Who Had The Best Speedweeks?

Rick Schwallie photo

So, which driver had the best Speedweeks?  Several come to mind, but my vote goes to Steve Francis.  In 12 races (between East Bay and Volusia), he made 11 A-Mains. Out of those 11 features, he scored eight top five finishes, three of which were wins. While a debate could be made for Dennis Erb or Billy Moyer, I think Francis proved more than anyone else.  But I'm always up for a good discussion, so I'm interested in hearing what others think.

Florida Speedweeks 2013

It's already been announced that the 2013 Daytona 500 will be held on February 24th, thus pushing Florida Speedweeks back much like it did this year.  With that in mind, the lingering question on a lot of people's minds  is:  Will the tracks actually work together in an effort to not split fans and drivers?  We can only hope.


I'll also say this... While I'm appreciative for big money races Bubba The Love Sponge has put on at Ocala, it sure seems like he's done nothing but step on the toes of other local tracks since he became a player in this business.  Anyone else notice this...?

P.F.R.

Rick Schwallie photo

In case you haven't seen it yet, better make your way over to DirtonDirt and check out last night's post-race interview from Volusia with Scott Bloomquist.  It's another classic and I have a feeling the acronym P.F.R. will now be used quite a bit.

I-77 Raising Profile

Has any race track done more recently to raise its profile than I-77 Raceway Park in Fairplain, WV?  Aside from additional seats, more pit parking, a new PA system, and an in-tower HD video review system, they've added the $40,000-to-win Lucas Oil Hillbilly 100 to their schedule for 2012.  In addition to all of this, rumors keep surfacing that they're working with the World of Outlaws to score another big Late Model show.  Hats off to these guys for all their hard work.  Make sure you check out some of their updated pics on Facebook.

Dennis Erb: Quietly Consistent

Rick Schwallie photo

Is it me, or is Dennis Erb quietly consistent?  Let be honest here...he's never been one to go out and win a bazillion races, but he's always right there in the top five or six.  Think about it.  WinterNationals...SummerNationals...he's always quietly consistent.  I think we can all agree that it fits his personality.  He's a quiet guy who gets the job done when needed.  Nothing more, nothing less.  

Last Turn, Last Lap...Nothing New For Francis

Rick Schwallie photo

Nice to see Steve Francis finally get a monkey off his back last night at East Bay. His last turn, last lap pass of Austin Hubbard was eerily similar to the same move he made on Don O'Neal at East Bay back in '06. Driving for Larry Moring, Francis went top side in three and four on O'Neal to grab the win. My internet broadcast partner Michael "Spanky" Despain told the fans listening at home, "Francis drove that car off into turn three like he didn't have no family!"