Friday are you ready?

"It's Friday, are you ready to Rumble Saturday?"

How many of you are ready, to see some extra special racing, at West Georgia Speedway this Saturday Night?.

If you missed the action, on Saturday April 25th, I am so sorry for you. Even Barney could not stop the wild driving.
Cars were beating and banging on each other like there was no tomorrow, cars were "flying through the air", as with Sportsman driver Michael Mills.

Drivers you thought would win, dropped out of races, and those that did stay in, were lucky if their car was in one piece at the end of the night. It was that kind of hot night at West Georgia Speedway, or "The Burg" as it is known. Sometimes drivers were taking there frustrations out on other drivers, and that is not good.

The man that puts these races on, could be seen sitting atop his Ford 5600 tractor prior to the racing action, trying to get the cars to iron the 3/8th oval historic track out. Sammy Duke, one of the real legends in Dirt track racing, if you ever get the chance to meet him, shake his hand because he is a seasoned veteran of dirt car racing, and is doing his best to put on some really good racing shows, for you and for me. We are all fans you know.

The Hobby car class looks like some really heavy hitters will be there Saturday, and I am talking about #69 of Roscoe Collins, #3 of Jeff Carter, #01 of returning champ, Blant Duke, and lets see if #19 of Chad Ledbetter brings his car in, he has been really wild. Don't forget #GT47 of Charlie Garrett, or even Jason Causey. The line up should be tough, and getting to the front and staying there should be a real problem for some drivers. This is going to be the race of all races, and you have to be there.
It is a shame that drivers like Mark Knight or even Joe Hillman, most likely will not make the show, but if Hillman is there that only means more excitement. Marks car was beat up bad Saturday and I am sure Chad Ledbetter had something to do with that. You have to remember drivers are like Elephants, "They Never Forget".
As you can see in this photo Roscoe Collins is always the last to get to the track it seems, but he is first when the checked flag is flying.

As for as the Crate Car race, I am sure that Tony Kemp in his famous #16 should be back to run for the flag, last weekend, his car quit and that gave the easy win to #8 of Michael "Mouth" Keener, who has been winning almost every crate race when he is there. Drivers like #89 Carey Smith, seem to just need some extra time on this track and then we should see Carey taking some wins. Give the young man a chance, and he will get the hang of the track.

As for as the Sportsman cars are concerned, Rucker Orr in his famous #99 has been really showing some power, and since Glenn McWaters was not there Saturday night, Rucker had a easy show. McWaters in his famous #G1 blew his engine the prior Saturday night, and what was funny it blew when he was crossing the scales at the Speedway. During the race his car was pouring smoke and I thought it was a matter of time before he had to pull off the track, but that is not what Glenn thinks, he will run his car as fast as he can, and when he does he comes home with another checkered flag victory. The driver that could have caught Rucker Orr, was not there and that was the #18C of Shane Criswell, he is a driver that has a strong car.

SOME GOSSIP NEWS: REGARDING THE SPORTSMAN RACE, IT IS RUMORED THAT AUBREY MERRITT WILL RETURN IN A SPORTSMAN CAR SOON.

As for as the Modified Mini cars are concerned, LOOK out here comes #6 Richard Bagby and he will be attempting to win his 6th straight modified mini race in a row, something that I believe is impossible, but when you have the veteran driver of Bagby nothing is impossible. He may even have his good luck charms at the track, and I am speaking about his Wife of course and two young precious girls, Lauren and Lindsey.
But do you think Richard can pull this win off, I mean lets face it the pressure is on, and he will be attempting "to go where no man has gone before," just kidding, but he will have some heavy hitters running him down. #14 of Ross Baines, #20 of Ryan Heppner, and then his menace #07 of Frank Long, how could we leave out #19 of up and coming star Chris Upton. So from me to Richard "Good Luck my Friend" you will need it.

Did you notice I said nothing regarding the Enduro race, well maybe that is because I have NO IDEA who is going to win, there are so many great cars, but some have had some serious engine troubles, and some have plan out crashed, so the Enduro class is up for grabs, pick you car at the track.

Thanks for the many prayers and encouragement regarding the sickness of my wife,
she is recovering at home but really still not out of the woods so to say, please continue to keep her in your prayers, her name is Edna and she wants me to thank each and every person that reads this blog as well as all the fine outstanding drivers that race at West Georgia Speedway. You drivers are what is keeping my spirits up, and I thank you.

Again "Lets GO Racing"!

Thanks,

Tino Patti

a Freelance Photographer/ Video Journalist

"With a World Wide Blog following NOW"

Thursday, Race Day Coming!

"Thursday, it won't be long friends"

The Day's are getting warmer and drivers are getting hotter, more so when their cars are being tore up for no reason at all. Some driver's just don't have anything better to do that tear some one else s car up.

Hobby car features have seen some intense heated exchanges. One driver, of car #19 Chad Ledbetter, has been proving that he likes to dish out the punishment, but wait what will happen when some one spins him and ruins his car, will he be back for more, or will he take the hint.

Racing is fun and very exciting, some say intense in not the right word, but for now that is the only word I know how to describe racing at West Georgia Speedway on Saturday nights, at what I call "The Burg".

Fans have seen some racing in every feature, but for some reason the Hobby car race stands out, maybe it is because these men, are willing to show that they are the best. Take Roscoe Collins #69 one of the legends in dirt car racing, he has never changed his style of racing and will never try too. Collins, is from the old school of racing, and he is clean when he has to, but give him a inch and he is gone, and you can kiss your chances of winning goodbye. Roscoe is easy going and a great family man, who is also a proud parent, with a sweet wife. Then again when Roscoe takes his seat inside his famous #69 hobby car he turns into some one else. I have been around racing for years and you meet some super nice drivers, then again their are some that you rather not even talk with, but that goes for everything in life.

Take driver Mark Knight who drives #K17 in Crate and drove #K17 in Hobby Saturday night, he is another, soft spoken but inside a race car look out, if he can he will beat you in a heartbreak. Any time you get the chance to meet this fine gentleman, shake his hand, because he is also a legend. Saturday April 25th was not the night Mark was looking for as his car ended up being beat up, and when that happens all that means is he has to do more work and spend more money fixing his car.

This weekend should really prove to be a hot race in Hobby as Blant Duke will be back, with his new car and refreshed motor, he has a real passion and say's that he plans on smoking everyone, he will have the fastest car in the hobby feature, so good luck trying to catch him.

How about #3 Jeff Carter, will he be ready to rumble, or will he just be someone in the race?. Carter is known for having a big foot and heavy petal and push's his car to the limit. He was spun several times Saturday night and I do not believe the Big Man is happy at all.

Well enough about the hobby car race, because you know there is always exciting action at West Georgia Speedway every Saturday Night, where fans can really have a good time.

I spoke with driver Michael Mills driver of car #28, who did his imitation of the last lap at Talladaga and Carl Edwards, flying through the air, and crash landing on the front straight. I mean, here is the deal and I will be asked over and over and over, did you get the entire wreck, and I will say, "I had just turned my camera to watch the lead cars and the pack headed into turn 1 that is where the big ones happen", when all of a sudden I caught this massive yellow car sailing through the air, it was then that I realized that Michael Mills, had gone airborne and it was his yellow #28, the next thing I remember was making sure I kept the camera rolling so that I could find out if the driver, Mills was ok, that is the scariest moment, when you don't know what the driver is going to be like, it seemed as if a hush fell over the speedway, but the paramedics were on the scene as soon as the car came to a halt. Everyone scrambled to check on Michael, I never took my camera off of the driver even as he was walking and walking in the pit area, he was shook up I am sure, but he was just trying to imitate Carl Edwards, and you know his ride may look frightening, but he walked away and that was something special, because GOD was with him all the way. That will be a ride that he can tell his family about for many years to come.

So for more exciting action, make sure you come on down to West Georgia Speedway this Saturday night, where the action should be fierce.

Tell Sammy Duke, that you read about this Historic speedway on this BLOG, and let him know you appreciate having a race track in the area, because you know they could close it like they did Seven Flags Speedway in Douglasville, Georgia. So make sure you not only come and become part of a tradition, but bring a friend or someone that has never been to a dirt car race, and introduce them to a side of real racing. "Remember Asphalt is for getting you the local Dirt Track".

NEWS ABOUT MY WIFE: THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PRAYERS AND CONCERNS, AND SHE WISHES THE BEST FOR ALL OF YOU. SHE IS AT HOME NOW, AND I AM TAKING THE BEST OF CARE I CAN FOR HER, SHE IS A FIGHTER, AND HAS BATTLED HER PROBLEMS FOR YEARS AND IF I HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT I WILL BE FIGHTING ALONG SIDE HER, ALL THE WAY. THANKS FOR YOUR CONCERNS, SHE IS NOT OUT OF DANGER YET, BUT SHE IS GETTING BETTER DAILY.

Many Thanks,

Tino Patti

Thanks for the prayers and support

Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

"With a WORLD Wide BLOG Following"

RESULTS April 25. 2009

"Welcome back, I have News and Results"

First off for all those that do not know, my wife had to be rushed to the Hospital, because the doctors thought her Kidney's were shutting down, and it did not look good at all. I was really scared and did some extra praying for her. Then on Saturday Morning she awoke, and was able to speak to me, and that is the best news I could have had. She is still in the hospital, and under good care. I am so sorry for not being able to film the pure mini class as I had thought I would have been able to, but when your spouse of over 21 years is laying in a hospital bed and you really don't have any idea what is going to happen you can become more than worried. As I said, she awoke Saturday and was hurting but was alert. I thought I was not going to film at West Georgia Saturday night, but she urged me to go and do the best I could and not worry. That seems easy to say but while I was filming my heart was in a different place altogether. So, now that you have heard my side of the story I will continue trying to keep the blog updated, including news from West Georgia Speedway, or "The Burg" as I have called it.

Racing was more than exciting, as drivers, fought back and forth to get the win at the Burg.

The crowd was great as HOT Georgia weather had arrived and that brought more and more fans to the race track, which was great to see. I know promoter and Owner Sammy Duke was happy.

In the HEADLINES : RICHARD BAGBY WON HIS 5TH RACE IN A ROW IN MODIFIED MINI, HE WILL BE SHOOTING FOR 6 WINS STRAIGHT THIS SATURDAY NIGHT, SO BE THERE AND SEE IF HE GETS IT.

IN THE HOBBY RACE, LEGEND ROSCOE COLLINS IN HIS FAMOUS #69 TOOK HIS 2ND WIN, IT WAS NOT EASY AS HE HAD TO BATTLE #3 JEFF CARTER.

THE CRATE RACE NEWS: WELL MICHAEL "MOUTH" KEENER WAS BACK IN HIS ORANGE AND BLUE #8 AND HIS RIVAL TONY KEMP WAS THERE ALSO, THINGS LOOKED LIKE THEY WERE GOING TO HEAT UP.

IN SPORTSMAN NEWS: HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO FLY?, WELL THAT IS WHAT CAR #28 OF MICHAEL MILLS DID ON THE FRONT STRAIGHT AS THE GREEN FLAG WAS WAVING.

Now we are back in the saddle so too speak, since it is past 12:30 a.m, and its a new day Tuesday arising. I have so much to do so I better get busy.

I am not going into great detail about the results because of time, and I need rest.

The Modified Mini race, was won by a veteran and champion driver, Richard Bagby, and guess what folks he has won his 5th straight victory at the BURG. Now the secret is out about his winning, how he does it and it is very simple every time Richard has won he has had Lauren and Lindsey along with his beautiful wife so you see he can't loose with folks like that around. Yeah, I bet you thought I would say he has a cheating motor, come on get real, Richard is a veteran of the dirt track wars, and he knows when to go and when to slow. Also if you are in the way, wait you will feel a tap on your back bumper, that means MOVE or he will Move you.

If you don't believe me ask Ross Baines, or Ryan Heppner, and they will tell you like it is.
So the finish of the Modified Mini race saw Richard Bagby in his now famous #6, I still think it is time for Sammy Duke to get out some bounty money to chase Richard back home.

Modified Mini Winner #6 Richard "The King" Bagby
2nd #14 Ross Baines
3rd #20 Ryan Heppner

The Enduro race proved to be exciting as well, lot's of great drivers and cars that were willing to battle it out. #M4 of Winford Minnix was the car really to beat but there was a new comer at least to me in car #92 I have know idea who this driver was, but I can report his car quit and that is never a good sign. So that left some real racing and car #8 driven by Dustin Smith was tearing the track up, but running hard to catch him was car #6 of Eddie Swafford, and he tried to out race Smith but there was not enough laps in the race. Closing in 3rd place was the #M4 of "the purple people eater", Winford Minnix, who has been trying hard to regain his winning habits at West Georgia Speedway.

So the Enduro Results were:
Winner #8 Dustin Smith
2nd #6 Eddie Swafford
3rd #M4 Winford Minnix

The Hobby feature was a real battle, and cars that had their chances to win were fan favorite #3 of Jeff Carter, as well as #19 of Chad Ledbetter, who was given a warning for rough driving. Charlie Garrett driving the GT47 car has always been a force and on this Saturday night Charlie was driving like he always has, running hard, and mean. Most of the race Jeff Carter held the lead but something was going wrong, and he spun a time or two, and was also given a good shot in the rear, by another car, so Jeff was not happy and his crew was not happy.
Staying out of trouble was #69 Roscoe Collins, who ran his wheels off, and if there is a inch he will slip his car between cars and make that incredible pass. That's what he did Saturday night coming around turn 4 and heading toward the front straight, he nosed to the inside where the wall was and some how made it past 2 cars and that gave Roscoe the lead, and he would go on and lead the pack around. Jeff Carter's car slipped back to 5th position, as Charlie Garrett in the #GT47, hung on to second place with #19 Chad Ledbetter rounding it out of the top 3 cars.

The final Results of the Hobby race were:
Winner #69 Roscoe Collins (the legend that lives on)
2nd place was #GT47 of Charlie Garrett
3rd place was #19 of Chad Ledbetter

IN HOBBY CAR NEWS: NEXT WEEK BLANT DUKE RETURNS WITH HIS NEW AND SEASONED NEW HOBBY ENGINE

Now those ever fast Crate Cars pulled onto the track for their feature, and driver Tony Kemp in his fan favorite #16 was starting on the pole, the only problem was that #8 driven by Michael "Mouth" Keener was right next to him, and it looked like it would be a Kemp, Keener shootout.
When the green flag dropped, Keener took off, but was recaled because he jumped the start, next time around Tony Kemp took off, and Keener some how lost control on the back streach and ended up having the flagman restart the race.
This time the start was perfect, and Keener blasted around the old track, Tony Kemp staying right with him, and them what seemed impossible happened, #16 Tony Kemp's car gave away and it quit, something that never happens to Tony, he is known to take care of his car. Then again this is racing and also at "The Burg".
As Keener was blasting the speedway, and had pulled away from everyone, the only driver that could give him a run was #89 of Carey Smith, but again Carey's car was not helping him at all.

#19 Jeremy Hall was chasing Keener but he did not have the horsepower to over take Keener in any way. So Jeremy hung in and finished in 2nd place.

The Crate car result were:
Winner #8 Michael Keener (seems like ever time he is at The Burg, he Wins)
2nd #19 of Jeremy Hall
3rd place #89 Carey Smith

Time for some fast food and good drinks from West Georgia Speedways Concession stand.

Ok fans were back in their seats to see the super fast Sportsman feature and they all got a tastes of racing reality. Tonight the fans were about to see a racing nightmare, as the green flag fell, #99 Rucker Orr blasted out taking a lead, well like I have always done while filming I was following the lead cars as they headed into turn 1 were lots of action takes place, when all of a sudden I saw a yellow blur past me, as I sung the camera into place, I could see it was a car flying through the air, and it was not a good site. The driver was #28 Michael Mills, and as his car came to a crushing stop, all of West Georgia Speedways fans stopped for a moment, I mean it looked bad. As the fans rushed down to the straightaway to get a better look, paramedics were on the way, as well as race officials. Every one was doing there job, and to the crowd roar and cheers Michal Mills climbed out of the twisted mass of what was a nice looking Sportsman car. He walked to the infield, and was greeted by family. Are for as his car, Sammy Duke was using his Ford F5600 tractor to move the wreckage off the track. When this reporter spoke with him on Tuesday morning, I asked him if he was ok?, "He replied he had a sore tailbone and that was it", he also said he would be back in a back-up car. Another driver that had his car beaten to where one side was caved in was a great driver, Scott Duffy. Duffy a fan favorite drives the #25 White car, and has always been moving on up. Tonight was not his night either at racing, as his car was beaten so bad at the end of the night it was thought that it would be able to continue in the race, but Scott is a battler and he did finish.
As for Rucker Orr he was a run away express, the only competition he was having was from car #11 of Ryan Law and Law tried his best to catch Orr but Orr was to fast.
Hanging in there also was the every present #13 of Roger Cassell.
After all the crashing was over, the fans could sit back and know that they had witnessed some racing action.

The Final Results of the Sportsman feature were:
Winning #99 Rucker Orr
2nd Ryan Law
3rd Roger Cassell

So folks I hope we see you next Saturday night for some more exiting racing action at "The Burg".
I mean where else can you see a Sportsman car fly through the air, and the driver walk away from the wreck and wave to the crowd and smile?

Thanks to all,

Tino Patti

a Freelance Photographer/video Journalist
With a world wide blog readership.

Are You "Humping" Today ?

"Mid-week, the day I call HUMP DAY"

Can you help me get through the week until, Saturday so we can see another action packed race down at "The Burg" or West Georgia Speedway.

Drivers I know will be back and racing hard will be Hobby car star, Roscoe Collins in his famous #69, also I am sure #3 Jeff Carter will be back to put on a show, as for as #47 Jason Causey he should be there, not sure if Joe Hillman driver of the orange and white #92 will make the show and that's too bad because he is one heck of a driver.
Any one know when Blant Duke will return to race at West Georgia Speedway?

Drivers, we know should be back in the Sportsman feature will be #99 Rucker Orr, who spun heading into turn 1 and his car got tangled up with other drivers, it was a shame because Orr was about to put on a show as he does every week he drives his car.
#G1 should be back, I know he blew his engine crossing the scales, and the smoke was pouring as he made his way around the track, but Glenn says never quit, and he did not, some how it seemed his car was going to give away and that would have given #13C of Shane Criswell a easy win, also helped #13 of Roger Cassell finish in 2nd but that was not about to happen as McWaters car never gave up, and that is what you call some great racing luck. Glenn has one of the finest crews in dirt car racing, they are the reason he is so fast.

This weekend's Modified Mini race should prove to be the real-deal as #6 Richard Bagby goes for his 5th straight win at the "Burg", now this should prove to be a real challenge.
Richard is a family man, works hard all week, and still has time to work on his race car during the week, another thing about Richard is that he will run as hard as he can, and he will beat you if he see's anyway possible. He won't wreck you, but he will show you how racing southern Style is, he has become a fan favorite. Maybe Sammy needs to set a BOUNTY on Richard and see if more drivers will except the challenge to out run him.

The Crate Cars, should have we know #16 of Tony Kemp, plus who knows who else will show up I am not even sure if #89 of Carey Smith will be there, but if he can get his car back together he should be there. Lamar Haygood winner of last weekends Crate race, I don't believe will be there, then again you never know what Lamar Haygood is going to do.
Who ever shows up, for the Crate race it should be a good one as it always is.

NOTICE: I HAVE BEEN CALLED BY SOME GREAT PURE MINI CAR DRIVERS ASKING IF I TAPED THEIR RACES, I HAVE HAD TO SAY NO, BUT I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OF THE TOP PURE MINI DRIVERS, AND THEY AGREED THAT IF THEY PAID ME $20.00 UP FRONT, I WOULD AGREE TO STAY AND FILM THEIR RACES. SO IF YOU ARE DRIVING A PURE MINI OR KNOW SOMEONE THAT IS, MAKE SURE I SPEAK WITH THEM PRIOR TO THE RACE, AND IF YOU NEED ANY MORE INFORMATION CALL ME AT 770-361-3019, AND LETS TALK.

Lets not forgot the Enduro class, and I wonder if #91 Lee Owensby is going to be ready to race this weekend after taking some really tough hits when he spun, several times. Can he be ready?
And I want to know who the heck is #12 Gary Brand, who has been winning in the Enduro class but his car is so banged up it is hard to make out the numbers, he must not be willing to spend the money to fix the car, he just brings it to the track as it is and runs and takes the money home. Must be nice, then again I don't think we will see Winford Minnex back, as last week his cars motor gave away, and that is never a good sign. But Winford for years was the track champion and he knows his way around the old 3/8th clay oval track, so if there is a way for him to get his car back together he will be back.

Racing is fun and very exciting to watch, the drivers are great as well as crew members and the families of these people have become special to me. I want to thank each and every driver, his wife as well as family members for treating this old man so good. I have been around a long time, I have met some of the nicest drivers, and some have gone on to NASCAR, but I will truly say that when it comes to dirt car racing, you have no better group of people.

If you want to see racing at it's best, visit West Georgia Speedway located in Whitesburg, Georgia and you will see some legends, and you will also see the real racers, these are the men that make Dirt Car racing what it is today. This is not a NASCAR event, and you won't have stuffy drivers as well as crews. You will have the real deals, the American racing family's.
Fans are also a breed of their own at a Dirt Car race, they know each and every driver, they watch the races from cement seats, except for those that bring their own comfortable chairs, they eat the good food from the concession stand, which Sammy Duke who is the owner is proud of.

Hope to see you at the track,

Thank You,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/ Video Journalist
withe a WORLD WIDE BLOG FOLLOWING

FOR SALE

"FOR SALE, RACING EQUIPMENT"

FOR SALE RACING CAR HAULER, GREAT CONDITION, OWNER WILL TAKE $9000.00
OR BEST OFFER.....IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO WAS USING IT, IT WAS LAMAR HAYGOOD AND HE CAN BE TRUSTED, HE TAKES GOOD CARE OF HIS EQUIPMENT.

BELOW ARE SOME PHOTO'S TAKEN ON 4-18-09

"TRAILER FOR SALE, "NOT RENT", HEARD THAT OLD SONG BY ROGER MILLER, WELL IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THIS SUPER NICE CAR HAULER, PLEASE CONTACT ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU THE INFORMATION TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE OWNER, LAMAR HAYGOOD. (PS: CREW MEMBER "NOT INCLUDED" :)

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SELL, TRADE ARE SWAP (NOT INCLUDING WIVES, CHILDREN OR ANY LOCAL FAMILY DEAD BEATS) LEAVE ME A MESSAGE AND I WILL POST IT, IF I CAN I WILL PHOTOGRAPH YOUR ITEM ON THIS WORLD WIDE BLOG.

THANKS,

TINO PATTI
apattijr@bellsouth.net

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a WORLD WIDE BLOG READERSHIP

Results April 18, 2008 West Georgia Speedway

"Headlines, Results and stories"

"HAYGOOD TAKES CRATE RACE"

"ROSCOE, FLY'S, TAPE AND ALL"

"BAGBY WINS 4TH STRAIGHT MOD-MINI RACE"

"GARY BRAND, WHO IS HE?"

"McWATERS AND ORR (WITHOUT) BLOWS ENGINE BUT WINS"

Racing at West Georgia Speedway was some kind of trip, as cars that are suppose to win, didn't and cars that did win we are still wondering how and why.

Racing is always a chess game, except in the cause of racing at West Georgia Speedway you are really taking a gamble. Sometimes "The Burg" Wins and Sometimes you beat the 3/8th oval with luck.

In all cases, if you win you have done what so many drivers are trying to do, and that is tame this track.

In the Modified Mini race, Sammy Duke Promoter better get out the "BOUNTY" sign and hang it out to see if anyone can beat now four races in a row winner #6 Richard Bagby. Not even #07 Frank Long could catch him. We have to admit, Richard had plenty of pressure on him, but he could drive away from everyone, and that is the mark of a pro driver. The start of the race showed that it was going to be wild and hazardous, as cars slid into each other, including a car that finished in 3rd place and that was driven by #T3 of Todd Breswester. When all the fireworks were over #40 driven by Jay Farmer took 2nd place.
So in a way it was a good night for some but for others, they have to go back to the drawing boards again.
Winner of the Race and Defending Champion #6 Richard Bagby
2nd place #40 Jay Farmer
3rd place #T3 of Todd Breswester.

Then the Enduro race was ready to go on, and it was a show in itself.

Cars battled from the start of the race, banging each other, no holds barred, Winford Minnex held the lead, but his motor gave out and that was his short nights story. Also having some bad trouble was #91 of Lee Owensby, who looked like he was the car in control, except that on several occasions, Lee spun down into the mud, which did not help his car. At one point of the race, Lee spun in turn 4 and was hit broadside by #8 car driven by Dustin Smith. Both cars had severe damage, but continued to race. It was really looking ugly to the point that I did not know if I was filming a demolition derby or a Enduro race. I did not have my spotter with me on this night so I was doing my best to keep up with those cars that were battling for the leads, when all of a sudden flipping down the front straight was car #6, I caught the tale end of his flipping, and I kept my camera rolling as fans raced down from the stands to the fence, where I guess they could get a better look, all I was looking for was the driver to make his way out of the overturned car. The EMT's were on the scene as well as a ambulance, we waited and waited, and then emerged to a cheering crowd the driver appeared. He was shaken but walked back to the pit area where he was warmly greeted. The car itself was turned over and that's when Sammy Duke pulled the mass of wrecked metal, to the infield pit area. The order of finish for the Enduro race was as follows:
Winning #12 Gary Brand
2nd Place #40 Jay Farmer
3rd Place #85 Pappy Powell, a legend of his own.

Then it was time for those tough and aggressive Hobby cars to run, and we were about to see some action. In the running were #3 Jeff Carter who last Saturday night walked away a winner, out driving the #92 of Joe Hillman.
This Saturday night he would be running against a legend of his own, long time hobby car racer #69 Roscoe Collins. Collins was the track champ at West Georgia Speedway for years, he was also a proven winner and veteran of Dirt car wars at the late great Seven Flags Speedway in Douglasville.
Tonight Collins, would be racing against "The Magic Man" Jeff Carter and old rival #92 Joe Hillman, and lets not leave out a Purple car with the number #56 on the sides, I never realized it but the driver was Lee McElwany. So the Hobby race had some heavy hitters, and I would be crazy if I forgot #47 Jason Causey who is always in the mix of things.
When the Green Flag dropped Jeff Carter had the lead and it looked like it was going to be another easy win for "The Magic Man", but Joe Hillman was putting on the pressure, the trouble is Joe was having car trouble and he spun I know 2 times in the race. That is something the Hillman never does, he has control of his car but this night would be different. That is when Roscoe Collins in his #69 kept making runs to pass Jeff Carter, but every time he tried Carter used his motor and moved away. So the battle was set, and there were some legends, Jeff Carter, Joe Hillman, and Roscoe Collins. All three cars were in line racing on the back straight, it was like 7 Flags Speedway except back then I had never heard of the "Magic Man" Jeff Carter.
The track was dry and this was not good at all, so I could see as I was filming that Carter was starting to loose grip, and Roscoe was not going away. It was then that I believe Roscoe took the lead as Carter and Collins came out of turn 4, Roscoe got that slight lead, and that was all he needed. You could tell the Jeff Carter was upset, but that was because he car was not sticking like it did the week before. So as #69 of Roscoe pulled away, the battle began between Carter and Jason Causey, and don't think Jason was not trying to pass Jeff because he was, but Carter was blocking his every try.
When the race was over and done the finish went as follows:
Winner #69 Roscoe Collins
2nd Place #3 Jeff Carter
3rd Place #47 Jason Causey

Then it was time for those big guns, the Crate Car races, and it featured long time winning driver and Super Late Model driver for years, Lamar Haygood in his familiar #17. Haygood has been around so many dirt tracks it is impossible to number all of them.

Sammy Duke on his Ford tractor, gave Lamar some advice prior to his race and that was "GO FAST, TURN LEFT", some real words of wisdom.

Also in the show was #16 of Tony Kemp, a well known driver from West Georgia that has a winning record, as he proved last Saturday night, but one thing is for sure, every Saturday night is different from the last one, as the track changes
Also in the feature was the young and talented #89 of Crate car driver, Carey Smith, who rode motorcycles and won almost all the time until he got hurt, and that is when they decided he needed to have 4 wheels under him. Carey is a wild and loose driver, but once he has some seat time could be a winner of some big races. Also in the feature was #1 of Trey Watson, who has little driving experience so I knew he would be no threat for Lamar Haygood or Tony Kemp.

When the green flag dropped, it was racing at top speed, Haygood took the lead, but a caution came out and they had to regroup and restart again. This time both Kemp and Haygood were door to door, and neither was letting out of the gas, it was good southern style racing at it's best.
Then coming out of turn 3 and rounding turn 4 Haygood went high, and Tony tried to crawl under him, the trouble was Tony Kemp's #16 slid up the track and into Lamar Haygood's car. When this happened all Tony could do was hang on for the ride to the infield barrier. Once there in slow motion you could see the water that surrounded the track, go as high as a geezer, as Kemp's car came to a rest against the barrier.
Still there was still some fight in Tony, even if his spoiler had been ripped off the back of his car, he was still in the race. Tony never gives up, and tonight was not a night to quit the fight.
So when the green flag dropped again, Haygood took command of the race, with Tony Kemp driving a wounded car, all Lamar had to do was hang on for the ride.
And you know once Lamar had the lead, he was fine, even though late in the race he was letting Tony Kemp crawl back toward him, but to be honest I believe Lamar had backed off the throttle and was cruising, he could have even been letting Tony catch him. Even with Haygood slowing, Kemp's car was to badly damaged to try and catch Lamar, all Kemp had was hope that something would break in Haygood's car, and that would give him the easy win. There would be none of that as Lamar went on to finish the race winning it handily, and that's what good drivers do, they win and make it look easy.
So the final results of the Crate Race were:
Winning #17 Lamar Haygood
2nd Place #16 Tony Kemp
3rd Place #1 Trey Watson




Now it was time for all the fans to grab some of the great food at West Georgia Speedway, as everyone took a break. So fans rushed to grab a great tasting Hamburger, or maybe Nacho's with Jalapeno's and cheese, making sure they had a cold drink to add to that because those jalapeno's are HOT.
The food is so good, that one of the young Dukes had to make sure they had more beef for the infield because Burger were going fast.

Now that the break had ended the race that most fans come to see started and we are talking some Big Guns, in the Sportsman feature, car's like #G1 of Glenn McWaters and #99 of Rucker Orr, plus #1 of Ben Hill, not to mention #13C of Shane Crisswell and #13 of Roger Cassell, and lets not leave out #25 of Scott Duffy who has been showing some intense progress in his racing style.

Most fans know that McWaters and Orr or two giant rivals in this race and when they are on the track anything can and will happen. Neither driver is prepared to give a inch of racing room. McWaters loves to run a low groove at the Burg, where Orr puts his car any place that has the grip, and once he has the lead he is a hard man to beat.
Tonight would be no different, as these legends started on the pole, and were ready to run. When the race started Glenn had the lead but somewhere on the front straight a car broke down and that brought out a yellow caution and the cars had to regroup and that meant another restart. Any time there is a restart at West Georgia Speedway, you never know what is about to happen as was on this April 18th night.

One the second restart, Glenn would go low as he always does, but when he did somehow he pushed Rucker up into the loose clay and that is when Orr spun because he could not get any traction, as soon as he spun he was a sitting duck so to say, as I believe one car clipped the nose of his car, and really there was nothing Orr could do, except sit there and wait till it was all over. His car was so messed up that he had Sammy come and pull him off the track and you know it is messed up when Sammy comes to the rescue.

After that the racing order was changed, and as soon as the green dropped again, Glenn was on his way, making no bones that he had the best car and was the fastest of the night. Tucked behind Glenn was #13C of Shane Crisswell who on opening night of the 2009 season took the 1st Sportsman feature win, and that was because Rucker Orr had major car trouble during hot laps that night. You know we had not seen Shane in a while, so seeing him at West Georgia Speedway was great to see. He is a class driver, as well as a person.
To be honest Glenn must have been trying to avenge his night of the prior Saturday because he was on a mission, and his car was taking the toil. Even with Orr out of the race, Glenn was burning up the track at high rates of speed, it was almost like he needed to prove something. Well he was proving it, but he was also
blowing a engine up, as the laps ticked down you could see white smoke coming from the rear of McWaters car, and the more white smoke the more #13C of Shane Crisswell, could smell a easy win. All that would have to happen was for Glenn to break down, and Shane would be taking home the win, but tonight was going to be different as every night at "The Burg". Shane's hopes would fade as Keith the flagman through the white flag and Glenn raced under it, from then on it was smoke all you want, but Glenn was making a statement, that he was back and he was the best.
When the checkered flag was flying Glenn McWaters finished having beaten the Burg one more night, and that is all that mattered.
So the final results were as follows in the Sportsman race:
Winning #G1 of Glenn McWaters
2nd Place #13C of Shane Crisswell
3rd Place #13 of Roger Cassell

Thanks to all

Tino Patti a Freelance Photographer/ Video Journalist

With a WORLD WIDE BLOG FOLLOWING!