I spent Thursday and Friday nights at two of the best dirt tracks in the country:  Knoxville Raceway and Marshalltown Speedway.  Knoxville is most famous for its sprint car racing, and as host to the annual Knoxville Nationals.  Marshalltown is an up-and-coming 1/4 mile clay track, which hosts the annual Stock Car Shootout and Havoc on the High Banks.  Both tracks featured IMCA races this past week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The view from the Knoxville Grandstands overlooks the pit area and the Naitonal Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum.  121 Modifieds signed in to win the Harris Clash, with an additional 62 Sport Mods vying for their title.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here the modifieds line up for hot laps.  The modifieds were split into 12 heat races with only the winner transferring to the A Main.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modifieds slide through Turn One.  Note how clearly the groove and cushions are visible.  And this was just hot laps!  The non-qualifiers ran B Mains, where the top 3 cars advanced to the A Main.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flagman Doug Clark flies the checkers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alas, I didn't get to see the end of the race because it was rained out!  Fortunately, I had already planned my Friday night racing fix, as some of the out of state teams were headed to Marshalltown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here, a "Racing Rascal" helps flagman Ryan Bergeson wave the checkers at the end of a heat race.  The "Rascals" get to help announce, score and flag one heat, plus meet their favorite racer and have their picture taken in victory lane.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marshalltown runs five classes of car each week:  Dwarf cars, Sport Mods, Modifieds, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks.  Here Austin Lucas collects his trophy for winning the Sport Mod race.  Prior to this win, only Kevin Sather (the IMCA National Sport Mod points leader) and Luke Wanniger (Nationally 2nd in points)  had won this year in the division at Marshalltown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Wollem collects his second Stock Car trophy in as many weeks.  Wollem is President of the Fair Board, which oversees the Speedway.  Both Knoxville and Marshalltown tracks sit on the County Fairgrounds.   Thus, the promoters must also navigate the political scene by keeping their Fair Boards happy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capping off the night was the Modified race.  Various businesses and individuals added money to the purse, and by the end of the night over $1250 went to the winner.  Jimmy Gustin, the local hero, managed to slide past Joey Schaefer with a handful of laps to go to capture the pot.  In victory lane, Gustin exclaimed, "I guess the party is on me tonight!"

All in all, it was a fun time.  I attempted to get in a Saturday night race, but we were rained out again (after hot laps, naturally!).

 

Danica Patrick continues a dubious streak this weekend - once again she loses her temper and throws a temper tantrum.

This time, the "victim" was Indy Car's only other female:  Milka Duno. 

Danica became upset during practice when she perceived Duno did not let faster cars pass her car.  Notably, no other driver went to Duno's pit and confront her.

Danica, however, stormed down to Duno's pit and began yelling at Duno.  Duno yelled back to "Go away" and eventually threw a towel at Danica.  The argument then escalated to foul language, but only lasted a minute.  Reportedly, there is a video of the incident.

My question is this:  How many times will Danica get to throw these temper tantrums without punishment?

Let's review:  She stormed down toward Ryan Briscoe's pit earlier this year and had to be stopped by a steward from entering Briscoe's pit.  She confronted and shoved  Dan Wheldon last year.   In 2005, Danica allegedly poked Jacques Lazier during a confrontation.

In all these situations, an argument can be made that  they were either racing incidents and/or Patrick was at some fault for each incident.  However, the view from her seat seems to be that she is always right, and she's not afraid to get physical. 

Remember that this confrontation began because Danica walked over to Duno's pit.  But for that, this incident would not have happened.  Duno apparently wasn't afraid to dish back what Danica was serving, but what option does this leave their male counterparts when Danica physically assaults them?  Can they shove her back?  Can they slap her?  The PR nightmare that would ensue from a male driver doing this to Danica would probably end the guy's career.

Danica is allegely a role model for young women.  But violence when things don't go your way is not cool and not a responsible way to act.  And she shouldn't get by with behaving this way - if nothing else, the lesson young people should learn is that there are consequences for losing your temper.

Enough is enough.  Danica needs to know that these little power plays and physical aggressions will cost her.  First, a stiff financial penalty for both her and her team.  Next, park her for a race, during which time she can work on her 100 hours of community service at a battered women's shelter.  My guess is that she'll get a whole new view of how fortunate she is.   And Finally, sign her up for an anger management course with the requirement that when she is done she will do Public Service Announcements about how losing your temper and having physical confrontations isn't the right thing to do.

 

After my weekend "off" a few weeks ago, I have decided to make up for lost time by adding a few mid-week events to my schedule.

Tomorrow Night, Knoxville Raceway hosts the IMCA modifieds and Sport Modifieds in the annual Harris Clash.  Drivers from California, Colorado, North Carolina, Minnesota, Iowa and other states travel here to compete for the title of Harris Clash winner.

I usually spend Friday night at the Marshalltown Speedway, and this week will be no different.  Except that many of the competitors from the Clash are expected to travel to "The Show Down at Mo-Town" in hopes of capturing the Budweiser sponsored purse (allegedly it carries more than just a designer name).

Saturday night is typically spent at Boone - and for some reason this week features chuckwagon races as well as the usual race card.

If I'm not tired of the racing by Sunday, I can always go to Iowa Speedway and throw cans at (I mean cheer for)  Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth, who will be driving a late models on the new track. Although I'm not sure I'll be able to go - it's still an option.

 

A fly on the wall on December 8, 2008   9:30 a.m.  in Kannapolis, North Carolina, may hear:

Tony Stewart:  Wow.  This changed since I went to New York.

Secretary (via intercom) :  Where have you been?

Stewart:  (fumbling with intercom button)  Home.  Why?

Secretary:  Didn't you read the schedule we sent to your phone?

Stewart:  No.  I never check my messages before I get to the shop in the morning.

Secretary:  (sound of exhaling breath)  Oh.   Well you missed the meeting with Joe Custer. And you're about to be late for the all shop meeting at 9:45.

Stewart:  Okay.  Where is the coffee?

Secretary:  I'll get it.  And I'll let Custer know you are here.

Stewart:  What's the meeting about?    Hello?  (intercome shuts off).  What is all this stuff?  Stacks of catalogs.  Speedway Motors catalogs. T-Shirt design samples.  Media requests - ha - that'll be easy to put in the NO box. 

Secretary:  Teresa Earnhardt, Line 1.

Stewart:  What the Hell?  (Picks up phone) Teresa?

Teresa Earnhardt:  Tony, congratulations again on your new team.

Stewart:  Thanks.

Teresa:  Have you given any more thought to the merger option we discussed in New York?

Stewart:  Ummm.  Noooooo.

Teresa:  I really think it would work to our benefit.

Stewart:  Ahhhhh... (Loud crash)

Secretary and Joe Custer:  (sound of door opening and footsteps) What was that?

Stewart:  Got to go.  Talk to you later.  (Call ended). 

Custer:  You threw your shoe at Martinsville clock!?

Stewart:  I needed a diversion.  Put Teresa on my "do not call" list.  And get more glass for  the clock.  

Secretary: Ok.  Is this a good time to ask for a raise?

Stewart:  No problem.  As long as you don't schedule anything before 10 a.m.  And screen the calls from women I don't want to talk to.

Secretary:  Deal.

Custer:  Now you're negotiating salaries? 

Stewart:  If she handles things the way I want, she'll earn it.

Custer:  Uh-huh.  I brought in your schedule for the next few days.  And a few important dates we have before Daytona.

Stewart:  The day after Christmas you scheduled a sponsor meet and greet?

Custer:  We have several to do and it fit.  I know it is a bit odd, but they'll be able to get lots of kids there as they are on Christmas vacation.

Stewart:  But I'm racing that day in Fort Wayne.  And I'm at the Chili Bowl these dates in January.  And I have to go to the season opening World of Outlaws races these dates in February.

Custer:  Oh.  Well.  I guess we can move a few things around.

Stewart:  While we're on that, put on the master schedule the dates of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, the Knoxville Nations, and the Knoxville Late Model Nationals.  There's the Prelude in June, and the Sprintweek in July.

Custer:  When exactly do you plan to do ownership stuff?

Stewart:  I'd have times on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Custer:  I think we'll need a bit more than that.  Let's talk about  that after the shop meeting.

Stewart:  Great.

Custer:  Don't forget that part of the deal with the sponsors is that you would be available for meet and greets, commercials, autograph signings and media tours.

Stewart:  I've done all that before.  Wait, how many media tours?

Custer: I think they want you talking to the camera every opportunity.

Stewart:  Hendrick doens't do that.

Custer:  But you see Richard Petty, Ganassi,  Childress, Hendrick and Evernham regularly talking about their teams on Trackside and the Pre-Race shows.

Stewart:  Isn't my radio show enough?  It's going to take 10 minutes to get through the list of sponsors already!

Custer:  We'll talk later.  I'll see you in the shop in a couple minutes. (Sound of footsteps and door shutting).

Secretary:  Your Dad, Line 4.

Stewart:  Dad?

Nelson Stewart:   So are you going to run the double this year?

Stewart:  Dad, I haven't really had time to think about it.

Nelson:  You're your own boss now.  And that Indy 500 trophy would look good on your trophy shelf.

Secretary:  Junior, Line 2.

Stewart:  Dad, I gotta go.  We'll talk later.      Junior.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr:  Hey Tony.  Thought I'd call in and talk a bit about the Nationwide program  and warn you about my crazy stepmother.  She is shopping hard for a partner. Thought I'd give you a heads-up.

Stewart:  A little too late for that.  She already cornered me in New York.  And I do mean cornered.

Junior:  What?  What is she offering?

Stewart:  Well...She seems really desparate ... and... I'm not sure... but...

(Door opens followed by sounds of footsteps)

Junior:  You mean?!?

Stewart:  I'd better go, someone just walked in.  Bye.     I still can't believe no one has put this together yet.

Chad Knaus:  They will at Daytona.

Stewart:  Yeah.  Well, since I had no crew chief and you got fired from Hendrick after the  fiasco during the Chase, it should work for both of us.

Knaus:  I agree.  Do you want to know what my  ideas are?   I went back and re-read some of Smokey's stuff and Ray's stuff, and I think there are a few tweeks we can make to the COT that techinically aren't outlawed.  Yet.

Stewart:  I don't want to know. As the owner/driver, Nascar will think I do, but as long it as doesn't involve lead water containers, I don't care.  We just have to get into the top 35 in points.

Knaus:  The cars will be very fast.

Stewart:  That's what I expect.

Secretary:  (Intercom)  The meeting is starting now in the shop.  Both of you need to get there!

Stewart:  This scheduling thing is going to suck.

Knaus:  Hey, you wanted to be the owner!

 

I've been at the dirt track four of the past six nights watching everything from modifieds to stock cars to dwarf/legends cars. 

Correctly guessing the temperature and weather conditions is my new hobby.  Saturday night, I bundled up in a  sweatshirt & blanket  and got rained on.  But on Monday night, I had to wear a short sleeved shirt and capris.  Judging from the crowd, I'm still not sure how much you can really take off in public.  I"ve become a connoisseur of track food and my consumption of beverages is through the roof.  Due to the late nights, I'm exhausted and nearly left the dog outside all day. 

It's a wonderful life.

The event earlier this week was the IMCA Stock Car ShootOut at the Marshalltown Speedway.  Traveling only 50 miles from home, I was able to watch drivers from Wisconsin, Texas, Minnesota, Illinois and of course, Iowa, compete.  There were veterans, bullies, cheaters, and young guns.  One driver was driving for feature win #100, while the young kid was going for an additional payout for relinquishing the pole to start from the tail.  Neither were ultimately successful, but they sure pushed the envelope to get the trophy.  

What impresses me is that some of the young drivers are trying to get to the "Big Show" and thus, are racing at younger and younger ages.  One young modified driver just got his learner's permit to drive on the street.  Meanwhile, he's winning races on the track.  Is he  guy we'll all be talking about in a couple years?  Who knows - but he's fun to watch now.

Since it is Fourth of July week, many tracks around the country are gearing up for special shows - high payouts, regional bragging rights, and fireworks (on and off track).

So, grab your sunscreen, a hat, and some ear plugs, and head to your local dirt track.  Odds are you'll enjoy the race, meet some nice people in the stands, get an autograph in the pits, and see those on and off track fireworks.

Maybe you'll even see the next Jeff Gordon.  Or Tony Stewart.  Or Joey Logano.

 

FedEx dropped off brown paper package containing a CD and this transcript.

Rick Hendrick:  Tony, I'm delighted that you were able to come and visit the shop.  I was a bit surprised you still wanted to come since you won today in the Nationwide Series.

Tony Stewart:  Thanks, Rick.  I appreciate you meeting late at night with me so we can avoid the silly season gossip.

Hendrick:  Naturally, I had hoped that once you heard I dumped Mears, you'd call me.

Stewart:  I was really surprised when you did that.

Hendrick:  I need results, Tony.

Stewart:  I want results too.

[Cellphone beeping]

Hendrick:  Don't these guys ever sleep?  I just got  text messages from Newman, McMurray  and Truex.  I swear I get at least 10 a piece from them every day.  Let me go get the keys for the  engine shop from my office.  Just take a look around.

Stewart:  It's just so weird that no one else is here...

[Sound of footsteps walking away.]

Muffled Voice:  Psst.... Rick!

Hendrick:  What the!

Jeff Gordon:  Will he sign?

Hendrick:  What are you doing here?

Gordon:  Stewart - will he sign?  And how much will it cost us?  We need to do it, Rick.

Hendrick:  We haven't gotten that far.  You shouldn't have come, Jeff.  I told him that no one else would know we were talking tonight.  I didn't expect you to leave Ingrid & Ella Sophia to come hide out in the shop eavesdropping!

Gordon:  Stewart will be fine.  If he finds me.  We've got to get him to sign.  We'd have three former Champions. 

Hendrick:  We've talked about this, Jeff.  I like Tony, but we both know he's a handful.

Gordon:  But he's mellowing in his old age.  We need to get him married off, then he'll be too busy with the wife and kids to have time to be a grump.  I'll get some names from Ingrid & Chandi

Hendrick:  We'll see.  First I have to convince him to sign with us, and not just as engine provider for Haas.

Gordon:  Point out our wins last season and Championships for last 2 years.  And we'd bring Zipadelli over.

Hendrick:  I know what the deal should be, Jeff.  Why don't you go back to the track and sleep?

Gordon:  No.  If you need me, I'll be hiding over here by the office.

[Footsteps]

Hendrick:  Got the keys.   Tony, remember that if you decide to buy Haas, we would be glad to supply engines.  We supply to several teams, and you get the same stuff we use here.

Stewart:  But I don't get all the chasiss info.

Hendrick:  Exactly.   Do you want to start over with a new crew chief?  Or would you prefer to stay with Zippy?

Stewart:  What do you mean?

Hendrick:  Well, if you leave Gibbs, then I assume Greg stays there.  So you'd have to get a new crew chief.  Unless you took him to Haas or came here.

Stewart:  You'd bring Zippy over?

Hendrick:  If you want.  And the other guys on the team. 

Stewart:  Wow.  That would be great.

Hendrick:  Oops.  I don't have the key for the dyno room.  I'll be right back.

[Footsteps.  Followed by a loud crash]

Voice:  Damn!

Stewart:  Who is there?

Chad Knaus:  It's me.

Jimmie Johnson:  And Me.

Stewart:  Knaus?  Johnson?  What are you doing here?

Knaus: We wanted to talk to you about taking this deal.

Johnson:  You really need to think this through Smoke.

Knaus:  It's perfect for you.

Johnson:  And I think we'd work well together

Knaus:  Convince Zippy to come with you.  He and I would be a formidable team.  The rulebook would need to be rewritten.  Plus, he has a few passes left - I've got a few ideas, but someone else should really try them out first..

Stewart:  Huh, sure.  I'm sure Zippy would be excited to spend a few weeks of the season at home with Nan and the kids if there's a problem with your "ideas."  Why are you here Johnson, shouldn't you be upset your buddy Mears is out?

Johnson:  Casey and I will still be friends.  He's no help on the car stuff.  You would be. 

Knaus:  I get chills when I think about the four of  you drafting at Daytona.

Stewart:  Yeah, but at some point it's everyman for himself.

Johnson:  Of course.  And you'll need to work on those media relationships.

Stewart:  That may be a deal breaker.  How did you find out about this anyway?

Johnson:  Here comes Rick.  Hide!

[Door closing sound]

Hendrick:  I got it.

Stewart:  If I came to Hendrick, who would I share a shop with?

Hendrick:  Junior.

Stewart:   Fantastic!  That would work.   We get along well.

Hendrick:  Tony, I'd suggest that you take over the 5 car, and buy Haas with Junior. 

Stewart:  Sponsorship?  Wow, this dyno is impressive.

Hendrick:  Only the best here Tony.  Chevy funds us well.  And we win to keep their name out there.  We have several potential sponsors.  Do you have any ideas?

Stewart:  Bass Pro Shop is ready to bolt DEI.

Hendrick:  Junior told me Truex is worried about it.  I'm gonna take these keys back to the office.

Stewart:  Great!

[Footsteps followed by a loud ####]

Stewart:  Knaus!  Johnson!  I'm going to...

Voice: Sorry about that.  Didn't mean to scare you.

Stewart:  Junior!  You promised you wouldn't come!  I only told you about this meeting to get some advice on negotiating with Rick.

Dale Earnhardt Jr:  Yeah, but I wanted to know how it was going.  And I thought I could help you out as it went down.

Stewart:  But I told Rick no one knew about this meeting!

Junior:  Don't worry, he won't catch me.  And even if he did, it's my shop too.

Stewart:  Did you tell... Nevermind.  Did you think of anything else to tell me?

Junior:  The winnings' split is typical, Rick actually does a little better than DEI did - both with the driver and the team.  It's 46-14-40. 

Stewart:  What about merchandise?

Junior:  Better than standard.  And you get say over the design - did you see the new bikinis I have with my number on 'em?

Stewart:  Bikinis?  I don't know how to design bikinis!  Oh well.  How will Gordon take it if I move over here?

Junior:  I think he'll be fine.  It's all money in his pocket too.  Whoops!

[Scuffling sounds]

Hendrick:  Tony, I think we can work something out that will benefit us both.

Stewart:  What about the media?

Hendrick: You're gonna have to talk to them.  I expect you to attend all the media sessions you are required to, which I don't think you're doing right now.  But that doesn't mean you have to answer all those stupid questions.  But we'll need to work something out.  The PR guys can work with you to formulate something.

Stewart:  Well, I have a few things to think about. 

[Door closing and being locked.  Sounds of crickets chirping]

Stewart:  Isn't that Jeff's SUV? 

Hendrick:  Yes, but aren't those Knaus's Truck and Junior's Vette?  What are they doing here?

[End of Recording]

 

June 22, 2008    9:02:34 p.m. EST

Smoke,

Guess I'll cash in that IOU now.

Happy

>> ====================================

>> July 29, 2007    10:02:34 p.m. EST

>> Happy,

>> Sorry about that.  It's the BRICKYARD!

>> Guess I Owe You one.

>> Smoke

-----------------------------------------------

June 22, 2008  9:00:01 p.m. EST

Smoke,

No throwing Harvick under the Bus?!?

Is Childress in the running or What?

Zippy

-----------------------------------------------

June 22, 2008 8:32:56 p.m. EST

Smoke,

Thanks.  I really used what you told me.

Man, who are you sucking up to?  NO comment about Harvick to the media?

Shrub

-----------------------------------------------

June 18, 2008  3:49:23 p.m. EST

Smoke,

It's the real deal.  Joe chuckled about it.

Now we know what France was doing at the Indy 500.

I don't know.  You might look good in sequins.

Zippy

===========================

>>  Pops -

>> I've never thrown a race.

>> But I might consider it if we are anywhere

>> near 13th place at Richmond.

>>  If this is legit.

>>  Smoke

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

>>>> Dear Nascar Sprint Cup Competitor,

>>>> We have been presented a wonderful opportunity

>>>> to promote our series on the national stage.

>>>> The lucky thirteenth place finisher after Richmond

>>>> will be a performer on "Dancing with the Stars."

>>>> Brian France

-----------------------------------------------

[Saved message]

Tony,

I know you have been a Chevy guy, but consider the chance you'd have at Roush Fenway Racing.  In any event, you can't win a Championship for the Evil Empire!

Here's the deal.  Money is not an issue, neither is a 44-44-12 split of the winnings.  Ford will really pony up the cash if you are willing to become a Ford Man.

And I'll let you choose which two drivers to cut.  Well, other than Kenseth and Edwards.  Or Biffle.

Jack

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[Saved Message]

Tony,

Just heard a great rumor.  It was that you'd take over the 45 for me, and Petty would switch to Chevy.  Gotta love silly season.

Kyle

PS - Are you riding the charity ride this year?

PPS - It is a rumor, isn't it?

-----------------------------------------------

[Saved Message]

Smoke,

I think driving for me can net you a few more Championships. 

Our drivers are great and you would fit right in with Jeff, Kevin and Clint.  

We already have a sponsor set up - General Mills.  Tony the Tiger.  (Or is that Kelloggs?)  I know Home Depot is likely to bolt the series after the contract expires due to their financial problems. 

I have no problem with your non-Cup driving.  Or living in Indy.

Chevy will definitely help you out with Haas, but running for me will help move that operation up as we can help with engines, chassis and other technology. 

Call me.  We can work out the details.

Richard

-----------------------------------------------

[Saved Message]

Smoke,

I'll make this short

the Last 2 Rolex 24 hour race wins - my Cup drivers always run this race for me. You've never won, right?

2008 Indy 500 winner - I can have another car available for you to drive the double. You've never won the 500, right?

Call me.

Chip

PS Did I mention Ashley and her (single) friends frequent the shop?

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[Saved Message]

Tony,

We'd love to have you join Hendrick Motorsports.  Mears can be relocated to the Haas/Junior Cup team.

The money is not the issue.  As you know Jeff will always be driver #1 for us.  The rest are negotiable. I know Chevy really wants you back in the Bowtie Brigade. 

Our equipment is great, and I have no problem bringing your Gibbs team over to Hendrick - I know those guys know your style and how you want things adjusted.  It could be a seamless transition.  You know we did it last year with Junior's team.  Zippy would always be welcome.

As for your last concern, yes, we do have a media relations policy at Hendrick.  You can be charming and you can be a handful.  I'm sure we can find some medication to make the former the standard.

Rick

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