Farewell For Now

There comes a point in everything when it's time to walk away. I think I've reached that point with this site. That's not to say I won't be coming back, but for now it's time to step back and re-charge the batteries.

I'd like to thank everyone for reading this site for the last couple of years. Thanks to all the teams that have run my decals on their cars. Thanks to the photographers for all of the wonderful photos. It's been a good run and I'll see ya down the road.

Herrera's New Car

Johnny Herrera's new paint scheme for the 2009 Iowa Speedweek. Herrera will run the Knoxville Nationals as well as the USAC and Back Row Challenge shows.
(Photos-Carla Roynon Herrera)

Steve King Foundation® raises awareness at 2009 Casey’s General Stores Ultimate Challenge

Jetmore, KS (08.04.09) - The Steve King Foundation will be at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, IA for the Casey's General Stores Ultimate Challenge on August 11, 2009 to raise awareness about the foundation, which is designed to help racing families in their time of need.

Race promoter Terry McCarl says, "I have a great appreciation for Steve King Foundation and the work they are doing to support racing families. We are proud to be a part of their fundraising efforts." Funds raised by the foundation provide assistance to dirt track racing families who are dealing with injuries, severe illness or death.

The foundation, which honors Steve King who died from injuries sustained during the 2006 Knoxville Nationals, is a 501(c)3 tax-deductible organization. King, driver of the #88 Ethanol sprint car from Jetmore, KS, was a two-time National Championship Racing Association
(NCRA) Sprint Series Champion.

Since its inception the foundation has been able to help racing individuals and their families across the country. Through the generosity of the racing community, the foundation has had the privilege of distributing more than $60,000, providing much needed assistance to 19 families in the last 2 years.

"Our goal is to remember Steve by helping racing families that are in need," said Danny King, Steve's father.

"Recipients often send back letters thanking the racing community for its help," said Naomi King, Steve's mother. "They often share how the money was used. The letters talk about using the funds to help pay health insurance premiums, ambulance bills, additional needed physical therapy and, in one case, a needed gravestone. Being able to help out at a time of need is what the foundation is all about."

About The Steve King Foundation
The Steve King Foundation was formed to help individuals involved in dirt track racing across the country by providing financial assistance to drivers, pit crew members, racing officials, track operations personnel or the immediate families of those individuals who are injured or die. The foundation will also contribute to organizations and facilities dedicated to improving the safety of the sport when additional funds are available.

Contributions can be sent to the Steve King Foundation at 24583 NW 208 Rd, Jetmore, KS 67854. For more information, visit www.SteveKingFoundation.org.

Knoxville Paint Schemes

Donny Schatz isn't the only one running a special paint scheme at Knoxville. Joey Saldana, Randy Hannagan and Jason Sides will sport new colors at the 49th Knoxville Nationals.

Sides has run that car before, but Hannagan's and Saldana's schemes look new. There's also talk that Terry McCarl has a special look planned for his car as well.

2010 IndyCar Series Schedule

Nine road/street courses and eight ovals. That sucks. Sucks something fierce.

Critical? Yes. The site is called Oval Operations after all.

Rio de Janerio - Street Course
St. Petersburg - Street Course
Birmingham - Road Course
Long Beach - Street Course
Kansas - Oval
Indianapolis - Oval
Texas - Oval
Iowa - Oval
Watkins Glen - Road Course
Toronto - Street Course
Edmonton - Street Course
Mid Ohio - Road Course
Sonoma - Road Course
Chicago - Oval
Kentucky - Oval
Motegi - Oval
Homestead - Oval

Well, looks like I'll have more productive Sunday afternoons next summer. Road courses are boring, street courses are absolutely dreadful. Apparently what passes as entertaining in Canada puts me to sleep. It's amazing they don't run more NASCAR races up there.

The ICS is not scheduled at the Milwaukee Mile, one of open wheel racing's most historic venues. However, Robin Miller reports that the weekend after Indy is still open for the Mile should that facility find a new promoter.

Along with Milwaukee, Richmond is gone from the 2010 schedule. Dropping two ovals in favor of road/street courses. Shoot me.

We're Big Time Auto Racers

Well, maybe not, but my dad (pictured above) and I got a real kick out of seeing our last name on the famous "9" car. After an early spin, Dave Darland was able to work his way through the field to an eighth place finish. Darland, the car and crew will be at Moses Motor Company this afternoon from 1-3. When you stop in pick up a free ticket coupon.