midnight (Central Time), to get a promo code for a free night's rental from redbox.*

Today's code is: GTL456

Want a free night's rental* every Monday?
Sign up for Free Movie Mondays with redbox SMS alerts and get a free code sent to your mobile phone every Monday!

*Good for one free night's rental. Code expires at midnight Central Time and is good at redbox kiosks only -- cannot be used for online reservations on redbox.com.

2009-03-17T06:44:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Kayle!

2009-03-16T07:16:00.004-05:00

Well today my first born turns 18!

Where did the time go?

Just last week we where going through old videos of the kids
from when they were little, brought tears to my eyes.

They grow up very fast!

I love you Kayle and enjoy the day as you do everyday!

Love,
Dadio!

Note From Mick Trier - Benton County Speedway - Vinton Iowa

2009-03-14T10:05:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to drop you a note and tell you that I have received quite a few registration forms back with wrong address's . If you have not received a registration form for 2009 please let me know and I will send you one. Call me at 515-201-5526.

Remember to please fill out the form and get it back A.S.A.P. and that will shorten your time at the window the first night. If you are interested in parking spots let me know as we will start giving them to other drivers after next week.

The Vinton track has been worked on and is looking good as we have sheepsfooted it and graded the track. We have also done a lot of construction over the winter and are very excited about fans and drivers seeing the new construction.

The Iowa State Fair Speedway is coming around and we will be ready to go on the 28th for practice and the enduro. We have put dirt in turn one and three and will be working on this the next two weeks.

Thanks

Mick

Saturday Motor Madness Canceled for 2009!

2009-03-12T06:48:00.000-05:00

Here is an e-mail from Chris Stocks at Hawkeye Downs:

Drivers and teams,

The proposed "Saturday Motor Madness" program has been canceled for the 2009 season. Due to a lack of dates available to race at Hawkeye Downs. As of today there were only 5 Saturday dates available and 3 were in August. This is not what I envisioned when this program was started. We truly needed 2 Saturdays per month to make this work.

I am considering racing 2-man cruisers and Women on Wheels (WoW) on selected Friday night race dates. Need your feedback.

If anyone else would like to try promoting a non-Friday racing program, please contact me ASAP.

Thank you,

Chris Stocks
Director of Race Operations
Hawkeye Downs Speedway

Office (319)365-8656
Fax (319)365-1735

www.HawkeyeDownsSpeedway.com

Do You Use REDBOX To Rent Movies?

2009-03-11T06:53:00.000-05:00

Redbox Free Movie Wednesday Code

It's March Movie Madness for redbox, so get in the game... on Wednesdays!
Every Wednesday in March, visit redblog to get a code for a free night's rental, good for that day only.

Today's code for a free night's rental* is: JBG123

Want a free night's rental every Monday?
Sign up for Free Movie Mondays with redbox SMS alerts and get a free code sent to your mobile phone every Monday!

*Good for one free night's rental. Code expires at midnight Central Time.

2009-03-09T20:44:00.000-05:00

2009-01-24T18:42:00.001-06:00

Big House Motorsports
Announces Exciting 2009 Plans!

Marion, Iowa – January 23, 2009

Big House Motorsports headquartered in Marion, Iowa has continued their charity relationship for the 3rd straight year with two major International Charities. The Marion-East Cedar Rapids chapter of the Rotary International and the local office of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation have continued their respective partnerships with Big House Motorsports to raise money and awareness for “The Shoes for Kids Initiate” and Juvenile Diabetes.

The most exciting part of the 2009 Season involves a new country music station looking to gain a presence at Hawkeye Downs Speedway, the racing community, and their fans. 95.7 KISS FM has entered into marketing partnership with Big House Motorsports to brand KISS FM as the premiere station for Eastern Iowa as well as the only station to listen to for Race Fans. The Hornet racecar driven by Jeff Selfridge will be re-numbered to 95.7 and will prominently have the trademark lips on the side of the cars as well.

The Charities respective logos’ will be prominently displayed on the hood of the number 95.7 KISS FM Ford Focus Hornet racecar. The Hornet Racecar winnings will be donated again this year, and through various events will be used to raise money and awareness for the Charities as well.

The racecar, owned by Corey “ Big House” DePauw and Roy Parker will be used for raffles, car shows, and racing to promote awareness and raise money for Rotary Charities, including “The Shoes for Kids Initiative” and Juvenile Diabetes Research. These will both help out the biggest fans of the racecar, kids.

The car will be seen throughout the Cedar Rapids, Marion area promoting these wonderful charities.

If you would like more information about Big House Motorsports, please check out BigHouseMotorsports.com or contact Roy Parker at (319) 431-1967.

Widget

2009-01-14T08:49:00.001-06:00

2009-01-07T06:13:00.000-06:00

Where Did The Time Go!

2008-11-19T17:31:00.002-06:00

Seems like only yesterday that I entered my last post.........

But I'm afraid it was a couple of months ago!

Things have been very crazy around here with all the flood homes
needing plumbing.

I will try to post on a regular basis from now on.

I hope you are still checking back!

Roy

5th Annual Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals presented by SuperClean

2008-09-10T06:12:00.001-05:00

September 25-27, 2008

The Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals, now in its 5th year, involves 66 of the top Late Model Drivers in the Nation to compete in the three day event. Featuring a full program each night of racing, drivers will qualify on Thursday and may race again on Friday to improve their standings for the main show on Saturday, September 27th. The total purse for the three day event is $246,410 with the winner taking home $40,000 Saturday night.

Happenings

FAN & TRADE SHOW, free of charge, will run from 11 am to 7 pm
each of the 3-days with exhibits on the Midway and at the Nationals Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Saturday AUCTION, held at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum behind turn-2 will give fans the chance to "get up close" with the top drivers and TV
personalities from SpeedTV. Items will include driver and team donated items. It's lots of fun, and the monies raised are shared with the National Dirt Late Model Museum.

MEET THE DRIVERS, held on Saturday after the Celebrity Luncheon &
Auction, will again be in the Dyer-Hudson Hall off the Midway. Last year,
the no-charge event ran for over 2-hours as thousands of fans lined up
to meet, talk and get pictures and autographs from more than 25 drivers.

Fans are encouraged to bring their favorite Ts and Sweats for the drivers to autograph. Don't forget the cameras.

Format

KNOXVILLE LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL NATIONALS 2008 Format

1. All haulers will enter the infield upon arrival and can remain there
for the 3-day event! Teams may, at their option, pull out each night and
re-enter the next day after 3 p.m.

2. With 66 teams and drivers expected, all teams may run both Thursday & Friday!
a. All drivers and teams must sign in, go through "tech" and race Thursday night, September 25th.
b.All drivers and teams can run again Friday night, September 26th.
c. Each Qualifying night has a published purse of $35,580 with $7,000
to Win!
d. ONLY ONE NIGHTS POINT TOTAL WILL COUNT AS THE QUALIFIER FOR
SATURDAY LINE UPS. Knoxville Raceway will use the highest point total
night for each driver. Points are not combined if you run both nights.

3. Each Preliminary Night
Time trials – 200 points for fastest, 198 for 2nd, etc.
Heats - 100 points to win, 97 for 2nd, etc.
• 5 heats 13 cars each (#6 has 14 cars)
• Invert 12 – 12 laps
• Top 4 to A, next 4 to B, next 5 (6) to C.
C Feature – 100 points to win, 98 points for 2nd, etc.
• Start 26 cars - Purse = $2,600 – All cars get $100 (must take the green flag).
• 12 laps
• Transfer 4
B Feature – 150 points to win, 148 points for 2nd, etc.
• Start 24 car – Purse - $4,400 – (must take the green flag).
• 15 laps
• Transfer 4
A feature – Same as Time Trials – 200 points to win, 198 points for 2nd, etc.
• Start 24 cars – Purse = $35,580 per night
A main: 1. $7,000 2. $4,000 3. $3,000 4. $2,000 5. $1,500 6. $1,000 7. $900 8. $800 9. $700 10. $600 11. $580 12. $560 13. $540 14. $520 15. $500 16. $490 17. $480 18. $470 19. $460 20. $450 21. $440 22. $430 23. $410 24. $400
Transfers to Saturday
• Top 24 in points go to 100 Lap A Feature
• Next 22 in points go to 20 lap B feature – Transfer 6 to A
• Next 20 in points go to 20 lap C Feature – Transfer 4 to B

4. Championship Saturday Night
C Feature
• Start 20 cars – Purse = $5,200 – 5th through 20th get $400 each (must take the green flag).
• 20 laps
• Transfer 4 + $100 each
B Feature
• Start 26 cars – Purse = $9,200 – 7th through 14th get $500 each, 15th through 26th get $400 each.
• 20 laps
• Transfer 6 + $100 each
A Feature
• Start 30 cars – Purse = $175,250
Late Model Championship: 1. $40,000 2. $20,000 3. $10,000 4. $8,750 5. $7,500 6. $7,000 7. $6,500 8. $6,000 9. $5,500 10. $5,000 11. $4,500 12. $4,000 13. $3,500 14. $3,400 15. $3,300 16. $3,200 17. $3,100 18. $3,000 19. $2,900 20. $2,800 21. $2,700 22. $2,600 23. $2,500 24. $2,500 25. $2,500 26. $2,500 27. $2,500 28. $2,500 29. $2,500 30. $2,500

5. The rain date, if needed, will be Sunday, September 28th.

6. The Sign-in windows will open at 1pm on Thursday, September 25th. It will open at 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Purse

2008 $260,810 total Purse (based on 66 cars)

Thursday and Friday Prelim Purse = $35,580 per night

A main: 1. $7,000 2. $4,000 3. $3,000 4. $2,000 5. $1,500 6. $1,000 7. $900 8. $800 9. $700 10. $600 11. $580 12. $560 13. $540 14. $520 15. $500 16. $490 17. $480 18. $470 19. $460 20. $450 21. $440 22. $430 23. $410 24. $400

B main: 1-4. Transfer + $100 5-24. $200

C main 1-4. Transfer + $100 5. $200 6. $190 7. $180 8. $170 9. $160 10. $150 11. $140 12. $130 13. $120 14. $110 15-24. $100

Saturday Purse: $189,650

Late Model Championship: 1. $40,000 2. $20,000 3. $10,000 4. $8,750 5. $7,500 6. $7,000 7. $6,500 8. $6,000 9. $5,500 10. $5,000 11. $4,500 12. $4,000 13. $3,500 14. $3,400 15. $3,300 16. $3,200 17. $3,100 18. $3,000 19. $2,900 20. $2,800 21. $2,700 22. $2,600 23. $2,500 24. $2,500 25. $2,500 26. $2,500 27. $2,500 28. $2,500 29. $2,500 30. $2,500 = $175,250

B main:1-6. Transfer + $200 7-14. $500 15-24. $400 = $9,200

C main 1-4. Transfer + $100 5-16. $400 = $5,200

History

Past Knoxville Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals Winners

Year - Driver, Number, Hometown

2007 - Brady Smith, 2, Solon Springs, WI
2006 - Brian Shirley, 3s, Chatham, IL
2005 - Scott Bloomquist, 0, Mooresburg, TN
2004 - Brian Birkhofer, 15B, Muscatine, IA

Pre Entries

A-1 Rod Smith - Monmouth, IL
Aus 1 Brad Ludlow - Caversham, W. Aust.
Aus 9 Ben Ludlow - Ballajura, W. Aust.
E5K Eddie Kirchoff - Gillette, WY
F15 Justin Fegers - Mound, MN
FW 10 Junior Coover - Norfolk, NE
J1 Wes Steidinger - Fairbury, IL
K 94 Jerry Bagby Jr. - Secor, IL
s9 Dan Schlieper - Sullivan, WI
0 Scott Bloomquist - Mooresburg, TN
00 Mitch Johnson - Hickson, ND
00 JD Auringer - Waterloo, IA
1 Josh Richards - Shinnston, WV
1 Wayne Chinn - Bradford, OH
1 Vic Hill - Mosheim, TN
2 Brady Smith - Solon Springs, WI
2 John Anderson - Omaha, NE
3c Chris Schroeder - Ankeny, IA
3s Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL
3T Todd Davis - Iowa City, IA
4m Rocky Hodges - Whiteland, IN
5 John Duty - Portland, OR
5 Eric Jacobsen - Sea Cliff Beach, CA
7 Chad Chenoweth - Huron, SD
7 Matt Miller - Whitehouse, OH
9 Ken Schrader - Concord, NC
9 Billy Drake - Bloomington, IL
12A Matt Aukland - Fargo, ND
12N Terry Neal - Ely, IA
14 Boone McLaughlin-Mediapolis, IA
15 Jason O'Brien - Atlantic, IA
15B Brian Birkhofer - Muscatine, IA
15c Curt Schroeder - Des Moines, IA
18 Shannon Babb - Moweaqua, IL
19 Steve Francis - Ashland, Ky
19 Darin Duffy - Hazelton, IA
20 Tony Stewart - Columbus, IN
20 Jimmy Owens - Newport, IN
21 Billy Moyer - Batesville, AR
21 Matt Lux - Franklin, PA
21B Rich Bell - Sheffield, IL
21H Brian Harris - Davenport, IA
22 Jill George - Cedar Falls, IA
23 John Blankenship - Williamson, WV
24 Rick Eckert - York, PA
25 Chad Simpson - Mount Vernon, IA
25 Kerry Hansen - Spencer, WI
25s Chris Smyser - Lancaster, MO
28 Eddie Carrier Jr. - Salt Rock, WV
28M Jimmy Mars - Menomonie, WI
29 Darrell Lanigan - Union, KY
31 Jason Utter - Columbus Jct., IA
32 Chris Simpson - Oxford, IA
32D Darren Miller - Milledgeville, IL
33 Paul Glendenning - Mt Ayr, IA
33 Nick Marolf - Moscow, IA
33F Rickey Frankel - Quincy, IL
39 Tim McCreadie - Watertown, NY
40 Nick Kramer - Pine Island, MN
42 Terry Casey - New London, WI
44 Earl Pearson Jr.-Jacksonville,FL
44ZO Alonzo Grosse - Council Bluffs, IA
45 Curt Martin - Independence, IA
50 Denny Eckrich - Tiffin, IA
50 Shannon Buckingham - Morristown, TN
51 Matt Furman - Iowa City, IA
55 Jeep VanWormer - Pinconning, MI
56 Chris Spieker - Massena, IA
56 Andy Eckrich - Iowa City, IA
58 Dave Eckrich - Oxford, IA
77 Jeff Aikey - Waterloo, IA
83 Scott James - Lawrenceburg, IN
93 Jay Johnson - W. Burlington, IA
95 Ed Sanger - Postville, IA
99D Darrel DeFrance - Marshalltown, IA

Tommorow Is The Big Day!

2008-09-06T17:28:00.002-05:00

2008-09-01T13:02:00.004-05:00

Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards Placed On Probation For Next Six Races!

2008-08-27T11:02:00.002-05:00

NASCAR announced today that it has placed Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards on probation for the next six races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of their on-track incident last Saturday at the conclusion of the race at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Busch, driver of the No. 18 car and Edwards, driver of the No. 99 car, both violated Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; hitting another competitor’s car after the race had concluded) of the 2008 NASCAR rule book.

The probation takes effect beginning with this weekend’s event at Auto Club Speedway.

Logano officially named to replace Stewart in No. 20

2008-08-26T06:18:00.005-05:00

Home Depot will remain as primary sponsor of JGR car

There were no surprises Monday at Joe Gibbs Racing, where the green flag was dropped on Joey Logano's Sprint Cup career.

The news had been expected since the driver's seat in the No. 20 Home Depot car that has been occupied for the last decade by Tony Stewart came open more than a month ago. It was then that Stewart announced he would be leaving the car -- and the JGR organization -- at the end of this season to become a partner in the newly formed Stewart-Hass Racing, where Stewart also will drive the No. 14 Chevrolet.

Logano, who has been the rising star in JGR's driver development program since he was 15 years old, is now 18 and will drive his first Cup race at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 6. J.D. Gibbs, team president for JGR, said Wally Brown will serve as crew chief in that race and other Cup races Logano may run for JGR between now and the end of the 2008 season -- and that Logano, for at least that race and the Pep Boys Auto 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Oct. 26, will run in a No. 02 Toyota sponsored by Home Depot.

Logano also could gain some valuable experience running additional Cup races in the No. 96 Toyota fielded by Hall of Fame Racing before this season's end. But beginning next season, he will be in the No. 20 Toyota for JGR full-time.

"This is a dream come true," Logano said. "I couldn't be more excited to get in a car like this."

Logano's crew chief beginning next season will be Greg Zipadelli, who will remain with the No. 20 when Stewart moves on. In 10 years paired with Stewart, Zipadelli has helped get the car to Victory Lane 32 times and win two points championships.

Team owner Joe Gibbs said that Zipadelli's blessing was important when it came time to determine if Logano was ready to make the jump to full-time racing in Sprint Cup.

"We lean heavily on Zippy," Joe Gibbs said. "Zippy has been to a bunch of tests with Joey and he had to compare him in the car with Tony and everybody else that was at the racetrack. I think he has thought from Day One that Joey had the talent to get this done."

Zipadelli added: "We have had a great 10 years with Tony. We've got some pretty good stats to set our goals at right now. We'll use that as a motivating tool in the future."

In 10 Nationwide starts this season, Logano has finished lower than 10th only three times -- with one win, two poles, three top-five and seven top-10 finishes. Logano's victory came at Kentucky in only his third Nationwide start, leading both Joe and J.D. Gibbs to believe that he was going to be ready to attempt full-time Cup racing sooner rather than later.

"That surprised me. I was like, 'Wow, what is he going to do next?' As it turns out, [going Cup racing] is what he is going to do next," J.D. Gibbs said.

Logano said he believes he is mature enough to handle it, physically and mentally, on and off the track. Both he and Zipadelli said they are confident they will be able to contend for race wins next season, and J.D. Gibbs said he expects to contend for championships over the long haul with Logano, who signed what all parties would describe only as "a multi-year deal longer than most."

So Logano not only welcomes high expectations, but is helping to set them.

"You can jump in with a great team, have a little bit more pressure and run up front, or you can run with a middle to back-of-the-pack type team and not have the pressure to run up front, but you're not going to win races," Logano said. "I'm all about the pressure. I'm cool with pressure.

"Moving up to this car now, it's more pressure. But I can handle it. I think it's cool."

"Big Kids Helping Little Kids" Night At The Races!

2008-08-20T21:24:00.001-05:00

This Friday along with the "Wall Of Fame" presentation, will be a
night just for the kids! (Kids of any age!) There will be the area's
largest candy/nickel scramble, give aways and more!

The first 200 kids through the gate will receive a free admission
to the Playstation! (Valued at $5.00 each)

Also $1.00 from each adult ticket sold & the $1.00 for each childs
ticket sold, will be donated to the Big House Motorsports charities
of The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation & The Marion/East
Cedar Rapids Rotary "Shoes For Kids" Campaign!
This was made possible by the Hawkeye Downs Fairboard and Management!

Please help to make this a BIG night for the kids by being a kid
yourself & bringing the whole family to enjoy a GREAT night
of racing at Hawkeyedowns Speedway!

2008-08-17T15:37:00.001-05:00

2008 Hawkeye Downs Speedway Wall of Fame Inductees

2008-08-17T12:19:00.000-05:00

Racing fans in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will soon be getting ready to enjoy a night of festivities when ten more people are inducted to the Hawkeye Downs Speedway Wall of Fame. The induction ceremony is set to take place on Friday night, August 22.

The inductee line-up starts with Chris Economaki, a world-renowned race commentator who has enjoyed many great years in the industry. He is joined by Steve Kosiski, a Dirt Late Model driver that hails from Omaha, Nebraska. Third on the list of inductees is Mike Schulte, a 12-time Modified track champion from Norway, Iowa. And that’s just the start of the list!

Economaki may be known today on a national level, but he started his work as an announcer with the IMCA’s traveling series during the 1940s and 1950s. He was so dedicated to his work that he spent the night after his wedding in the Hawkeye Downs Speedway announcing booth at an IMCA-sanctioned event. Economaki later went on to expand his work as a commentator, slowly making a name for himself as a color commentator who regularly featured at the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. He has also since managed to become the Editor of National Speed Sport. Clearly this man is worthy of being honored on the wall of fame.

Kosiski has likewise enjoyed a stellar career, driving his Late Model to victory on more than one occasion on the ½-mile dirt oval. He was particularly successful during the late 1980s when he managed to rack up multiple wins at HD while participating in the NASCAR/Busch All-Star Tour. Today he is a well known name in the area. Kosiski was also the last person to win the Yankee Dirt Track Classic before the Hawkeye Downs Speedway changed their surface from dirt to pavement.

Schulte is known for his skills behind the wheel in the Modified division from the late 1980s and well into the 1990s. He was the first Modified person to win the IMCA Super Nationals in 1983 and this driving champ is still going strong, taking to the racetrack in a Modified again this season.

Other names on the list are Larry Kelley, a former Hawkeye Downs Late Model Champion, Johnny Beauchamp, a legendary NASCAR star who also happens to be an IMCA champion, Dale Gegner who was once a track promoter, Leo Pfeiffer, a fair board member, Lou Holland and Cliff Blundy, who were both exceptional Sprint/Midget drivers, and Gary "GRUMPY" Gramblin, who has spent many years working hard ensure that the Hawkeye Downs Speedway continued to be a success. All ten of the inductees will be invited to the ceremony wherein they will be awarded plaques in honor of their induction. The event will also be an opportunity to rub shoulders with past inductees.

“WALK A LAP WITH LANDON” FOR FLOOD RELIEF THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT HAWKEYE DOWNS SPEEDWAY !

2008-08-13T05:50:00.006-05:00

Race fans will get a unique opportunity this Friday night as NASCAR Nationwide Series Driver Landon Cassil returns “home” to Hawkeye Downs to raise money for area flood relief and to race with the Late Models.

Fans can make a donation to flood relief and then “Walk a Lap with Landon” around the Hawkeye Downs half-mile. Donations will be taken under the flagstand as part of the Friday night race program.

Donations will also be supplemented by Hendrick Motorsports and possibly other NASCAR drivers as word spreads of this fund-raising effort.

Cassill has raced in one form or another since age three, racing everything from quads, to go karts, to midgets, to modifieds, and finally late models. He currently pilots the #5 National Guard Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in partnership with Hendrick Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Landon will drive a McGrath Powersports prepared late model Friday night and will compete against current point leader Steve Carlson and the rest of the late model division.

Will The Eldora Wall Of Doors Have To Come Down!

2008-08-11T06:35:00.005-05:00

The famous Eldora wall of doors, erected for the late model specials at the Rossburg, Ohio speedway may be just a memory.

With the amount of work involved in assembling it and the almost constant threat of bad weather that requires the wall to be disassembled when high winds are present, the erectors of the wall would like some help from the track to make it a little safer and possibly more permanent.

The biggest hurdle envlolved comes from the state of Ohio's regulations that would have required a sign permit and a relocation, plus liability insurance also there would have been 10 6"X6" poles 10' high sticking out of the ground the rest of the year and kind of unsightly.

A reply from the track management does show that they would like to see it work out:

"We greatly appreciate the efforts Moe and his friends put forth to erect it. And I know it has to be discouraging to have it blow down."

I personally look forward to seeing the Wall Of Doors when we arrive at the track each year for the Dream 100. I hope they can come to some sort of agreement over this!

DeFRANCE NAMED DEERY BROTHERS TOUR WINNER AT HAWKEYE DOWNS

2008-08-08T06:20:00.001-05:00

The IMCA Deery Brothers Summer Series made its
yearly foray into the world of pavement racing on Wednesday night August 6 with
Marshalltown driver Darrell DeFrance picking up the win in the 35-lap feature
after the apparent winner, Johnny Spaw, was DQ'd in post-race inspection.
According to IMCA officials the car driven by Spaw was disqualified
for "Unapproved alterations to the spec cylinder heads."

Thirty IMCA Late Models signed in to battle the Hawkeye Downs half-mile
with the field set via four heat races and a 'B' feature to set the 24 car
starting field.

After the traditional four-wide parade lap the drivers got down to
business with Darrell DeFrance, making his 328th start in the series, leading
the field to the green flag. DeFrance maintained the point through the first
five circuits but a fast moving Johnny Spaw moved to challenge for the lead by
lap five after starting outside row three. Spaw, who was piloting a can owned
by Dale Stolte, flew by DeFrance on the outside as the frontrunners maneuvered
through turn three on the sixth lap and was never challenged in the green to
checkers run.

The front five, consisting of Spaw, DeFrance, Matt Ryan, Terry Neal,
and Jeff Aikey remained unchanged as the laps ticked off although Neal did
challenge Neal briefly in the later stages of the race.

DeFrance, Ryan, Neal, Aikey, and Bryan Klein made up the revised top
five following the DQ. Deery Brother Summer Series point leader Boone
McGlaughlin finished in seventh.

This was the 16th visit for the series at Hawkeye Downs.

There was also racing in the regular IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Hobby Stock,
IMCA SportMod, and Hornet divisions which run weekly at Hawkeye Downs. In
addition, a few IMCA Modifieds were on hand to run a feature event.

Brian Franks posted a flag to flag run in the Barron Motor Supply IMCA
Stock Cars with point leader Kurt Bohnsack and Bob Ahrendsen right on his
bumper as the trio crossed the stripe. Franks held off a challenge from
Bohnsack with eight laps remaining but was able to fend him off. Mark Bolton
finished fourth and Chad Siems was fifth.

Gary Pfantz has owned the Barron Motor Supply IMCA Hobby Stock division
this season and Wednesday night was no exception as he racked up his eighth
victory after starting in the third row. Dennis Klinsky led in the early going
but had to settle for second once Pfantz gained control. Deb Mefford, Kandi
Floyd, and Ed O'Brien all finished in the top five.

Scott Kositzky picked up his second win of the season in the IMCA
SportMod feature, besting point leader Ryan Luedtke, Aric Becker, Jamie Huff,
and Scott Grady to the checkered flag. Kositzky is in just his first season of
oval track racing, previously competing in drag racing.

Shane Hanson survived a couple early cautions and racked up his first
win of the season in the Sunline Hornets. While Hanson wasn't seriously
challenged the best battle on the track was between point leaders Jim Hanson
and Derek Parrott as they slugged it out for position. Nathan Chandler finished
second while Jim Hanson was third followed by Parrott and Jonny Williams.

Max Corporon started on the pole of the IMCA Modified feature and had
little trouble in disposing of a short field of cars in that division. Eric
VanDerPloeg, Patrick Flannagan, Tony Olson, and Tom Hanson crossed the finish
line behind Corporon.

"Dirt At The Downs" Returns August 6th

2008-08-06T05:53:00.004-05:00

The annual outing on asphalt is coming up in early August, before Deery Brothers Summer Series drivers return to dirt for the traditional Iowa State Fair show.

Hawkeye Downs Speedway at Cedar Rapids hosts the ‘Dirt At The Downs’ program on Aug. 6. IMCA Modifieds, Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods, IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars and IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks round out the Wednesday night card. Local Hornets will also be racing.
Pit gates open at 4 p.m. and the grandstand opens at 6 p.m. Hot laps are at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 7 p.m.
Grandstand admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and $1 for kids 11 and under.
More information is available by calling 319 365-8656

Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame: Dennis Hovinga

2008-07-29T06:17:00.003-05:00

Dennis Hovinga was one of the hardest chargers to ever grace the racing surface in Kossuth County and across the Midwest. From the drop of the green to waving of the checkers, his plan was drive hard and fast. It seemed that yellow and red flags (and a few black flags as well) never slowed Hovinga for very long.
During the course of 40 years (1960 - 2000) of dirt track racing, he was seen behind the wheel of hobby stocks, late models and sprint cars before finishing his career wheeling IMCA type modifieds. While no one knows the total number of feature wins Hovinga has amassed in his career, it has been estimated to be in the neighborhood of 400+ feature wins.
Whether behind the wheel of his car or piloting a racer for another owner, Hovinga frequently found the winners circle. In addition to his own car, he drove for the likes of the Mills brothers (late model), Roger "Duke" Ducommun (modified), Joe Ringsdorf and Daryl Arend (modified).
He raced under the IMCA banner in 1988-1995 and with the NASCAR sanction from 1990-2000. He also raced extensively at the Algona track under the NCAR sanction from 1989-1992. In addition to racing in Iowa, Hovinga was a force to reckon with in Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota, Arizona, Colorado and Missouri. He also was a member of Wayne Larson's pit crew in the 1990s during Larson's ARCA efforts at Daytona and Talladega.
Hovinga was the track champion at Alta (1972 and 1989), Webster City and Boone in 1972. He also won track championships during his career at Fairmont Raceway in 1980, the Crawford County Speedway in Denison (1989 and 1991), the Shelby County Speedway in Harlan (1991) and the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City (1993). He was the track champion at the Algona speed plant in 1989 and 1990.
In addition to numerous track championships, he was the winner of many feature wins, including some of the biggest in the Midwest. Hovinga captured the modified Jackson Nationals trophy in 1989 along with the IMCA modified Iowa State Fair Race at the historic Des Moines track and the IMCA modified 'Tour of the Northland' event held in Alta.
He also lists the Wetherell Western Iowa Championship Series races in Denison and Harlan in 1991 and winning the late model/modified challenge race in Denison during the 1992 campaign as big wins in his career.
Hovinga was the winner of the very first Harris Clash race held in 1992 at the Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City. Today, the Harris Clash is considered one of the top IMCA modified events in the country.
He was inducted into the Hamilton County Speedway Hall of Fame in 1993.

Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame Inductees to be Honored during 150th Fair!

2008-07-28T07:07:00.004-05:00

The Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame will be honoring its 2008 class of inductees during the 150th annual Kossuth County Fair.

The second annual induction ceremony will take place during this year’s Kossuth County Fair races, held Saturday August 2nd at Algona Raceway.

Dennis Hovinga, Laurens, was a hard charger for many years across
Iowa and the Midwest. Shown here in his late model in 1980, he was
a regular competitor at the Kossuth County Raceway in Algona.

The 2008 inductees into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame include:

B&D Automotive (Bob Arend and Daryl Arend) – Speed Shop, Car Owner
Bobby Grim – Driver
Honsbruch Drug - Sponsor
Butch Householder – Driver
Dennis Hovinga – Driver
Stacy Redmond – Driver
Dick & Dorthy Simpson – Promoters, Track Officials
Don Smith - Media

This year’s class features four race drivers that achieved great success behind the wheel. The late IMCA ‘Big Car” driver Bobby Grim will be honored along with legendary drivers Butch Householder, Dennis Hovinga and Stacy Redmond.

Bob and Daryl Arend will be recognized for their racing success both together as operators of the Algona speed shop B&D Automotive, and for their success as individuals. Bob Arend will be recognized for his years in the racing industry as speed shop owner, engine builder and car owner. His brother Daryl Arend will be honored for his lengthy career as a sprint car owner and for his years in the racing industry as a speed shop owner.

The team of Dick and Dorthy Simpson will be honored for their many years as promoters in Kossuth County and Alta, plus their years as track officials at area speed plants.

Honsbruch Drug will be honored for their support of racing in the local area and as a race car sponsor.

Don Smith covered the races in Algona for many years as sports writer for the local paper.

Input from the public and the committee garnered more than 60 candidates for consideration this year. The committee, with the help of the 2007 living members of the Kossuth Racing Hall of Fame, selected the eight inductees for 2008. Candidates not selected in 2008 will be considered for future inductions.

This event will also serve as a reunion for both the inaugural class and this year’s inductees. The 2007 and 2008 inductees in the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame, their families, and friends are invited to attend the night’s activities.

At 4:00 p.m. the inductees will be honored at a welcome reception and coffee on the fairgrounds at the Farm Bureau shelter house. Prior to the fair races, the hall of fame inductees will have their ‘class photograph’ taken in front of the Wall of Fame that is constructed at the main entrance to the grandstand.

At 5:45 p.m., representatives from the 2008 inductees will be featured on the Monson Salvage Trackside Live show from Algona Raceway. The radio show will be broadcast live on KLGA 92.7 FM and rebroadcast on www.DirtTrackRadio.com.

The 2008 inductees into the Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame will be introduced at the pit meeting prior to the races and the official induction ceremony will be held during intermission at the fair races.

The Kossuth County Racing Hall of Fame committee, Kossuth County Fair Board, and Algona Raceway are excited to honor the racers, promoters, and track officials that have made racing great at Algona Raceway.

All race fans are invited to attend the Kossuth County Fair Races and the Hall of Fame ceremony held at the Algona Raceway August 2nd.

The CRAZY Days Of Summer!

2008-07-24T06:22:00.002-05:00

Well I must say that so far this has been one CRAZY summer!

The weather sure has been a little off kilter.

The last month after the flood has sure made things busy.

I started plumbing for a new company June 25th, so between
working all day trying to learn to do things the way they
like it and trying to help as many people affected by the
flood at night, my life has been quite hectic!

My posting time has defiantly been hurting lately and I hope
to turn that around soon.

I have been pretty much only hitting the Friday night races
at Hawkeye Downs with an occasional Sunday night trip to Vinton.
I haven't made a trip to Independence Motor Speedway yet, but
I hope to make a trip there some Saturday night before the season
is over.

I will do my best to keep this blog fresh and current from now on.
Please keep checking back and if I haven't posted anything new,
please go back and check out the archives and let me know what you
would like to blog about.

Til next time..... Ramble On!

Cassill’s NASCAR “Growth Spurt” Started At Gateway!

2008-07-16T06:08:00.001-05:00

Rewind to last July when Landon Cassill (No. 5 National Guard Chevrolet) had just turned 18. With that birthday, he was eligible to step out as a test driver for Hendrick Motorsports’ Car of Tomorrow program and into his first NASCAR Nationwide Series ride at Gateway International Raceway, located five hours from his hometown in Cedar Rapids, Ia.

He navigated his first race quite well, starting a surprising sixth but was caught up in an accident midway through and although he finished, was disappointed with the final outcome in front of family and friends.

But in the year since, Cassill’s direction has pointed toward improvement — and success.

He makes his series return this week following a one-race layoff that was proceeded by the longest consecutive race streak (five) of his career. In that span, Cassill, who turned 19 on July 7, posted two top-10 finishes and also registered his first career pole.

Now driving for the merged JR Motorsports-Hendrick team, Cassill has had the opportunity to learn from some of the best NASCAR has to offer.

His teammates include two-time series champion Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Mark Martin, the all-time series leader in wins and poles, two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and 1994 NASCAR Nationwide Series champion David Green who earlier served as Cassill’s spotter.

Cassill knows he’s grown as a driver over the last year and realizes there’s room for more.

“I feel like I have a higher level of confidence then I did a year ago,” he said. “I’ll be better next year than I was this year, too.”

Back In The Drivers Seat!

2008-07-13T08:09:00.003-05:00

Well Friday night at Hawkeye Downs turned out to be pretty interesting after all!

We did manage to get the VW Golf ready to roll and at the track! The driver of the night in the VW was Anthony Pickart who just so had a night off from Arlo's modified!

And on the subject of the Hornet race..... The Big House Motorsports Ford Focus found itself a new driver Friday night as well! Your very own Rapid Roy Parker got the chance to pilot it around the Hawkeye Downs 1/4 mile! Jeff & James both had other commitments that kept them from being able to drive and Big House had already loaned his gear to Anthony for the night so it was up to me to blow the dust off the old racing bag!

I wasn't able to get to the track in time for hot laps so the heat race was the first time I ever jumped behind the wheel! I will say that it is a very fun car to drive!

Started the heat race in 10th spot and did somehow manage to get to 3rd by the end! Sure felt good to be back on the track after it had been a year since the VW and over 15 years since I raced before that!

I started the feature in 10th as well and boy this rusty driver seems to forget a silly thing called tire management when his adrenaline gets flowing! Finished the feature in 8th but I had quite a large time driving Friday night. I did spend some time swapping spots back and forth with Mervalous Merv Chandler for a while and that sure took me back to the old days of racing!

I don't think you will see me full time in a race car any time soon! I want to drive the Golf one more time before it's death but that will tide me over.

Besides....... I don't think my village can survive without having me as it's IDIOT for very long! So I better keep my priorities straight!

Dog Days Of Summer!

2008-07-09T06:03:00.003-05:00

Sorry I have not posted to my blog for a while!

Work has been very crazy with all the homeowners needing help getting their plumbing in order!

Big House Motorsports is in the process of resurrecting the old VW Hornet to get it back on the track very soon!

I am looking forward to some big races coming up this summer.

The Iowa Speedway will host a ASA Late Model race on July 20th the Sunday after the Miller 100 at Hawkeye Downs Speedway. Some of the local racers will be racing in that one & we are planning on a Checkers Tavern bus tour to that race!

A couple of races I will hit at the Knoxville Raceway will be the Harris Clash IMCA Modified race on July 17th and of course the big one for me..... The 5th annual Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals September 25th, 26th & 27th!

The end of summer will find us heading to the 17th Annual Bahama Bracket Nationals at the Rockford Speedway in Rockford, Ill. This race runs from October 10th thru 12th. Of course our group will be making the trip down on Thursday for the pre-race party!

There are a lot more great races in the area I will probably hit, but this covers the big ones! Get ahold of me if you would like to tag along on any of these trips and I will give you all the details!

Until next time, I will keep rambling on!

Brooklyn Raceway!

2008-06-30T05:45:00.005-05:00

This weekend I had a chance to travel with a fun group of race fans to see the figure 8 races at the Brooklyn Raceway in Brooklyn Iowa!

I want to thank P J Harrington from Checkers Tavern for setting up the trip for us to ride in the great Checkers Tavern "Got Beer" Miller Lite bus!

I also want to thank Archie Kuntz, owner of Brooklyn Speedway for being such a great host!

There was some very exciting racing on the small track! There where Front Wheel Drive, Pick Ups and 2 Person Cruisers on the oval track. There was also a Stock Class, a Pro Class and an Open Class on the figure 8 track.

If you have never seen figure 8 racing be sure you plan a trip to the Brooklyn Raceway soon!

Check out the Brooklyn Raceway website here:
http://www.brooklyniowaraceway.com

THE SHOW MUST GO ON - RACING RESUMES AT HAWKEYE DOWNS THIS FRIDAY!

2008-06-25T21:17:00.000-05:00

After a two week hiatus due to the tragic flooding that has inundated several areas including Cedar Rapids, Hawkeye Downs Speedway will return to regular action on Friday night, June 27.

The Zimmerman Ford Mid-Season Championships featuring "double points' for the non-IMCA divisions are on tap with all classes in action.

The Miller Lite Late Models, Coors Light Modifieds, Budweiser Sportsmen, and Sunline Hornets will all earn double points while the Barron Motor Supply IMCA Stock Cars, Barron Motor Supply IMCA Hobby Stocks, and IMCA Sportmods will earn regular points per IMCA rules.

Grandstand Gates open at 6pm . Late Model qualifying gets underway at 6:15 and the first green flag waves shortly after 7pm.

KEITH FLECK MILLER 100 SET FOR JULY 18!

2008-06-25T21:16:00.000-05:00

The 36th Annual Keith Fleck Miller 100 featuring the ASA Midwest Tour has been rescheduled for Friday, July 18. The race was originally scheduled for Friday, June 13 but was postponed due to the impact of flooding on the Cedar Rapids area.

A huge field of ASA Midwest Tour Super Late Models is expected as later in the weekend the tour is in Newton at the Iowa Speedway making for a racing double-header in the Hawkeye state.

More information will be available in the coming weeks.

Race to the Chase: Week 1, New Hampshire Motor Speedway

2008-06-25T06:03:00.001-05:00

THE RACE: LENOX Industrial Tools 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

WHEN: Sunday, June 29

TV: TNT

RADIO: MRN, Sirius Satellite Radio

CHASING THE CHASE: THIS WEEK'S TOP 20: Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Clint Bowyer, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick, David Ragan, Brian Vickers, Ryan Newman, Martin Truex Jr., Travis Kvapil, Juan Pablo Montoya, Jamie McMurray

DEFENDING LENOX INDUSTRIAL TOOLS 301 CHAMPION: Denny Hamlin

RACE TO THE CHASE FACTS:
• The 10 races preceding the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup
• The top 12 drivers in the series standings make the Chase.
• The 10 tracks represented in the Race to the Chase are some of the most unique and storied tracks on the circuit. The list includes three of the most famous tracks the sport offers: Daytona International Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway. There are also tracks in two of the country's largest markets: Auto Club Speedway (Los Angeles) and Chicagoland Speedway.

THE SCHEDULE: Race to the Chase (track sizes in parentheses)
June 29—New Hampshire (1.058 miles); July 5—Daytona (2.5 mile); July 12—Chicagoland (1.5 miles);
July 27—Indianapolis (2.5 miles); Aug. 3—Pocono (2.5 miles); Aug. 10—Watkins Glen (2.45 mile); Aug. 17—Michigan (2 miles); Aug. 23—Bristol (.533 miles); Aug. 31—Auto Club Speedway (2 mile); Sept. 6—Richmond (.75 miles).

SOME STORYLINES:
• Only 10 races remain, which means different strategies for different drivers. Those comfortably inside the top 12 have one goal in mind: winning. Each win means 10 vital bonus points toward their Chase seeding. Those just inside the top 12 are hoping to stand their ground. Consistency is key. Then there are those drivers on the outside looking in. They need top fives, and a win or two wouldn't hurt. It's go time.
• Tony Stewart is one of those drivers just inside the top 12 looking for his first win of the 2008 season. If history is any lesson, that win will come over the next 10 races. Stewart, in 11th, has 18 career wins at the upcoming 10 tracks.
• Catch me if you can. With his win at Infineon Raceway, Kyle Busch added another 10 potential Chase bonus points to his tally. He now has 50 bonus points, which is 30 more than second-best Carl Edwards and Kasey Kahne. The battle isn't over, though. Both Edwards and Kahne have 2008 wins at the upcoming tracks: Edwards at Auto Club Speedway and Kahne at Pocono.

On The Bright Side Of The Floods!

2008-06-19T05:47:00.004-05:00

These are 2 pictures I took in my sister Faith's house after the floods.
She had 7 feet of water on the first floor of her house & lost most
everything they own.

The sight of this on her kitchen wall struck us as funny.
Good to see some one has power over the floodwaters!

Look real close in the pictures to see the dark line of
where the water level stopped!

In This Time Of Need!

2008-06-15T11:22:00.001-05:00

Members of my family & many friends have been affected by the flooding, as I know many others of you have also!

My heart goes out to everyone!

In this time of need I want to be sure our racing community is helping each other in any way possible!

Anyone in need of any sort of help... Please ask for help and anyone
that is able to help in any way please let others know!

Lets pull together and try to help each other through this terrible time of need!

KEITH FLECK MILLER 100 POSTPONED!

2008-06-12T12:10:00.001-05:00

FleckSport and Hawkeye Downs regret to
announce the "36th annual Keith Fleck Miller 100" has been postponed due to
the ongoing and worsening impact of flooding and recent tornadoes in the
region and Cedar Rapids.

FleckSport and Hawkeye Downs are sympathetic to the plight of all those
affected by these disasters and given the number of closed roads, traffic
congestion, and personal hardship inflicted by these disasters as well as the
strain on city and emergency services they have elected to cancel the event
with hopes of rescheduling it.

Additionally, many of the highways used by ASA Midwest Tour race teams to
travel to Cedar Rapids have also been affected in various places in Iowa,
Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and elsewhere with road closings increasing
each day, which may prevent some teams and fans from reaching Cedar Rapids
without substantial detours.

Officials are currently working with the ASA Midwest Tour to reschedule the
event Friday, July 18.

Keith Fleck Miller 100 Official Entry List

2008-06-11T06:15:00.000-05:00

American Speed Association Keith Fleck Miller 100
Hawkeye Downs Speedway - Cedar Rapids, IA - June 13th, 2008

Entries as of 06.10.08 at 5:00PM - (35)

5 - Travis Sauter (TS) - Necedah, WI*
9c - Kyle Calmes - Freedom, WI*
9k - Mark Kraus - Stratford, WI*
12 - Nick Murgic (R) - Rosemount, MN*
19 - Jake Ryan - Farmington, MN*
21 - Tim Schendel - Sparta, WI*
22 - Russ Blakeley (TS) - Whitewater, WI*
25 - Jeff Storm - Waterford, WI
34 - Brandon Hill (TS) - Genoa City, WI
36 - Dan Fredrickson (TS) - Elko, MN*
39 - Andrew Morrisey (TS) - DeForest, WI*
41 - Donny Reuvers (TS) - Dundas, MN*
43 - Matt Kocourek (R) - Franklin, WI*
44 - Adam Hensel (R) - Barron, WI†
51 - Joey Johnson - Alexandria, MN
52 - Chris Wimmer (TS) - Wausau, WI†
64 - Griffin McGrath - Cedar Rapids, IA
66 - Steve Carlson - West Salem, WI*
74 - Dudley Fleck - Cedar Rapids, IA
77 - Jonathan Eilen (TS) - Hampton, MN†
77k - Kris Kelly (TS) - Norway, MI*
79 - Jon Olson - Hamel, MN
87 - Nathan Haseleu (TS) - Marshall, WI*
94 - Paul Paine - Mound, MN
97 - Jamie Iverson (TS) - Escanaba, MI*
99 - Frank Kreyer - Pardeeville, WI
100 - Brad Osborn - Janesville, IA*
104 - Thor Anderson - Bondurant, IA
114 - Jim Ross - Robins, IA
115 - Brad Dvorak - Lisbon, IA*
143 - Johnny Sauter - Necedah, WI
175 - Blake Horstman (TS) - Bangor, WI*
177 - Chris Sevey - Waterloo, IA
199 - Bryan Roach - Minneapolis, MN*
511- Joey Gase - Cedar Rapids, IA

What A Dream Weekend!

2008-06-09T05:44:00.004-05:00

We made the trip to Eldora Speedway again this year for the Dirt Late Model Dream 100. The bad part was the 8 hour drive each way but that was the only part of the weekend that was bad!

There was some rain in the mix but that didn't end up messing things up too bad. Friday a small storm rolled in & caused qualifying to be started over & shortened to only one round, but that was not a big deal.

Saturday had a lot of rain that caused us to find other entertainment. We took a turn off State Route 118 on to Hwy 55 - McFeely-Petry Rd in search of the 1 mile dirt track started by Earl Baltes in the 70's. 1/2 mile down the road we spotted a strange looking hill running in a circular motion. With umbrellas in hand Jeff Selfride and I ran through the waist high rain soaked switch grass up the embankment to see what was over the other side. Sure enough, when we reached the top of the hill we could see the track cut into the feild. What a site to see! (Not to start any rumors but there was fresh earth mover tracks under the switch grass!)

After the hour we spent in a Greenville laundromat drying our clothes and shoes, we headed back to the motel for some cornhole beanbag toss in the hallway. This was a great way to kill time waiting to see if the races would start on time. Even with all the rain, the track was ready to race only about 1/2 hour late!

The racing was the best I seen in a while! The field was filled with the best of the best as well as some new comers in the mix to try their hands at the Dream. Scott Bloomquist came out on top for his 5th Dream 100 win. For complete results check www.RacingInIowa.com.

Tony Stewart presented a bronze statue of Earl & Bernice Baltes that will be forever on display right inside the entrance to the grandstand. He also announced that there will be a new race held annually at the track called the Baltes Classic. Should be a great event as it sounds!

The best part of the weekend came after the cars where parked and most all the fans had piled out of the grandstands. I spotted Larry Kemp sitting in the VIP booth with the likes of Ms. Eldora speedway and Many of the Baltes family who came to see the statue presentation.

As I tapped the glass to get his attention, Larry waved me to the window and slid open the screen. After some time of reminiscing I asked what would be the chance of him getting Earl to sign his book that I purchased in vendor row. Larry told me to come around back to the door and come in so I could get it myself. Once inside there he was upturned hat bill and a huge smile on his face. I introduced myself and asked for the autograph. The whole time he was going on about how much Tony must have paid for the bronze statue. He said he couldn't believe anyone would spend that kind of money to make a likeness of him!

Earl thanked me for being a fan and said how greatfull he was for all of the fans that keep this Dream alive. I thanked him for making it all possible and shook his hand telling him I couldn't wait until next year when I could see the statue out front!

That was the perfect ending to a perfect racing weekend!

Stewart takes early lead, wins 30-lap Prelude to the Dream race

2008-06-05T06:07:00.000-05:00

Tony Stewart won his own charity dirt-track race Wednesday, leading nearly the entire way.

Robby Gordon was second in the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream, followed by Clint Bowyer.

Stewart grabbed the lead from Kevin Harvick on the first lap at Eldora Speedway and led the rest of the way in the 30-lap race.

Gordon moved into second by the 20th lap, but couldn't close.

After the victory, Stewart raised his arms to the cheers of the crowd and then climbed to the top on the chain-link fence that separated the fans from the track.

"This is a new car, a little different design than what we've had in the past," Stewart said. "This thing was just easy to drive. It didn't take skill on my part. The car was just that good. It made it easy."

Stewart applauded Gordon's effort.

"I told him for years I thought he would be great in a dirt car," Stewart said. "I think he's one of the most naturally talented drivers that races every week in the Sprint Cup series. I'm proud of it [Gordon's performance] because it makes me look like a genius."

Coming so close to winning the race last year is one thing that brought Kyle Busch back for another try.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader finished second in the 2007 Prelude to the Dream, edged out by winner Carl Edwards -- by 0.3 seconds -- and finishing just ahead of Jeff Gordon.

He was among the 25 drivers who competed in the contest Wednesday evening.

"We're back for more," Busch said. "Finishing second and being so close -- that was obviously the first thing, to try to come back and win. Not only that but just the fun."

Busch ended up finishing 10th.

Organizers weren't counting on the 3 inches of rain Tuesday night and Wednesday morning that turned the track into a sea of mud. But sunny afternoon skies and some soil-packing tractor work made the track raceworthy.

"It's probably going to be pretty tacky once it gets wore in, and it's going to be pretty fast," Busch said. "I don't presume it drying out that much and laying any rubber down and getting dusty and all."

Edwards said he was told this year's car is better than the one he had last year.

"I think that's going to be necessary," he said. "I don't think it's going to be an easy race to win."

Edwards said the race is an opportunity to escape the pressures of the NASCAR circuit and for fellow racers to do something together in raising money for a charity instead of strictly competing against each other.

"The truth is, they're my mortal enemies on Sunday," he said.

And Edwards acknowledged that it's difficult to keep competitive juices from flowing.

"The only bad thing about coming back this year is that unless I win, it's going to be a huge letdown for me and all the people who came with me," he said with a laugh. "Everybody wants to win this thing just so you can say: 'Hey, I won the dirt race against all the guys.' "

Edwards had to leave the race when his engine overheated. He finished 18th.

The race on Eldora's half-mile, high-banked oval track that seats nearly 18,000 featured 25 drivers, including Edwards, Stewart, Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin and Harvick. The 54-year-old track, carved out of farmland, was purchased by Stewart in 2004.

Proceeds from the race will go to support the Tony Stewart Foundation and the construction of a second Victory Junction Gang Camp, in Kansas City, for children with life-threatening health issues.

"The Prelude has taken on a life of its own when guys are building their own cars to come run for one night, and that's because they're having so much fun doing it that they want to have their own equipment," Stewart said.

In dirt-track racing, drivers have to steer right for the car to go left. Going through turns, the front left tire comes off the track and the left rear tire provides traction.

The cars weigh about 2,300 pounds, supply 800-plus horsepower and, at Eldora, reach top speeds of about 150 mph. The vehicles have two-speed transmissions and no windshields -- only short plastic shields to protect drivers from rocks.

"There's a lot going on when you're out there, flipping it sideways and tossing it around and trying to get a good lap and not trying to hit anybody," Busch said.

The fans seemed to be having as much fun as the drivers.

Russ Scheler, 57, and his wife drove 10 hours from their home in Douglasville, Pa., to see the race after hearing about it from fellow church members. Scheler said he prefers dirt-track racing to the asphalt NASCAR variety.

"There's more action," he said.

Chris Hall brought his wife, Leah, to the race as a birthday present to her. The couple, from Medina in northeast Ohio, saw the race for the first time last year.

"I fell in love instantly," she said. "It's total excitement on every lap."

She said the race has a "hometowny feel."

"We're out in the parking lot talking to total strangers," she said.

Eldora Speedway Weather Forcast!

2008-06-04T05:54:00.001-05:00

Preperation For The Prelude To The Dream!

2008-06-03T05:40:00.000-05:00

With more than 20,000 people in the grandstands and countless others tuning into the HBO Pay-Per-View broadcast of the fourth annual Old Spice Prelude to the Dream at 7 p.m. EDT on Wednesday,June 4, there will be plenty of attention paid to the cars and stars as they lap the half-mile dirt oval that is Eldora Speedway.

But long before such world-renown drivers as Tony Stewart Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch descend upon Eldora and the tiny hamlet of Rossburg, Ohio, the unsung heroes of the historic
dirt track set the stage for what has become a must-see racing event.
While other premiere sporting events such as The Masters, Super Bowl and World Series have scores of people that work to get the respective playing surfaces ready for the big events, Eldora also has a staff – albeit much smaller – that has been working long hours each day to keep the track in the best racing shape possible for the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream.

“What people don’t see is that at a dirt track, it’s not a matter of just putting dirt on it the day of the race,” said Stewart, the two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion who also doubles as owner of Eldora Speedway. “It’s Larry Kemp and Larry Boos, and Earl Baltes’ grandson Chad, who do the majority of the work during the week. It’s a seven-day-aweek job taking care of a dirt track. You want to get moisture in it early in the week to where, no matter what the conditions are on race day, you’re able to adjust how much water you put on it on race day, so when nighttime comes, that moisture keeps coming out.”

Even though it takes plenty of preparation to get Eldora Speedway ready for any of its weekly events, which includes
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and United States Auto Club (USAC) races, Stewart’s staff prepares the track a bit differently for the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream.

With a field that has various levels of experience competing in 2,300-pound dirt late model stock cars capable of putting out over 800 horsepower, Stewart and his staff put down less water than usual over the track’s clay surface.

Typically, the Eldora Speedway staff would prepare the track with plenty of water to be soft and tacky, which helps produce fast lap times. But some of the drivers in this year’s Old Spice Prelude to the Dream having little to no dirt track experience. The less water laid down on the track, the slower the speeds, thereby leveling the playing field and ensuring a better show for the fans in the grandstands and watching on HBO Pay-Per-View.

“Last year we dried the track out a little bit, so it was hard and slick from the top to the bottom and the pace was slower so the guys weren’t holding their breath and it was a lot easier for them to drive,” said Stewart of the 2007 Old Spice Prelude to the Dream, which was won by Edwards. “Especially for the guys that are new to the dirt track scene, it’s a little easier for them to get used to since the pace isn’t so fast. It makes all the guys driving those cars feel a lot more comfortable.

And for what we’re doing with the television aspect, it’s a lot easier to leave it slow with a lot less dust.” Last year, the hard work put in by the Eldora Speedway staff prior to the event paid off for two dirt newbies – Juan Pablo Montoya and Busch. Both showed remarkable skills despite limited experience racing on dirt. Busch even challenged for the win late in the race with dirt veteran Edwards before eventually settling for a runner-up finish. The strong runs by
both drivers really impressed dirt track veteran and Sprint Cup driver J.J. Yeley, who doesn’t mind the Eldora staff slowing the track down to make the show better for the fans and for the television audience.

“I was really impressed with guys like Juan Pablo and Kyle, who hadn’t been in that type of car on dirt before but really adapted to it quickly,” Yeley said. “You want to make sure it’s nice and slick where the speeds will be a little bit slower. I’m sure all the car owners who will have the Cup drivers in their cars will be happy to know that. When the track is hard and slick, it makes the cars a little bit easier to driver, and I think it will make the racing even better for the fans.” Yeley also knows a thing or two about what makes up the surface of various dirt tracks, as the winner of multiple USAC championships has seen plenty of them throughout his career.

“The biggest thing is that you have to start with a good product,” Yeley said. “Eldora Speedway has been around for so long that they have really good clay. You try to explain to people the difference between dirt tracks – red clay, black clay – and there’s a lot of differences in the consistencies. Clay just wears out over time to where it just doesn’t hold the moisture. The biggest thing is to keep just a little bit of water on the race track and keep the dust down.”

Not only does Stewart appreciate all the hard work put in by his staffers, but also the efforts of dirt track owners across the country. He hopes the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream shines a positive light on grassroots dirt racing across the country.

“Guys that take care of dirt tracks across the country are really unsung heroes of the sport,” Stewart said. “There’s so much science about how much clay content you have in the dirt, and that’s what makes every dirt track unique. You could have two guys that owned two different race tracks, but they have to prepare them differently for the conditions where the races are as good as possible. What we do at Eldora isn’t necessarily the same thing that someone else does 30 miles down the road that has the same dirt as us. These promoters and track operators that take care of these race tracks and do a lot of work should be proud of what they do.”

The live, commercial-free broadcast of the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream will begin at 7 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. PDT), with
an immediate replay and subsequent replays throughout the week and the following weekend. HBO Pay-Per-View’s racing telecast has a suggested retail price of $24.95 and is available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per- View is the leading supplier of event programming in the pay-per-view industry. Ordering information and up-to-the minute racing information is available at www.hbo.com. Prospective viewers can order the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream on Tuesday and right up until race time on Wednesday.

With no points and no pressure, the Old Spice Prelude to the Dream is a throwback race, allowing drivers to step back in time and compete for the reasons they all went racing in the first place – pride and a trophy. And they’ll do it on the same surface that Indianapolis 500 legends like A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Bobby Unser, Al Unser Jr., and Parnelli Jones have competed on throughout the last 54 years. Gordon, Johnson, Kahne, Busch and defending Old Spice Prelude to the Dream winner Edwards will join Stewart, Yeley, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Denny Hamlin, Bobby Labonte, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, Bill Elliott, Dave Blaney, David Reutimann, Robby Gordon, Aric Almirola, Ron Capps, Cruz Pedregon, Ray Evernham, Red Farmer, Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace in this year’s edition of the all-star dirt late model race.

Almost Dream Time!

2008-06-02T05:18:00.004-05:00

Well it is finally Dream 100 week at Eldora Speedway!

That means Wednesday brings the Prelude To The Dream race on pay-per view!
This is a big event around my house. Lots of food, cold beverages & friends.

We will head out a little late this year to get to the track. The rest of the group we our going with will be leaving at 5am Friday for the 8 hour drive. My wife & I will not be able to leave until around 11. Thank you to a few snow days at school this year my daughters 8th grade graduation ceremony has been moved to June 6th instead of June 3rd this year. That is not an event that I would miss! We will only miss some qualifying Friday night by being a little late.

This year we are not traveling in a motor home like years past. Thanks in part to gas prices! But with what we will save on gas for the motor home, we are able to pay for our motel rooms for the 2 nights! The big thing that we will miss will be the convenience of all riding up all together and most importantly..... the restroom without pulling over!

I will try to do live updates on this blog as I do on the RacingInIowa.com message board each year.

More on this as the week goes on!

Their focus is on Dover, but all eyes are on Eldora track!

2008-06-01T09:19:00.000-05:00

Carl Edwards has won 10 times on NASCAR's premier circuit, including lucrative events at Texas and Las Vegas. He's won on the iconic short track at Bristol. He's won one championship in what's now the Nationwide Series, another in a smaller stock-car association, and a pair of track titles at Capital Speedway outside of Jefferson City, Mo. And ranking right up there with all those accomplishments is a victory in an exhibition dirt race in an Ohio town with a population of just 224.

But that's what the Prelude to the Dream, an exhibition organized by two-time NASCAR champion and Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart means to so many of the Sprint Cup stars who have taken part in it. They may be at Dover International Speedway for Sunday's Best Buy 400, but they can't wait to get to Eldora for Wednesday night's all-star dirt race benefiting the Victory Junction Gang Camp's new Kansas City wing, the Tony Stewart Foundation, and other charities.

"Eldora, to any dirt racer, that's the same as Daytona or Indianapolis," Edwards said. "That's an amazing racetrack, so to be able to go there and race was huge. To win that race was great because it's Eldora and I got to race against Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch. That was huge. The true thing that makes that so special and the reason all of us go do it is because it's benefiting Victory Junction Gang Camp. I think that just puts the icing on the whole deal. It's fun because we race and then it's really fun to realize that we're raising almost a $1 million for such a great cause. So, for me, that ranks very, very high on my list of accomplishments in my life."

Last year's event in tiny Rossburg, Ohio, attracted 20,000 fans and raised $800,000 for charity. But for the Sprint Cup drivers, many of whom started on dirt and see Eldora as a mecca of the discipline, it also presents a welcome diversion from the regular grind. Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Denny Hamlin, Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne are among the drivers who for one night will forego their Cup cars for snub-nosed, 800-horsepower, dirt-churning machines.

"I had a blast last year," Gordon said. "Just getting back on to the dirt, sliding sideways. I think there's just no pressure, it's a fun event. I think that the way the teams prepare the cars and the way that Tony prepares the track, and the fans, it just takes you kind of back to the roots that you started with. A lot of us started on dirt tracks. When you come here there's so much on you, there's so much pressure on everybody. It's a business. You've got sponsors that you have to try to make happy. You've got timing and scoring, you're trying to move up and go faster all the time. It's just you don't have that pressure when you go there. You go there, you're sliding sideways, you're having fun and it doesn't matter if you win or lose or where you finish, you just had a good time by being there."

How big has it become? Consider that Johnson, appearing in the event for the first time this year, last drove on dirt in 2000, hot-lapping a dirt car at Texas Motor Speedway. Prior to that, hadn't raced on the surface since 1997. But he'll be there Wednesday night. Eldora has that kind of allure.

"It's a track that, regardless of what type of surface you race on or what kind of car you drive, you know it's Eldora. And in a dirt world, it's Daytona. So it means a lot," he said. "The only thing I would say that would mean more to Carl from winning that last year, is if all the dirt late model guys were there. When you're running in someone else's cars, the guys that do it week in and week out are better than any professional coming in and running that car. Carl runs a lot of dirt races and he's won plenty of them. So I would really take the sincerity in winning that event and what that means. It means a lot."

Who's building Johnson's car? That would be Bowyer, an ace dirt racer in his day, and someone with a strong appreciation for both the surface and the venue. He's not taking it lightly. "We're going to have a car for Jimmie Johnson to run, and I made sure it's a car capable of winning. I'm more nervous about Jimmie running than I am. I've got a two-time champ in my seat. As a car owner you don't get that opportunity very often, so I better make sure I take full advantage of it and give him a good ride," he said.

The event, which will be televised on a pay-per-view basis, has presented some drivers with new challenges. Harvick said he's focused on trying to get better as a dirt racer, because nobody wants to go to Eldora and look bad. Hamlin actually tested a dirt car at North Georgia Speedway. Gordon had never driven a dirt late model until last year's race. They all seem to relish the newness of the experience.

"To me it was neat to see guys that have never done that before," said Bowyer, himself no stranger to dirt. "These are the best drivers in the world, I feel like. It was neat to be able to see how quick they adapted and how well they were. I know a lot of the [regular dirt racers] were like, we'll see how they do, they've never done that before, they're gonna suck. My argument was, he isn't running in the Cup Series for nothing. You watch, he'll impress you. Look at Jeff Gordon, he hadn't been in a dirt car in probably 20 years or something and almost won that thing and it didn't surprise me one bit to be honest with you."

Of course, not everyone is headed to Eldora on Wednesday. For some drivers, Sundays are enough. "I like the day off," Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

Kyle Petty to miss June 1 race for wedding

2008-05-29T06:15:00.003-05:00

It won’t be in Dover, but you can bet that Kyle and Pattie Petty will be celebrating during the May 30 – June 1, 2008 race weekend.
Montgomery Lee Petty, named after great‐grandfather and racing legend Lee Petty, will be getting married on Saturday, May 31, 2008. Montgomery Lee is Kyle and Pattie’s only daughter.
Nuptials aren’t the only thing taking Petty away from the track this season. He announced this season that he will be missing six Cup races in order to serve as an analyst on TNT’s race broadcasts. In 2007, he started 29 out of 36 races as well.
Petty won his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in 1986 and has gone on to win seven more Cup races since then. His last win came at the Monster Mile, on June 4, 1995, in the Miller Genuine Draft 500. The memorable win, which ended with an ailing Petty in Victory Lane needing oxygen, saw him come from the 27th starting position to take the checkered flag.
For tickets for the May 30 ‐ June 1, 2008 NASCAR tripleheader weekend, call 800‐441‐RACE or visit www.DoverSpeedway.com