5 WEEKEND AFTER-THOUGHTS: First time winners, Attica, Pierce

1.  Attica Raceway Park continues to just pound out one great show after another.  36 410 Sprints, 33 Late Models, 28 305 Sprints, and a pretty nice crowd were on hand to witness yet another well-run program.  Doug Drown got some redemption for the previous week with a dominating Sunoco ALMS Late Model win.

2.  I love seeing drivers get their first Eldora win.  The excitement and enthusiasm is something you don't always see in victory lane at other places.  Kudos to Jeff Koz on his first Eldora win Saturday night.

3.  Another Chris Madden/Jonathan Davenport duel over the weekend?  Hmmm...

4.  If you're not a believer in Bobby Pierce, I don't know what to tell you.  He's good. Damn good.  And he's only going to get better.  Is he an early sleeper pick to win the Dream?  At this point, is it even fair to say he's a "sleeper"??

5.  Two huge shoutouts: First, to former UNOH student and driver Dwight Niehoff on his Late Model win Saturday night at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri.  Second, to the icon Bob Adams Jr. on his victory Friday night at the Legendary Hilltop Speedway in Marietta, OH.  

PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRIP: Eagle Track Raceway, May 26

This sign welcomes folks to Eagle Track Raceway in Republic, Washington.

After Saturday's show at Lebanon, Oregon's Willamette Speedway, I drove two hours north to catch some shut-eye in Kelso, Washington.  The original plan was to spend the day doing the tourist thing at Mt. Ranier and Mt. St. Helens before heading over to Grays Harbor Raceway for an ASCS Northwest show Sunday night.  Of course, you know how plans can change when you're chasin' racin'.  And, with constant checks of the radar Saturday night, I knew things weren't looking favorable for Sunday.

This put me in quite the pickle as, all along, the goal was to seeing racing at four new tracks in four new states during this working vacation.  With May 26 being a Sunday, the only other track racing in the Evergreen State was little ol' Eagle Track Raceway.  Problem is, Eagle Track was some seven hours away in Republic, Washington and, with an advertised starting time of Noon, it would require me to forego another night of rest in favor of a 5:00am wakeup call. Oh, and it was already well past midnight.

A look at Eagle Track's gorgeous backdrop.

At 5:00am, I somehow stumbled out of bed and into the shower.  A morning cup of coffee helped me get on my way as I was scrambling to get to the track by that advertised race time of 12:00pm, knowing that I would beat the ETA my trusty GPS provided me with by at least 15-20 minutes.

The scenic trip through Washington's lush forests was quite nice. However, despite my best efforts, I wasn't able to make it to the track until 12:20pm.  No worries, though, as nothing resembling a race or even warm ups was anywhere near being ready when I pulled in.

Fans can sit high atop this perch on the fronstretch and watch the races if they choose.

Eagle Track Raceway is quite the scenic place itself.  Located at a higher elevation than most everything around it, the track is surrounded by mountains and tall trees.  The track is a big 4/10-mile grassroots establishment with not many cars and not many fans.  I don't know what the exact car count was on this particular afternoon, but there weren't more than 10 cars in any one division with the headlining Modifieds drawing in a whopping three cars total.

Everything about this place took me back at least 25 years.  The cars, the track, the people ... it was like time had just stood still since about 1987.  The race fans were certainly friendly folks and undoubtedly had a love for their little hole-in-the-wall speedway. 



Eagle Track's facilities were a bit outdated.

The facilities at Eagle Track were also exactly what one might expect from this type of track with very little bleacher seating (most folks watched the races from their vehicles, parked just off the front and back chutes), outdated ticket booths, and rustic outhouses.  I can't make this stuff up.

It's interesting how the word "racing" means different things in different parts of the country.  For example, where I'm from, "racing" mean the first actual ... ummm ... "race".  However, at Eagle Track, racing must mean "the time when everyone starts to arrive".  As I mentioned before, 12:00pm was obviously a time that was simply thrown out there and not the actual starting time of the first race, as most folks would expect.  As a matter of fact, after all 20-some cars in the pits qualified, the first actual "race" didn't hit the track until right around 2:00pm.  Not good.



This creature from outer space ran with the Modifieds.

Every class ran a Trophy Dash and a Heat, complete with driver intros on the frontstretch before each race.  The racing was as exciting as one might imagine with few cars on the big track.  And if they were trying to draw out the program, they were doing a damn good job of it.  By 4:00pm, I still hadn't seen an A-Main. Ugh.  Shortly thereafter, I hightailed it out of that place to head across the scenic North Cascades Highway and enjoy what was left of my day.

Nevertheless, Grays Harbor did eventually rain out so the decision to head to Eagle Track ended up working out for me as it became Track #167 with Washington being State #35 in my trackchasing adventures. 

A picture perfect afternoon for racing.

 

PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRIP: Willamette Speedway, May 25

 

Trevor Glaser tunes up at Willamette Speedway on May 25.

My long-awaited "working vacation" finally came as I flew out of Dayton, Ohio and into Portland, Oregon (via Denver, Colorado) on Friday, May 24.  The weather forecast that once looked promising was now looking "not as good" with a 40% chance of rain Saturday and increasing as the night went on.

After an ill-fated attempted to get a quality jet-lagged sleep, I grabbed my Avis rental car first thing in the morning and took in the sights and sounds of the gorgeous Oregon coast. The absolutely beautiful drive wiped out my entire day and, before I knew it, it was time to start heading to Willamette Speedway.

A look at turns 3 and 4 of the well-maintained Willamette Speedway.

Having done a little research, I knew this track had recently been transformed into quite possibly the nicest facility in the northwest.  Even so, my expectations were surpassed with this 1/3-mile, semi-banked oval.  Not only was everything darned near brand new, but the entire establishment was neat, clean, and very well kept.  I could tell this was a track the owners and drivers were proud to call their own.

From new catchfencing to a backstretch scoreboard to the infield go-kart track, Willamette was a first-class operation.  The speaker system was very good, the track lighting was excellent, and the concessions was a tad high but the food was excellent.  As a matter of fact, the $6 "philly steak and cheese" has already earned a spot in my all-time top five Best Race Track Food standings.

Looking down the frontstretch and into turns 1 and 2 of Willamette.

After setting up shop in the infield and snapping a few pics during Hot Laps and Qualifying, I moved to my 50-yard line seat just before the scheduled starting time of 6:00pm.  The event on tap was the "Clair Cup", a tribute to the late track promoter.  6:00pm came and went and, at 6:10pm, the announcer read a short, touching piece about Clair.  Finally, at 6:18pm, the first race of the evening was on the track. 

A quick check of the radar showed the dreaded "green blob" was slowly working its way towards Lebanon, Oregon and, with that in mind, I couldn't help but wonder why racing started late when the track was ready to go.

The Willamette pit area provides ample parking and an asphalt staging lane.

Nevertheless, we were racing with a few support classes going ahead of the two premier divisions of Late Models and IMCA Modifieds.  The track was heavy and, in places, a bit rough.  But the hammer-down surface made for some exciting, wheel-hiking heats which were run in a timely fashion following by B-Mains and Trophy Dashes.  Obviously, the consies are a needed part of the program with nearly 30 cars in both of the top two classes.

The Trophy Dashes, however, were meaningless in my opinion, and with inclement weather on the horizon, should have been bypassed in favor of getting the main events in before the rain hit.  Not only that, but interviewing all five Trophy Dash winners on the frontstretch only extended things unnecessarily.  Now bring on a 20-minute intermission and we've got ourselves a problem.

Regional standout Rob Mayea gets some airtime during Hot Laps.

The first feature of the night finally hits the track and, surprisingly, it's not the Late Models and it's not the IMCA Modifieds.  Instead, the Super Sport A-Main comes out and, sure enough, after a handful of laps were completed, a steady shower of rain fell upon the speedway and washed out the rest of the evening's festivities.  

 

As fans, employees, and drivers, we're always upset when something out of our control wipes out an evening of racing.  But in this case, the things that WERE in the track's control weren't handled the way I might have handled them with inclement weather approaching.  Starting on time, eliminating the Trophy Dashes (and on-track interviews), and not taking an intermission would have been a great way to ensure everyone got the most bang for their buck.  In addition, this is a picture perfect example as to why I like to see the headlining divisions competing first on the nightly agenda. Those of you who know me know that I love the support classes as much as anyone.  But, in a situation like this, get the A-Mains for your headliners run as quickly as possible.

While I left disappointed that I didn't get to see an entire feature, I was certainly grateful for the opportunity and the hospitality.  Willamette Speedway became Track #166 and Oregon became State #34 in my personal trackchasing list.

 

PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRIP: Playing the Rain Game

Willamette Speedway in Lebanon, Oregon.  (Track photo)

As I sit here in the Denver International Airport and wait on my connecting flight to Portland, I can't help but ponder "what if".  What if Saturday's show at Willamette gets rained out?  What if Sunday's show at Grays Harbor falls victim to Mother Nature?  What happens?  What do I do?  

Sure, I could go see a race at one of a few different tracks, but my goal is to see racing at four different tracks in four different states while I'm out here.  If Sunday's show at Grays Harbors gets cancelled, my odds at seeing a race in Washington are all but shot.

My flight into Portland won't arrive until 10:30pm tonight (that's 1:30am eastern time).  I pick up my rental car tomorrow morning at 9am.  Whatever decision is made will have to be made quickly, but also keeping in mind the ultimate goal of four races at four tracks in four states.

Willamette Speedway in Lebanon, OR is at the top of the priority list.  Luckily, they race Saturday and Sunday both.  Grays Harbor also runs both days, so the opportunity to flip-flip those two tracks is certainly there if the weather looks more favorable one way versus another.  Other Oregon tracks racing on Saturday include Cottage Grove, Southern Oregon, and Sunset.  And in Washington, Skagit is a Saturday night option.

The Sunday options are pretty much limited to Willamette and Grays Harbor.  Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, CA would be an absolute last resort given its proximity from where I'll be.  And Eagle Track Raceway in the northeast part of Washington is slated to race Sunday at Noon...making it nearly impossible for me to hit if I'm in Oregon Saturday night.

Few options and big decisions.  Such is the life of those who like chasin' racin'. 

PACIFIC NORTHWEST TRIP: The Gameplan

Gallatin Speedway in Belgrade, Montana.  (track photo)
 

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I'll be flying out to Portland, Oregon this Friday to present at a college admissions conference.  The timing of the trip means, unfortunately, I'll have to miss Sunday's Johnny Appleseed Classic at Eldora (Shane Andrews and Kyle Luetters will be covering our announcing duties).  However, the timing of the trip also means I'll be able to see some racing at new tracks in a part of the country I've never been to before.

With my flight arriving in Portland late Friday night, there won't be an opportunity to catch any Friday racing action.  Doesn't matter, as there's literally no tracks within nine hours of Portland racing on Friday night.  Hard to believe, I know.

Saturday, I'll look to head a little south of the city to Lebanon, Oregon's Willamette Speedway for night #1 of their Clair Cup.  Last year's event drew a whopping 48 Late Models, so I'm hoping for a solid car count and a good show in my maiden voyage to the 3/10-mile oval.  The current weather forecast is calling for a rain-free Saturday with a high of 64 and a brisk low of 46.

Sunday will find me heading north to Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Washington.  The ASCS Sprints' Northwest division will be in action at the 3/8-mile track with IMCA Modifieds and Street Stocks also on the card.  The weather outlook for Sunday in Elma is almost identical to that of Lebanon, OR the day before with a high of 64 and a cool low of 47.  As you see, longjohns will be a necessity for this trip.

If all goes as planned, the following weekend should find me venturing into Montana for a visit to Gallatin Speedway, as they bring Late Models in for one of their few stops to the 3/10-mile facility.  I never put much stock into the weather forecast more than a few days out, but the early models are showing a high of 72 with a low of 43 and a chance of thunderstorms.  Should that show get rained out, my only other option is to head north to Great Falls, Montana's Electric City Speedway.

My final destination is slated to be Atomic Motor Raceway in Blackfoot, Idaho.  The 1/3-mile oval will open their regular season on June 1st with IMCA Modifieds as the headlining division.  Taken with a grain of salt, the initial weather outlook shows sunny skies with a high of 83 and a low of 53...which would be, by far, the warmest temps of the trip.

As I mentioned previously, this is all tentative at best.  Of my last three summer trips that involved racing, NONE of them went as planned.  So, I'm not holding my breathe.  However, if every DOES go as planned, I'll have seen racing at 169 tracks in 37 different states.

And, of course, I'll keep everyone here posted with updates, pics, stories, and more.

5 WEEKEND AFTER-THOUGHTS: 40 cars for a regular show?!

Todd Sherman (65) and Jeff Babcock (7B) battle for the win Friday at Limaland.  (Mike Campbell photo)

1.  Remember last week when I mentioned John Blankenship was one of the most consistent drivers in the country so far this year?  Well, he made me look good over the weekend with his $20,000 payday in the Lucas Oil sanctioned Bad Boy 98 at Batesville. He's still one of my picks to win the Dirt Late Model Dream at Eldora in a few weeks.

2.  I made it to Limaland Friday night for their anniversary race, and a VERY talented field of UMP Modifieds (29 total) saw Todd Sherman grab the win.  I was unaware that Limaland had the "if debris falls off your car and brings out a caution, you go to the tail" rule.  I can't say I'm a fan of it, as too many variable can happen to cause debris to fall off one's car.  I'll discuss that in a Puttin' On A Show editorial later this week.

3.  In case you haven't noticed, Waynesfield Motorsports Park has been quite the hotbed for Non-Wing Sprints.  The 1/4-mile oval drew nearly 40 cars Saturday night for a regular show! Hat tip to them!!

4.  Congrats are in order for Dusty Moore, who finally got a monkey off his back and grabbed the Late Model win at Attica Raceway Park Friday night.  I know that team's been working as hard as anyone to get things figured out and it all came together for them Friday evening.

5.  Doug Drown continued his hot start to 2013 with wins at Wayne County and Hilltop over the weekend.  The Hilltop victory was good for $2000, as Drown just continues to rattle off wins in the Sean Weekley owned #63.

HISTORY: Limaland's 78th Anniversary

Bill Keeler (20) leads Cory Seeling (03) and Tyler Stump (93) into the Limaland sunset.

If you know me, or even if you don't and you just follow this blog, you know I'm a fan of two things: good racing and well-run programs.  Likewise, it's no secret I'm a a big supporter of Limaland Motorsports Park. I've mentioned that on here multiple times.  This Friday, May 17, the Allen County oval will hold it's 78th Anniversary Race presented by Homeland Technology Group.

Like several tracks, Limaland has a long and storied history that began just prior to the start of World War II.  And, like most, the track shut down during the war years after a few summers of racing old jalopies and motorcycles.  Allentown Speedway, as it was called back then, reopened after the war with several now-known names taking turns at promoting the track, including Roy Spears and Jack Keller among others.  After a few "open-and-closed" seasons in the late 50's, the oval was transformed into a more formal, flat, quarter-mile race track in 1960.

The general admission entrance as it looks today. (Track photo)

In 1967, the track was renamed Limaland Speedway and took on a new look with 22 degrees of banking in the corners.  From there, the popularity of Limaland began to take its shape with track champions such as Don Hewitt and Rocky Fisher.  That popularity also prompted several regional stalwarts to tame the highbanks with drivers such as Dick Gaines, Tommy Dickson, Jim & Fred Linder, Johnny Beaber, Harold McGilton, Dick & Al Liskai, and Larry Helms among others often making the trip to the storied race track.

But even through the good times, Limaland wasn't immune to the hard times either.  At one point, it looked as though the facility may have reached its end.  However, changes in ownership saw legendary promoter Earl Baltes take a stab at reviving the track and then, in 1998, the historic speedway would be purchased by the University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH).

As they say, "the rest is history".  UNOH has invested a countless amount of time, money, and resources into making Limaland Motorsports Park, as its now called, one of the premier facilities in the midwest.  And, as I mentioned in the beginning, the racing at Limaland is top notch and the program run in a timely fashion.  The facilities are the icing on the cake, and the complete package of what Limaland is today would certainly make its founding fathers proud.

5 WEEKEND AFTER-THOUGHTS: Eldora Off-Road, Oakshade finish, & more

(Mike Campbell/Eldora Speedway photo)

1.  It's the same old tune today with Mother Nature once again washing out many of the weekend's races in this region.  Eldora, Limaland, Attica, and Moler all fell victim to rain Friday while Waynesfield, Montpelier, and Florence were among the Saturday rainouts.  

2.  Eldora's TRAXXAS TORC Off-Road Championship Series event on Saturday was able to beat the weather and it was a pretty darned interesting show with former motocross champion (and TORC Series founder) Ricky Johnson getting the win in the Pro 4x4 division by passing Johnny Greaves with less than four laps remaining.

3.  I hear it was another outstanding Late Model finish at Oakshade Saturday night with Dona Marcoullier narrowly edging out Rusty Schlenk for a wild side-by-side victory that saw both cars spinning after the checkered flag waved. 

4.  Nationally speaking, who are the most consistent drivers in the country right now?  Shane Clanton and John Blankenship.  Clanton rattled off his third WoO win Saturday night while Blankenship scored another top five with the Lucas Oil Series.  Those two are my early favorites to win The Dream at Eldora here in a few weeks, and it's no coincidence they finished first and second in that race last year.

5.  In case you missed it, USMTS Modified ace Ryan Gustin notched his first career Late Model win over the weekend in the MARS-scantion John Kuntz Memorial at Springfield Raceway.