Wreckfest Saturday Night

" Saturday Night Wreck fest, at the Burg"

West Georgia Speedway was more than exciting Saturday Night, as drivers came from all directions to be part of the show and tackle the track to hard to tame, except for a few drivers.

Saturday was a "HOT" day in Georgia and drivers had not raced in 2 weekends in a row, and I know they were ready to show their skills behind the wheel.

NO FULL MOON, just some wild eyed drivers, all wanting to win on the 1st lap or somewhere in between.

The pressure was on, and there were some new drivers to the track, and some that had raced there for years and years.

There were the queens of Dirt car racing at the track, and by that I mean, Richard Bagby's loyal wife of many years, and Joe Hillman's wife, both of ladies have seen the ups and downs of their husbands racing careers.

The Modified Mini race started off with a BANG, and I mean a royal BANG like you would see only in a NASCAR race. It was alm

ost as if I was watching a NASCAR race, and seeing cars wildly spinning, and you see one angry driver, throwing something at another driver, in this case it was not a helmet it was of all things, a steering wheel.

It reminded me of Tony Stewart when he would loose his cool, but then again these cars they race are not cheap, and when a driver works hard all week, and the weekend comes, he is ready to race, and not get taken out of a race early. The driver in question was Richard Bagby who has been winning almost every time he takes the track, he is not cheating, he is just a hard charger,with a will to win. The last time I saw Richard come unglued was years ago, when he was racing at North Georgia Speedway, and some how he was taken out early in a race, of course at that time he was running Late Model, and there are some real expenses in that sport.

If you have never met Richard he is tall, and lean and a racing machine. (I made that up).

But he is tall and lean, and works hard and when he races he races hard. I call him "King", that started years ago when he was driving in the Sportsman features, against another legend, Shane Clanton. Those were some intense battles, and since I was shooting the video, I nicknamed him, "King Richard", sounded good anyway I thought.

The drivers at West Georgia Speedway, have always been good to me, of course there are some that I never speak with, and that's fine also. Most drivers, know me and I know them and we kind of bond, and I make sure that I always treat them with the highest respect.

I am getting Old now and some times I don't feel like being at a HOT race track, but I am there walking around the pit area, taking photo's for when the new book I am writing is released, what's it about? What else Dirt Track racing, and drivers and fans!.

It seemed as ever to collect all the wrecked modified mini cars off the track, but once everyone was back and running #07 Frank Long went on to win the race.

The Modified Mini Results:

WINNER #07 Frank Long

2nd #T3 Todd Brewster

3rd #40 Jay Farmer

Then it was time for the Enduro cars to try their luck at the track most drivers fear, and they put on a show.

I was looking for #91 of Lee Owensby to be a real factor in this race, but his car was

a little off, so the battle was really not what I expected and like I thought #M4 of Winford

Minnix who I nicknamed "Charge Card" showed the way around the track, like he did for years.

The one bright spot in the Enduro race was that we had a new untested driver behind the wheel of his newly purchased car that was Richie Taylor's car, and any car that Richie has owned has been a winner. The new driver is Steve Parker, and as he said he rode around in the back of the field testing his car and his nerves. To be honest, Steve did such a great job, that he finished 7th out, of a 14 car field. Next time he will do better, he didn't even scratch the paint.

Steve did a great job, he finished last but who cares because his car will to the winners circle one day.

The results of the Enduro class feature were:

Winner #M4 Winford Minnix

2nd #6 Eddie Swofford

3rd #91 Lee Owensby

Now that the fans have seen the thrills of the Modified Mini race and the fury of the Enduro class, all eye's were on the Hot Hobby Car feature, in which case all the heavy hitters came and brought their big guns. This was going to be a shootout, and the race was all the fans expected.

This race featured the cream of the hobby crop, from #3 Jeff Carter, to #01 of Blant Duke, with #92 Joe Hillman, #01X Cory Hillman, and #29 Rusty Johnson. Lets not leave out #47 of Jason Causey, #K17 of Mark Knight, #40 of William Blair, and #69 Roscoe Collins, who was the possum in this race.

This was the gunfight that we had all looked for and were amazed to see, Sammy Duke had to be smiling ear to ear.

The top hobby drivers were going to do battle at "The Burg", where the track is known for beating the best.

When the flagman dropped the green flag the race was on, with Jeff Carter showing the way around but that would soon change on lap 2 as Carter and Blair got together, sending Carter backwards, as soon as that happened Joe Hillman, took over and was the new race leader, but not for long as William Blair continued to pressure Joe. One thing for sure Hillman is never a driver to fear, he goes all out to win his race, and tonight was not going to be different except what was about to happen was almost out of a movie.

It was late in the race, and drivers were get ready to make their move or hold their position. When 3 cars were heading into turn 3 at full speed. Joe Hillman in his #92 was on the bottom and #40 William Blair was running the high side, when all of a sudden #29 Rusty Johnson, wanted to split the cars and shoot in between Hillman and Blair, he would try but it didn't work as Hillmans car slid up brushing Johnson's car, and of course Johnson went into William Blair, all the cars went spinning, but Rusty Johnson, and William Blair went into the outer wall, while Joe Hillman was left spinning in the center of the track.

When the dust cleared , you could see Rusty Johnson pulling himself out of his damaged race car, the same for William Blair, except Blair was hurling some things that we can't write about at, Joe Hillman and his crew.

To put it mildly, their racing night was over, as Sammy used his tractor to haul their badly beaten up race cars off the track.

Prior to all of this Jeff Carter who should have been running in 4th place had to be hauled in and it was all because his starter went bad. Maybe that was good for him, because he could have been involved in this mess also.

The race was "RED FLAGED" to get the cars off the track, and when all the cars were at a full stop. and I was not filming, I looked down and to my amazement in 2nd place was #69 of Roscoe Collins while #92 Joe Hillman was in the lead, Joe had one major problem and the was when he was in that 3 car wreck he really messed up his back wheels. They were so bad that when he was cruising around the track before the green dropped again, it looked as if his back wheel was about to come off, and that would be more than dangerous. But like true winner, he was not coming into the pits to check his tire, mainly because he would loose track position, and these were the last laps of this race.

So the shoot out was ready, Hillman in the lead, #69 Roscoe Collins in 2nd place and #01x Cory Hillman in third. This was gone to be the race of races, and when the green flag fell, Hillman with his crazy tires that was worse than a donut, was rounding turn

one and two, but he could not hold the lead, as Roscoe Collins did what Roscoe is famous for, making that pass and making it look easy. As soon as Collins was by Hillman, the checkered flag dropped an Roscoe Collins had won another exciting race at West Georgia Speedway.

The final Results of the Hobby Feature were:

Winner # 69 Roscoe Collins

2nd #92 Joe Hillman

3rd #o1x Cory Hillman

Ok now the fans could take a breath, but without a stop those fast Crate Cars made their way to the track, and when they were lining up I could see that on the pole was #8 Michale "Mouth" Keener, but next to him was #16 of Tony Kemp, also in the race was #19 of Jeremy Hall, and #89 of Carey Smith, in his all orange crate car. Also in the lineup was Shane Barrett who was driving his B77 car.

This race has become a show case for #8 Michael Keener, but I thought maybe #16 of Tony Kemp had something for him, but not on this HOT night, Tony just did not have what it took to out motor Keener. Not even #89 of Carey Smith had what it took, so the race was long, but once it was over h

ad Keener winning again, with Kemp in 2nd place.

The results of the Crate race were:

Winning Again, #8 Michael "Mouth" Keener

2nd #16 Tony Kemp

3rd #B77 Shane Barrett

NOW IT WAS TIME FOR A BREAK AND WE ALL NEED ONE, AS THE CONCESSION STAND WAS OPEN FOR BUSINESS. Lori Duke is in charge, and with her many helpers they manage to feed some really hungry race fans, as well as us old folks. Put it this way, you get service with a smile, and get some great burgers, fries, onion rings, hot dogs, corn dogs, nacho's and cheese, and some good cold drinks.

Now the crowd sat back down to watch the super fast Sportsman cars, who come to race ever Saturday Night at West Georgia Speedway.

Starting on the pole was long time winner #99 Rucker Orr, and along side him was a Alabama native, #11 Ryan Law, who is just 21 year old, and races like a veterean. Also in line were #13 of Roger Cassell, and #7 of Steve Nicholson, and there in the race was the white with orange numbers #25 and man on the move Scott Duffy.

When the flagman dropped the green flag, Ryan Law shot out like a cannon, but it was called back, because they said he jumped the start, and was leaving Rucker in the dust. Again this was a official call. So when there was a restart, this time Orr took his #99 to the front, and he would have no challenges, so since he was leading the battle I began to watch was that of Scott Duffy and Roger Cassell, it seemed like there was no way around Roger. All Law could do is ride in 2nd place chasing Orr, and in 3rd place was Steve Nicholson, with Cassell and Duffy fighting it out.

When the race was over, #99 Rucker Orr took home the cash, while up and coming driver Scott Duffy finished in 4th place.

The results of the SPORTSMAN Feature were:

Winner #99 Rucker Orr

2nd Ryan Law

3rd Steve Nicholson.

Many Thanks,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a WORLD WIDE BLOG FOLLOWING!

SUPER WEATHER!

"Super Weather, for a Super Bunch of drivers and fans"

Can it be true?, NO RAIN this weekend, and if so we are going to see some super groups of cars, and fans.

Racing at West Georgia Speedway will again, be the talk of the town, as drivers come from all around racing to win.

I know this is Friday, and as always I put out a BLOG so today is no different.

Friends, and fans, and drivers who I have not seen in a while will be happening this Saturday Night, at the track too hard to tame "The Burg".

The weather forecast is for in the high 80's so bring some water or cold drinks, then again you can always find great food at the concession stand at half time or before the race.

I am really looking forward to the hotly contested Modified Mini race that has been featuring #6 Richard Bagby pulling out some really close wins, he makes his way to the front and if he can stay there he will be there.
But Richard will be racing against some really tough drivers racing against him. Such as #07 of Frank Long, and the upcoming hot driver of the #20 car Ryan Heppner, but lets not leave out any other driver. Because racing here is racing and you never know who will win, on any given Saturday Night.

As I mentioned before the Enduro race, should be wild, I am unsure if #91 Lee Owensby will be back after being banned for a week. He is one of the most outstanding drivers and I look for him to return.

If Lee is not racing, I look for #M4 of Winford Minnix "Charge Card" as he is known to me, should take the race easy, then again, he will not be the only car racing, so who knows.

The Hobby car feature should be a classic race, because all the big guns will be shooting for a win, and that means #3 Jeff Carter, who has not been winning should be shooting for a win, he needs it and if his car holds together he will win.

But everyone look out as Blant Duke is back, and his motor is raving and super fast. Blant is a driver that does not look for 2nd place in any race, he goes for the gold and that of course is the checkered flag. When you are racing Blant Duke you better bring your best gun to this gunfight.

But don't look past drivers like #47 of Jason Causey or if #92 Joe Hillman shows up, we should see a real race.
The driver that I wish would return is #69 of famous Roscoe Collins, if anyone can give Blant a run for the money ,he is the man, but then again he won't make the show.

As soon as the race is over, we can feel the thunder of the Crate car features, and since Sammy Duke the owner has really reached out to this fine class of drivers.

Stars like #16 of Tony Kemp, if he is there will make the crate race one worth watching, more so if he is doing battle with a show-off #8 of Michael "Mouth" Keener, who's driving style is not what is expected. He thinks he has the best car on the track, but as Kemp proved he can be beaten on a Saturday Night.
The race also features a young motocross rider turned driver, #89 of Carey Smith who I nicknamed "Wild thing" because you never know where he will be on the track. High or low, Carey will be someplace.
Also this weekend we should see #B17 of Ricky Brady, in his new car, and trying to compete in a rough class.

Then the BURGH has there official break, for all the fans to raid the concession stand and get some of the great food that is offered there, like Burgers, Hot Dogs, Fries, Onion Rings and of course Nachos and Cheese and Jalapenos , add a cold drink and everyone can get ready for some exciting Sportsman feature racing.

Once we see the Sportsman cars pull onto the track we all know we are about to witness 25 laps of fast racing action.

Cars to watch are the famous #99 of Rucker Orr, plus that of #G1 Glenn McWaters if he makes the show, plus there are the regulars #13 of Roger Cassell and who knows else may join the crowd maybe #11 Ryan Law may make the show and if so you will see some really racing action out of Law.
Then there is a driver that I really believe is a driver of the future, and will be seeing lots of checkered flags, and that is #25 of Scott Duffy, one of the up and coming hard charging drivers in this tough class of cars.

Racing at West Georgia Speedway is always a treat, and I know that owner and promoter Sammy Duke, is doing his best to make the track one of the most premiere "Historic" Southern Dirt tracks in the South. Located in Whitesburg, Georgia, and a few miles south of Atlanta, this track is a real drivers test, not only on their cars, but on the intense physical challenges it takes for a real driver. I still say the track can and will beat you, but if you win, you have tamed the track to hard to tame, and you can go home in pride.

This Saturday Night, if you can pry away your asphalt race fans from their favorite track, bring them with you to West Georgia Speedway, once they see dirt cars race, they will forget all about Asphalt racing. Dirt Fans are the best, and they know who is who and what is happening in this demanding sport.

Thanks To All, see you Saturday at West Georgia Speedway,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a WORLD WIDE BLOG Following!

NEWS FLASH! BE READY TO RACE SATURDAY

"Driver's Be Ready To Race To Win, This Weekend, at "The Burg"

NEWS FLASH!, NO RAIN THIS WEEKEND, MORE SO ON SATURDAY SO BE READY!

This weekend, someone will be going home, with some hard earned pay as West Georgia Speedway runs a full racing program!

We should see some outstanding, drivers return after 2 wash outs, that ruined racing for the weekends.

Drivers to watch, in the Modified Mini feature will be, #6 of a driver on a mission, Richard Bagby, and of course his competitor #07 of Frank Long, will be ready to beat him, but I would not count out several other drivers in this hot field of cars.

The Enduro feature should be wild, and I am still wondering if Lee Owensby will be back driving after his suspension for 2 weeks for what was called rough driving, to be honest this photographer seen Lee had the lead was winning and was taken out of a race on purpose, but that is how I saw it, you may have your own opinion and we welcome that.

If Lee is not aloud to race, and I was a betting man I would put all my money on the #M4 of Winford Minnix, who can drive with the best of them.

Then fans had better be ready, for some really fast and the furious, as the Hobby car star drivers are ready to race, after two weekends, their blood is boiling and most of them are ready to show their stuff.

Blant Duke in his famous #01 will be ready to roll and he can win from any place in the field of cars, he has a winning attitude, that says "I will pass you anywhere on the track, so watch me".

Drivers like Jeff Carter in his #3 racing machine, needs a win bad, as he has been win less for months, some thing has to give for this "Magic Man".

He has a winning car, but it tends to fade away and that is not good in a race.

Jeff has the car, he has the crew, he has a wonderful wife that supports him, the big man just needs to WIN!.

If Roscoe Collins, would return he might be the match made to beat Blant Duke, because Roscoe has been racing for years and he knows how to win, then again

Roscoe won't be there, so that's that.

What happened to Joe Hillman?, the once proud winning driver of the car #01J Joe has been forced to drive #92 and so far all Joe has had with that car has been troubles.

If Joe is there Saturday he will be a contender, if he is there.

failed to mention Jason Causey, a driver that as Rodney Dangerfield says "Gets No Respect". All I can say is Jason is a winning driver and on any Saturday night he could pull off the upset of the night, so don't ever count Jason out.

This it's time for those Crate cars to roll onto the track, and to be honest the Crate races are getting as good as the Sportsman features.

If #8 Michael Keener is there be ready for a show off, and if #16 Tony Kemp is there be ready to see a royal battle, Kemp never backs down.

Also if "the Wild man" is there who knows where he will finish are what he will do, who is the "Wild man", Carey Smith driver of the fast #89.

There are so many drivers that win, in the crate feature I will never predict a winner. Until I see the checkered flag waving over their car.

After this fantastic race, it's time for a short break in the action, so that every fan can hit the concession stand, for burgers, fries, onion rings, cold drinks, hot dogs, nachos and cheese with jalapenos on top. Nothing like good food at your local track, don't forget the boiled peanuts.

As the fans, sit back down, they are ready for the premier race of the night, the ever so fast Sportsman race.

Where any driver can win, but some of the top drivers, are the #99 of Rucker Orr,

#13 of Roger Cassell, and if #G1 shows up, we have the chance to watch Glenn McWaters drive.

But here lately I have seen a driver that seems to be on the way up and that is car #25 of Scott Duffy, now here is a driver that will be winning some big races, and he has been learning on the track to hard to tame "The Burg".

Every Saturday night has been filled with action, and this Saturday night should bring out some cars, with winning drivers.

So don't sit home, come on down to Georgia's "Historic" Southern race track, West Georgia Speedway, or "The Burg" in Whitesburg, Georgia. While your coming bring some of your friends, try to dig up some of those asphalt track fans, once they have seen a dirt track race they will never return to asphalt again.

See ya Friday, for more BLOG info,

Many Thanks.

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/ Video Journalist

With a WORLD WIDE BLOG FOLLOWING!!!.

To see my photo gallery go to :

http://plusphotography.smugmug.com

MAJOR RAIN OUT AGAIN

LANDON BAGBY SKY MAN, GETS IN MY SHOT, GOOD JOB LANDON!!

"WHATS THE DEAL, 2ND MAJOR RAIN OUT"

"IT HAPPENED AGAIN, A MAJOR RAIN OUT AT WEST GEORGIA SPEEDWAY"

So what does Sammy Duke have to do to get another race in? Instead of watching some exciting racing action, drivers were forced to flee the infield pit area as it became a mud bog. They tried to run, the modified mini race with out hot laps just head into the feature, but as soon as the cars entered the track, the down pour came in gallons of flowing waters, creating heavy rivers of water. Drivers in every class was forced to sit, and wait, some drivers knew that the rain was here to stay and they loaded up and pulled out and headed home.

The frogs were again, so happy because again, they had their way.

Prior to the race I was able to walk around the infield pit area and take camera shots of drivers, family and crews, and it looked like we were going to have racing at West Georgia Speedway.

Here are a few shots of some great drivers and family and just plain great folks. Hope you enjoy!.

Modified Mini drivers waiting and killing some times.

Here is Chris Upton, driver of the number 19, getting faster modified mini.

Haley Carter, daughter of Hobby car star Jeff Carter, shows off her dirt track designer boots.

Hobby car driver of the fast #29 Rusty Johnson was ready to race.

Some great family members were with him including his newest crew member making sure his car was race ready!.

Here this small future driver was checking loose lug nuts on Randy's car.








One day this small boy, will be sitting instead of a race car, and showing everyone how to drive.

Modified Mini driver of the ever so fast, #20 Ryan Heppner, leans against his car as he talks with fellow racers in his class, Ryan is a real class act.

Now if you intend to run with the BIG DOG, your car better be ready to beat #01 of Blant Duke, who takes no prisoners, and passes when and where he wants.

Blant has that mind set that he can and will beat anyone on every Saturday Night at West Georgia Speedway.

Meet Richard Bagby's hidden secret of success of winning at the BURG, no it's not his motor, no it's not his tires, to be honest it's his pit crew of cheering warriors.


Now here are the people these drivers race for, wife's and girl friends, and cheering section.






Here is Ricky Brady's new crate car ride, this night would have been his first night racing in crate, but this was before the rain came, and that ended his night.

This is what Ricky Brady's car looks up close, and why did he chose #17, that was his old football number, hate to tell you Ricky this is not football, you are entering a new league, of champion divers.





My crazy shot of the night, who knows whose shoes these are do you?

OK please stop the rain, and lets have some good racing, Saturday Night, at this Historic Home of southern down home racing, West Georgia Speedway.

More on Hump Day,

See You,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a WORLD WIDE BLOG Following!

RAIN AGAIN!

"WHAT IS WITH THIS INSANE WEATHER"

Can West Georgia Speedway be rained out Again???.

This can't happen on a holiday weekend!

I know so many of you say we need the rain, for your gardens, but what about the excitement of racing?

What about washing out a Parade?, what about not letting us enjoy a Saturday night of fearless battles on the track.

COME ON, turn the water off, maybe like we did when I was at "Woodstock, in 1969" we all chanted "NO RAIN. NO RAIN, NO RAIN" and the skies cleared, maybe that is what we need to do.

What is going to happen if we can't see the action we had on the 9th of May,

where the Enduro cars battled it out. They were racing, and bumping and it was crazy.

Come on, all I am doing is drinking coffee, and coke, and trying to survive, life not been good at all for me concerning racing action.

Drivers with some fast cars are headed for Alabama, where they should be met up with the same Georgia rain storms. Like the old saying "when it rains it pours".

Now will Sammy Duke call another race?, Sammy is not known for calling races, but he did last weekend, and that was do to the severe constant rain.

So far it has been raining so much, the frogs are loving it, but I am not.

This weekend is showing a 40% of rain, on Saturday, so what do we do?.

Believe it will disappear and go away ,or get ready to Rumble!!.

More Later,

Have hope, and believe it won't rain, keep the faith!

Thanks ,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a WORLD WIDE BLOG Following!

Shooting Horses, BLOG BACK LATER

"Can You Dig it, I need some relief"

Every Been down and blue?, well when I get that way, I grab one of my camera's and head out. In this case I am heading out to photograph some horse's as riders at a local horse barn, go by to give their horses exercise.

Several riders, who still ride Harley's,love to ride at the barn, meet Pat are her horse "Mac", her Husband also a rider is following her on a horse called "Profit".

Taking care of these precious animal's has become their passion.

I know I need to get on the HUMP day blog, but with my wife still sick, I feel that need to get out and work on my shooting skills.

Something about being in the outdoors among nature takes my mind off worries at home.

This young man, is a student plus horse owner and the one seen to my right, is a ex-race horse, that when he was racing won $89,000 dollars, now this young man owns him plus a Arabian.

So if you are waiting to hear something about West Georgia Speedway, hang loose I will start on it when I return home.

Thanks Tino