"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)

WEST GEORGIA SPEEDWAY NEWS AND RESULTS

"COFFEE, IMUS, WRITING AND RACING"

It's 6 a.m. in the background the radio is on with Don Imus who is the host of the radio program called "Imus in the Morning". The coffee pot has stopped brewing, and the coffee is in my cup hot and steaming. How does all this tie in to racing and writing?
None that has been proven by scientist at this time, then again while writing my mind is whirling. Coffee as we all know is a stimulant, a drug, but how many of you have a least one cup before heading out the door. Some of you never touch coffee but at least half of all American's drink a cup of what we know as "Joe", "Java" or plain coffee before starting any kind of work. Racing is almost the same to loyal racing fans here in the South drinking a cup of coffee.
Historic dirt tracks are fast fading away, so if you ever get a chance to go and watch a race, then you will be in for a treat. Let's take West Georgia Speedway, the place is a "Historic" track that has seen better day's, and has seen some super racing, "If just those old walls around that track could talk".
Sammy Duke has been the owner and promoter, of this speedway that is set back in the woods is almost a legend himself. When you look at this elderly man, that walks slower each and every day, you would never have known that when he was young he was signed to the Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball team. Sammy also excelled in all sports.
One thing for sure Sammy has heard it all from drivers, their aches and pains, and their happiness when they win. But if you really look down deep into his heart, Sammy has a heart of gold, and is kind to almost every driver, and all the officials that work at the track.
West Georgia Speedway was born back in the early '90's, and we are not talking about the 189o's even though the Speedway looks like it came from that era. The track itself was first started as a dirt bike track, and then Sammy got the great idea of turning it into a 3/8th oval dirt track and let the boys come down and race around, never for big cash but they did get paid if they finished and that was sometimes hard to do.
The track has never been a drivers friend, but some drivers can man handle this track, they seem to know every rut and can miss them all the time.
Take G1, a sportsman car driven by a Newnan, Georgia favorite, Glenn McWaters. His red "G1" has an attitude that seems to show itself every time he is on the track. His car is fast but he has been beaten in races here lately, so that proves that Glenn McWaters is "beatable".
Take Rucker Orr, his #99 sportsman car, is one of the cars that are on the same level as Glenn's car.
What can you say when you describe Rucker, I mean every time I see him prior to a race he is working hands on and turning bolts and screws, checking air pressure in his cars tires making sure every thing is done right. You can say he "gets down and dirty".
Orr, has been a winner in the last 4 races at WGS, until the rain came, and he decided not to race, this gave a easy win to the G1 car of Glenn McWaters. Another driver that is in a world of his own is Ted Ray, better known as "The Bear", as he drives the black #4 sportsman car that is always in the heat of the battle. Ted is one of the funniest drivers but makes up for his laughter when he rolls his car on the track. Then "The Bear" is all business.
The drivers of the other class, such as the Crate division which is the 2nd fastest class, work just as hard on their cars. Driver's like the #K17 of Mark Knight are always a blast, and works just as hard tuning his car and trying to get that little edge, before racing in his feature with the other Crate cars.
His main foe in the Crate race has become the #07 of driver of Dewayne Aldridge. a proven winner and a Crate car driver that has one mission and that is take the checkered flag every time he is in a race.
Dewayne is only 48 years old and when asked said "He has no reason to cheat, he said if he can't run legal he won't take the track" Now that is some great attitude.
Add in driver's like Tony Kemp, from Carrollton, Georgia and "Mad" Max Kitchens and others and you have one heck of a great crate race.
West Georgia Speedway on May 10th held a $1K race to win for the Crate cars, and they showed up. It was a 40 lap race and you know it had to take a toll on the drivers.
Aubrey Merritt who usually drives in the Sportsman class, placed a crate motor in his car, and started in the back and beat his car to pieces, banging against the #K17 of Max Kitchens.
What was not so funny was that it starting to rain, during the Modified Mini race, the cars were sliding every which way, about 2 laps a way before the finish, the rain began to pour in buckets.
Needless to say the red flag was thrown, and the race was stopped. The drivers said they would take their finish where the race was stopped. so car #20 of Ryan Heppener was the winner with car #07 of Frank Long taking 2nd place and in 3rd place was the #06 of Richard Bagby.
Then as if Sammy pulled out a magic umbrella the rain stopped, I knew if I was tired I knew the drivers were, but they had a job, to win a race, and I had a job to film the race, so I did my job like the drivers would do theirs on the track.
Sammy was ready to get the One thousand Dollar Crate Car race in. So the cars came back onto the track to iron it out before the first feature was to restart the night of racing. The Hobby cars hit the track first and the winner was the #56 of Lee Mcelwany and in 2nd place was #01 of Blant Duke. Blant is Sammy Dukes grandson but there is no favoritism shown when he is racing. Blant runs under the same rules as all the Hobby cars run. In 3rd place was car #31 of Blake Griffin.
The Enduro class featured the #00 of Lonnie Bright taking the win, followed by the #15 of driver Eddie Harris and finishing in 3rd place was car #8 of Jeff Moran.
Then Sammy changed the running order when he ran the Sportsman Cars next, the cars came on to the track with the G1 of Glenn McWaters, followed by car #26 of Fletcher Cavender, but there was no show of the #99 of Rucker Orr, he said he had generator trouble and also he did not want to run his car in the tracks conditions.
If G1 would run and #26 would run why was Orr not running?. Whatever, the easy win went to the G1 car of Glenn McWaters from Newnan, Georgia. In 2nd Place was car #4 of Ted Ray "The Bear", and finishing in 3rd place was car #10 of Nick Prosser.7
The weather had cleared enough to get the Crate race in, and it featured some beating and banging of the last place cars of Tony Kemp, Aubrey Merritt and "Mad" Max Kitchens.
The first place finish went to #07 of Dewayne Aldridge and coming in 2nd was #K17 of Mark Knight.
The night would be long for #07 of Dewayne Aldridge as he was protested by the #K17 car of Mark Knight. After long hours, and into the middle of the morning nearing 3 a.m. , Dewayne's car was found to be "Legal" so the One Thousand Dollars ended up in the pocket of Dewayne Aldridge.
What has all this to do with Don Imus, better known as "The I-Man" , who knows? But racing can get as crazy as the I-Man on "Imus in the Morning". There is always lots of big talk by drivers prior to the race, but most drivers have little to show when the race is one the line.
The fans at West Georgia Speedway were treated to a super race on May 17th, as the Sportsman Cars ran for their $1K prize. Fans were treated with one heck of a fast race and they were not disappointed. Cars in the feature were of course G1 of Glenn McWaters, #99 of Rucker Orr, #26 of Fletcher Cavender and Jody Knowles driving the #44, usually driven by Marcus Caswell. If you were looking for speed and a good clean race, you came on the right night as the feature was won by #44 of Jody Knowles, with G1 of Glenn McWaters finishing 2nd, Glenn tried hard to catch Jody in the closing laps but just couldn't get around Knowles. So at the end of the evening of racing, Jody Knowles walked away with the One Thousand Dollars and there would be no protest. So for everyone the Sportsman race turned out to be a real race, with very few cautions and more flag to flag racing. In this 40 lap feature the fans got their moneys worth of Sportsman Car action.
Again Sammy Duke has brought back Championship racing back to West Georgia Speedway and every Saturday should feature a Championship race. Coming up on May 24th the Hobby cars will run for a prize of $600 to win.
So if you are can try and come down to West Georgia Speedway. located in Whitesburg Georgia, where racing is getting better and better every Saturday Night.

Tino Patti (An MSA Reporter)

PODUNK NEWS "R" THE DC OUTLAW

PODUNK NEWS "R" THE DC OUTLAW

What to expect from the first issue of "PODUNK", we know you will be amazed what a little talent can do with help and support from others.

PODUNK, is a will hopefully become a bi-monthly news letter as well as a internet blog. We will feature ad's that deal with Douglasville as well as Douglas County Georgia.

We are so proud that you have taken the time to sit back and read "PODUNK" because we sure are trying to please everyone.

What "PODUNK" will feature :

Timely Editorials

The news from the Douglas County chairman, Tom Worthan and interviews with his staff

The news from the Mayor of Douglasville, Mickey Thompson and his staff

From the desk of Douglas Counties Director of Communication Wes Tallon, "Happenings"

City events and upcoming project to keep Douglasville the City revitalized

Restaurant reviews, and tips as the the best places to eat (and we all like to eat)

Places to shop and get the best bagins for your money here in the County as well as the City.

Stories regarding the background and history of Douglasville, as well as the County that you might have always been wondering about.

Features and interviews about the men and women that put their lives on the line for you and for me. I am talking about the Douglas County Firefighters, as well as all the EMT's and of course our Officers that patrol the roads keeping them safe.

Local Douglas County Sporting events

Pictures and events held by the Sweetwater Camera Club of Douglas County

Photography advise from other Photographers

Recreational Park, and Park activities

Local team scores from T-Ball to Baseball standings

Racing results from local dirt tracks when in season , plus Driver's profiles and stories

Events taking place at the Cultural Arts Center in Douglasville

Library news and reviews on the hottest books

Master Gardener's Tip's on growing Flowers

Tip's on saving money (That's a good one)

Interviews with Douglas County Citizens of Prominence

Classes of all kinds to meet your every need

Food for Thought

The Environment and Saving it, how this can be done

Meet your Commissioners up close from District 1 to District 4

A word from the Pulpit. every two weeks a different Pastor from this area

Local Church Times and Services for everyone of every faith

Where and When to find the best deals on food here in the County

Are men the best cooks? And what are some easy summer recipes that are easy and fast to make for the family

Birthday's, Anniversary's plus up coming Wedding Notices

Pet advice "for all kind of critters"

Old time Home and Health remedies that really work

Garden advice from those that "Toil to Soil"

Plus Old Photo's of Douglas County

"Remember next time you plan on shopping, think Douglas County as well as the City First"