Big T's

Big T's

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Speedfest 2016 Is Almost Here (January 29-31)


Crisp Motorsports Park invites you to attend SpeedFest 2016, Jan 29-31. This is our flagship racing event and you don't want to miss it!! Some of NASCAR's best known names attend this race to compete or assist family members who do. A year's worth of prep is going into this event to make it one of the biggest yet. Facility and property improvements are still underway to make your visit as hospitable as possible. Autograph session again on the straightaway before the race, you'll get a chance to say hi and take a picture with some of your favorites. Keep an eye on the Crisp Motorsports Park website at www.crispmotorsportspark.com, and Watermelon Capital Speedway FB page for updates between now and Jan 29-31. Also, you can go to the Championship Racing Association website for updates and additional information.


SpeedFest 2016 Tentative Schedule.

Schedule of Events for Friday, January 29
10:00a.m. – Pits Open
12:00p.m. – Track Open for Practice
6:00p.m. – Practice Ends
6:30p.m. – Track Closes

Schedule of Events for Saturday, January 30
8:30a.m. – Pits Open/Tech Lines Open
11:00a.m. – CRA Drivers Meeting
12:00p.m. – JEGS/CRA Practice #1 (45 Minutes)
12:45p.m. – ARCA/CRA Practice #1 (45 Minutes)
1:30p.m. – JEGS/CRA Practice #2 (45 Minutes)
2:15p.m. – ARCA/CRA Practice #2 (45 Minutes)
3:00p.m. – Practice Ends
4:15p.m. – JEGS/CRA Qualifying
5:00p.m. – ARCA/CRA Qualifying
7:00p.m. – Track Closes

Schedule of Events for Sunday, January 31
7:30a.m. – Pit Gates Open
8:30a.m. – Hauler Removal Begins
10:00a.m. – All Haulers MUST be removed from infield (Penalties Apply)
10:00a.m. – CRA Drivers Meeting
11:30a.m. – Chapel Service
12:15p.m. – All Cars must be Gridded
12:30p.m. – Autograph Session for Both Divisions (45 Minutes)
1:15p.m. – Autograph Session Ends
1:30p.m. – Driver Introductions (Both Divisions)
2:00p.m. – Last Chance Races (If Needed)
JEGS/CRA (SpeedFest 125)
ARCA/CRA (SpeedFest 200)

Monday, December 14, 2015

Change, It's The Inevitable

   The new year is fast approaching and the one thing a lot of people do before the new year is reflect on the past year. What's happened in their lives, where their lives have ended up to this point, and where its going in the next year. At the beginning of last year I wrote another article about the coming year and asked where everyone would like to see their 2015 head. I had my own thoughts and hopes for this year. Some came true and some didn't. I'm actually more grateful for the things that didn't happen than the ones that did. Racing took me on so many twists and turns this year it became a dizzying ride that I still don't want to get off of. So many things happened in my racing life and in racing period. Many that made me happier than I've ever been in my life and some that made me scream and cry out of frustration. Racing is a passion of mine so it elicits an equal reaction but passionate is my nature anyways, I just roll with it.
   At the beginning of the year we all had hopes for the new season of racing and the highs of the year were moments we got to see some of our hopes come true. Maybe we got to check a race we've always wanted to go to off our lists, or maybe a driver finally won a championship they've elusively chased after for so many years, or maybe someone finally won their first race or set a track record. Those are the moments we always hope for in racing, those highs you get in the sport. At the other end of the spectrum, the lows have sent us scratching our heads or saddened us or made us want to break from the sport for a while. We've seen rules at some places change, seen drivers get hurt, series have come and gone, and we've lost some in the racing community we've loved.
   The one thing I noticed is that the only thing that is constant in racing is change. Just look at where it started, where it was 20 years ago, even 5 years ago. At its heart it's basically the same in some ways but everything around it has changed. Rules change, promoters change, people change, it just happens. Sometimes the change is for good and sometimes for the bad. You never really know until after the fact. I embrace change, the good and the bad. Some have a harder time than others and loudly voice their complaints. Nothing is ever wrong with voicing an opinion, heaven knows I have one, but every time change comes it doesn't necessarily mean it's something bad. I went from not owning a series, to owning a series, to selling the series. It was a constant change and brought with it its fair share of complaints but the good far outweighed the bad. The constant change could have been scary with all the unknowns but I've never feared the unknown. It's just about one of the only things that makes me feel truly alive.
  The change the series brought in my life could have had me complaining, or whining but in hindsight all the changes were good. Just because change comes to racing sometimes it doesn't always mean it's something bad. The thing we all should remember is that change will happen whether we want it to or not. You can't stop it. You might delay it but never stop it. If you never give it a shot how will you even know if it was for good or bad. That's the whole thing about it, you have to at least give it a shot. In anything in life you have to at least give it a shot. My optimistic attitude will never let me NOT see the good in the bad so I give everything a shot because I want to see a good outcome. Its a curse sometimes. Whatever changes come to racing in the new year, they WILL come whether you want them to or not but we should at least give them a shot.
   New drivers in new cars, new promoters, new series, new rules, whatever the case may be it should be given a fair chance to prove it's worth in the sport. If its not good for the sport I always feel it will root itself out somehow. If fans and drivers alike see things aren't working it will almost always die out of racing. It is a sport controlled by its people after all. The people decide in the end and always have the last say in what direction the sport goes. They don't like a track or its rules, they simply in the end won't go and the track will be forced to make changes to help everyone come back. Sometimes changes are overwhelming for some people in the sense that it disturbs their wallets more than it needs to and then again I think once the cars dwindle down, if they even do, the tracks will always do what's best to get them back and able to affordably race again. You just won't know until you try it but it is inevitable that change will come this year. The fact is we should all just buckle in and hold on for the ride that racing will bring. I look forward to the future as I always do in racing and I hope for the best every year and I'm taking the knowledge with me that change has brought me to this point in my life and it has brought the people I love with it, so it was all worth it in the end. Change, its always there, but in the end, racing will still be racing and  we will all be here hanging on for the ride. I can't wait to see what changes 2016 will bring for the sport I love. Hopefully it will be the best year yet and bring even more fans to the track! I can't wait! See ya'll at the track!

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Big Money on the Line at All Tech


Nevin Gainey picks up $2,500 in E-mods



Late Models


Street  Stocks



E-mods


Kyle Livingood incar

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Turkey 100 Swainsboro Raceway



   This past Saturday I traveled for my first trip to Swainsboro Raceway and have to thank the staff and owners for their generous hospitality. The racing was phenomenal with side by side action and slide jobs, even if some didn't go how they were supposed to. Jonathan Davenport took the checkered in the Crate Late Model race by starting on the pole and leading every lap. It was a fantastic night of racing and at a track I hope to visit again soon!


CRATE LATE MODELS

CRATE B MAIN

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Videos: 4th Annual James Ray Hall Memorial

Leo affixes the super secret speed enhancing device before the race.

Sportsman Feature

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Opinion: NASCAR Is Alienating It's Fan Base

By Dale Hall

NASCAR has signaled that they no longer care about their fan base when they punished Matt Kenseth much too harshly this week. In my opinion, they went way overboard and something I have long feared for is apparently now taking place. The wussification of NASCAR has begun.

In just about every poll that I saw this week after Matt Kenseth intentionally wrecked Joey Logano at Martinsville this past Sunday, fans sided with Kenseth about 73% of the time. Most of those fans appeared to be of the opinion that Joey Logano had it coming and he deserved some type of retribution after having wrecked Matt two weeks previously at Kansas Speedway. I was of that same mindset and I was neither a fan of Kenseth nor Logano.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Monday, October 19, 2015

Videos: 2015 Showdown On The Coast

Racing in a nutshell. It don't get no better.

The 2015 Showdown on the Coast has now come and gone. Here are the videos of the Nesmith Crate Late Model feature, the Southern Thunder Late Model feature, and the All Star Stock Car feature.

Nesmith Crate Late Model Feature

Southern Thunder Late Model Feature

All Star Stock Car Feature


Friday, October 2, 2015

EAMS STATE RACE 2015 SUNDAY FEATURES

 
Here are the features from the Sunday portion of the East Alabama State Race. More videos will be added as fast as they can. Thank you for your support! Click on READ MORE to see the rest of the videos.
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPERSTREET

Saturday, September 26, 2015

East Alabama Motor Speedway, The Place To Be This Weekend!

Ivedent Lloyd and Chris Madden before the Super Late Model practice session last night.

The best dirt track racers in the southeast have made their yearly pilgrimage to East Alabama Motor Speedway for 37th Annual Alabama State Championships. It is the one event you do not want to miss. Feature races begin tonight and they will be run all day tomorrow. Click here for event information. 




Monday, September 21, 2015

Talladega Short Track September 19, 2015

 It was a nice cool night in Talladega, Alabama but the racing was anything but that. The heat from the side by side action and a few tempers flaring brought the air and the action to an even keel. Every single division brought with it it's unique dramas and fantastic racing action. Talladega Short Track is always one of the best race tracks to see intense racing and fierce competition. Click on the read more to see the full selection of videos.



SUPER LATE MODELS

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

State Race Warmup From EAMS



   In order for drivers to get some practice in and get a little extra insight into how their cars will be for the State Race at EAMS, the race track held a warmup race race for any and all drivers. The State Race, if going off this warmup race's action, is sure to be full of side by side action and nail biting racing. The late model race was truly one of the best with Ricky Culpepper and Montana Dudley battling for the lead side by side and Culpepper coming out the victor. Every single race was full of nervous excitement and had the crowds on their feet. With all this action in just the warmup race, we can't wait to see what the State Race will bring.


LATE MODEL

Click read more for the rest of the videos

Cochran Features September 6th





 The NLMS invaded Cochran Motor Speedway and brought a whirlwind of a show along with them on September 6th. Along with a $5000 to win Superstreet feature, the night was full of excitement and fantastic racing! Congratulations to all the feature winners!


NLMS 

Click read more to see the rest of the videos

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Deep Dixie Racing Report 9/10/15

We will be live at 7:00 PM tonight.

Losing Faith

   *NOT INTENDED FOR ANYONE IN PARTICULAR, SERIOUSLY*


   As young children we're taught to believe in things such as the Tooth Fairy, Santa Clause, and the Easter Bunny. We believe these things with innocence and total trust in what we're told. We just don't know any better. As we grow older we begin to doubt these magical beings until one day we realize it was never true to begin with. We lose part of our innocence and our trust in things. We begin to become cynical beings in some way. Although it started out bright and beautiful to us, once we saw the truth it completely changed things for us. You lose faith in what people tell you in some small way. The holidays aren't quite so magical anymore.
   Now, being in racing as a fan for so long I can say I have seen many, many things. I've heard more than I've seen and it's never really bothered me. I'm not one to ever really get bothered by much. It's one of my superpowers. In the last year though, things have started weighing on me. I've noticed a change in racing or in people period. Or maybe I just never really noticed as much before because it never dealt with me directly. Racing was always about coming to the race track, meeting up with all your friends for a good time and watching some serious action. If there was drama it was left at the track. If people said they would do something, they meant it. People basically just went on about their lives unconcerned about pettiness.
   Being on a different side of racing I have experienced a whole new world from the one I used to see. Part owner in a racing series, (the greatest series of all time, with the best drivers ever) and part owner in the website you are currently checking out, you are dealing with a whole new set of rules. You deal with the full range of people, personalities and situations. Going from race to race will put you in the path of some unique dealings. You are responsible for a lot more and your faith and patience gets tested daily. You continually tell yourself you love what you do and that it's all worth it. Until that day you realize that you don't eat hardly anymore, you never seem to sleep, and your stomach hurts a lot more from anxiety and stress. I'm a tough nut to crack so when I tell you this you should know this isn't something that happens to you overnight but is more of a long, slow burn. You have to put up with a lot to live this life and this isn't a pity party of one but a reality of life.
   When the day comes you realize things are affecting you negatively is the day you lose some of the fun and childlike wonder you once had for something you've loved so much. I'm hardheaded as the day is long so I'll dig my heels in and keep going but so much of my faith in things with racing are slowly getting lost. I'm losing faith in what people in racing tell me, what they tell fans, what they tell drivers. I'm losing faith in the goodness of the sport when people are holding so tight onto grudges that the only goal they have is to destroy the ones they see in their heads as their opponents. Who has time for these things? It seems someone is always willing to step on and over someone to get somewhere in this sport. More money, more fans, more sponsors, whatever it may be. It's hard to not wonder if in one minute you can trust someone and turn around and wonder if they will step right over you for their own purposes or to make themselves look better.
   There's also the issue of being at the top of your game and someone always wants to topple you. You work hard, try to do the right things, not perfectly, but you try and people will find a reason to dislike you or find your faults and hold onto that like a dog with a bone. No matter what you do nothing will ever make them happy or satisfy them. They've cheered for you on the ride to the top but once you get there they want to be the one to push you off the cliff. So, many times I've seen a driver make it to the top and then all the old friends begin to have resentment towards him for finally making it and just begin to hope for the day he slips up just a little and loses what he worked so hard for. Why do we build up just to tear down? Why not keep the cheering section going even after the success has came?
   I've also recently began to dread opening any of my social media because I know what I'm going to see that day. One such situation I see commonly is one driver in conflict with another driver and will not relent with sly comments and posts or memes or making comments such as the other driver just cries too much. It never ends. They don't just leave it with one comment or post, they continue it daily or weekly. Where did the days go when we had problems with someone we say what we need to say and move on? Why must these drivers keep needling things? It always spills over onto the track or at the track with fights and hard feelings. Does this help our sport in any way? Are we building up what we love or are we tearing down the thing we love the most? Being in a series you come under a certain scrutiny and I see it all the time with other series but it comes to a point when you think you're doing everything right and by the book, but nothing you do seems to be correct sometimes. Everything you seem to do is wrong sometimes and you begin to lose faith in yourself and what you're doing. You can't please people no matter how hard you try. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do with the website and the series but it takes a toll.
   I think being honest about this part of racing is cathartic because for me it brings issues to light so that we can all learn from them and do something constructive with what we learn. I don't know how to begin to regain my faith in racing except to see something positive in everything that comes my way and try not to let the bad outweigh the good. We all want to trust those we deal with in this sport. We want them to be as good as their word. We don't want to see drivers destroy other drivers whether with words or race cars. I've seen so much of the opposite lately and had to deal with so much negativity that my faith is wavering. Whether that means to take a step back from racing or take an extended vacation from something I love, it will have to be considered. Like I said, I'm tenacious and hardheaded so that doesn't look to be likely but I hope for the sake of our sport that things begin to change.
   Stand by your word, don't treat others as a stepping stone, don't make someone else look bad to make yourself look good, and stop with the social media back and forth. If things continue as they are it'll continue to drag us all down and those set out to hurt others need to step back and ask yourself, if this was your last day on earth is this what you would waste your last minutes on or would you worry about your families and friends? Racing is the love of my life but it isn't life or death for me. Because my life is so tied into it though, it affects me a great deal. I really miss the days sometimes of just going and being a fan and watching. No dealing with behind the scenes stuff, no anxiety, no stress. Maybe one day I will get to experience that again and maybe then my faith will slowly stop dying in something I love so much. I really love everyone I come across, even the ones who don't like me. I care about the people in this sport. I care about this sport period and if one day I still find myself questioning myself, or the people in it, or my faith in it, I will smile and walk away and become that which I miss, a fan. Just another face in the crowd with no responsibilities other than finding out where the concession stand is. I'm still here, I take every day and it's new problems minute by minute and try to keep the faith going and well, I'm holding on and riding the ride and enjoying each day I'm given to be a part of this glorious sport. As George Michael sang, "you gotta have faith". I'm trying George.....I'm really trying.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Videos: East Alabama Motor Speedway 9/5/15


Here are the regularly scheduled feature videos from East Alabama Motor Speedway on 9/5/15. Lamar McClellan did his usual outstanding job at recapping the races and you can view that on his Facebook page by clicking here.

Limited Late Model Feature

Late Model Feature


Backassard Hot Shot Feature


Bomber Feature


Road Warrior Feature


Hobby Feature

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Deep Dixie Racing Report 8/13/15




Madeline Crane





Morgan Williams


Pam Herrington


Morgan Fordham


Erica Williams

Monday, August 10, 2015

Videos: East Alabama Motor Speedway 8/8/15


The Nesmith Late Models were at East Alabama Motor Speedway along with the local classes this past Saturday night. Videos from all the feature races will be listed in this post as they are completed. Lamar McClellan, as usual, gave a stellar recap of the night's events and you can click here to read it on his Facebook page.

Limited Late Model Feature

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Something Wonderful This Way Comes

    I rarely watch television but if I ever get to sit down long enough I will always watch some show on HGTV about taking an older house and completely redoing it to make it new again. I like the idea of repurposing things. Taking something that was old and watching the faces of the homeowners as they see it become new again is always the best parts. I love the joy that it brings to them. In the racing community there are tracks that sit and become unused for vast amounts of time and slowly deteriorate like the older houses we see on those television shows. In Ellisville, Florida sits such a track. A race track that was opened in 1974 and was originally a dirt track until the 90's when it was paved over to make it into asphalt.
   Many years have come and gone at this race track and it has seen many different surfaces. Fans have stayed loyal to the track either way but it slowly was in decline in the last few years and was needing an HGTV makeover. Enter the new track owners along with new track manager Wendall Durrence and you have a makeover in the makings that would make a television show jealous. They saw a need at this track and decided it was time for a little TLC. The biggest change they've made was changing the surface from asphalt to dirt. This half mile race track is one of the largest I go to in my travels throughout the Southeast and the anticipation I feel to get to watch cars finally get on this new track is easily palpable. An overwhelming 435 loads of some of the best clay were hauled in to the track and laid out.
   I got to see first hand the monumental task of changing a track from asphalt to dirt and it is an enormous, time consuming task. Not only are they changing the surface but they are bit by bit upgrading everything else. From the concessions to the bathrooms, to grandstands, to the outside parking area of the track, everything is being upgraded for the fans and drivers' comfort and enjoyment alike. To see the time and money that is being put into this race track makes me even more grateful for the new owners and manager. It has taken a lot and WILL take even more money and time to get the track to where they want it but I give them kudos for every single bit of what they've done and are going to do.
   Today, August 8th, starts a brand new era at All-Tech Raceway with the first race of the season. Many drivers from different states will be coming out to compete on the new surface. To see the faces of the drivers and the fans light up tonight at seeing the makeover of the track is a moment I do not wish to miss. The turn out is expected to be huge and the food in the stands will be hot and the actions on the track, well, it's going to be fantastic. After checking out the track before I plan to see three and four wide racing and bumper to bumper cars waiting to get on the track. For our sports to continue it takes us as fans and drivers to support what we love and that means you should come out tonight to the all new All-Tech Raceway and give the new track and your favorite driver your support, but most importantly, let's give our sport the support it needs. For further details go to their website at  http://www.alltechraceway.com/ and I hope we see you tonight!

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Jeff Smith Finds Victory Circle at Senoia

Deep Dixie Racing's photo.
 
JEFF SMITH
 
PLUS ALL THE NIGHTS ACTION BELOW
 
 




525 Crate Super Late Models
 
 
HOBBY
 
 
BOMBER
 
 
B CADET
 


Jordy Nipper On a High After Penton Raceway


PHOTO BY: PENTON RACEWAY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
525 SUPER LATE MODELS
 
 
 
LIMITEDS
 
 
 
HOBBY

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Deep Dixie Racing Report 7/16/15

Chip Brindle, Cecil Eunice, Mark Whitener, and Riley Hickman will be our guests tonight. We will be live from 7-9PM.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Golden Isles Speedway 7/11/15


The Southern Thunder Late Model Series and the All Stock Car Series both had big shows at Golden Isles Speedway this past Saturday night and Deep Dixie Racing was able to capture that action as well as some driver interviews. All of those videos will be added to this post as they are completed.

All Star Stock Car Series Feature


Southern Thunder Late Model Feature

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Deep Dixie Racing Report 7/9/15

Cole Exum will be our in-house guest tonight. The show runs from 7-9 PM.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Ego In Racing. When Too Much Of A Good Thing Is Just Too Much

  
*I am noting this article is about no one driver at all but just observations from many years and combined egos I've come across*


      Sigmund Freud was the first to really identify the three main parts of the psyche and define them into terms such as ego, super-ego, and id. They all three combine to determine how we interact with the outside world whether consciously or subconsciously. How we think of ourselves and how we react to situations in life are all tied in with your ego. Some of us react to situations in life differently than others and how we see ourselves is factored by your ego. In today's culture we look at ego and define it as a simple term and more of a negative than a positive and instead of the complex scientific study that it is. With the study of the ego there is a term that comes up called "ego strength" and it is what comes into play when contemplating a decisive action or more or less how you'll react to each and every situation. A strong ego strength is when a person isn't overwhelmed by their drives and can make an appropriate response to outside events and can make correct decisions. On the opposite end of the spectrum is a weak ego strength. This is where the person will exhibit impulsive behavior, be emotionally unstable, and have a weak self image.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Chevrolet Performance 525 Super Late Model Series Puts Local Terry Smith in Victory Lane at Talladega Short Track



Terry Smith wins 525 Super Crates at TST


525 SUPERS

WINNER TERRY SMITH INTERVIEW


RONNIE JOHNSON

RYAN KING

ALL OTHER RACING, INCAR ACTION AND INTERVIEWS BELOW

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Deep Dixie Racing Report 6/11/15

Justin Bridges: The All Star Gentle Giant




   Standing at a staggering 6 feet 5 inches, the sight of Justin Bridges can be slightly intimidating to someone from the outside, but to get to know him you realize he's humble, extremely funny, and in my case, a real smart alec. I always like to stop by and chat with Justin because giving each other a hard time and joking around is part and partial when I'm at the same track he's at. The formidable outside exterior of this big guy only hides an interior of a genuine, easygoing guy and one that will help any and everyone who stops by his pit for help. Whether asking for a part or setup advice, he's always there to help those who need it. He may give you a little bit of a hard time but it's always in good fun and he's well known for his humor and good natured ribbing. Speaking of ribs, besides racing cars and being a city councilman, he's an excellent grill master, learning from the one and only Myron Mixon, who is a legend in smoking and grilling himself. My love of food has made me get Justin to promise to cook something. His talent on the race track is equally impressive and after running the All Star Series this year he has become even better and more fierce with his level of competition.
   Justin was raised in racing and his dad, Sonny Bridges, was a crew member for Ken Reagan, father of Nascar driver David Reagan. Racing and travel was always part of Justin's life but unlike many others his life was tied into Nascar. He started going to Cordele Motor Speedway in 1989 when it was dirt with his grandparents to watch his cousins, Jimmy Borum and Darryl Robbins race in the hobby division. Afters years of racing, both men decided to retire from racing for the most part and at the same time Cordele was becoming asphalt. At around 20 years old Justin decided to buy a car and try his hand at racing so he bought a Camaro and hit the track following in his family's footsteps. His first time out he says he had no clue what he was doing and was pretty bad but looking at the glass half full he says "at least I didn't get lapped". The first 2 years were a struggle but the 3rd year got better when buddies, Eddie Brodick and Cody Hale, who he says are from "Booger Bottom", started helping. Soon after he started winning races and finally in 2009 won the points championship.
   Around 2010 he decided to try a new aproach and went to dirt at Cochran Motor Speedway for the first time. In his transition he says that the biggest difference was going from a heat race to a feature and deciding on how to get the stagger just right. It was definitely a learning experience and in 2011 he won his first dirt race at Cochran. At the end of the 2013 season a new up and coming series was coming along in the hobby division called the All Star Stock Car Series and Justin began hearing from other drivers like Michael Davis and Lance Floyd that they were going to be running so he decided he wanted to check it out. He liked the idea of traveling to different races, the level of competition, and having the best in the southeast running. The inaugural season of the series Justin just came as a fan to the All Star races but at the $10,000 to win race at Golden Isles last year, he knew for sure this was the series he wanted to be in. He saw in the pits the level of respect the guys had for each other, the family atmosphere, and the general positive attitude everyone had for each other. On the track he was impressed with as much money on the line no one ran over anyone. It was respect in the pits and on the track and watching Bradley Frakes go from the rear to the front for the win was the most impressive thing he had seen yet.
   His first All Star race was this year at North Florida Speedway and he said that when he got there for his first race, the sheer number of cars, an astounding 51 cars, was a little overwhelming. He didn't know if he would have a chance to make the feature but was determined to make a go at it and was successful. He started 14th and finished 12th and with the level of competition, it was a good feeling. At the last race for the series in Cochran Justin started 10th and in 2 laps made his way to 6th but halfway through he ran out of tearoffs and when he went to wipe his shield with his glove he only made things worse and going high into one of the corners 6 cars got by him in that one mistake. This hasn't deterred him though. It actually makes him look forward to the next race for the series on June 20th at Cochran again. He said it was actually a morale booster to know he can make the race and run with the guys there.
  For the rest of the season, Justin plans to runs every series race because his ultimate goal is to be high enough in the points to be locked into the race for $10000 to win at GIS at the end of the season. It has him looking forward to each and every race and always at the top of his game. He has a goal and wants to see it reached. Going from last year as a fan on the outside to this year as a driver on the inside of the series he says the level of competition is getting better and better and the drivers truly are as helpful and friendly as he saw from the outside last year. Going to different tracks with the series, in his thinking, is making better drivers of the series and something he hopes to continue to see for the future of the series with more tracks coming on board and a bigger schedule. When asked about what he thinks makes the series so successful his response was the drivers and how they bring a show to the fans and also because of the series owner, Leo Johnson.
   Seeing other series in racing, Justin says unlike many others, Leo is constantly walking through the pits, talking to the drivers, asking their input on how to make things better. He's always wanting feedback, always wanting to improve on the series where most series and race directors won't. He says Leo truly cares about his drivers and what they think and when a driver feels respected he will be loyal to a series. In Justin's affiliation with the series he says he plans to run with the series for many years to come and is extremely excited for the upcoming Golden Isles and Volusia races because they are tracks he's never raced at and loves the challenge of trying somewhere new. He, like many others in the series, are very loyal to running with the series and it truly is a family. Speaking as someone on the inside of the series I can tell you these guys are family. Justin knows this just like everyone else. The fans of the series have become family to Justin and the other drivers because they are just as dedicated and loyal as the drivers. Justin says that's what makes him come back to each and every race and as long as Leo is running it. His final words of the interview ring true for him and I think sums up what the other drivers and fans would say.... "As long as ya'll have a series, I'll be there". Come out and see Justin and all the other All Star drivers June 20th at Cochran Motor Speedway. It'll be a show you won't forget.

Monday, June 8, 2015

A Look at the All-Tech Raceway Contruction



 
WATCH VIDEO!!!!




Cruz Skinner: A New Hope In Racing



   Alabama has never been lacking in dirt racing talent which became extremely well know in the Allison Era and the Alabama Gang Era, and has continued trough the years, and carrying on that Alabama tradition is a young man so focused and so intent on seeing his dreams come true that you can't help but want to see him make all his dreams come true. Cruz Skinner at only 13 years old has quickly made a name for himself in the dirt track world. I began to notice when his name kept pooping up in all my social media and a friend from Alabama kept talking about him in such high regard. I already had liked the brightly colored number 11 since the number has always been lucky for me but the talent he had behind the wheel of that number 11 blew me away and the wins he was amassing with every trip to the track was becoming astonishing. I needed to talk to Cruz and get an idea on how he thinks and what drives him at such a young age. I was not let down. So young and so thoughtful in what and how he speaks it makes me wish he could be an ambassador for all young people in this sport. He doesn't speak in a way that makes you think he wants to tell you what he wants you to hear but more that he wants to be looked at respectfully by his peers and wants to make his family proud.
   Cruz came into racing like a lot of people do, by being born into it. His dad, Greg Skinner, a racer in his own day, and his granddad, G.T. Skinner, used to bring Cruz to the track since Cruz was born. Greg eventually retired from racing to focus on other more important aspects in life like his family and being a father and husband but racing never left him and he continued to go to the races as a fan with his father and little Cruz. Cruz remembers going to Green Valley, Talladega and Winchester as a small child and at that young age he first remembers watching and noticing how drivers would make their moves on the track. How they were passing each other and how they were moving up and down the track and it had him hooked. His first dirt track racing hero was and still is to this day, Ronnie Johnson. Ronnie wouldn't be up that way every week but when he was Cruz was paying attention and always noticed how Ronnie had patience on the track.
   At 5 years old his dad asked him if he wanted to race and I'll bet you can guess what his answer was. Cruz was then put into a go kart and his debut was to be at the Talladega go kart track but unfortunately a soccer accident left him with a broken arm and his first race had to be postponed for 6-8 weeks. Then one day in mid November, which happened to be the first cold day of the season, Cruz came to a different track and looking at the concession stand asked his dad if he could have an ice cream if he won. Note it was about 40 degrees that night. A deal was made that night and Cruz ended his first night with an ice cream and a trophy. Cruz continued to race for 5 years in karts and he and his dad decided it was time to move up. The next move was to the hot shot series which is a 6 cylinder car straight off the street and a roll cage added in. The first year was a lot of second and third place finishes and a learning curve, but the second year, Cruz hit his stride and won an astonding 26 races at Talladega and Green Valley and at that time they decided to buy a Honda Civic and race asphalt at Montgomery Speedway.
   To show just how much his dedication and his father's dedication to the sport is you should know they would go to Montgomery and race asphalt during the day and pack up and head to the dirt track in the same day. No complaining or whining from Cruz, just focusing on his dream and making it come true. After 2 years of Hot Shots they decided to move up yet again to where he is today. The crate late models. Cruz began with a few test sessions and realized it was much different going from a 6 cylinder to a crate late model but apparently it didn't take him long to catch on. The first crate race was at Talladega short track and ready to make his debut, Cruz started 6th, got to 3rd but jumped the cushion on the restart and fell back to 8th and drove his way all the way back to 3rd. How is that for someone so young and only his first time out in the crate? Pretty impressive if you ask me. His first ten races were learning curves but that 11th race brought that first win. The 11th race brought the number 11 his win. I'm a big believer in fate and that seemed like a fated night for sure for Skinner.
   Another major accomplishment for Cruz to add to his list is that he was selected by the state of Alabama for their "Click it or ticket" campaign. Putting Cruz on billboards and in commercials it has brought awareness to a whole new younger audience the importance of safety and being in one of the most dangerous sports there is, Cruz take the issue of safety seriously. He says he is extremely honored the great state of Alabama chose him to be their spokesperson. His Director of Public/ Media Relations, Mark Ponds, got Cruz involved with the campaign and it has hopefully saved someone's life. Cruz understands the outreach he can have to a younger crowd to try to get them to see how important it is to buckle up. It's a lot of responsibility but Cruz carries it so easily along with school and every other facet of his life. Going into high school this year he says school has always came first. Nothing in racing comes before getting his responsibilities with school done first and then it's off to the shop to clean and help with the car. It seems like it can be so hard for someone so young but listening to Cruz, he has everything in his life in the correct perspective and knows what must be done first.
   With the responsibilities of school there are others to help lighten the load in his racing. His dad has always been there to get the car ready and his crew chief U.B. McFadden makes sure the car is prepared and ready to go and Doug McKenzie and Tim Spears are also there for support. When I asked Cruz what racing has taught him, his response was "responsibility". It's taught him to manage his time and take care of his equipment and school work. A lot of his hero Ronnie Johnson has rubbeed off on him also. He says Ronnie is always classy and always knows how to handle himself on and off the track. Cruz has big dreams for his future and is concentrating with making that happen one step at a time. He runs the NeSmith weekly points series and it is his major focus to win the points right now and to run for the top of the NeSmith Young Gun Challenge which is set up by NeSmith for drivers 18 and under. He's currently running his 604 crate but also has a CT525 he can run. Checking this past weekend for Talladega, Cruz won his feature and is making good on those dreams each week.
  Cruz wants what a lot of young drivers want, to end up in Nascar and watching Cruz and talking with him, I feel pretty certain he will not stop until he makes it to the top. He has everything you want to see in Nascar, loads of talent, the knowledge that he is representing himself and his sponsors at all times, and the ability to know how to juggle life's demands. So many young people out there constantly in trouble or with no idea of responsibility and here we have someone at the young age of 13 who takes care of business at school, at the races, and respresents an entire state in one of the most important campaigns the state runs. He is truly amazing and if you get a chance go out and check him out at the races and know that when he hits the track he is keeping the Alabama racing legend alive and here is someone who has a dream and will work harder than anyone to see it comes true. I hope everything comes true for you Cruz and with your tenacity I know that one day I will be seeing your name racing on the high banks of Nascar. You keep hope alive in a younger generation for me and  for many others, and I hope you always do. We all are rooting for you. There is no limit to this kid and we can all take a lesson from him in hope, determination and where our dreams can take us.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Deep Dixie Racing Report 5/28/15

Click on the Youtube logo in the bottom right of the video player below to be taken to the Youtube page. From there you will be able to navigate to the sections you wish to view a whole lot easier by clicking "Show More" just below the video itself.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Dana Eiland Wins Southern Thunder with a Crate Engine at Eams








Southern Thunder Late Models


hobby


limited


bomber


road warrior

other action coming soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!