Merry Christmas, too all everywhere

" MERRY CHRISTMAS" TO ALL MY FAVORITE PEOPLE, INCLUDING FRIENDS, FAMILY AND OF COURSE THOSE WHO DRIVE THOSE MANY RACE CARS IN EVERY RACE I HAVE FILMED. I HOPE THAT ALL YOUR PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED AND THAT YOU WIN ALL THE RACES YOU ARE INVOLVED IN, AND MAY THE BEST DRIVER WIN.

ALSO, "MERRY CHRISTMAS", TO ALL THOSE LOYAL DIRT TRACK FANS, AS WELL AS FAMILY'S THAT TAG ALONG WITH THEIR HUSBAND OR DRIVER AND FRIENDS THAT ALSO MAKE THOSE SATURDAY NIGHT DRIVES, TO AND FROM THE TRACK, YOU ARE SOME REALLY SPECIAL PEOPLE.

SO AGAIN, "MERRY CHRISTMAS" TOO ALL, AND NOT "HAPPY HOLIDAYS" , CHRISTMAS IS ABOUT THE BIRTH OF CHRIST OUR SAVIOR. PLEASE ENJOY YOUR OFF SEASON, AND PRAY THAT MARCH GETS HERE SOON, SO THAT WE CAN ALL HEAR THAT SOUND OF MOTORS AND SMELL THE GAS IN THE AIR, MAKING FOR SOME GREAT NIGHTS, WHERE FANS AND FRIENDS CAN COME AGAIN AND MEET AND ENJOY RACE NIGHTS LIKE NO OTHER SPORT.
I REALLY HOPE THAT I CAN BE WITH YOU ALL WHEN THE SEASON STARTS,

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A BLESSED DAY!

AUGUSTINO PATTI

"THE CARTER FAMILY"

"Some People are so Special, Meet the Carter's"

Have you ever noticed that some people you meet are so special, and they treat you like you would want to be treated?.
Well I have met some special people down my winding roads of Photography, and these people are so rare to come by.
The people I am referring to would be Jeff and Lisa Carter and their precious family. You may say well who is Jeff Carter and Lisa Carter, are they related to Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter of the Presidential family?, or do they have some thing to do with that "Carter" that had Pills, you know you have heard the saying, "We have more to do than Carter has pills".

I do know who Jimmy and his wife were, as well as their all time crazy brother Billy Carter, who was the king of the Americas Georgia Holiday Inn fame. He also had the short lasted "Billy Beer". But I still don't know who the Carter was that had so many pills, but you know who cares, this is about some really special folks, that live right here in Georgia. The famous racing team called the "Carter Family", with Jeff's famous red number 3 hobby car, that he drives so well , and has been a real force. When you meet Jeff, you just stand back and look in amazement and wonder how a man the size of Buddy Baker can crawl into a race car, and strap himself in and wait for the green flag to fly, and then look for the flag that all winning drivers love to see and that would be the "Checkered Flag". But you know no matter what track, Jeff is ready for the test. Jeff is easy going, and is a hard working man, with his own business, while his precious wife Lisa controls the family and feeds the big guy. Lisa is so kind, and her warmth is felt every time you speak with her, she has the wisdom, but don't let another driver mess with her man or her family or you will have serious trouble. She has a bad back, but that does not stop this short lady that seems to have so much control, even when things seem bad, she always has something good, kind and considerate to say to you. I call her my" 55 ounce Coke drink", she knows what I am talking about.
They have a sweet and charming young daughter, whose name is Haley, and has been a cheerleader for her school football team as well as being named MISS December 2009, now that is an honor, and to think I was the Photographer that took shots of her at the race track, before she became famous. I mean I have shots, of her standing next to her fathers car, and all she ever told me was one day she was going to be a driver, well I have the Photo's and I am so proud of her, and I hope she will always remember the old man wandering around prior to the race, in Whitesburg, shooting her and her parents photos.
GOD has blessed her, and that is so good, oh yes if anyone wants to know, Haley does not do mornings!, that is a inside joke.
Lets not leave out the crew chief, Robbie Carter, who swears that they have the winning car, every time Jeff races. All I know is to believe him, and I know that one day soon, Robbie will be out there racing with his famous father, the same as Dale Earnhardt and his son Dale Jr.

Getting back to reality, if you want to see a real race team, that is feared, look for the Red #3 hobby car, shined and polished and ready to battle. Jeff is amazing, because as fans come to the track, they look down in the Pit area, and see the shinning #3 car sitting there, it is like Jeff is making a statement. "I am here, LOOK OUT".

So if you want to meet some really special people look no farther than Stockbridge Georgia, and look for a family filled with love and fun. When you find them hang around them, get to know them and you will have found some "Special people".

Oh yes, its "Christmas Season, and guess who is so happy?, if you said Lisa Carter you are so right, this is her season.
So I end this by saying I look forward to always being the Carter's friend, I know they are some people you can meet and trust and learn to love, also well these are my kind of folks, good kind and considerate. Get to know them and you will see what I mean, they have hearts that are made of GOLD and treat you with respect, that is why I say, THANK YOU JEFF, LISA, HALEY AND ROBBIE AND EVERYONE ELSE CONNECTED TO THE CARTER FAMILY!! That goes for "Spotlight" also who is a trip himself.

Many Thanks for everything, your friend and Photographer forever,
Tino Patti

SO MUCH WORK FOR NOTHING

Sometimes you feel like all the work you have done is for nothing and that is when you grab the nearest gun you have an shoot the hell out of something.
Like a machine that takes your money, and you know there is no one there to replace what you lost so you want to kick the damn machine until it is no longer useful. People can be the same way, I mean you work so hard at trying to please folks and build up a following only to have some freaks shut you down.
Well Racing and Machines are the same, some are useful and some are USELESS.

Photography can be great then again it can be a royal pain, I mean look at all the camera gear you have and all the money you have invested, it's more that you can imagine, and then have someone take you on a photo shot, everything seems great until you find out after the shoot that you are not getting paid, because your NOT a Professional. Break my neck, or their neck is what you want to do. If someone ever tells you are in TRAINING, and that is why your not being paid, walk away as fast as you can, because you are being called a sucker.

Even working at let's say WALMART when you are working EVEN in the training period YOUR GETTING PAID, think about it.


It was HOT as HELL in Georgia on Saturday and Sunday Oct.30, 31st, 2008 the place Road Atlanta as I was just one of the photographers covering the Suzuki Super Bike Show. Motorcycles that were racing at high speeds over 200 mph, on the straights, and then there were the young kids, from 12-16 years of age riding for Red Bull, these kids, could handle a bike at well over 160 mph. They were amazing, and a joy to watch as well as photograph.

I met the officials at Road Atlanta and they are top class people, and they run the track like it should be run. If you can get Speed Channel to broadcast the event you know your event is among the top events in racing.

I was there, as I said photographing for a local magazine, and while there I was with a gentleman named Leon McVay, he was a class one photographer and taught me things in his time and did not rush me he helped me learn in ways that I can never repay him. He is a CLASS 1 Photographer.

Needless to say, I was with him more than I was with the general manager of the Local Magazine, I was there walking and learning from him, I watched him shoot, I listened to every word he was saying, because I knew I was learning. All I can say is Leon Mcvay is one hell of a photographer and I would like to work under him where ever he shoots events. Learning is something I love. Thank You Leon!.

Back to the local magazine, I was writing for it at one time, and I was told "Writer's do not get paid for their articles as well as photo's", something was wrong then but I never picked up on it, I guess I am a slow learner. NOT ANYMORE, I have learned that if you are not getting pay ,hey walk away.

If you have a job, and it does not pay why do your best, sure you want the best because every shot represents YOU as a Photographer. Every Time you take a photo of someone or something you had better do your best and give it your all. Now if you are out in nature and away from the paying public, hey take your time and enjoy life. Get away and smell the roses, but when you are shooting for cash, make sure you act like a professional and shoot like one.

West Georgia Speedway is one place that needs help, I mean there are some of the finest drivers at that track, This is a historic track and is run by some great people, and I love to see the dust flying as cars enter turn one after taking the green flag.

If you really want to see some great racing action, take your family down to West Georgia Speedway on a Saturday night and watch the action, you will have plenty of fun.

This is a family racetrack and you will be treated like gold when you get there, so come on down to WGS and watch some great races.



ANY WAY FOLKS, PLEASE DON'T TAKE ANY WOODEN NICKELS, OR TAKE PHOTO'S NEVER TO BE PAID, IT'S NOT WORTH THE TIME AND AGGRAVATION.

Tino Patti

To All those that THINK I am a RUCKER ORR FAN

Ok, I have been accused of writing pro things about driver Rucker Orr, lets talk!

To everyone that seemed to believe that Rucker Orr was paying me for my comments regarding him, YOU ARE DEAD WRONG.

Rucker Orr, has no idea what I will write about him or any other driver I choose, I am not being paid by him, all I am doing is telling my side of the story about a driver that has talent and guts. I respect your right to like other drivers, and I respect your ways of seeing things. I want you all to know that where I stand I see lots of things that others don't see or want to see.

If you think I like Rucker Orr, GREAT, because he is talented and I have never had words with him, I respect all drivers that are honest and kind to me. I do NOT have to like certain drivers, just as you as a fan have your favorites. I don't speak about some drivers because they are not worth taking the time I have. I can and will continue to follow the drivers that I have respect for, and that includes hobby drivers Jeff Carter, Joe Hillman, and Cory Hillman. I will also respect Winford Minex of the Enduro class, as well as other drivers in that class, like Eddie Harris, I can and will always have my favorites.
And as for as Crate Cars go, there is none better than Mark Knight and Tony Kemp, I am not leaving out any Crate Car driver, not even young Mark Sims, every Crate Car driver is special in his own way.
When it comes to the Sportsman, YES I do like Rucker Orr, Yes I do like Glenn Waters's and Yes I do like Brian Reese, plus Fletcher Cavender. Do I have a favorite,
YES and I don't have to say who, it could be anyone of them are NONE of the above.
My favorite driver in the Modified Mini class is Richard Bagby and that is because we go way back to the days when 7 Flags speedway was in operation, but that does not mean I do not like Richard Dale or Frank Long, because I do. I have just known Richard longer.
The pure mini class is a mixture of unknowns, except for Rocky Johnson, and Danny Smith, if I had to pull for one it would be hard.
In the Street Stock, I have no favorite just turn them loose and let them run, I have never seemed to care for Street Stock.

Now you say, well why do I write so much about Rucker Orr, well it is the same reason I write articles on Mark Knight and Richard Bagby not to mention Jeff Carter, I even wrote a article that appeared in MotorSportAmerica magazine about the owner of West Georgia Speedway, Sammy Duke, does that mean I don't like him?. So to all those that have read the Rucker Orr article and said I must have been getting paid by him, GET REAL.
Life goes on, the race tracks I cover are different each in there own way, some are old and run down like West Georgia Speedway but that does NOT mean it is not a good track, it just means it could be better with improvements.
So remember, Racing is Racing, and each of us are fans down deep in our hearts.
I have my FAVORITES and you have YOURS, so just remenber we all live in a free country and we all can pull for drivers we like.
This was meant to please all the fans that have come down hard on the article I wrote regarding Rucker Orr.
Many Thanks too all,
Tino Patti (A MSA reporter)

Jeff Carter, the MAN in RED

Jeff Carter Hobby Car driver Supreme, plus hard worker and Family Man

When you talk about a all around nice guy, you must be talking about Big Jeff Carter, who drives the red #3 hobby car at West Georgia Speedway plus other tracks.

There is no way you can miss this BIG MAN, as he is a gentle giant, he speaks soft but caries a big engine under the hood of his car. He has always let the talking be done with his car, he can start in the rear of a race and by the middle of the race he has made his way to the front, and battles everyone, cuts no slack. One thing for sure Jeff is not a showoff, and he is not wrecking his car if he can't win. He always brings the car back home in one piece, and that's a good thing.

Jeff is a family man, and his family supports him every time he steps inside his race car, they know he is going to give it his all to win or place or show.
His wife Lisa Carter is a huge supporter and when the Carter's come to a track they come in truck loads of people, sometimes when I was working at West Georgia Speedway I would look down from the tower at his car and all his friends surrounding Jeff. He has a army of people that help him with his car, from his son to his daughter, then there is "Spotlight" what can be said about him, he is a bright spot in anyones day. If his son Robbie does not have the car dialed in they look to Mark who takes care of things when Robbie is not around.
But like I said behind every good driver is a woman, with a backbone that won't quit, and that is his wife Lisa Carter. She is a force in her own, never shy with words she can make anyone happy. She is intelligent, just make sure you don't drink her last coke are you have had it.


When Jeff is not racing on Saturday night, during the week you will find him almost anywhere hauling broke down big rigs, as he has the ultimate tow truck, and it is a horse, huge, powerful and clean. Jeff and his wife run Carter's Wrecker Service out of Stockbridge Georgia. They are highly "Wreck-o-mended".
I had the pleasure of seeing Jeff work as he was in Douglasville, to pick up a truck that needed to be moved, when I first arrived on the scene I was expecting to see a small tow truck, WRONG!!!!, this truck was massive, and I grabbed my camera and started shooting. It made for some great photo's on my smugmug website.
I have seen Jeff win some pretty amazing races and before I really got to know Jeff when he would win I would always say "Man he's a MAGIC MAN", and sure enough while walking in the pit area at West Georgia Speedway on a HOT Saturday afternoon prior to the race, I noticed on the back of his car the saying "Magic Man", somehow that made me feel special. I want to thank Jeff and his family and his crew for making my time down at West Georgia Speedway a time that I can always look back and remember. I not only made good friends, I made some special friends that I will never forget. If after all the time I was allowed to work at the Speedway, I can say in all honesty that my favorite Hobby car driver was the big man, Jeff Carter. He made my time at the race track special, and so did his entire family.
Lisa was as good as gold on those HOT nights, making sure I had a drink, that was so kind, these are the kind of people we need more of in world.
THANK YOU FOR EVERY THING, AND ALL THE GREAT TIMES. I will never forget that #3 Red car making it's way around that old dirt track in Whitesburg, Ga.
The Carter's are some special folks!!!

Thanks, Tino Patti ( an MSA Reporter)

COME ON LETS GET REAL

RACING WEST GEORGIA STYLE

August 9th, 2008 proved to be my last time filming at the old rundown historic track in Whitesburg, Georgia.

I know this is going to really sound crazy, but when some one tells you that you can not film the races anymore and it is just prior to the first feature race of the night, you can say that my heart was not in my work. I have mentioned how I was fired because of a mysterious camera that sent crazy signals to the time clock and some how knocked out a microchip and blew the light. The camera was not on, and my film camera does not send signals out, the camera does when turned receive signals from a hand held microphone. Some one did not want me filming a certain driver tearing other drivers up. I wonder who?

Getting back to the nights action, the Modified Mini race was a good race car #16 of Huie Stewart would go on to win followed by car #20 of Ryan Heppner with Richard Dale finishing in 3rd place, while his father Richard Bagby broke a rear end and you could see sparks flying, I was just hoping the car did not catch fire needless to say he was out for the night, something I hated to see happen.

The enduro race was a hard fought battle, cars were all over the track, the #15 of driver Eddie Harris would get the win, but he would be spun by the #8 car, #57 of Jeff Harris would finish in second place followed by car # 8 of Lee Owensby. Car #32 of Randy Brady was all over the track all because he needed fresh tires. Randy had the motor just in the dust bowl of West Georgia Speedway there was no way he could make his car stick. Next week he promises to have better tires.

Then there was the famous Hobby car race, featuring some of Georgia's toughest drivers, such as Jeff Carter and Blant Duke plus Lee McElwany. Joe Hillman would have made the show but he had engine troubles prior to his feature race.
So the lineup looked great from where I was filming as Jeff Carter in his famous red #3 lined up on the inside pole, while right beside him was the #01 of Blant Duke.
When the race went Green, I knew we were in for a great race, all except Jeff Carter who's cars tires went South on him and he was sent back in a huge dust storm, the track as always was dry as a bone and racing was miserable. With no traction there was no way of catching Blant Duke, was he legal, I guess he was no one dared protest him.
So the hobby race was a blow out because Blant Duke took the win and even had to make a round with the checkered flag to make sure everyone knew he was back. In 2nd place was #56 of Lee McElwany and in the third place was car #8 of Michael Nelms.

Then there came the Crate Car race always a exciting race, this was my favorite race to film because I knew two of the drivers and knew they were always capable of winning. #16 of Tony Kemp and #K17 of Mark Knight would always put on a show.
But then Saturday night was different, as car #19 with driver Jeremy Hall took the lead and seemed that he was not looking back, for several dusty laps car #19 seemed to own the speedway, until #16 Tony Kemp made his move and past him, leaving #K17 of Mark Knight to run in third place where Mark would finish. The secret came out after the race that the reason Mark could not catch Tony was because of tires that were worn out and had no traction where Tony and car #19 had good tires on their cars. Also I found out that car #19 driven by Jeremy Hall was Tony Kemps old crate car, so that is also where all the power was from.

Then the Sportsman rolled onto the track, would this be another repeat of the prior Saturday night when Fletcher Cavender would run all over Rucker Orr? The battle seemed ready except no one counted the #G1 car of Glenn McWater's to be a threat, wrong!. When the cars lined up we had Rucker Orr on the poll with G1 of McWater's right along side, in row two was car #26 of Fletcher Cavender but when the green flag flew we had Rucker Orr's #99 blowing everyone away, there was one chance for G1 for Glenn Waters's to get around him, he tried but Rucker laid on the gas and he was gone and no way to catch him. He was cruising, the race which was my last to film proved to be a winner as again Rucker Orr took the Win and carried the flag around the old speedway. So Orr would win, and coming in 2nd place was G1 of Glenn Waters's and in 3rd place was car #26 of Fletcher Cavender.
So my night came to a close, as I was hot and mad and disgusted because after all the good I have done to promote West Georgia Speedway I was getting the boot because of a wild made up story regarding my camera blowing out the timer light when my camera was never on, and it does not send radio signals out. The crazy things people can make up, what next my camera is able to zap a car to the winners circle!

Thanks Tino (a MSA Reporter)

Randy Brady Jr. young and talented but raw

Randy Brady Jr. is only 19 but drives like he was a lot older, raised and lives in Douglasville, Georgia. Randy was born in March in the year of 1989, he comes from a family of racers, including his Grandfather, Uncle, and Father who still races.
He has some hobbies that include would you know it, racing and working on race cars, and that will come in handy as he drives against fellow competitors in the wild and woolly Enduro races at West Georgia Speedway located in Whitesburg, Georgia. When I asked him who his favorite driver in Nascar was he replied, Kyle Bush. As I stood and spoke with him, to be honest he reminds me more of Kevin Harvick and has that short smile, but seems to have a personality that goes with racing. When I spoke with him at West Georgia Speedway prior to the races he was smoking something odd because his father owns and operates Georgia Explosives in Douglasville. Every time I think of him smoking I only imagine what would happen if he was smoking at work, if I were to hear a huge explosion in Douglasville, I guess I know what had happened. I only hope he does not smoke inside of the business.
Getting back to Randy and his car, he has a Nova with a 350 engine under the hood to turn out the horse power he needs to if he expects to win. Having a pit crew is something that most drivers don't have but he does list is Uncle Rick as his Crew Chief. He has a pit crew that is a combination of his Father, to his Uncle to his friends, Rick, Levi, and Blake. These are the key personal that continue to give Randy confidence that he can be a winner.
His racing history goes back to win he was 11 when he started winning in the go cart races. He then moved up to mini-stockers, to where he is now running in the Enduro class.
He loves racing Enduro's just needs some work on his car and needs to quit listening to others on how to set his car up, especially from drivers in the same class that he runs because, most drivers give advice to drivers in the class, but they also "give out some bad tips". I mean if I were eating at McDonald's and every time I had a burger I found a twenty dollar bill in my bun, I would make sure that my friend would order something else, no need for him to get a twenty. I mean when it comes to racing, listen to those that will help and not those that can and will beat you.
He does have some sponsors for his red and white #32, and they are Georgia Towing & Hauling,
El Rodeo, Pool Genie, and Auto Sports Unlimited.
So if you want to see a new young gun working his way up the racing ladder, watch Randy Brady Jr. in his Enduro car #32 at West Georgia Speedway on a Saturday Night.

Tino Patti (a MSA reporter)

PUSHED TO THE LIMIT

"Pushed to the Limit"

Racing can be fun, but then again racing can become a hazard to drivers and others, there is a time to race and a time to fight. When at a Dirt Track drivers go through all kinds of emotions and things tend to get heated. The following incident took place prior to a Saturday night race at West Georgia Speedway in Whitesburg, Georgia.

The battle became wild and woolly between two Sportsman car drivers. The drivers involved were Rucker Orr and Ted Ray, two drivers with lots of talent, but on this hot Saturday night in June the tempers flared and before I knew it I was capturing a fight while I had been setting up my video camera for the races for that night. I was working in the tower outside the track where I film from, setting up my equipment. I had a video tape in the camera and was fine tuning every angle to make sure that I would be able to capture turn one through turn four and the finish line.

There was a race on June 14th that is when the sportsman cars had a major crash as soon as the green flag fell, that is also when tempers heated up. It was caused because of car 99 Rucker Orr that mashed the gas, which sent the first row cars sideways and crashing along the fence, Rucker made it through, but other drivers were caught up in the mass of metal. One driver known as "Bear" Ted Ray was also involved in the crash, but when you are running in the back of the pack and something happens up front, your car is always going to be involved unless you have so much luck on your side, and some drivers did avoid the wreck.

When I am filming, and I have filmed for years I know that the start of any race is where and when things can get hairy and wrecks will happen. Like I have always said NO ONE WINS ON THE FIRST LAP. Think about it, there is maybe 25 sometime 30 laps in a race, and someone one once to win on lap one with the green flag flying. It's hard to imagine but wrecks happen to the best of driver's. Most drivers go home fix their cars and come back to race again on the next race night. Then again some hold what I shall call a grudge and carry it on their backs all week long. Intead of letting it go it eats them up on the inside, and that driver is the worst driver to be around. I have met several drivers and have come to like and enjoy watching them race. I have stood behind drivers, I have opened up and told them my troubles, I have always tried to be the best person I could have been.

Some people say that I show favoritism, but let me let you know that I have got closer to some drivers than others. Sure I have my favorites but that does not mean they win every Saturday night, they might not even finish a race.

That bring me too the next Saturday night, June 21st, that was the night I was walking around the infield of the pit area selling my few DVD's and I seen Ted Ray approach Rucker Orr and throw parts of his car down in front of Rucker car, and Ted made sure he let Rucker know that the next time they raced he planned on putting Rucker into the wall, and he pushed Rucker as well as said some words that I shall not repeat here. That night was the beginning of a nightmare, it was good that Ted Ray did not bring his car too the track or that could have been the night that he put Rucker in the wall.

Rucker went on to win his Sportsman race and was gearing up for the next race on the 28th of June, but that race would not have Rucker in the race as prior to race night that is when a fight began that involved Ted Ray and Orr. That is when my camera caught the action of a mob fight that had Rucker on top beating Ted Ray, there were others also kicking and throwing punches it was amazing. I had like I said been setting up my camera and checking it when the fight broke out. My instinct cut in full gear, and I hit the record button on my camera and away I went filming a fight in the infield of West Georgia Speedway. This was like a film you would see on the news on any day of the week, a mob, swing and slapping and pushing and shoving and all this maybe 4 minutes was caught on video.

Now I have been called and threatened by Ted Ray one of the people involved and he said that he was going to get me, if I sold a video of the fight. I explained to him that anything I have a video of is MY PROPERTY and no one has any right to it, unless they buy a copy. He demanded I never sell a copy, he also stated I was also going to be sued for the release of the tape.

The video itself shows the mayhem with Ted Rad being pushed to the ground and that is when Sportsman driver Rucker Orr started to beat him, he had been provoked and this time to his limit. Ruckers, father stated that he was trying to defend himself from the Big Bear of a man named Ted Ray, when Rucker did see that his father had been pushed against a parked truck, Rucker took matters into his own hands and somehow got Ted to the ground where then the battle was on.
The crowd gathered to watch and some were trying to control the fight, it seemed from where I was filming most drivers stayed away and watched not wanting to get involved.

I have seen some battles on the track with cars pushing each other but to be honest this I thought I would never see, I mean grown men, drivers that drive expensive car's, beating each other senseless. Instead of taking their anger out on the track, they had to battle prior to the race and in the infield pit area of all things.

I know what my video shows, I also know that I would never lie about anything regarding this matter, but I do think that if a driver had a problem with another driver they should have taken it out on the track and not fight in the Pit area where others could be hurt.

Sometimes a driver, who has been winning can be pushed to the limit, and when that happens all you get is stress and pain, I never said I liked one driver over the other, I show no favoritism I enjoy clean racing, but sometimes things happen on the racetrack and people are involved in wrecks. Thats fine, but when they take it too the limit of pushing each other every Saturday night something has to give, and on June 28th at West Georgia Speedway it all came to a head, and what was words, came to blows sending one driver to jail and that was Rucker Orr, when to be honest both drivers should have been sent to the jail. I hate it that Rucker was not allowed to race but was barred from the track for 2 weeks and so was Ted Ray, I hope that Ray is banned as Sammy Duke has said, but we will have to really see what happens. I know that this fight had been brewing and something was going to happen just when and where were the questions. Well it did, on that hot Saturday Night in July at West Georgia Speedway.

Is there anyway people can get a grip on what I am saying, if Rucker Orr had not been pushed to his limit against Ted Ray things would not have happened but everyone even myself has that breaking point, and Rucker was at his breaking point and Ted "The Bear" Ray had pushed him to the limit. I hate it for both drivers but in this case I show no favoritism, I just know what happened and I know in my heart what I did was right. The video is now in the hands of the law enforcement and a judge and that is all that I can do. I will always have the master copy of the fight in my possession and no one will ever get control of it.
Wish things could have ended better but that is that story, hope both drivers come to their senses. The end is that both drivers were escorted from the track in police cars, and went to jail, for a short time before being released. If Sammy Duke would have had a police officer in the pit area before the race, could this have stopped the trouble, I believe it would have at least had a impact but there was no police at that time of day at the track, so that gave a better opportunity for the drivers to exchange heated words.

Racing is a Sport but when it becomes violent for the drivers that is when racing is no longer fun, as I said if one driver had a problem with another the best place to end the problem is to spin the opposite driver out and get the anger out and not keep harboring anger.

Fans Racing is exciting, and this was one small incident at a race track and there is nothing that could have been done by management, so please remember almost every driver that pulls onto the track is not that way and all they are in racing for is the sport and the good sportsmanship.

See you at West Georgia Speedway for the big 4th of July Race, featuring $800 to win in the Crate Car division and $1000 to win in the Sportsman feature race.

SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Rucker Orr, and the Jolly Roger"

What does it take to drive a Sportsman car on a 3/8th oval dirt track ?, that has been a question I have wanted answered for years?.

One thing for sure it takes a driver with nerves of steel, and someone that knows what his car is like, someone that has taken the inspection of the car to every extreme, and someone that is not afraid of getting their hands dirty, as they tune the car to it's utmost.

There is one driver that falls into this category and has proved his car can win on any given Saturday night when he is racing at West Georgia Speedway in Whitesburg, Georgia.

You couldn't miss him if you tried, just gaze around the track and you will see a huge white semi tractor/that has a car hauler, and on the back is Rucker Orr's signature "Jolly Roger skull and crossbones" flag that he has waving in the wind as he travels down the highways.

Rucker is a legend himself, I know that he has been in some great races and fought off some of the best drivers, then there have been nights when his car would completely give away and let him down, and that is not like Rucker.
When he pulls his #99 on to the track and lines up, Rucker is ready to run and give it his best shot. He has been is some amazing crashes that I have had the opportunity to film, and one in particular he had no part of but was blamed by another driver. His car at that time was black and it was #K7, this year his car is a bright yellow and has the number on the side #99, so when he is racing there is no way you can not see his car.
Fans at West Georgia Speedway are mixed regarding Rucker, they tend to root for the #G1 of Newnan Georgia's Glenn McWaters, who has been a regular winner in this division. Then again times have changed and Rucker is on a roll wining big time races.
Racing in this Sportsman class is not easy as there are several other top notch drivers that can make things difficult to win on a Saturday night.
Not only is there #G1 of Glenn McWaters you have the young 23 year old driver that is up and coming in car #15 of Aubrey Merritt, plus you have to throw in other top notch drivers like the #4 of Ted Ray, known as "The Bear".
Things can get really exciting as you see cars in double file round turn 2 and head down the backstretch gaining speed and then getting ready to round turn 3 where the green flag is about to be thrown. Fans are standing knowing that anything can happen on the start of a race and who ever can make it through turn one and head into turn 2 without being in a wreck then you know that driver has that sigh of relief. Still the race is not over until the flagman throws the white flag and that lead car takes it and comes around and passes the flag stand where the checked flag is being waved, not that is the best sight any driver can have. You have to remember winning a race at West Georgia Speedway is more than a accomplishment it is a total "Feat" and a driver needs to celebrate and enjoy his win, because he has not only beaten other drivers he has beaten the old speedway itself.

These are some hard core facts, winning is great but being a great driver is better, and having a personality like Rucker Orr is something itself. If you want to meet one of the best drivers an one that will talk to you and not be so standoffish like some of the big time racers, then you need to meet Rucker Orr. He is in a class of his own and words can not describe how super a person he can be. This includes his entire pit crew and those that help him in every way.

If you want to see someone that comes to a track to race and win, then all you have to do is watch #99 of Rucker Orr, he is a top driver that has had some outstanding luck as he has been a winner at West Georgia Speedway at least 6 times in a row.

Story and Photo's by Tino Patti (an MSN Reporter) My Blog story

"Lookout, the #3 Hobby car of Jeff Carter is ready to pass you"

Racing can be fun, and racing can be wild, but when ever I see the Red #3 hobby car in a race at West Georgia Speedway all I need to do is keep my camera pointed in front because that is where Jeff Carter will be.
He is huge, and he can handle a car like no other Hobby car driver. Hit him and be prepared to be hit back. There are no mind games when he races, if you are in his way, move, if you won't move he may have to move you. This is racing, no time for watching the paint dry. "Speed" and "Control" that is Jeff Carter, a man that is always on a mission, and he is a proven winner at West Georgia Speedway as he has won some of the biggest races there. There are times I wonder what he will do next on the track, he is not your ordinary driver. Jeff is "Extraordinary" in all ways, he is a man of his word and a driver that does not think he is better than his fans. When he speaks, you listen, when he is quiet this is when you wonder, and when he races this is Jeff's time to shine. His pit crew is always at his side, making sure his car is in great looking and proper running order. He has so many crew members it would be hard to name them all but some that come to my attention is a tall gentleman, that will talk to you and not think he is better than you are , they call him "Spotlight" now isn't that a name. Then there is his son Robbie who makes sure Jeff's car is in top shape, tires, motor, body he is the man that makes things happen. When Robbie is not at the track helping his father he turns everything over to his right hand man, and that would be Mark Quiton, and to this day I have yet to see Jeff and his team pull his car off his trailer with any dirt on it, his car is always clean and well polished. Once he hits the track the Red #3 is covered with dirt but that is nothing to worry about. Fan's cheer his red #3 as he rounds the turns, making it look simple, but we all know that driving at Whitesburg, can be a real job.
Jeff has been driving a 1987 Monte Carlo with a paint job that won't quit, he also has a 305 engine under the hood this is bad boy of a ride.

Jeff is also a great family man and has lot's of fans to cheer him on. His number one fan is his wife for many years "Lisa", she is so precious, she is kind and I know that she takes care of Jeff. They live in Stockbridge, Georgia. He is also the owner of "Carters Towing Service", no not small cars, we are talking about massive trucks that need to be towed, and if anyone can tow something Jeff Carter is your man.
He has a precious daughter, Haley Carter that wants to drive like her father and I believe that she could be the next dirt track female star, she seems to have the talent and we know that with her fathers car under her she will have the speed.
I will be watching her and wishing her my best.
Drivers are sometimes the best then again you get that occasional driver that is so rude that when I am filming a race I refuse to film their car in the race. It's just that way, you be good to me and I will be great to you.
Streets are two way even with race car drivers. You want to meet a class driver, come on down to West Georgia Speedway and shake this big man's hand next time you get a chance, he is one heck of a super driver and one heck of a super nice man, Jeff Carter is other hobby cars drivers worst nightmare.
One day I was told he would enter into the Crate Car division, that will be a killer division, because with the way he drives now, I can't imagine him in a Crate car, look out boy's Jeff is coming to your division soon.

Story and Photo's by Tino Patti (an MSN reporter) MY Blog

"MARK SIMS "A YOUNG GUN"

Their he is, a young raw talented driver that has all the makings of a driver that can go big time if he becomes more focused on his racing style instead of the many young adoring charming gals that love to watch him race his 22M Crate car around almost every track.

I have seen Mark Sims go from the Prue Mini class to the Modified Mini class and now has jumped to the Crate Class of racing. He was a winner in Pure Mini , I know, I have yet to see him win a in a Modified Mini unless he raced at another track. I try and document all the wins by doing all the filming at West Georgia Speedway located in Whitesburg, Georgia. And as for as his Crate races, at West Georgia Speedway he has yet to get a checked flag win.

Mark has the heart, but a driver needs more than a heart and a social hour, he needs to work on his car with a passion, he needs to quit listening to some drivers that plain out want him to turn the wrong screws, after all this is racing. I know many a driver that will tell you all day how to set up a car, but I also know some that will make sure your set up is wrong, maybe it is because they want to win and they have no intention of giving you any pointers to help beat them.
Let me tell you up front Mark Sims is a all American young driver, I know that his time is coming and the wins will come more and more, but as for now Mark needs to continue to race and learn and make the set ups of his car that he believes in and not something someone else told him. Every race track is different, the weather is alway different, the track changes, and the other drivers can always be a hassle.

Race cars are not cheap, and the last thing Mark needs is to really mess his car up in a crash. Sim's has talent, he reminds me of a young Darrell Waltrip Jr. , he has that bright look in his eye, he has a flair, he can show off some times but then again he needs all this to become a better driver.
One thing for sure is that Mark has the above mastered, he is a natural in front of a camera. But Mark needs to be as focused on his driving as he is his fans.
Winning races, is what will make him better, knowing set ups will make him better and having some good runs at the local tracks can always make his confidence grow.

I have seen some of the best dirt track drivers race, from Mike Head known as "The Headman" to Richard Bagby as well as Shane Clanton plus others like Lamar Haygood and Marty Massey. I have also seen asphalt drivers like "Hurricane" Mike Hillman. Rusty Clanton, plus Reed Sorenson and some great female drivers like Tina Johnson.
Everyone of these drivers, never gave away secrets, sure they were great when I needed a photograph for the magazine, but when they were on a race track they were focused.
The 22M car of Mark Sims will be in the winners circle soon, but I just hope I am around to see him win his first of many races in the Crate division to come. To do all this he will have to finish those big races, and beat drivers like other Crate car drivers like #K17 of Mark Knight or the #07 of Dewayne Aldridge, now if he can do this I will mark him up another notch as being on his way to the top.
So when you are at a local dirt track and you see the 22M of Mark Sims just remember that he has won races, in the lower divisions but now he just has to become more focused. Racing in pure mini, and modified mini is a different ballgame than Crate Cars. He is in a new league with drivers that take no prisoners.

story by : Tino Patti plus Photo's.

"GREAT READING FOR EVERYONE OF EVERY AGE"

Do you want to read a book, that will really make you think?, and also give you hope when you or down. Or have been down a long road with a family that does not seem to care, and then you give your life to The LORD, and know that when in trouble, He can pull you through.

The Book was written by a local Georgia Writer, from Douglasville, Georgia, her name is Edna Patti and this book that has already touched millions could also touch your life.
The book is called "TRAIL OF TEARS : A LONG WAY HOME"

This is a true story of how Edna Patti went through, trials and troubles and overcame them when "GOD" changed her lifestyle.
Remember if she can do it, "SO CAN YOU"
So please checkout Amazon.com or Borders Book stores or just do an internet search for her book called "Trail of Tears: A Long Way Home" it will be a great read for anyone, and also give others some much needed hope, and we all need hope.
If you would like to ask a question of the writer Edna Patti can be reached via e-mail at : ednaep@bellsouth.net

"Blant Duke, West Georgia Speedway's tough gun"

Blant Duke is West Georgia Speedway's "Top Gun" in the hobby car division that he races in every Saturday night down in Whitesburg, Georgia.

Blant is also the grandson of owner and promoter, Sammy Duke, who is a man that pulls no punches with any driver. Sammy has a flare for the dramatic. I have heard his gravely voice speaking with the scorekeepers, and also the flag men and other officials, in a tone that can only come from Sammy Dukes voice.

His Grandson, Blant Duke drives a fast hobby car and makes a race worth watching.
Blant's #01 hobby car, is always running on the pole, and that has so many drivers saying that the line-up is fixed. Some have said that "Blant has the magic poll pill in his pocket and that is why he always starts in front". To be honest Sammy shows no favoritism when his grandson races, as a matter of fact, not long ago, in a race Blant finished first in the running order. After the top cars were all checked, I heard Sammy over the intercom saying to the scorekeepers "Disqualify Blant"
That seemed to be a shock, but Blant has to run under the same rules as all other cars. To me that made a real statement and I will never forget it.

But to be honest every time Blant does run his #01 car on to the track, he gives it his all.
Something else strikes me amazing, every time the command is given "for all wide tires to come onto the track to iron it out", Blant Duke is the first of the many cars that is on the track. He always makes a statement when racing and I look for him to move up in the racing world. I spoke with his mother and asked when Blant would move up to a crate car division, and she said never, crate cars are too expensive.
In the Hobby championship race held May 24th, 2008 at West Georgia Speedway it looked like it was going to be amazing as so many cars showed up and Blant was one of the elite cars that was a real threat.
Then it happened, Blant did not make the show do to car trouble, of all things why on the Championship night.
But Racing is a strange game, and you never know what can happen around every curve or front or back straight away. Motor's give up, tires blow, wrecks happen,
or just plain bad luck with racing equipment.

But Blant is still young and has a career ahead of him that seems not to have a end in sight. I believe if he keeps driving the way he does every Saturday night then you could see Blant Duke somewhere down the road driving in some big time races and making some big cash.

Remember Blant Duke, and watch his #01 car, race every Saturday Night at West Georgia Speedway in Whitesburg, Georgia.

Tino Patti (an MSA reporter)

"Have you heard of Cory Hillman yet?"

"Speed" is what Cory Hillman has in his #01x super bad looking car that races at West Georgia Speedway plus other tracks here in the south. Cory is a young and well talented driver that has all the makings of being a top notch driver that
some day will make his mark in racing. I met Cory Hillman, when he was young and working along side of his famous father "Hurricane" Mike Hillman. He was at the asphalt track located in Senoia, Georgia. I knew Mike because I had known and filmed his brother's hobby car races before they closed the now famous dirt track of Seven Flags Speedway, which was located in Douglasville, Georgia. His brother drove in the hobby class and was one of the top drivers to ever take the track and drive Seven Flags Speedways 3/8th Georgia clay oval track. I filmed many a race there and was doing the last filming before the season the track was closed. Mike was someone I never even knew drove ,until I was walking around the track taking pictures of different cars and drivers and he introduced himself to me, because I was working part time for Motorsportsamerica Magazine and I also was doing the filming of all the races. Mike was driving in the Super Late Model class in car #77 and was always a crowd favorite, he was a huge man that made a impact on racing at the asphalt track located at Senoia Speedway.
Mike had a son that was doing the spotting for him and he would come on the topside where I was filming and talk to his father as he rounded the track, making sure he knew what was ahead of him and telling him to go high or go low. Cory Hillman was young, he was talented and I knew that if his last name was Hillman, he needed to be in a race car, and that day was coming for his son. Cory was finishing school, and playing baseball on a Douglas County team that would go on that would go on to when a title. So you could say Cory was a all around American athlete.
To be honest though, I knew it was just a matter of time before Cory would get a ride and make his name known on dirt tracks racing around the south. After all his name was "Hillman" and that's all that needed to be said. Cory has had car troubles but there was one night down at West Georgia Speedway, he blew the other drivers away and won the race. That made me know that Cory was for real.
When he tasted that first win, he became more of a hungry driver, and to be honest he would sometimes put more pressure on his car that it could take, and then something would always go wrong.
So you have Cory Hillman a young talent of a driver and son of a famous and talented Asphalt driver "Hurricane" Mike Hillman and he also had a famous Uncle "Joe" Hillman who was in a class of his own at Seven Flags Speedway, driving the famous #01J in the hobby division.
In racing, names can mean a lot, Cory Hillman is just that person that can and will someday make it to the big time.
This weekend May 24th, 2008 the Hobby cars came down to West Georgia Speedway to race for the hobby car championship race, where $600 was up for grabs. I knew that the hobby car drivers would show but I never would have imagined that I would look up and see Cory Hillman pulling in with his red #01x race car in tow. It was amazing, and then I had a bigger shock as his uncle Joe Hillman showed up too he was driving car number 92 a orange and white car, a real change from the old days of his famous #01j car. So I knew I was about to see a real hobby car race and I was hoping to see car #92 take a win, I guess I just wanted to see what Joe Hillman would do. He promised me a long time ago that if he won at seven flags speedway that he would do donuts on the front stretch and Joe kept his word, and I still have him spinning his car in circles in front of a cheering crowd. That was Joe, I was hoping to see Cory get out and try and climb the fence at West Georgia Speedway now that would have been a sight ,and I know a sight that no fan would forget.
If you want to meet a nice person, and a all around good driver, all you need to do is hang around Cory Hillman and you will be around the driver of the future, that will become someone special. All Cory needs is some discipline and more judgment when racing his car. He has a tend to wear the car out before it is necessary. He needs taming and you will see one heck of a new fantastic driver and a rising new young star.
Keep your eyes on #01x of Cory Hillman, next time he is at a track where you are watching a race. Cory has the talent, he just needs to learn how not to misuse his car, after all finishing a race is better than breaking down in the middle of one.

GO CORY GO!!!!!!
Tino Patti (a MSA reporter) my blog

"MEMORIAL DAY MAY 26TH,2008"

Remembering the many soldiers that have fought in wars to protect this country of the United States of America, and those that gave their live's ,this is what Memorial Day should be.

Most American's think of Memorial Day as a day away from work, and a day to spend with Family and Friends, and have lots of good food. Then also we can't forget every local cities Memorial Day Parade down main street USA.

Tell me how many of you while entertaining friends and family, even remember those American men and women that have died for you and me on foreign soil?

Sure America is free but how many of you would like to keep it this way "Free"?
This is a country of free speech, a country that lets anyone in, if they abide by the rules in the United States Constitution, and remember that all men are created "Equal". And that this country has a saying "IN GOD WE TRUST".

So if we put all our trust in "GOD" then everything will be alright.

The last thing I want to mention is that when we have our families over for those wonderful foods, let us all bow our heads and pray, and that "GOD" for what we have and remember all those men and women still on foreign soils fighting for our liberty.

May your Memorial day be a safe and happy one, as I know the men and women who died in those wars would have wanted you to have, and if you are traveling the many highways of our Country, remember to drive safe and May GOD always bless you.

Tino Patti (MY BLOG)

A Saturday "NIGHT" with Driver Mark Knight

West Georgia Speedway and it's a Saturday night that fans are ready to see a fast and furious race. in Sammy Dukes new division "The Crate" cars.

Mark Knight the driver of the blue #K17 crate car, hails from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He has a wife "Rhonda" and 2 sons Matthew and Ryan.
He is just 40 years old and was born 11/12/1967. He drives a Rocket Race car with a 604 Crate engine. He has a superb racing background that features running second in points at Penton Hobby in the year 2000, he has won 12 to 14 races at West Georgia Speedway in Hobby and modified Hobby. He also won 2 crate races at Whitesburg, Georgia.
His pit crew chief is Chuck Crane , and his son Matthew Knight.
Mark has some great sponsors such as Anthony Hill Grading, D&K truck repair plus Quality Retreads LLC, and a lot of great friends along the way.
Like all great drivers he has his favorites and they surprised me because I have seen both drivers drive here in Georgia, one is Shane Clanton and the other is Rusty Johnson. Now these are some well known and well liked drivers.

The Crate cars are almost as fast as the Sportsman cars, as a matter of fact their races draw some big fans. In this division a driver that stands out among the crowd is a heavy set man that when you look at him, you think there is no way he is going to crawl behind the seat of his Crate car, but some how he does.
This is one of the nicest drivers that one person could meet, he has that southern accent and is not a driver that is afraid of having a conversation with someone like myself. And all I am is a video journalist, that also works part time for Motorsportamerica magazine. My job can be hectic but I like it an that is all that matters. Now getting back to the driver that reminds me of NASCARS Buddy Baker, because Buddy was also a huge gentle giant, Mark Knight reminds me of him in lots of ways, his driving hard and charging and also for being funny.

He works hard on his car, and can really have a car dialed in and everything working right on those great nights, and he wins more races than you would imagine driving his blue #K17 around that 3/8th oval dirt track in Whitesburg Georgia. West Georgia Speedway held the Crate Car Championship in May and Mark finished in 2nd place behind his foe #07 of Dewayne Aldridge. That night would be long as Mark protested the #07 of first place winner Dewayne, the night was long as they had to tear Dewayne's Car down to make sure he was legal and put it this way around 3 a.m. Dewayne Aldridge was awarded the first place cash of $1ooo and they all headed home, Mark Knight just a little lighter in his pocket.
The championship Crate race featured also Abrey Merritt a Sportsman driver that had a crate engine installed because he was looking for the big cash, but Merritt and "Mad" Max Kitchens along with Brian Reese were at the back of the pack beating and banging on each others cars, it was almost like a slug fest except they were in the back with no chance of winning the race, so why were they content on beating each others car to pieces?. Who knows, what we do know is that #07 of Dewayne Aldridge walked away with the cash and Mark Knight did not return to Whitesburg the next Saturday night because that heavy toll of being rattled and rocked for 40 laps took a physical toll on Mark Knight. Don't worry you will see K17 back at West Georgia Speedway soon, and he will be taking a checkered flag, because he is a great driver and you can't keep a great driver down.
When I asked Mark if he had any other comments, he looked and me and with a "Big smile" said "I love racing , he just wished it didn't cost so much".

Tino Patti (an MSA Reporter) My Blog

"LAMAR HAYGOOD"

When your hear the name "Lamar Haygood" , there is only one person that would come to your mind if you know anything regarding racing, more so if we are talking about Super Late Model dirt racing.
Lamar is well known, and is a respected racer that ever driver seems to want to meet. He is filled with joy prior to a race, but once he is at the track, Lamar becomes another "animal", he is always checking out his competitors. I got the real experience of traveling with Lamar to North Georgia Speedway in his Tractor/ RV with a huge trailer to haul his car in it was so amazing. We left from Douglasville, around 2 p.m. so that we could make it to the track and get a idea of what he was up against. The long drive took us from the Interstate Highway to some back and winding roads. It was .amazing as you could look out of the windows, as we were passing cars and trucks and everyone seemed amazed, after all they new this was a racing team, they just did not know who.
When you see Lamar and meet him at his garage where he works on cars and is the sole owner of a shop called ABS Automotive located in Douglasville, Georgia you would never know that he is a driver and has driven against the best and has won. He is small, with gray hair, I remember when I first met Lamar ,I had no idea that he was a driver, I just thought he worked at ABS. Lamar has a witt and a charm about him that makes you really like him, then again when he pulls his red and white #17 with ABS on the sides pulls on to the track he becomes almost like a fighter pilot that is on a mission and that is to win and take no prisoner's.
I have seen drivers come up to him and pick his brain for knowlege as to what will make their car run better. Lamar is always able to give his advise, but don't make him mad on the race track, then you will be in trouble. I have seen him hit cars in their rear fenders because they refused to get out of his way. Just that little nudge can unnerve another driver. Lamar is a proven winner, with lots of
trophies to show for it, but cash is what he likes best. His trophies are nice but cash can buy more toys for his car.
I have had the chance to film some of Lamar's best races, then again I have seen him in a green flag start crash and climb out shaking his shoulders from the impact. All that could be done is load up his car that was ripped apart and load it back in to his car hauler and head back to his home where he would work on it every night getting it ready for another night of Saturday night racing at Seven Flags Speedway.

Lamar seems to have a "Jeckel and Hyde" character, because he works Monday through Friday on peoples cars during the week, and when he gets home , he works on his race car, so he can be ready to win on Saturday night at what ever track he is driving at. When he is at work he is serious but sometimes, jokes and always makes customer's feel welcome. But when a race car, he is a changed man, he is on a mission to be the best, many a driver has tried to beat Haygood and some have done so, then again some have not. Some just want to be the driver that Lamar Haygood is.
Lamar began racing back in the early 70's and moved up fast into the Super Late Model Division. If you would see Lamar when he was young, and see him today he has a look that never seems to change, when he smiles, he has this boyish grin, never a smile, just a grin. If you want to meet someone that can make you laugh hang around Lamar Haygood, at his shop, he is always joking and making friendly fun with those he is around. I have had him call my home, and disguise his voice and of all things a telephone bill collector. Telling me that I had not paid my bill and of course I bit into in hook, line and sinker. I even dove down and pulled out a statement that proved I had made my payment. I must have been on the phone for over 10 minutes, and I was getting madder and madder when he revealed who he was, I could have killed him, that is Lamar Haygood when not racing. So if you really want to meet someone special go on up to ABS Automotive, on Fairburn road and visit with him, take your car there to be fixed and you will come home happy and well pleased. And when you do know of a time that he will be racing try and be there as you will see one of the best all time dirt car racers to this day.
Haygood has taken some time away from racing to share time with his family that is growing by leaps and bounds. He now is the father of a son, that looks just like him and his name is Kyler Haygood, this is another racing Haygood you can see it in him everyday.
Then he is also the father of a beautiful daughter, that is his pride and joy. He and his wife live in Winston Georgia and work side by side as a team the way all marriages should be.
Oh by the way sometimes people ask what ABS stands for so here is your answer, "Always Better Service" and that is what you can expect when you see Lamar at his shop that is located on Fairburn Road in Douglasville, so bring that lemon in and I am sure with his magic touch he can make "Lemon-aide" out of your cars troubles.

Tino Patti (An MSN Reporter)

"Racing with Richard"

One of the classiest drivers in racing is now 36 years old , he is Richard Bagby and has been racing for years.
He drove a Sportsman car which he was racing before "Historic Seven Flags Speedway" in Douglas County was shut down due to what was called progress by builders in the area. Still Seven Flags Speedway was the place where family's came on Saturday nights during racing season to see some of the best drivers around. Fan's were never let down, because this track ran every class. and I mean every class, from Modified Mini cars to Enduro. and Hobby cars, to Sportsman plus the Super Late Model's , then the races would finish off with what is called the pure mini class to the always wild Cruiser cars. which held 2 drivers one doing the steering and on the accelerator while the other man was taking care of the brake's.
Drivers came from miles around to try and tackle this old 3/8th Georgia clay oval track, that had seen some historic races as well as great drivers race there. This is also where I got my start at filming racing, so I have a special place in my heart for that great old race track.
When I was filming the races, I was always sure that I could count on a exciting night of Sportsman car racing, whenever Richard's famous #19 pulled onto the track. Almost every night the main battle would be between Richard and his foe #25 of Shane Clanton. It was always amazing to watch Richard and Shane as they would round turn 3 heading for the start of the race, each driver was on his own mission. As I got to know Richard , I nicknamed him "The King", and his outstanding driving would always show up as he became a proven winner.

Later Richard would put all his money into driving a Super Late Model car, and that is when he found it to be very expensive unless he had a major sponsor.
After be began racing in the Late Model Division. his wins would come few and far between.
There were times Richard never finished sometimes do to getting caught up in a accident that was not even his fault, he was just as you say "at the wrong place and the wrong time".
Finishing a race began to take a toll, he also realized that racing cost were going up and up.
He would drive against legends like Mike Head. better known as "The Headman" then there were some local drivers that had the cash to race, such as Douglasville's own Lamar Haygood driving his red and white #17 ABS sponsored car, a super late model. Haygood would become somewhat of a legend in his own right as when Seven Flags Closed in the month of May. Haygood won the last 4 straight wins at the old track.
Then there was local driver, Marty Massey who drove car #15 plus throw in Ricky Williams also in a car #17 plus other drivers and you could see some really hard fought battles.
I have seen some massive wrecks as soon as the flagman through the green flag, it was mostly when 2 cars in front would tangle and the rest of the field in behind would be caught up in the massive pile of debris.
Something that no driver wants to be involved in, because fixing these Late Model cars are not cheap. Richard would go on to win some races, but started to back away from the Late Model Cars and concentrate on his family and also his new business. So really Richard took his car and went back to the root of racing, in a Modified Mini car and has been racing and winning down in Whitesburg, Georgia. His red #06 has become a proven winner with its small 2300 cc engine in the mustang. He can be seen everywhere on the track, and he races against other outstanding drivers like the #07 of Frank Long another long time racer that has won many a race in his time.
You have to remember that Richard has been racing for over 16 years, and when you see him at West Georgia Speedway you will see and meet a driver that stands high above other drivers. He is happily married to a wife and companion for many years. that has stood by his side in everything Richard wanted to do. She is Tiffani Bagby his wife, his friend and his constant supporter.
Richard's head crew crew is his son Landon Bagby, the next installment of Racing Bagby's.
His oldest son Richard Dale drives in the same class as his father in car #19 once made famous by his Father.
I was speaking with Richard about other drivers and who he looked up to and the name Dale Earhardt (Sr) plus (Jr) were his favorite drivers.
Like all good drivers, Richard works during the week and he owns and operates Neighborhood Auto Center, Located in downtown Lithia Springs, Georgia. His shop is modern and clean and his work is alway done right. So if you have car or truck problems take your car down to Neighborhood Auto Center and let Richard get your car running top notch.
Now if you are ever looking for a legend racing on Saturday night, come on down to West Georgia Speedway and watch him race, he is just as determined to win in a modified mini car as he was when racing Sportsman cars as well as Super Late Models.

Story by Tino Patti (an MSA reporter)