The Grand Finale

The Knoxville Nationals usually spell the end of the summer and of the race season for me. It's sort of the Grand Finale and a fitting end. While there will be some great shows after Knoxville, the end to my 2007 campaign is rapidly approaching.

To use the old cliché "it seems like only yesterday" that we were making plans for the Midwest Racers Autograph Day. That unseasonably cold Saturday kicked off the 2007 season for Oval Operations.

It's safe to say that I've had a great time this season. In fact it's been one of the most enjoyable race seasons, ever. Little did I know when I started this site way back in January that it would help me meet some wonderful people and become more involved in the sport that I love.

So now we're "well into" August. Tomorrow I leave for the rolling hills of Marion County, Iowa. I will finally make good on my goal of attending every race of the Iowa Speedweek. Ten races in ten nights. It's probably a good thing that I work for an energy drink company!

For a hard-core sprint fan it's ten days with some great variety: Two 1/2 mile tracks, four nights of winged 360's, five nights of winged 410's, and for some added spice, a single night of non-winged 410's.

This Nationals trip is unique for me because instead of a vacation, it’s become a work trip. I’m sort of acting as NOS’ guide to the Nationals, since this will be my 15th trip to the Nationals in 16 years.

Some News...

-Don Droud Jr. landed a ride in JJ Yeley’s car for the non-wing show at Oskaloosa on Tuesday night. Last year, Droud ran the Pace Brothers' blue 44 car and was one of the Cinderella stories of last year's Nationals.

Droud is also scheduled to run the 27 Team Crown car owned by Jason Johnson at the 360 Nationals and Brodix Tournament of Champions.

-Other entries for the Non-Wing Challenge include: JJ Yeley, Tim Kaeding, Jesse Hockett, Kaley Gharst, Brad Sweet, Dave Darland, Brady Short, Robert Ballou, Mat Neely, Kent Christian, Charles Davis Jr., Bret Mellenberndt, John Heydenreich, Hunter Schuerenberg, Shane Hollingsworth, Rob Chaney, Darren Hagen, Chris Windom, Jerry Coons Jr., Scotty Weir, Cory Kruseman, Michael Trimble, Daron Clayton, Lee Stark, Dustin Morgan, Levi Jones, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Critter Malone, Brooke Tatnell, Chad Kemenah, and Dickie Gaines

With a list like that you’d almost think they’ll have a pretty interesting show at Osky on Tuesday.

-The Lovegrove Racing team will try their luck in both the 360 and 410 Nationals with Des Moines, IA driver Larry Pinegar II.

Other Nebraska teams and drivers competing in the week’s events at Knoxville include: Rick Ideus, Ryan Roberts, Jason Danley, Toby Chapman, Mark Pace, Stu Snyder, Seth Brahmer, Skip Jackson (driving for Mark Burch), Billy Alley, and Don Droud Jr.

-Another young lady will join the list of drivers to compete at Knoxville. Kathryne Minter from Bedford, Texas will race in the 360 Nationals and Brodix Tournament of Champions. If you’re interested in finding out more about her, visit www.mint13.com.

-Saturday night’s A Main at the 360 Nationals will be a great show, but I’d sure love to catch the USAC National sprint and midget show at Salem Speedway that night.

-Another reminder that the weekend after the Nationals (8/18) is Kid’s Night and the final Fan Appreciation at Eagle Raceway. I’m looking forward to being at Eagle for that show.

-If you’re not going to Knoxville this weekend, make sure you go out to the wingless show at Eagle Raceway. Saturday night will be Mike Cacak Night with 50% of the profits from the racing donated to the “Mike Cacak Benefit Fund”. Other events will be held throughout the evening to help raise funds for his recovery.

-If you haven’t by now, be sure to visit www.ibracn.com and check out Brad’s new site layout.

And Finally…

If you do go to any of the races during the next ten days in Iowa, stop by the NOS display at Knoxville and say hello. Mention my site and there’s a good chance I’ll hook you up with a free sample and T-shirt.

I’m not sure how much computer access I’ll have in the next ten days, so unfortunately updates might be few and far between. I hope to get some good pictures of the events and have some reactions when I get home.

Next Up…
8/2-4 ASCS Knoxville 360 Nationals
8/5 Brodix Tournament of Champions, Knoxville, IA
8/6 Front Row Challenge, Oskaloosa, IA
8/7 Non-Wing Ultimate Challenge, Oskaloosa, IA
8/8-11 47th Annual Knoxville Nationals