November 30, 2007
Chad James
AARN
Written By: Alison Byram
For Chad James, everything seems to be falling into place; a family, top-tier
big block modified ride, and an improved season. One thing that is missing? His
first win.
James would be the first to admit, "The equipment is fine, it's the level of my
abilities that needs to get better."
Competing weekly at his father's Bridgeport Speedway, Chad battles with names
such as, Billy Pauch, Wade Hendrickson, and Doug Hoffman. "It makes it real
tough. There were a couple times this year where I could have easily got a win.
That first night over to Georgetown (Del.), I led till lap 17 and I pretty much
had it when I was by myself. I started on the pole and we were good, but when I
hit the lap cars, it was the first time I had really ever had to lap anybody. I
got past a couple cars alright, and then the level of experience ran out."
"There was a night at Bridgeport this year, where we led till the 23rd lap and
we were good and Pauch ended up getting by us with two to go. No one else was
going to beat us that night, but it was going to be Billy Pauch. And that makes
it tough. In some way you look at it and glad these guys are here because I'm
learning so much more and when I finally do get that win it's going to be so
much better because I beat Billy Pauch, or I beat Doug Hoffman. But then you
look at it, one night if I finish 2nd, if that man wasn't here I would have won.
So, it's kind of a Catch 22 but I would rather it be like this. When Pauch ended
up getting by me, I learned something that night. He came to me and said if you
were doing this, instead of doing that, I wouldn't have passed you. He said you
were kind of messing up getting in, and it all made sense. You can't buy
experience and that's the only way you are going to get it."
"The first time I got in anything and drove it competitively was the Crate 1 two
years ago. I ran the Rookie Series at Bridgeport (N.J.), and I won half of the
races. We were planning on me running the Crate class again the next year, and
Danny Johnson was going to stay in the Big Block. We ended up getting a call
from him before the first race, and he had gotten a ride up in New York that was
easier for him then driving five hours every weekend. So then we were still
going to do the Crate 1 thing, and we went out there the first week and sat
there all night, and the Crates are kind of the low man on the totem pole, and
the curfew came up, and the Crate show ended up getting cancelled and we never
raced. So we thought this doesn't even make sense. We have a Big Block sitting
there, if he is going to get in it sometime, he mine as well get in it now. So I
ran the Big Block last year, and everyone knows how that went. We struggled
pretty badly. We wrecked, a lot. Did not qualify, a lot. Bridgeport was having
35 cars there every week last year and this year there were some nights where
there were not even 20 and that made it a lot easier getting to qualify. I think
having a few good runs in the beginning gave me a little bit of confidence for
later down in the road. We had a decent season. We still put her into the wall a
time or two but it was a lot better than last year."
"This year's goal was just to finish in the top 10 in points. With about three
weeks left in the point's race, we made it into the top 10 and ended up getting
10 th. I think next year, the top 5 is a little too high up on the pole to
expect, but that is probably going to be our goal and to a get a win. But the
main thing I need to focus on now is being more consistent. I need to learn that
a 7th and 8th place is a lot better than a 19th and fixing the car during the
week. It's hard for me to grasp that sometimes."
For James, he is not only his father's son, but his driver. "My dad and I, like
any father and son who work together on a daily basis, we get in quite a few
arguments, and every now and then we get in an argument and the racecar pops up.
Other than something real serious, like that happening, I love it. This is what
he has always wanted eventually anyway, for me to be in the car."
For modified fans, we can expect young Chad James to be the future face of the
J&J Shop No. 27. With the financial backing and equipment to do so, we can only
anticipate James' first victory, a win that he can almost taste.
November 30, 2007
Economical Changes Needed In Order for Sport to Survive
AARN
Written By: Alison Byram
The sport of racing has always been an uneconomical, expensive sport. The
likelihood of that changing? Slim to none. With a floundering economy and
equally suffering sport, the need for an economical change is more important
than ever. Factors including, motors, divisions, promoters, and fans play an
important role in the success of the sport.
Duane Howard: "I think the economics need to change but you are still going to
have an owner. I think it is more of a promoter's job and getting the interest
back in the modified style racecar. I think it is a dying breed, and you have
old-timers hanging on who have been doing this for twenty years. We have no
young profile driver that really catches the attention of the youngsters that we
need. We need that! It just won't happen in this type of racing because the
people who have been here for twenty, twenty-five years, are still winning, and
it's hard to change that. No matter what changes you make you are going to have
your dominant owners that are going to spend money regardless of what changes.
With the crate motors, people are trying to do a crate big block and I don't
think that is a good option at this point and time. It's a dying breed because I
don't think the fans are seeing what they want to see when they come out. If you
go to a Philly's game or anything like that, there are extra activities in
between what's going on and the main event. Maybe things that can be done in
between heat races.
Josh Richards: "Over the years everything in racing is increasing in price,
except the purses. So you are spending more, but racing for the same amount."
Chic Cossaboone: " To make it more economical, you have to make all the rules
the same for everybody and all the tracks. That way no matter where you go the
rules are the same and you don't have to buy different tires for that track or
motor. Make the rules the same everywhere. I think it would make it a lot better
for everybody."
Wade Hendrickson: "I do think the modifieds are getting hurt, car count wise and
the owners. They need to do something different in the structure, like taking
the green money. I guess they are struggling too but if they need to make an
entrance fee, then so be it, make it so the guys get more money to take the
green."
Rick Eckert: "The sport is not the only thing that is economically bad. The
price of fuel is going up, so everything else goes up. Obviously, it has to get
more expensive, which isn't good for racers or car owners, and in return, the
pit passes go up and grandstands, it is a vicious circle. I don't see changing
the rules of a racecar to affect the sport economically. You change the motor
rules and people are going to find ways to beat it and the price will be back to
the same in a couple years. I don't know, I think the price has been going up
forever and it's going to keep going up. Racing has kept going since I was kid,
so it must be the way it is. People are going to keep doing it. I can't say that
if they made a spec motor it would be the right answer, it would cut the car
cost, but is it the answer? I know places where they implemented a spec rule and
within a few years it was the same amount as our motors now. In a lot of forms
of racing, I've seen people try to have rule changes to make it more economical
and it may for a year or two and then it moves right back to where it was. I
don't see racing going anywhere. I remember my dad complaining that he had no
money, but they still raced!
Matt Shepherd: "Probably the motors. Put some kind of limit on the motors. Guys
are spending $40,000 on motors and our motors are probably half the cost of
that. I think the motors are too expensive and everything is just more
expensive; the parts, fuel, the racecar and truck. Everything is more expensive
and they are paying the same or less to win. A higher purse would fix it, but
the track promoters can't afford it either. Sponsors are harder to find. With
everything so expensive maybe a factory crate motor or something. It's something
a big block driver wouldn't normally try but I don't have the answer. I don't
think anybody does.
Jason Covert: "Well I like what we are doing with the open late model
competition. I think the crate racing is going to be good for the lower end and
good for the future, but I still think we need to race open. I don't know if we
ever are going to save money but the fact is, everyone thinks if we made a tire
rule everywhere, it would make you save money, but it doesn't. If you make an
engine rule, or car rule, or shock rule, you are going to spend the money
somewhere else. So you are still going to have the big money guy's spending
money elsewhere. I don't think that in the open competition we will ever really
need a change, but I think crate is the way it is going to be.
Vic Coffey: "Probably the biggest thing that can be done is promoters trying to
get together with tire rules and being able to take one racecar with one engine,
and not a lot of tires going to different places in order to race. Random tires
are ran here and random are run there. A lot of different engine rules. It would
make it more economical for a guy to be able to use stuff at more places, race
more, and potentially make more money. That's probably the biggest thing because
there are so many different rules here and there. There are people who won't go
to certain races because it is a different tire. Unfortunately, all the engines
rules you want to make, there are guys who are going to find ways to cheat
around them, and still make it more expensive because you have to cheat, and
that makes it hard. Lots of differences in rules in different places keep you
from competing.
Other notes: Duane Howard: "I'd say that the Late Models are the premier class
right now. Anyone getting into racing, I'd probably say Late Models are the way
to go. It sure looks that way, with a lot of young modified drivers jumping over
there. And they travel around. They have a better draw. With modifieds, they are
so localized just in the northeast. I think that has hurt the sport. I think
right now a lot of the young modified drivers like Matt Shepherd, Stewart
Friesen, young Billy Pauch, people like that, I don't see modified racing
getting them anywhere for their career.
Jason Covert: "The MACS series allows you to still work a job, but gives you the
feel of a touring series. They had 13 races this year, and 18 last year, if they
had 30 then it would really give you a feel of where you would stand and an
understanding of what it takes to go on the road. I think if you try to go
racing for a living, you have to gain the product sponsor and someone willing to
back you for a long time to get through that transition of learning. The MAC
series is really great to see where you stand."
With these ideas, from drivers who just might know a little something about
racing, we can only hope that changes will be made in the right direction. From
rule changes to promoting ideas, everyone has an opinion on where the sport
should go from here.
Received 11-14-07
16 Year-Old Bruce Hibbs Jr. Brings 13 Years of Experience to NASCAR
Written by Arianne Hegeman
November 6. 2007
Think back to what you were doing at the age of 16. Some of us enjoyed being
mischievous. Smashing mailboxes with baseball bats was a favorite Friday night
activity. Others held weekend pool parties with high school friends. The
responsible teens were busying working at the local fast food restaurant; saving
for car insurance or a pair of jeans. A few spent time studying and preparing
for college.
Bruce Hibbs Jr., a 16-year old racing phenomenon; is busy putting the teenage
stereotype to bed. He has spent the past decade running full throttle towards
the finish line. Hibbs Jr. has spent time competing on both dirt and asphalt
tracks across the nation while mingling with the likes of NASCAR Busch and
Nextel Cup series teams. At the age of 16, Bruce Hibbs Jr. has a plan and it
includes a victory lane near you.
Bruce started racing before he could tie his shoes. “My dad was racing late
models in Wisconsin and I started racing go-karts. It’s in my blood, him and my
pop-pop, he raced too.” The Hibbs family made racing more than just something to
do on the weekends; they made it a way of life. “I wanted to follow in my dad’s
footsteps and drive a race car like he did. I just followed through with it
throughout my childhood and now into my career.”
The hard work has paid off for Bruce and his family as he prepares for an
exciting 2008.
With 13 years of experience already under his belt, Hibbs plans to take his past
and build a solid future in NASCAR. “Right now, our goal is to run some of the
2008 Busch East schedule and ARCA too. But eventually, I’d like to see myself in
Nextel Cup.”
Hibbs Jr. has already made friends with other up-and-coming stars. “I look up to
my friend Stephen Leicht. He helps me a lot, gives me advice and is just there
to answer questions.” Bruce has also taken the careers of Nextel Cup drivers and
learned from example. “I like how Tony Stewart drives. I also like Matt Kenseth
and enjoyed watching the early success of his career.” Kenseth and Hibbs both
grew up in Wisconsin and represent NASCAR’s success outside of the Southeast.
Like one of his favorite Cup drivers Tony Stewart, Bruce Hibbs Jr. has had
success on dirt; the most challenging of all racing surfaces. “I’ve raced Sprint
cars on dirt. In fact, I won Rookie of the Year at Nationals. That has to be my
favorite memory; winning at the Nationals. It was only my third time in a sprint
car. I was 14 at the time. I like racing on dirt, but I like asphalt too, it’s a
toss up.”
Being around racing all of his life has helped Bruce Hibbs Jr. learn from the
lessons that come along with sponsorship and getting that big break into the top
tiers. But his interest in competing in NASCAR has brought along new obstacles
that he welcomes with open arms. “Besides sponsorship; getting used to asphalt
has been a challenge, Stephen Leicht has helped me with that. I’m surprised by
the weight ratio of the sprint cars compared to an asphalt car. Sprint cars are
really light and have a lot of horsepower; the asphalt cars just don’t take off
as quickly as the sprints. It’s taken some getting used to, but I’m up for the
challenge.”
Hibbs Jr. is very humble and easily acknowledges the people who have helped him
fulfill his dreams. “My dad, he’s been with me every step of the way. My whole
family has supported me.” Bruce is the youngest of four children and is the only
boy. He has three older sisters who had no interest in racing. But they have all
been a part of his success and he looks forward to sharing even more racing
memories with them. “And of course, there is Laurie Reitz, who I met when I was
down in Daytona with the ARCA team that I’ve been talking to. She was taking
pictures at the race and took one of me. We starting talking and we’ve been
friends ever since. She’s helped get my name out there”.
The 2007 off-season will find Bruce Hibbs and Co. preparing for 2008. A new team
is being formed with HL Motorsports and new sponsorship will soon follow. Race
fans will want to watch for Bruce Hibbs, Jr. It is only a matter of time before
his name will be on the hot list.
For more information on Bruce Hibbs Jr., visit
www.brucehibbsjr.com
Arianne Hegeman interviews Bruce Hibbs Jr. inside Dover International Speedway's
media center.
Photo credit: M. Toomey
Click on the name to Email the Girls:
Maryann Toomey
Sheree Woodington
Arianne Hegeman
Kimmie Carlino
November 9, 2007
Ricky Elliott at World Finals (Charlotte, NC)
AARN
Written By: Alison Byram
If you were never a Ricky Elliott fan, after watching his performance at the
Dirt Track at Lowe's Motor Speedway, you would be now. Ricky "The Rocket" and
crew represented Delaware Super Late Model racing in a manner that we should all
be proud of, ranking among the top of the country's best Late Model drivers. The
odds were against all the drivers, with 82 entries and 26 starting positions.
Thursday night had two sets of time trials, the first set determining the Heat line-up for Friday and the second determining the Heat line-up for Saturday. Ricky Elliott had a solid two laps, breaking the top 20 fastest. He then finished second to the Carolina Clash's, Jonathan Davenport in the fourth heat race. His efforts put him the tenth starting position for the 50 Lap feature. Laurel, Delaware's, 16-year-old, Austin Hubbard also tried his luck at the 4/10's oval, but failed to qualify with streams of bad luck.
At the drop of the green, Elliott made his charge to the front, being in the 3rd position by lap seven and the runner-up spot by lap 17. On a lap 22 restart, the No. 45 of Elliott got under race leader and Pennsylvania native, Jeremy Miller who ultimately broke on lap 30, handing the lead over to Elliott. At this point, Elliott's mirror was filled with black and blue, with sights of the most winning driver, Scott Bloomquist, the Hurricane, Earl Pearson, Jr., and World of Outlaw point's leader, Steve Francis.
The "Rocket" began hitting lap traffic after ten laps of leading. The "Voodoo Child," Scott Bloomquist was closing in. On Lap 40, Bloomquist attempted to make the pass, but came up short. The battle continued for four more laps, until Bloomer successfully made the pass. On lap 47 the yellow flew, allowing Elliott to have one last shot at capturing his first World of Outlaw victory. Elliott had been impressive on the starts all night long, but came up short, settling for second in the first 50-lap World Finals race.
"Tonight is really just the preliminary for the big one tomorrow night for the TV deal. It feels good. My guys work real hard, we got some breaks on our side and qualified pretty decent. You just have to have the chance to put yourself in a position to be able to make these races. We were fortunate enough to be in a position to make this race tonight, especially with 82 cars here. I can't say enough about my car owner, Charles Jarvis, being a new car owner and doing this deal, and going out and getting the equipment we need to do the job. In any job you do you need the right tools, and we have the right tools to do the job," said Elliott.
Television coverage is huge for any dirt racing association. Not only does it gain the sport and sponsors exposure, it captivates a new audience. "It helps everybody, anyone that is here racing. I think it is the first time ever that they have had live TV coverage for a World of Outlaw Late Model or any Late Model race anywhere. I think this is huge for the Super Late Model market and absolutely is a stepping stone. Look at the fans in the stands, this place is packed. I don't think I've ever seen this many fans at a regular dirt race, outside of Eldora," said Elliott. The SPEED channel aired the World Finals from the Dirt Track at Charlotte Saturday night from 8 to 11 p.m., with appearances by Wind Tunnels, Dave Despain.
For Elliott, Friday night's race was important for success on Saturday. "Tomorrow will be a whole different set of circumstances. This is truly going to give you a chance, if you get in tomorrow night, to know for the feature what type of adjustments to make. If you are lucky enough to get in tonight then you can use this to get in tomorrow night and have an idea of what the track is going to do."
After the feature, Elliott commented, "Jeremy Miller needs to win a big race like us, and if I couldn't have won it, I would have wanted him to. We have no damage to complain about. It sucks to be second again, we just have to keep plugging. I would have really liked to beat him (Bloomquist) though, maybe I need one of those cars," laughed Elliott.
On Saturday night, Elliott again made the show, taking the last transfer spot in heat one, starting him 11th in the televised feature. He ran a solid race, breaking the top ten, competing against the likes of Josh Richards, Dan Schlieper, and Scott James, but settled in and finished 14th.
What does the future hold for Delaware's Ricky Elliott?
"Maybe Carolina Clash or the MACS series. We are still a new team, this is the first year for Charles (Jarvis), but the crew guys are mostly the same guys I had before. You don't want to overstep your boundaries when you are doing something like this, so we will get through this weekend and see what we are going to do next year," said Elliott.
One thing is for sure, Ricky Elliott is heading home north with new fans. Fans that range from 48 different states, three countries, and Canadian Provinces. Delaware is now on the map at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
November 5, 2007
Jessica James w/ Bridgeport Speedway
AARN
Written By: Alison Byram
Four years ago when Jay James and business partner, Brian Ramey took ownership
of Bridgeport Speedway, young daughter, Jessica James had no idea what would be
in store. The bleachers, pavilion, and bathrooms were not the only changes being
made. Now, 18 years of age, the 2007 racing season was Jessica's first year as a
track promoter. A year she has taken in stride. "This was my first year, so it
was really hard learning all the ropes. I think I've gotten a little better. I
had a lot of mistakes this year, but I think I've learned from them. You can't
please everybody, but you want to. And a lot of it is try and fail," said
Jessica.
For a dirt track racing fan, you would think the ultimate job would be to run a
racetrack, but that doesn't seem to be the case. "I thought this job was going
to be easy. Go out there and play with the fans. But you have the fans, the
drivers, the driver's owners, and the sponsors. There is so much more than one
aspect. It's a lot harder than what I thought it was going to be."
"It's really difficult, because you cannot please everybody. Everyone has their
own way. People say do this and do that, but sometimes you can't. I try a lot of
things people say, but sometimes it just doesn't work and you have to let it
roll off your back. It is hard to say that you have failed when you try to do
something."
For the James' family, operating a racetrack is a family affair. "The whole
family is involved. From about Tuesday to Sunday, my Dad is at the racetrack
doing the improvements and maintenance parts of it. He comes back home Sunday
afternoon. My brother goes up on Friday and helps with track preparation and
Saturday, before he climbs in his racecar to race. My sister and I help with fan
promotion, 50/50, and ticket sales. My mom handles all the money and bookwork at
the track. I think this has brought us closer together as a family. Instead of
us all having our own schedules, we all have to work through each other to get
it all done," said James.
For a sport that is constantly being referred to as "dying," it is difficult to
be willing and motivated to finance a dirt track. "I think the sport will grow.
The crate classes have really taken off, and are the backbone of the sport. It
is more affordable. I think that will help the modifieds out a lot and be
stepping stones. I don't think the sport is dying, but hurting. It is money.
Without owners you don't have drivers. The drivers don't have money to back up
what they want to do. It's all business transactions. I hope that the people in
these crate classes will keep moving up and eventually to the big block.
Hopefully with the stepping stones, the drivers will get more seat time and
experience."
"We really love our drivers. I really could not ask for a better group of
drivers at Bridgeport. My Dad really wants to see Bridgeport succeed for the
fans, owners, and drivers. He is doing the best he can to make sure he has a
place to race because at the end of the day, he is a car owner too."
Unique to Bridgeport Speedway is their solid group of young, talented drivers.
With names such as, Jimmy Horton IV, Jesse and Travis Hill, Brett Ballard, Sean
Gunther, and the Watson Boys. "We have a great group of young drivers which you
don't see at a lot of tracks. That is what is really going to keep the sport
alive! It's a lot easier for me (James) to deal with the younger drivers. They
are up for new ideas. The older drivers don't seem to like change."
For the aspiring driver, Bridgeport Speedway offers a Rookie division. It is a
Crate 1 engine that allows a group of rookies to race together and gain seat
time for no purse. They then can start at the rear of the Crate 1 class. "Our
rookie champion Matt Harrell won the points championship, and actually finished
2nd in the non-winners race at Syracuse at his first visit this year. We are
proud of the accomplishments our rookies have had," said James.
An obvious challenge for any business is the flow of funds. "My biggest
challenge is getting the money to the racetrack. We have packages such as, A
Night of Racing. Your company would get a sponsored night. They get a catered
VIP box, with 30 tickets, 100 grandstand tickets, and a billboard for the year.
All the amenities! Someone will get to ride in the pace truck, be the grand
marshal, and wave the green flag. All the things you have always wanted to do as
a fan, you can. You then receive advertisement all year long from our
announcers. The hardest thing is trying to sell them. Money is what runs a
racetrack, and you can't do it without the sponsors. The drivers will always
come back, because most of them like Bridgeport. Fans love the racing, so they
will come back because they don't want to travel far away, but the sponsors are
hard to get," claimed James.
Bridgeport Speedway also offers creative functions, such as birthday parties.
"We get them to pick their favorite driver and they come over and hang out with
them, and eat cake. They love the driver activity."
More than anything else, Bridgeport Speedway is an advocate for a
family-oriented facility. "We want fans to know that they can drop their kids
off, go to the pits, and come back and your kids will be perfectly safe. With
the fans, we try to increase activity as much as possible. We try to get the
kids involved with the drivers. The top five always come back, and meet the fans
and sign autographs. The drivers love the kids and the kids love seeing them."
"The future is to keep Bridgeport going. We would like to put the pits closer to
the fans. We think it will bring the fans closer to the driver, which everyone
loves," says James. "With all the complaints, came a lot of compliments. I like
hearing what the racers have to say and their suggestions. You learn off of
them. Without someone complaining, you are not going to learn how to make it
better."
With determination to not allow another dirt track to fall to the wayside, young
Jessica James is shaping to be an unyielding factor in the success and
continuance of Bridgeport Speedway.
November 4, 2007
Maryland Clay Dirt
By Doug Watson
“Emotional Delaware Weekend for Roy Deese Jr.”
This past Sunday was the final dirt late model event of the Northeast
season and it came in the season ending Delaware State Dirt Track Championships
at Charlie Cathell’s Delaware International Speedway. A large field of
forty-three late models took part in the weekends activities. The fifty-lap
feature for the late models had a nice pay-out of $3000 to the winner plus lap
money. A beautiful fall afternoon in Delaware greeted the unusually low
grandstand turnout, but even with expected rubbered-up surface for the features
the racing was very good, especially in the late model headliner. Here’s some
notes and quotes from the show,
* The fifty-lap late model feature, which had a thirty-car starting field, was a
relatively clean event. The feature took the green at 2:35 and despite seven
caution periods was checkered at 3:15...
* Laurel Maryland’s Roy Deese Jr. scored a very emotional win. “It feels incredible.” Were the words from a very tired, but happy Roy Deese Jr. as we had a chance to catch up after the feature. “This is the first time I’ve won since I’ve been sick, I’ve had a lot of opportunity’s to win but never followed through especially this year.” “We worked hard this weekend. We hadn’t been fast all day until the feature. It feels real good to win again and I’m sure this will all sink in later. Roy’s winning run came in his trusty Hoosier clad Rocket with a Russell Baker/Samakow power plant under the hood. “This was a good run for my engine program.” Deese stated. “We’ve had a rough year with engines and Russell Baker and Samokow put a real nice piece under the hood.” The win for Deese was his first since May of 2005, also it was his first career DE State championships victory and his 10th career DIS late model score.
* Ellendale Delaware’s Rob Schirmer drove the race of his career in finishing second to winner Roy Deese Jr. “I just wanted to get close enough to let Roy know I was there, but you know with one-groove racing we had to take our time and get to the front.” Lapped traffic with about five laps to go made the conclusion of the fifty-lapper quite interesting. “Yeah that was my best shot, but we came up a little short but the car was really good, I’m tickled to death.” Schirmer’s strong run came in a BRC race cars Lazer chassis.
* Millsboro Delaware’s David Pettyjohn was quite pleased with his third place feature effort. “The track was dry and hard like usual but I was a little to tight.” Pettyjohn stated in reference to his Swartz-chassied machine. “This is the same car I won this race with last season, but something’s just not right because I’m a hair to tight, but it’s a good way to end the season. I’d rather have won the race but new came home in one piece, I’m pretty happy.”
* One thing I noticed that I found quite disturbing during the program was the lack of the “red flag”. The first lap of the big-block modified feature saw at least 10 to 12 cars all pile up going into the first turn, blocking the entire track. Secondly, in the late model feature, Bob Geiger flipped wildly down the backstretch and on both occasions, the red flag was never displayed. Maybe track officials deemed both of these incidents non red-flag situations, but I’ve never been to any track that especially when a car gets upside down the red flag is thrown immediately. Just an observation I found interesting.
* Mechanicsville Md.’s had a potentially wining run foiled on the 12th lap. While running second, to then leader Kenny Pettyjohn, Lathroum slipped coming off turn four allowing the third place car of Chuck Schutz to get a run down the homestretch. As Lathroum gathered his MasterSbilt no.6 back in he and Schutz made contact going into the first turn that saw Schutz spin wildly off the first turn banking and Lathroum drive to the pit with race-ending suspension damage to his mount. Last season’s event saw Lathroum (5th) and Schutz (6th) in the final rundown.
* Millsboro Delaware’s Kenny Pettyjohn had a disappointing day. Pettyjohn, a five-time winner of this event, was scheduled to start from the pole. A lap nineteen caution not only slowed the field, but proved to be Kenny’s undoing. A crushed left-rear quarter panel on his Warrior, while leading, saw him stop on the track and eventually head to the pits with tire problems. “I could hear the tire rubbing on the body.” A dejected Pettyjohn quipped after the feature. “They (Track Officials) told us at the drivers meeting we couldn’t stop on the track to fix damaged metal, oh well I guess that’s the way it goes‘.”
* Odenton Maryland’s Keith Jackson continued his late season heroics as he qualified for his first-ever DE state championships aboard Mike “Pickle” Cross’ Rocket No.07. Although Jackson would finish 20th , the young Maryland driver showed he has great potential.” This only my second time running in the rubber.” Jackson stated after the feature. “Mike Cross has given me the chance of a lifetime in driving his car.” Prior strong runs have all come in the last four weeks. “Hagerstown we were pretty decent, Potomac we were real happy but had some motor problems but I think we’re starting to get the hang of these daytime shows.” Jackson felt the outcome of the race would have been a little different If he would have started near the front. “I think we had the best car out there today.” Jackson bottom lined. “If we had of started on the pole I think everyone would have been in trouble.”
* 2004 DIS late model track champion Richard Jarvis had an interesting
weekend. Mechanical problems with his Mid-Coastal Siding Rocket on Saturday
forced Jarvis into one of the B-mains on Sunday. Jarvis would go on to qualify
and start 26th in the feature. After racing hard all day Jarvis was swept up in
an on-track incident that cost him a shot at a top-five finish. “I got involved
in the good old championship show melee they usually have.” Jarvis dejectedly
stated in front of his wrecked race car. “With the one-lane track everyone’s
fighting for as much as they can get and three-cars stopped in front of me, I
jammed the brakes but had nowhere to go. I just feel bad for all the guy’s who
make all this possible, I was a really hoping to give them a better finish than
this.” Jarvis would finish 14th in the main. News or notes to
djm5507@aol.com
Charlotte, NC - - - November 3, 2007
LC American Press:
HL Motorsports, LLC steps up their game to take on the challenges of a full schedule for the 2008 & future racing seasons. Yesterday’s discussions resulted in the teams first purchase of 4 top NASCAR Cup cars (110”) and a motor agreement. This development is following HLM’s recent contract for the team’s facility; future details to follow on the website. www.hlmotorsports.com
Interviewed-one of the drivers for HLM- Bruce Hibbs, Jr.- "We want to win
races, and championships! With my team mates, champion built racecars, & a
proven winner - crew chief Rodney Jockisch, I feel this gives us the best
opportunity to make that happen."
Team owners remarked; “We are excited that with the new partnerships and
sponsors that we can continue to build on previous years’ successes.” HLM
disclosing that there are still some remaining individual sponsorships for
interested companies currently available.
RLJ Racing Consultant Services
October 12, 2007
Crate Late Models Invade New Jersey
AARN
Written By: Alison Byram
In a region dominated by the Modified divisions, New Jersey race fans got a
small taste of Delaware racing, with the Crate Late Models invading Bridgeport
Speedway. History was in the making, as the Crate Late Models tracked dirt on
the speedway for the first time ever. The field, predominantly consisting of
Southern Delaware racers, had a respectable 15 cars for the Atlantic Coast
Championship Weekend.
“It is great that they (Bridgeport Speedway) are trying it. I know they tried the Supers at New Egypt and it didn’t work, but I think it will work here. It’s a more economical class. It’s close to home for all of us. It’s a really nice facility to race here. I think it will work,” said race winner, Ross Robinson.
A handful of other Late Model drivers have faith in the division in the northern region too. “I like the idea of our class expanding. Especially north because it gives us more tracks to run at. Delaware is about the only track we have. It’s nice to travel every once in a while and for tracks to recognize us, especially up here at Bridgeport, a very historical track,” said Joe Warren.
Delaware regular Kelly Putz agreed. “It’s good for the sport and for the fans. It gives them something different to watch in terms of the type of car; fender cars. Hopefully it will carry over to next year.”
Crate Modified drivers from the First State have had opportunity to choose from three tracks within the region on any given weekend; Bridgeport Speedway, Delaware International Speedway, and Georgetown Speedway. Unfortunately, the Crate Late Model division struggles to find nearby competition, without traveling south. If Bridgeport Speedway were to adapt the division, these drivers believe it has a chance.
With hopes of a double-duty weekend, Kelly Putz believes it is possible. “If it is done right, and keep the rule packages similar for both tracks then it will probably work. It’s not a bad ride up here, and if they set everything up right, I’m sure it will go pretty well. It would be real good if they tried this division out. Right now they are talking about maybe doing something on Friday nights next year and a lot of guys would probably support that.”
“I would love to come here on Friday nights or whenever they have it, I hope it works out,” said Robinson.
Runner-up of the weekend, Eric McKinney says, “I think it’s good to get the Crate Late Model class out to people who normally don’t see it on a regular base. It might be slow taking off, with people in the area getting Crate Late Models, but I think over a period of time it would become a great class.
On a good night I think the late models put on a much better show than a modified.”
Not only does the division provide competitive, side-by-side racing, Bridgeport Speedway offers an excellent racing facility. “The track is fast. The corners are enormous. It’s a real fun track to race on. By far this is the fastest I’ve ever been in a crate late model,” says Warren.
“It was super fast! It was real nice to be able to race that close and that fast. It’s a real great track to be able to run these cars at,” claimed Robinson.
It is safe to say that the overall consensus in the pits was supportive of a
Crate Late Model division at Bridgeport Speedway in the future. “It seems like
the modifieds are dying and the late models are really starting to take off,”
says Ross. We can only hope that the “Delaware Gang” can test their hands at the
fast 5/8’s oval again.
AARN
Donald Lingo's Dream Season In Delaware
October 4, 2007
Donald Lingo, Jr. # 55L On June 2, 2007, Delaware International Speedway Heat # 2 & Feature Winner That Night
Photos by Bonnie Nibblett
Written By: Alison Byram
A dream season. For Donald Lingo, Jr., Delaware Super Late Model stand-out, 2007
has been just that. Capturing his second consecutive Delaware International
Speedway championship, qualifying for World of Outlaw events, and managing two
rides. “It’s been a long time getting to this point. I remember when we first
started out, David Hill and the Pettyjohn’s were always having five, six, or
seven win seasons, and I always thought how nice it would be to get to that
point. It took us three or four years of a lot of hard work, but it finally paid
off. The past two seasons have made it feel like it has all been worthwhile,”
says Lingo.
Donald began his racing career at the young age of five, competing in the go-kart ranks, winning numerous races and championships. From there, the team raced micro-sprints for three years, and at the age of 16, Donald tested the water of a Super Late Model.
“If someone told me in beginning of the year that we would have seven wins, I would have been tickled to death.” In the sport of dirt track racing, finances are typically the deciding factor of your success or not. “Basically, my racing operation is all out of my Mom and Dad’s pocket and the sponsors we have. We have never had all the funding we need. That is why my first season we had to sit out after three races, because we blew a motor. We only had one motor and one car for a while. Finally, we got another motor, so now we do not have to be worried if we are going to be able to make the next race or not. Funding has a lot to do with it. We can’t really go on the road like we want to.”
The 55L racing team has received a lot of flack over the year for being a dominating team at their local track, but rarely venturing away. “It would be different if I had all the funding to do it with. We do a couple shows here and there during the year and that’s enough to wipe out every little bit of money we saved up for running local. I don’t know how some of the guys do it.”
As a local driver, Donald is more commonly being put in the same category as local stars, such as, Ricky Elliott, David Hill, and Kenny Pettyjohn. Sharing the same accomplishments with some tough company. “I don’t think I’m in their category yet. I’m only 23, so I have a lot of ground before I’m classified with them. I think I’m pretty good, but I haven’t accomplished half the stuff David Hill has, and I’m not running up to the expectations of some of those other guys. There is different funding there. We have to look at it in different ways. I still don’t think we are where we can be. We have a lot of room for improvement, and a lot more stuff to accomplish. I’m thankful to have what I’ve had so far. The last two seasons, going the way they have, has been pretty special.”
This season Lingo had the opportunity to race Alex and Theresa Beaumont’s 22A. “We bought our first car from Alex. They were going to change up. We were actually talking to him about buying another one of his cars and he came up with the idea. Alex was looking for a driver, and thought about calling us. So it was kind of a weird situation. He was going to call us, and we ended up calling him first. We haven’t got a win yet this year with his car, but we have the potential. We just haven’t been in the right place at the right time.”
With the 2007 season winding down, plans for next year are still in the
works. Plans that Donald are really excited about.
“Alex has made traveling some possible for me this year and hopefully next year
we can get on the road some more and try to take racing to the next level. The
more places you go, the more you are going to learn. Hopefully we can make it a
little easier running my car and Alex’s car and make it possible to do some
traveling. If we had the funds that is where I would want to be. It’s fun
running home every weekend but it’s also fun to challenge and try new places.
That’s what has made all this worthwhile to me with the championship this year.
All the hard work it took to get there, and I don’t mind starting all back over
again and not making some races and going through the hard parts. That is what
makes the good parts mean so much. That is what I’m looking forward to right now
in the near future, is taking the next step up and all the bumps and bruises
that are going to come along with it. But hopefully it will all pay off again in
another few years,” said Donald.
“Realistically, my ultimate dream would be to drive on the outlaw or any series for a living. That’s been my goal since I was five. There is still a chance, I am still young, but everyday I’m getting older and my chances are going to get smaller. But right now, my goals are to go and do a deal like the MAC series, and try to learn as much as I can, and try to be the most successful I can be. I think right now that is in my sight, and I can obtain that in the next couple years.”
Donald credits a lot of his success to his Dad. “If it weren’t for him I definitely wouldn’t be standing here today, that’s for sure. My family is really supportive. I have a supportive wife and baby now. It’s a great addition to my life.”
His father’s hard work also includes building their own engines out of the local shop. “It doesn’t sound like much, but to be successful, with all the money out there on engines, it is a great feeling to us. It’s about half the price of what you are going to buy to have a name brand on the valve cover.” Delaware modified champ, H.J. Bunting, “father builds their own engines too and it works out for them, so it is something that can be done.”
With success, come great people behind you. Donald wouldn’t be in the position he is without his loyal sponsors. Such as, family-owned, Lingo Marine, Atkins Masonry, Ralph Joseph, Custom Dual Exhausts, Thorougoods Transport, Virgil Ellwanger Insurance, Parker Farm, Pat’s Aircraft, Delmarva Distributing, Tink’s Fab Shop, Quillen’s Repair Shop, K&B Auto, Snookie Speed Parts, A & R Body Shop, Tuckett Construction, Mark Benston, and his Mom and Dad.
We can only anticipate what Donald has in store for his Delaware race fans. With the collaboration of Lingo and Beaumont, both house-hold names, we can only expect great things. “I’m really excited about next year, and look forward to working with Theresa and Alex,” gleam Lingo.
One of the 7 wins for 2007
Photo by G/S Racing Photos
All the Winners in Victory September 29, 2007 Road America
October 2, 2007
From Bruce Hibbs, Jr. Motorsports
CHECKING IN & CHECKING OUT!! Bruce Hibbs, Jr was turning heads and gaining
priceless knowledge this past week at Road America while logging in
approximately 1400 miles of asphalt expertise. The instruction and direction
provided by the Skip Barber staff proved to be beneficial in the key areas of
tire management, drafting, and cornering techniques.
During a CNN interview with Juan Carlos Malmane Director/CEO, Bruce Jr was quoted on his thoughts of the overall experience; “It is my belief that any aspiring driver should attend this training, the knowledge has proven to be invaluable with the insight of 2 years of racing into one week!” The statement was later reinforced by the young Hibbs in the September 29th Regional Racing event as he drove his way to the front, taking on victory lane and earning both the win and title as Rookie of the Race.
Bruce Jr continues to admire the encouragement and leadership of both Jim Pace and Al Carter as he is confident that, placed in a properly prepared car, the opportunity and growth gained from their counsel will catapult his talents to the next level. Special thanks and gratitude to Jim Pace winner of last years 24 hr Rolex and the 12 hrs of Sebring what a great instructor to have teach you one on one with in car racing. I got alot from the private secsions I recieved from him. and also the entire Skip Barber staff. Thanks to Don,Bruce,PhilRob, Steve and all the others who helped me out. Bruce Jr. is now eligible for a National SCCA licence. He finished 10 and 1/2 seconds in front of second place and 24 seconds over third. With the high speed 4 mile track 14 corners and 31 shifts per round Hibbs showed he could get it done.
Drivers Meeting Saturday
September 28, 2007
For Immediate Release:
#39-Joseph Watson passes #91-Justin Griffith during a race at
Georgetown Speedway last summer
The Winning Watson Boyz
Story & Photos
By Bruce C. Walls
MILFORD, DE-On Saturday September 22 Jordan and Joseph (Jo Jo) Watson, of
Milford, DE, wrapped up their Crate Modified points racing for the 2007
season. Earlier they locked up first and second in their Crate Modified
campaigns at Georgetown Speedway in Georgetown, DE. That Saturday they did
the same at Bridgeport Speedway, in Bridgeport, N.J., where they were
first and second in the Sunoco Crate 1 Modified division. Quite an
accomplishment for a 19 and 17-year-old racing against veterans with much more
experience in short track dirt racing.
“This year was a pretty good experience in the crate modified car,” said
Jordan who out scored his brother 596 to 564-points at Georgetown Speedway
and 1136 to 1080-points at Bridgeport Speedway. “We had a good team
effort. If it wasn’t for everybody I had here helping me, my parents and
everybody on the crew it wouldn’t have been what it was. The new car and
everything we had worked out good. Pretty much anywhere we went Georgetown
or Bridgeport we were in the top five any night. We were consistent every
week.”
Despite their young age both Watson boys have a lot of racing experience.
According to their mother Donna Watson, “Jordan actually went to his first
modified dirt race when he was two weeks old. He went to his first
Syracuse race when he was eight weeks old. That was the year Kenny
Brightbill won for Blue Hen Racing. Joseph has always been drawn to
racing. He would take a week off from school to go to Syracuse when he was
five and six years old. That was his birthday present from my mom and
dad.”
“My dad, Eugene Mills, raced,” she continued. “He broke his back in a
stock car accident around 1974. They were redoing the Delmar track and in
1976 he and some other businessmen got together and started Blue Hen
Racing. It ended up after all of the businessmen dropped out, there were
only two guys George Chaney and my dad. They were the best of friends, George
died of cancer and my dad continued Blue Hen Racing.”
Jordan Watson Climbs out of his car in victory lane
When Jordan turned seven-years-old he began his racing career racking up
championships locally, regionally and nationally racing karts. Two years
later Joseph began following in his brother’s tire tracks. During Their
second season in karts Jordan and Joseph won 18 of 23 Junior Sportsman 1
races at US-13 Kart Club in Delmar, DE. He and Joseph earned ten
championships between US-13 Kart Club and the Delaware Dirt Divisional
Series. They also campaigned in the highly competitive Virginia Dirt
Karting Association (VDKA) where fields are filled with nationally ranked
racers. Jordan finished second in VDKA’s Junior Restricted division.
Joseph earned three championships in the Delaware Dirt Divisional
Series. He won back-to-back titles in Junior Sportsman 1 and 2 during his
karting career.
The Watson boys left karting moving on to Micro Sprints where they competed at
Delaware Motorsports Park in Seaford, DE and Airport Raceway in New
Castle, DE. “Micros were a stepping stone,” Jordan explained. “We didn’t
race them for very long. We got a couple of seconds and thirds in the
Micro and then moved on.”
“Going from karts to micros was a big change due the speed,” his brother
Joseph noted. “You do not have to be smooth with a micro like you do a
kart. You had so much motor to help you with a micro.”
The announcement of an affordable, level field crate modified class being
offered locally and regionally lured them back into the world
they were raised in-short track dirt modified racing.
“We ran micros for two years before we got the modified car.” Jordan explained,
“So it (the Modified) was actually slower. The micros are so much smaller
and have a big motor on them. So the first time I got into the crate
modified it was a lot slower. Everything is bigger in the car and it took
awhile to get use to. But the speeds were a lot slower. It felt like a big
go-kart to me. That’s what it felt like. It wasn’t a lot different just
something different to drive.”
“What a lot of people fail to realize is these boys have been around modified
racing ever since they were 10 or 11-years old,” said their proud father
Glenn Watson. “They went with Jamie Mills, my brother-in-law, a lot of
times to the modified races. Joseph, Jordan and another fellow, Will Brown
were the crew for Jamie. They would go to Pennsylvania, New York; of
course they weren’t old enough to get into the pits in New Jersey, but
they were his crew and he taught them well. That never really sunk in
until this year when they started doing their own setups and everything. They’ve
actually have learned more than we give them credit for. I think a lot of
people have a hard time understanding, especially guys who have been
racing a long time that the boys are not new to modified racing. They
think these are two young kids are coming out and they’ve never raced
before. But actually they were seven-years-old when they started racing
and people don’t realize that. I think the go-karts really helped with the
crate classes you have to be really smooth. That’s where I think the karts
really made a big difference with that part for them.”
During the 2006 season they began scoring wins with the Crate Modified
cars at Georgetown and Bridgeport. “Learning the car and pretty much being
taught by my uncle (Jamie Mills) and other people who’ve been in this
sport for a long time and just picking up on things they’ve taught me,” Jordan
explained “Every week we learned something at the racetrack.”
His brother Joseph added, “Crate cars are like a kart you have to be
smooth. You have power steering that makes the car easier to turn than a micro
and doesn’t give you such a workout. Also crate cares are easier to work
on. The setups are simple once you figure them out.”
Along the way they picked up sponsorship from, Courtland Manor, Wilkins
Fuel Watson’s Auction, Custom Lawn, Blue Hen Speed, Mills Bros. Markets,
Chase Financial, Remax Twin Counties, Ducks Unlimited, Will Brown Truck
Repair Swains Excavation and Tuckahoe Turf Farms. “We’ve been fortunate in
that we have some great sponsors and they’re all local guys all from the
Milford area,” Donna said.
Weekends are especially fast paced at the Watson’s shop and weekday
evenings are busy as well. “Races are won in the shop,” Glenn pointed out.
“We race at Georgetown and then have to get the cars ready on Saturday so
we can race at Bridgeport that night. Saturday’s are like a Chinese fire
drill. Luckily we didn’t get torn up much at Georgetown so we only have
quick maintenance and then go up to Bridgeport. They’re in the shop
working on their cars every night and their not running around like other
kids their age.”
“We take all of the body work off the car the day after racing,” Jordan
described. “Then we start washing everything real good. Next we check all
the nuts and bolts, check all of the hubs, and go over the motor just
basic maintenance. That’s what people don’t understand we work on our cars
a lot. I’ve always believed that the harder you work on your car the
better you run on the track. That’s what I go by every week. I like
winning and meeting new people at the track and making new friends.”
For the upcoming 2008 racing season the Watson brothers plan on defending their
domination of the Crate 1 Modified Division at Bridgeport Speedway. If
Georgetown Speedway reopens they will likely return there to defend their
title there as well.
Looking further ahead Jordan and Joseph say they eventually plan on moving
up to the Crate Modified 2 division and further.
“I hope to get into big block racing or late models or whatever I get a
chance to drive,” Jordan said. “I’m pretty easy going. Whatever I get a
chance to drive I’ll drive. I’d like to try asphalt racing. There’s really
no asphalt racing around here so we’d have to travel if we got into
asphalt racing, but I’d have to travel to do it and I’d have to have the
money to do it.”
“I’d like to see the boys step up and be able to race NASCAR or work on a
NASCAR team,” Donna said of her sons. “There are a lot of opportunities in
that area working in the shop or get the opportunity to race. That’s kind
of far fetched, it’s a dream. The boys setup their cars. They get their
cars ready to go to the races. I think they could do something in the
NASCAR part of racing doing something like sheet metal.”
Joseph said he wants to get into a Big Block Modified car soon and
hopefully progress into some sort of NASCAR racing group in the future. “I
want to thank Danny Schurman from Courtland Manor for being at most of the
races this past season. He’s a great sponsor and friend.”
For now Glenn says he gets a belly laugh when more experienced racers go to his
sons for setup and other advice. “It’s really something to see these very
experienced drivers and crews who should know how to setup their cars
coming to the boys for advice.”
You can keep up with Jordan and Joseph’s racing on their website at
www.watsonboyz.com.
Bruce C. Walls
--
Bruce C. Walls
Action Enterprises, Inc.
Action Sports Photos/Action Sports Promotions
P.O. Box 914 Bethany Beach, De 19930
Phone/Fax 302.537.7223
E-mail: bwalls@fast.net or
sportsshooter@verizon.net
www.printroom.com/pro/DSAM
#30-Jordan Watson works by competitors at Georgetown Speedway
AARN
September 27, 2007
Defending 2006 TSS Late Model/Street Modified driver Joe Warren # 11 Photos by redbud69racing.com
Written By: Alison Byram
Crate Late Model Controversy: Cheating
In the sport of racing, it is all about the victory. Drivers race each and every
week to be holding the checkered flag in victory lane when it is all said and
done. In Crate racing, a phenomenon that has swept the South, drivers and owners
are constantly trying to create ways to give them an advantage. The purpose of
the series is to be as even as possible, with affordable restrictions. What
happens when people begin to cross the line for a competitive edge?
Delaware Crate racer, Dan Fiedler, along with other vocal and legal crate racers are frustrated with the effort. “It’s a shame that the few people caught cheating are taking the blunt, for many that probably are. The racers are doing everything they can to keep up, and cheating seems to be what it takes. The division was created with the best of intentions; to be inexpensive, competitive, and to learn. Cheating has ruined the class and has gotten out of hand.”
With so much controversy, who is to blame for the unfairness that has abrupt among the teams? “The rules need to be consistent,” says Fiedler. “The track did slack off and were not checking for legality. That allowed opportunity for people to cheat and not pay any consequences. Once they did begin checking them on a routine basis, the increase in the purchases of legal motors and shocks from local areas were incredible.”
Popular Crate series, Fastrak, believes Crate Racing puts the success of your team back in the hands of the crew and driver and not "whoever has the money" be the determining factor of the winner. Recently when a fellow competitor was caught with illegal fuel, he was not only stripped of his points earned from that race, but six previous races also, due to the unknown of how long he had been in use of the fuel. The same concern has risen at Delaware’s local tracks when drivers are convicted of cheating. Who is to know how long the cheating had been occurring?
With that said, five of the top ten in points at Delaware International Speedway, have been caught swindling the rules for a variety of reasons. From illegal shocks to tampered engines. For drivers like Dan Fiedler, sitting eleventh in the points standings, that is a hard pill to swallow. “I work just as hard and fairly, and won’t have a chance to go to the banquet and receive a trophy.” A minor dilemma for a major problem.
“I’ve had the means to cheat. All you really have in life is your word and self-respect, something I wasn’t willing to compromise. A lot more guys would be happy if everybody just stuck by the rules. The whole reason cheating really started was because one or two people were just running away with it. Everybody just wanted to keep up and run good,” says Fiedler.
For track officials, the benefit of a Crate series was an excellent idea that has unfortunately become an inconvenience and controversy. No matter what, the track is usually at fault for driver’s decisions. “I just want to bring the competition back into the class. The only way to do that is a clear set of rules, and stick by them no matter what and who it is,” says Fiedler.”
On the other end of the spectrum, defending Delaware International Speedway champion, Joe Warren thinks a little differently. “You are always going to have controversy in motorsports, no matter what the class. Everyone is always striving to be better than the next person. When everybody’s the same, it puts almost that more pressure on you to outperform the other guy, and some people get sucked into it.”
Warren, being disqualified earlier in the season, after failing post-race inspection for an illegal shock says, “It bums you out that everyone is suppose to be the same and some aren’t. It may make one or two jump the fence, I know it did me. I really felt bad and embarrassed. I was so proud of myself last year for winning the championship, being 100-percent legal.”
“I don’t think you can eliminate cheating. Charlie (Cathell) has gone out of his way to do the right thing as far as tech. The more tech, the less problems you will see. Last year we did not have extensive tech and that caused people to start pushing the envelope. This year they began more tech. I think about 75-percent of the class is legal again,” says Warren.
Winning all his collected Crate Late Model features legal, Warren is proof that you do not have to cheat to win. Warren will be first to admit that his shock infraction only cost him. Most likely he would have finished in the same whereabouts, with or without the legal shock. Previous performance proves that theory.
“If someone’s definition of success is to win every single race, you might have to cheat. To consistently finish in the front and win here and there with some luck, you don’t need to cheat,” says Joe.
The pilot of the No. 11 Crate Late Model credits the division for a lot of his success. “I don’t have the financial backing for a successful late model operation. If it weren’t for the crate series, I would have never stepped up to a late model. This is as far as I can go on my own. If I had the opportunity to drive a Super Late Model, I would jump at it.”
At this point, the fate of an authentic crate class is left up to the driver’s honesty and the severity of tech enforcement. A racer’s drive to win will never cease. With that, we can expect pushing the limits to neither. We can only hope that with a strong tech the infractions will be minimal and in result, fierce competition.
Joseph & Jordan Watson
Photo courtesy of Andrew Turner
September 20, 2007
Written By: Alison Byram
AlisonB918@aol.com
The Watson Brothers
Competition is always more fierce when you are trying to outrun your biggest
rivals. Even more so when your biggest rival is your brother. For Jordan and
Joseph Watson racing comes natural, following a long line of racing involvement
including their Uncle, Modified racer Jamie Mills and Grandfather, Eugene Mills.
The two racer’s passion for racing was fueled in their family’s local garage,
which is strategically placed between their row of houses.
The boys got their start in go-karts, capturing many championships, and progressed to the Micro Sprint Division. From there the Watson’s invested in Crate Modifieds, where they have been ultra-successful. In two seasons, the two drivers’ have collected over 25 victories from Georgetown Speedway (Georgetown, Del.) and Bridgeport Speedway (Bridgeport, NJ), to date. Most recently, oldest, Jordan Watson captured the 2007 Crate Modified Points Championship at Georgetown Speedway. Jordan and Joseph are still continuing to fight for the 2007 Bridgeport Speedway Sunoco Sportsman Championship.
“We are competitive in everything! We are only a year in a half apart. We’ve done everything together since we were little from racing bikes. Even now, playing Playstation can cause controllers to be broken and boxing matches started,” the boys agreed, which is rare.
“The competition is fiercer, my brother won’t admit it, but it is,” said Joseph.
“None of us will give in and say one is better, we’re always trying to beat the other. We race each other hard and close, but won’t take each other out,” said Jordan.
“There is a difference between moving and taking someone out,” smiled Joseph.
The foot in height is not the only difference that separates these two racers. Jordan, “the tall one,” is more serious and conscious about racing, claimed younger brother, Joseph. “Jordan uses a fine tooth comb and I use a coarse.”
“I believe the harder you work on your racecar, the better you’ll run. I want to know that everything is right, and have confidence in my car,” said Jordan.
“He (Joseph) can get out of the car smiling, no matter what. I finish second and I’m disappointed,” said Jordan. Joseph, characteristically, the “laid-back” racer of the two. Even so, Joseph is quick to say that he is more aggressive and willing to take chances than Jordan would.
“It takes Jordan a little longer to find the fastest lap around the track,
but once he does, he’s hard to beat.”
It’s not all fun and competition when trying to outrace your sibling. “Being
with my brother on the track, we are always worried about each other if
something happens, “said Jordan.
“Why most kids were going to football games, we were going to the races. It is all we’ve ever known. We wouldn’t be running as good as we are if we didn’t have the people around helping us.” Including, their loyal sponsors, such as their parents with Watson’s Auction and Re/Max Twin Counties. Courtland Manor, Blue Hen Speed Performance, Wilkins Fuel, Swain Excavation, Tuckahoe Turf Farm, Will Brown Truck Repair, Mills Bros. Market, and Custom Lawns, also decorate the 30 and 39.
Everyone has a childhood hero that inspires them to reach for their dreams.
The Watson Boys too had a hero.
“I met Bob McCreadie when I was little, and found out he was the best. When he
stopped, it was natural to start rooting for Timmy. That’s how I got 39,” said
Joseph.
Jordan, on the other hand, looks up to NASCAR star, Jeff Gordon. “He simply came from dirt and made it to the top. I also wouldn’t be in the position I am without my parents. They have made it possible for both us to race.”
Both of the boys convey similar goals. The ultimate goal to have a future in NASCAR. For now, they want to continue to move up and drive anything they can drive. For them, the next step would most likely be a Big Block Modified. With a Big Block, comes hope of a Syracuse victory, the Super Bowl of dirt racing.
“NASCAR is everyone’s goal, until you get to an age where you know you can’t make it. Hopefully, we aren’t at that age yet. It’s the top level in racing, it’s as far as you can get. The likelihood of making it is harder around here. Hopefully one of us can make it, and with luck both of us can.”
“To us, crate racing is the future of dirt track racing. People can’t afford to buy a Big Block or Super Late Model, and if local tracks don’t recognize that, racing is going to die. It’s ashame that there is not more exposure for the drivers Crate racing. A lot of the younger drivers are racing in this class, and don’t get recognized.”
With Crate racing comes speculation. Speculation that the winning driver’s are pushing the limits to get an edge.
“Anytime they do well, they don’t seem to get credit for doing good, but that they cheat. But I guess that’s racing,” claimed the boy’s father, Glenn Watson. “People don’t realize the accomplishment and work it is to potentially win two track championships in the same year. You have to have a lot of luck.”
Running two times a weekend, before Georgetown Speedway closed for the year, the boys were furiously working on Saturday mornings to prepare for Bridgeport Speedway, which abides different rules.
“It was difficult because we don’t have a lot of help. Everyone on this team is under the age of 19,” said Jordan.
After the closing of Georgetown Speedway, the boys focused on capturing their first Bridgeport Speedway Championship.
“Bridgeport has been really good to us. We will race Bridgeport next year. If
Georgetown doesn’t race, we will probably invest into a Crate II car. We can’t
thank Jay and Jessica James enough,” says, mother Donna Watson. “This is
very-much a family affair for us. The boys don’t quite realize the whole story
behind racing with our family. It’s a tradition that they’ll grow to
appreciate.”
With both boys having a competitive spirit, racing each other is just a small
case of brotherly love.
September 7, 2007
AARN
Photo submitted by AB More on Redbud's Pit Shots
Upcoming Mod. Lite Superstars (Delmarva Motorsports Park)
Written By: Alison Byram
In an era with a slow fading of childhood dirt track stars, we are constantly
looking to find the person of the younger generation to fulfill that heroes
spot. At Delmarva Motorsports Park (Seaford, Del.), young Modified Lite drivers
are giving hope to those who doubt the future of dirt track racing. With an
elite group of about 25 racers on any given Friday night, ranging from 10-15
years of age, the competition is stiff, with a difference of two tenths of a
second between the fastest and slowest car.
The Junior Modified Lite director, Ed Cole says, “These kids do a remarkable job. If they can drive and handle this, they can drive anything in the world. It’s a full-blown racecar in a scaled down version.” The Modified Lite division at DMP requires sealed, stock motors, tires, 1100 lbs., and multiple safety features. Including, a head and neck restraint, five-point safety harness, minimum of two or three layer fire suit, and gloves. Cole was excited to say that about 98% of the Mod. Lite division wears the Hans device for safety. “These cars are extremely safe.”
The program is intended to develop driver skills and promote racing for our younger generations. “We’ve divided the Modified Lite class into two divisions; Rookie and Junior. Everyone is going to race, every week. There will never be a consolation and drivers going home.”
2007 is the fourth year of the Mod. Lite division at Delmarva, starting with
only three cars weekly in 2003.
A few of the weekly Junior Mod. Lite competitors include, Clint Chalabala, Dylan
Evans, Kyle Fuller, Tyler Reed, Ty Short, and Amanda Whaley. Each of these
drivers share similar racing backgrounds, yet very different goals.
All of the drivers began their careers in the go-kart ranks and claim their Dads as their racing heroes, along with Dale Earnhardt Jr., and local Late Model star, Ricky Elliott. On the other hand, their futures are very diverse. Female racer, Amanda Whaley has hopes of racing a Crate Late Model when of age, and Tyler Reed plans on a 1200 Sprint or Modified. 11- year-old, Dylan Evans, intends on competing in the Aaron’s Pro Challenge, racing smaller scale Asphalt Trucks.
“Everyone’s tough competition,” says Amanda Whaley. The group of young talent all agreed that Walt Breeding’s, Delmarva Motorsports Park is a premier racing facility. “It has a great surface. There is always good racing and competition.”
“Modified Lites allow you to gain more experience,” said 15-year-old, Kyle Fuller. “It’s been a learning experience that can help me with my future in racing.”
“It’s so remarkable to see young drivers race hard, and when it’s all said and done they shake hands and go spend the night with each other. That’s what is so unique about this program,” says Ed Cole.
Even young drivers convey a competitive spirit. With such a tight-knit group of racers it is impressive how they separate their emotions from on and off the track. “Everything changes when you’re on the track. When we are off it’s a different story,” smirked Tyler Reed.
At DMP it is not uncommon for some of your toughest competition to be females. “The females are respected and raced hard,” says Cole. “She is [Amanda Whaley] a racecar driver, a competitor. It doesn’t matter,” says Ty Short.
“These kids are the future of racing, says Ed Cole. This division is extremely safe, and a great stepping stone to learn and respect other drivers.” Knowing that they are the future, these choice drivers simply think, “It’s pretty awesome.” A comment that proves their modesty and character.
Delmarva Motorsports Park would like to welcome everyone to their Annual Open House in October. A unique program created to allow prospective Modified Lite racers to test their skill and potential future in that division. Modified Lites will be available for testing around the ¼ mile oval at controlled speeds. Do not forget your appetite! Hotdogs and hamburgers will be provided by Delmarva Motorsports Park.
September 7, 2007
AARN
Billy Thompson
Written By: Alison Byram
In today’s era, dirt track racing has become more than a hobby. Spending north
of $50,000 on single team, top-notch, premier classes. It’s an expensive sport
that has broken the wallets of many, and if not all, at some point and time.
Drivers will literally work to race. Go-kart driver, Billy Thompson, is finding
ways to fuel his passion of racing, without breaking his pocket. “The racing is
same as a big car, just a lower scale, and more affordable for people with a
budget," claims.
Thompson’s goals with Outlaw Go-Karting are no different than a Super Late Model driver. That is to win. “The competition is the same as big cars. The go-karts are just as competitive and almost just as even. The person with the best set-up will win.” Billy has found success at outlaw tracks such as Club Milton Speedway (Milton, Del.), Delmarva Motorsports Park (Seaford, Del.) and Mardela Raceway (Mardela, Md.). “I’ve had a lot more success on smaller tracks than bigger. At Club Milton I had 12 in a row last season. I’m starting to get the bigger tracks figured out and then I’m not as good on the smaller tracks. It’s a mind game.”
The obvious difference between go-karting and racecars are the appearance.
“Go-karts don’t have springs and shocks. It drives the same; they are just less
horsepower and a smaller scale. It doesn’t carry nearly as much speed and has no
roll cage, which is just as safe because it’s smaller.” For racers on a budget,
you can buy a complete go-kart for about $3,500. “For younger people, go-karts
are the way to start.”
With dreams of continuing racing, Thompson would like to test his skill on
pavement, whether that is NASCAR, go-karts, or a racecar. “I think racing on
pavement will be better to further my career. I do this for fun, and I plan on
doing it until I can’t anymore. “
For Thompson, go-kart racing is a family affair. “The sport is family-oriented; everyone gets involved, and has fun. Go-karts are cheaper than buying a fleet of racecars.” In the Thompson family, when one gets a go-kart you can count on buying two more for Billy’s younger sisters, Chelsea and Macey, who also compete.
With the failure of many local dirt tracks, go-karting is on the rise, much
to do with its affordability. Whether you would like to run WKA sanctioned
events with specific guidelines or see how fast you can get your kart on the
backyard outlaw tracks, the options are growing. With growth, comes competition
that Thompson openly welcomes.
Received August 30, 2007
AARN
Ross Robinson w/ Jerry Figgs
Written By: Alison Byram
Risk. Racing has always been a risky sport. A risk for the drivers, the owners,
and even the fans. We will sit in the grandstands with amusement, disregarding
the sign stating that you're watching at your own risk. When car owner, Jerry
Figgs, strapped 17- year- old, Ross Robinson behind the wheel of his Super Late
Model, he too was taking a risk. "I watched Ross last year and I watched the way
he handled himself in the car and composed himself around the racetrack.
Experience can take you only so far. If you can find someone who has youth and
experience, like he, that puts him in the same playing field of these guys with
eight to nine years in Super Late Models.
Figgs was impressed with more than Robinson's driving talent. "Ross came to me at Georgetown (Del.) last year. We talked for about a half hour. He impressed me with his maturity, even though he was young, he didn't act like a kid. I've always tried to look for whole packages to represent a sponsor, as well as drive the car well." Robinson and Figgs both share similar goals. To simply be competitive, get better, and with some luck, snag a win. "I would love to turn into a regional star like Ricky [Elliott], Kenny [Pettyjohn], or Jeremy Miller," said Robinson.
Not only is Ross "The Boss," testing the ropes of the Super Late Model, but continuing to compete for the Crate Late Model points championship at Georgetown Speedway, which he conquered last weekend. "Double Duty is hectic! When I do it, I switch helmets and hop in and out of the cars. The first night I was practicing, I got in my Crate and thought something was wrong. It's nothing like it." Ross was quick to say, "I knew it was going to be tough, but not that tough to pass and even hold spots."
Jerry Figgs is already impressed by the success Robinson and himself have had. "He's already progressed quite a bit from the beginning of the season. Out of five or six times racing, he's only placed once out of the top five." For a beginner to the division, Robinson finds comfort in his car owners support. "Nights we haven't had good nights, he's been positive. He never put any pressure on me. It's all been fun."
Figgs is no rookie to car owning. Housing local drivers such as, Richard White, Jamie Eicholz, and Mark Byram. "In about 1999 I started owning cars, and have been ever since. I like it. When I was younger I wanted to drive. I did once. I couldn't afford it. When I was financially able, I was too old. That makes me an owner."
With this season being a learning year for the 61 team, Figg's says, "We have
a good team now. We're building more for the future. Next year we will have a
better idea of what we're involved in. I feel like we have the possibility of
being a long term team, I really do." With young talent, loyal sponsors, and a
supportive team, it's a safe bet that Jerry Figgs took a worthwhile risk.