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!

Changing colors of cars, Good or Bad?

"Changing the Colors of cars, Good or Bad?"

Question:

What do you think if a driver changes the color of their cars, in the middle of racing season, is it a good thing or a bad idea?.

Some drivers don't care what the color of their car is as long as it is a winner, then there are some drivers that keep the standard colors that they have been running in for years.

Take #G1 of Glenn McWaters, his red and white car has always been the same, and I really don't think Glenn cares about changing his car colors.

What about #99 of Rucker Orr, he has won so many races in his yellow sportsman car with the famous #99 on the side.

Then you have the modified mini cars that seem to always keep their color, take for instance #6 of Richard Bagby, or his rival #07 Frank Long, these drivers don't seem to mess with changing colors, why because fans get to know them and why change when you are winning.

Of course I have seen plenty of changes in colors in the Pure Mini class, but these guys are always changing something, take #C17 of Danny Smith, one year he was known as "The Camo Man", the next year he changed car colors, and now he is back as the "Camo Man" and everyone knows him.

Also take #88 Rocky Johnson, who is a Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan, and trys to make his car look like Dales #88. Last year Rocky was driving the #8 same as Dale Jr, now since Dale has gone to #88 so has Rocky Johnson, so you never know what color his car will be next season, if Dale Jr turns his to Purple and adds a #8 making the car #888 that is the number Rocky will apply to his pure mini.

Some drivers never change, maybe it has to do with the money involved in changing colors. Then we do know that a driver is superstitious and if he has a # that he has run for years and years, he will not change it.
Take Lamar Haygood, who drives a super fast crate car, when he is not behind the wheel of a Super Late Model and traveling every State, he has been #17 and I believe that is the number that will go down in his racing career, why change numbers when you are a winning driver.

It is almost like legendary dirt car champ Mike "The Headman" pulling in without his famous #54, when you think of Mike Head I picture #54 and all the dirt car real fans know him when he motors into a track.

In the Hobby car division, a long time champion, Joe Hillman, won many a race at Seven Flags Speedway before the track was closed, and his car was always #o1J, now he is driving for someone else and the car is #92 but if you look close on the back window frame you can see taped in white letters 01J, when asked where his original car was he said it was buried in his back yard. So now I know where old race cars go, in the drivers back yards.

Another driver that refuses to give up his number is #69 of Rosco Collins, who can where the wheels off his car, and when he races he comes to win, there is no second place in his name. His car has never changed colors and the fans all know him when he is at the track, when Rosco races, he puts on a hobby car show.

So if you change colors or body styles to your car will it go faster?, I need to know because racing at West Georgia Speedway can be a challenge, and if one body style is working why change it?, then again it's the driver and his family that make that call and really that's all that counts.

I just hope Sammy Duke never changes the color of his Blue 5600 Ford tractor, because I don't know what I would do then, because Sammy is a fixturere at the track, and if you ever see a elderly gentleman riding around West Georgia Speedway, wave because that is the legend Sammy Duke.

Hope you are ready for racing at West Georgia Speedway this Saturday Night, or at "The Burg" as this historic track is called, see you there.

Thanks
Tino Patti
a Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist
with a WORLD WIDE BLOG

April 15, 2009 HUMP DAY

"What'cha say?, oh my it's Hump Day"

Well the middle of the week, and I know that the drivers of the winning cars are making sure that every thing is ready for another exciting night of racing down at the home track, West Georgia Speedway.

Some of the drivers that won last week, are not touching their cars, except for maybe washing them down. One of those driver's who won and took his first checkered flag of the year in this 2009 season, is hobby car winner #3 Jeff Carter. He told me he was going to wash the car, and leave it the way it was set up, because Saturday Night he and #92 of Joe Hillman put on a show and a half. Mixing it up was also Jason Causey and Ritchie Taylor. Of all the hobby cars Taylor in the #B1 got the worst part as a wheel came off and as he came to a sudden stop along the inside wall, his tire kept on rolling around toward the backstretch. I know when these two meet up again, we can be sure to catch some real racing action. One thing is for sure "Super" Joe Hillman has been around a race track a time or two, and finishing 2nd is not what he wants, he has always been a winner, but he has also proved that he has class, and will not take someone out of a race just for his advantage, if he can pass you "He Will".

Jeff Carter is the same kind of driver, he will bend a little but don't push the big man, that's why we all call him "The Magic Man".

Stand back because I am sure Jason Causey in his #47 is not happy and by this weekend he will be ready to rumble with those other drivers.

So if you want to see some real Hobby car action make sure you are at the "Burg" this Saturday Night.

Another class that is showing some real signs of excitment, is the Modified Mini class, where #6 Richard Bagby has now won 4 in a row, and that is something amazing when you have drivers like #07 of Frank Long, the #9R of Evan Lancaster, plus the #19 of Chris Upton, plus others chasing him down.

One thing is for sure when Richard is at the track, you never know what will happen, so far he has his #6 Mustang dialed in and all the bolts and screws tightened and he is on a mission.
Has anyone every thought maybe Richard has found out about the track and knows where he can and can't run his car to win. Sometimes it takes drivers years, but Richard is a veteran of racing wars and if he can figure it out, he will and once he does he can and is a proven winner at almost all the tracks.

You have to understand, "West Georgia Speedway", is not just a race track it is known as "The Burg" and I can be honest in saying this that not only does the driver take a beating so does the car he is in, so if you win, you have beating both the other drivers, and the track itself.

I really believe driver Frank Long will be back, but not to finish in 2nd place he will be gunning for the win, and take it away from Richard Bagby.
We all will have to wait and see what happens Saturday Night when those small Modified Mini cars take the track and start their feature.
If you can "BE THERE, AND BRING SOME FRIENDS".

Hey how many of you think #91 of Lee Owensby will finish in 1st place instead of 2nd place, or do you think the #12 of Gary Brand, in the wild Enduro class will take another victory?.
Those Enduro cars are a real show and fans really enjoy watching these men put on a great show. I just wonder how much longer #32 "SUNSHINE" Terry Finnell will be out and not racing in this class?.

This weekend we will see the last of Crate Car driver #17 Lamar Haygood as he will go on to race his Late Model car at different tracks around this State as well are out of State. One thing is for sure when Lamar races you know he is there, and can and will move you if you are in his way. He finished in 3rd place Saturday Night April 11, 2009 because he went high on the last lap, and #8 car Michael Keener passed him on the low side to finish 2nd. Winning the race was the ever popular and fan favorite #16 Tony Kemp.
So if you can drag your wife or your husband or your family members out of the house make sure they are there to see some of the most exciting Crate Car racing in the South, once they get the taste of racing dirt style they will always come back every time the gates are opened.

Well we all know that #99 Rucker Orr will be defending his title, as he finished in 1st place Saturday night leaving #G1 of Glenn McWaters, in what you can really call the dirt, as Glenn was racing he was tearing off the tear-offs, and he came down to number 9 and that is all that he had on his helmet, and you know you can't stop and get a refill, so he was driving more or less blind. Glenn had a strong car, but I don't think he could muscle his way around Rucker Orr, and in 3rd place was #13 Roger Cassell, who was running as hard as he could but he was no match for Orr or McWaters.

If you can please be there this weekend as the weather is warming up and so is the racing action. When you think about it everything is getting better and better at West Georgia Speedway, including the food and fans. Sammy Duke is making sure the track is in better shape and that means a lot to each and every driver that takes on the track that is to hard to tame, "The Burg".

See you at the track,

Thanks,
Tino Patti
a Freelance Photographer/ Video Journalist
With a BLOG that is WORLDWIDE NOW.

New Winners at the Burg 4-11-09

"RACING FINDS NEW WINNERS AT WEST GEORGIA"

New Winners emerge, as West Georgia races on April 11, 2009!

In the Modified Mini class #6 Richard Bagby defended his title at the track and won his 4th straight win, in this hotly contested race. The car driven by #07 Frank Long was there and that was the making of one of the all time super races, because when Frank Long is there anything can and will happen.

Lindsey and Lauren, were ready to watch some exciting racing action, and also keep track of Richard Bagby, Families and friends have been coming down to the "New and Improved" West Georgia Speedway.

At the Start it was Richard Bagby on the pole and he would drive the wheels off his #6 Mustang, with some great challenges by Frank Long, that battled him all the way.
Richard had just a little too much fight and will to win, and he did.

So the RESULTS of the MODIFIED MINI FEATURE IS:
WINNER #6 Richard Bagby
2nd Place #07 Frank Long
3rd Place #9R Evan Lancaster

In the Enduro race, #12 Gary Brand took the win for the 2nd week in a row, he is driving a car that is red but is so beat up I can't really see the numbers, maybe after 2 wins he will fix his car.
The car that looked like he could win it all was #91 of Lee Owensby, who battled and then made a mistake by getting into the side of #12 and that is when Lee almost lost it all and ended up in the wall. Lucky for him nothing was hurt except maybe his feelings and he went on to finish in 2nd.
Taking advantage of Lee Owensby's miscue was car #77 of Scott Miller who looked like he might finish in 2nd place, but please never count out the #91 of Lee Owensby, because he battled back and took a 2nd place finish.

So the Enduro Results were as follows:
Winner #12 Gary Brand
in 2nd place #91 of Lee Owensby
and in 3rd place was #77 of Scott Miller

Then the Hobby cars took to the track and we knew this was going to be a big time race, because #3 Jeff Carter was starting on the pole.
But wait, #92 Joe Hillman was in the same race, and you don't count out the man they call "The Hill", because he is famous for his dramatic comebacks in races. He is also well known. Then there was car #40 driven by William Blair, plus #50 driven by one of those legendary drivers named Page.

When the green flag dropped, #3 of Jeff Carter was showing the way, not making any mistakes and taking ever turn so easy, but I knew that #92 Joe Hillman was lurking and if there was a way be would find a way to get around Jeff, and I mean it was getting crazy in the video booth, as both cars were showing their muscles, Jeff looked calm, but I knew he was not that calm knowing Hillman was behind him.
Ritchie Taylor driving the #B1 hobby car spun on the front straight and his wheel went half away around the track, before it was tackled by Blant Duke who was helping at the track and not racing. When I got closer to the #B1 I knew Ritchie was in no trouble expect for being disgusted because of what happened. Sammy pulled him out of the mud, and before long it was back to Keith dropping the green flag, and from where I was filming all you could hear was the roar of the #3 of Jeff Carters car, as he whizzed down the straight, he looked great until #92 Joe Hillman was getting closer and closer, and every time both cars came out of turn 4 it was a battle. I knew if the race were to be lost, it would be having Joe Hillman, sneak around Carters car on a turn like 4. The battle was brewing and it got more intense as the laps got shorter. The big man Jeff Carter was showing some signs of those days when he was known as "The Magic Man". Then like a magic hat, Keith pulled out the White flag and then it was on, and now was the time Joe had to make his move, as much as he tried he could not get around Jeff Carter, and the Big Man took his first incredible win of the 2009 season at West Georgia Speedway. It was a proven fact,
Jeff Carter was BACK and strong as ever, but I will give Joe Hillman some much needed credit for putting on a great show, and like always Joe is the type that won't take you out on purpose that is not his style of racing and neither is that the way Jeff Carter drives.Jeff Carter would go on to take "his first WIN of the 2009 season", at "The Burg" and when he was racing you could see the fire in his eyes. Racing can be incredible but when you have drivers like Jeff Carter, Joe Hillman, and Ritchie Taylor and Jason Causey, plus maybe one more car, you have racing at its best.
So the final RESULTS of the Hobby feature were:
Winner #3 Jeff Carter
2nd Place #92 Joe Hillman
3rd place #40 William Blair

If you were not at the track, you missed a super fast Hobby race, be there next time!

Now it was time for those incredible Crate Cars, and there were some real stars behind the wheel.
Defending champion #8 Michael "Mouth" Keener
The crowd favorite #16 of clean driving Tony Kemp
2008 Ice Bowl Champion #17 Richie Williams,
and #17 Lamar Haygood another legend in his own right.

All in all the race was packed with 13 cars, and that did not count #18 of Matt Dooley who did not make the show, for reasons, we can't go into here.

As the Crate Cars took the green, I knew there was going to be some real action, Michael Keener was not about to loose, he thought. But tonight was going to be a real race and the fans were into it from the start.

Tony Kemp #16, was turning some great times, and he knew that #8 Michael Keener was lurking some where behind him, but we have to continue tor remember that #17 of Lamar Haygood was also in this race and if there is one thing you don't want to know is Legendary Lamar Haygood is on you tale. He is one of the best drivers in the sport, and has seen many race tracks, and pulled off some wins that were unbelievable.
Really the crate race was owned by #K9 of Dana Eiland, who was burning the track up, he was leading almost every lap of the the race, and he looked like there was no one going to catch him, except for "LADY LUCK", which was not in his favor as a timing belt came off, and Dana cheeped around the track knowing this was not his night. Or as I call it Lady Luck, said "Your at the Burg", and this is not your night.
You had to feel sorry, then again this tightened up the field, as Tony Kemp was now the leader, with Lamar Haygood in 2nd and Michael Keener in 3rd place.
Let me also mention that the 2008 Ice Bowl Champion was also in the running, in car #17, whose driver is Richie Williams, and if you have not heard about the name Williams, you are not a dirt car fan.

The crate car race was everything a fan wanted, with several lead changes, lots of bumping and it was really good to see the drivers battle each other on this Saturday night. Williams and Haygood dueled for a while, then it was Haygood and Keener, while all this time Tony Kemp #16 was showing the way running in 2nd behind #K9.
If Dana Eiland, had not have broken down he would have owned the race, and taken the money to the bank, but this is racing and this is West Georgia Speedway and anything can and will happen.
As the race closed down, Keith the flag man was waving the white flag, and it was showing Tony Kemp in the lead with Lamar Haygood in 2nd place, and in 3rd was Michael Keener, then it happened as if by magic, coming toward the checkered flag and rounding turn 4 headed down the straight, Lamar went high and Keener drove under him and took a 2nd place finish away from Haygood and Keener would finish 2nd and Lamar Haygood in 3rd place and winning it all was #16 of Tony Kemp.

So the RESULTS FOR THE CRATE CAR RACE WERE:
Winner #16 Tony Kemp
2nd place #8 of Michael Keener
and in 3rd place finished hard charging #17 of Lamar Haygood.

That is when we were all treated to a intermission that was much needed, and sure was a good thing to have as the food was hot, and the lines were long. It also gave folks a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy talking about the racing so far, and there was a lot to say.

After some good food and some drinks, we were ready for "Big Guns" and I am talking about the famed Sportsman cars, to roll onto the track and line up in order. Sitting on the pole was #99 of Rucker Orr and next to him the Famous #G1 of Glenn McWaters, who was back to win his 2nd race in a row at West Georgia Speedway. What is was not counting on was Rucker Orr's car and how fast his could turn. Also in the race was #13 of Roger Cassell, The race also featured up and cthe oming driver #1 of Ben Hill.
At the start of the race, Glenn McWaters had a lead until he entered the back stretch coming out of turn 2 that is when Rucker turned the afterburners on, and it was time for Glenn to chase the yellow #99. The race was caution free, there were the spin outs and by car #28, but the race was on, and all Glenn could do was look at the back of Rucker's car. Something Glenn McWaters is not used to doing being the guy chasing another driver, almost all the time Glenn is in the lead and everyone is chasing him, but the Burg was not having it on this cool Saturday night. Even when Rucker had a bopple coming out of turn 4 which caught Glenn's car on his side, Rucker was still able to handle the car, and get away.
Needless to say the final RESULTS OF THE SPORTSMAN FEATURE WERE:
WINNER #99 Rucker Orr
2nd Place #G1 Glenn McWaters
and in 3rd place #13 of Roger Cassell.






Needless to say I am tired, and will get ready to write something on HUMP day so beware, you never know what will be written by this old writer.
Thanks to All,

Tino Patti
A Freelance Photographer / Video Journalist
With a World Wide BLOG

HUMP DAY AGAIN 4-8-09

Racing will resume Saturday Night at "The Burg" Be There!!

It's HUMP day, the middle of the week, and I can't believe the action we had Saturday Night at West Speedway. All the cars were fast and furious, and from Modified Mini, to Sportsman we had some great racing excitement.

"BUT WAIT" this Saturday Night, we will really have a great turn out, and also we shall see the crowds pack West Georgia Speedway as the drivers plus warm weather has arrived. Now that we all know that Saturday Night April 11th, the weather will be in the 70's and we know that most of us can deal with that. Drivers will return now that they have the taste of racing fever.

I look for some really big surprises in the Crate car race, because driver #17 Lamar Haygood is said to have been working on his crate car, and is tinkering making sure that every thing is ready this time out. Last Saturday night, Lamar finished 4th in the race and that is not where he wants to be he is gunning for that top stop.

But Lamar should have heavy competition from #16 of Tony Kemp, who chased #8 Michael Keener around the 3/8th clay oval track, only to finish 2nd and letting Michael Keener take his 2nd win of the 2009 season at "The Burg".

Look out if Michael Keener returns we should see a real gun fight, because Tony as well as Lamar Haygood are not used to taking a back seat to anyone.
The crate race will also feature #19 of Jeremy Hall, who finished 3rd in the race, so that means he can "GO" when he has too.
Look out also for another #17 of Richie Williams, Cousin of Late Model Star Ricky Williams. Don't ever count out Richie, because with a last name Williams you must have some talent.

Now if you did not come last Saturday Night you MUST be there this Saturday Night as young Matt Dooley in car #18 will take to the track for his 2nd race of the season, and get this he is only 13 years old but drives like a pro, I have yet to see Matt spin, or bend up any part of his car, and you have to be a great driver to miss all that goes on during a high speed chase.

With all this thought of what racing is going to be like on Saturday Night, and knowing I just can't wait, I think I better take a break and head in a get some Cold Coca Cola, to quench my thirst.

"BACK"......

Ok, getting back to some news, Hobby car driver Jeff Carter drove you know what out of his car, and you could see the smoke billowing from underneath his car as he rounded every turn at high speed, trying to catch Jason Causey and stay ahead of #B1 of Ritchie Taylor. You have to hand it to the BIG MAN, he was not about to throw in the towel so to speak, he was giving it his all, and knowing that the car could come apart at any time. For Jeff Carter's sake, and all the smoke, he would go one to finish in 2nd place, on a night where the track was dry.
Now Jeff is out looking for a new transmission and who knows what else....that's all in racing.

We can also look forward to seeing a super Sportsman car feature, where driver #99 Rucker Orr should be back to put on a show, but the question is will #G1 of Glenn McWaters show up, and try to win his 2nd race of the year at the "Burg". We all know that when Glenn is there you will see some racing, his G1 is a super fast car. Then again so is Rucker Orr's #99, and if there is a chance that #1 Ben Hill will be back we could see some racing tight close to close action.
Hey, let's not leave out #17 of Jody Knowles who finished in 3rd place and dodged all wrecks.

In the Modified Mini car class, I am sure #07 Frank Long will have his car back and ready to go, you can never keep a champion driver down. That does not mean that #6 of Richard Bagby will not be ready to try and win his 3rd straight race of the season. Then again what are the chances that #20 Ryan Heppner snicking in to take a win, from the others, could it happen?. In racing everything is possible, and can and might happen.

What is ever going to happen with modified mini driver Chris Upton who drives the #9 , that is sponsored by Neighborhood Auto Center owned by Richard Bagby, will he ever be a contender?.

There is so much work to keeping a well groomed race car ready to run every Saturday, you have to remember each of these drivers that give us American's a chance to watch some action on the tracks, and also take away some of our worries, and frustrations with life. Racing is exciting, and we should all take pleasure in greeting the drivers and their families. These men, are not at the top of the racing world yet, and some may never even want to go that high, but for some racing is part of the ladder to success and each class is just a step higher to where maybe they can be spotted and followed and maybe some one will give them that break to get into big time racing action.
Don't count any driver out of a race, and if you have a favorite stick by him and cheer for him, after all look at what they are doing for you.

Drivers, prepare your cars, Saturday Night racing will be here soon, and I want to see some super fast action. Who knows it just may be your special night and you may win the race and have the cheers of the crowd go up, but where ever you finish, we will always thank you for giving us some racing action that we will look back on and discuss.

Also Thank Sammy Duke and his Family for having a track that is being run better and better every night. He is putting on some great racing shows.


Thanks

Tino Patti

a Freelance Photographer/ Video Journalist
whose BLOGS are World Wide now!