RAIN OUT FOR ME PLEASE UNDERSTAND

NEW SENOIA RACEWAY, FOR ME A RAIN OUT WASH!

Sometimes, things go great then sometimes things are the PITS.

As was Saturday Night July 2, 2011 was there on that HOT day to film all the exciting racing action and when it got time as the Hobby cars started there feature, DOWN CAME THE RAIN, and that was it for me. I refuse to film in rain. My camera is worth more than a night of racing when it is raining. Some people may not understand that but my only means of making a small living is by having a camera that works, and since I just paid $450 bucks to have the camera realigned due to the swirls of dirt, it is amazing that people would get on my case do to the fact that I packed up early to leave. I know it would be different if I was filming in a building behind glass but that is not the case, I am stuck in the HOT sun and heat filming races from feature to feature.

So even though it started to rain and the race continued I was gone, and that’s the facts of life.
I know how I have been told that I would get some kind of glass to film through, I know how I was told I would get some help, but it seems that no help has come through.

So even as the rain moved out and the racing returned I was not there to film, which cost me money but not enough to have my camera replaced. Remember there is another Saturday coming and I am sure the drivers will be back.

So for all those needing a DVD, I was not there, and that’s life.

Please forgive me if I sound mad, but I know that there are times I have to make a decision and Saturday night was the night I chose.

So again forgive me and I hope you as a driver can understand what went wrong, it’s called rain and water and my camera do not mix.

Thanks and if you understand please let me know,


Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a WORLD WIDE RACING BLOG FOLLOWING!

Michael Cesare ? who

Michael Cesare, who?

Sometimes in racing you miss those drivers that come to race and are not your big name drivers like the Jeff Carters, Billy Bright Sr’s, or the Jr’s, or even Marcus Caswell.

B-Cadet racing can be exciting, but remember there is always action even in the back of the pack.

That brings me to a driver that was unknown until a few days ago when I met him on of all places Facebook.

He is #45 in the B-Cadet, and his name is Michael Cesare, who was born in New York and after High School made his way to Georgia where he now lives in Newnan, Georgia.

You want to see or meet the man that you would less likely call a race car driver then, Michael is your man.

His car stands out among the rest, and that is good since he is partners with someone else in the car, and they share driving spots.

Saturday June 25^th, 2011 Michael was in the racing seat for the B-Cadet feature at New Senoia Raceway, he lasted and lasted and lasted until off came his quarter panel which is all part of racing.

Racing is exciting but it takes on a new meaning when you have an inexperienced driver, who is racing with some of the best drivers in the south.

Too me Michael does not look the part of a driver, he looks more like a party animal, then again once he is strapped in he is in his own new world.

There will be nights like what happened at Senoia almost every Saturday night, and no matter where he races there will be beating and banging and rubbing and that is called racing, this is not a parade. It is racing with intense fierce rivalries.

End, the best driver wins, he may not have the best looking car, but crossing past that flag stand with the checkered flag flying is more than any driver can ask for.

When will Michael grab his first win of the season at Senoia, or any track? First he will ha

ve to get by some of the best drivers in racing.

It can and will be down, the question is when?

So next time you are at the track and see Michael Cesare and his #45 B-Cadet car shake his hand because he is among the few rare breed drivers that come to have fun and race and if they win, that is the icing on top of the cake.

On the night of June 25th, Michael was caught up in a racing accident and instead of blowing his top, he just looked to the skies and was more or less saying, thanks but can I make it just a few more laps?

One thing for sure is Michael comes to race and if he finishes that makes it worth it, sometimes you have to look at a driver and you see more than they are. Down deep Michael is headed for greatness, may not be in racing but in some way he is proving he is a winner, taking the checkered flag or not, Michael is a born winner. We should have more drivers like him in dirt track racing.

Thank's Michael for being such a class driver and I hope to see you race many more times, and maybe capture that first win.

Many Thanks,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a World Wide racing BLOG Following!

Where have my BLOG gone, its called depresstion

Winning at New Senoia Raceway is always fun, and you know it brings the best out of folks.

Driver’s come from every part of Georgia plus Alabama, and these drivers come to put on a show for the fans at Senoia.

Limited Late Model drivers like #11 Lavon Sparks who holds the points lead for the season. Then you have drivers like #28 Glenn Morris who has not won a race yet but has been a loyal driver and a fan favorite. Who can leave out #9 Shane Fulcher a driver that has been in a slump but always finishes in 2nd or 3rd place.

In the Crate Car late model race we have seen all kinds of winners, like #91 of Todd Darda, and last weekend on June 25th we were treated to see a 15 year old Matt Dooley prove he could outrun all of the crate drivers, as he led the race after starting on the pole. Not even #89 Russ Ogletree could catch Matt and Russ has been a winner in the crate feature many a time.
But on June 25, 2011 the night belonged to “Magic” Matt Dooley and his #18 crate car, maybe we will see him do it again, it was thrilling.

The night started off strange because they started with the B-Cadet feature, and it proved to be a great race, with plenty of racing action, and lots of beating and banging. Needless to say one of the biggest beating was at the start of the feature and of course it was between #3 Jeff Carter who is leading the points in the B-Cadet races. Also involved was #B7 of Billy Bright Sr. who slid into Carter or vice a versa whoever you talk to. Needless to say the night ended on a “Bright less” night as both of the Bright’s car’s shut down and they had to be moved off the track. That left a banged up car driven by Jeff Carter chasing #75 of Brand Lewis who also knows how to win at Senoia.
So the race ended with Lewis finishing in 1st and Jeff Carter in his banged up race car would finish in 2nd place.
After the Crate car feature, I know people were still talking about the race which Matt Dooley would take his car and let it show it was meant to win. He seemed to own the track, and his car was hooked up as drivers say. I have never seen Matt win but then again I have seen him race many a time, and he was always a driver on the move. Filming his win was something I really wanted to see and you know Matt gave me something I will always remember. Thanks Matt for everything and for being a class act driver and gee you are only 15 what will you be like at 16, or 18 or 21? Thanks for being a winner.

Then it was time for the 30 lap Hobby feature, with drivers like #07 Clifton “Hog Head” Moran plus young gun #01 of young Blant Duke a driver that is always willing to race and race hard and never back down. Also in the feature was a champion in his own right #33 Randy Johnson, when it comes to winning big races that is when Randy Johnson shows up. Late in the race nearing the end of the 30 lap race it was clear Clifton Moran had it made, but beating on his bumper was Blant Duke who tried every way to pass Clifton, but every time he tried to pass Moran would pull away, that just made Johnson beat and bang on Blant Dukes bumper. Johnson was looking for every way to pass Duke, but Duke proved he would not be denied and held on to 2nd place while Clifton Moran took the checkered flag like he has been doing week after week. Finishing 3rd would be Mike Jenkins who avoided a last lap wreck, which would take Johnson out of the race.
All in all, the 30 laps were over and the excitement was overwhelming.
After the race Clifton pulled his car onto the front straight to get interviewed by of all people Chad Harrington since Ted the Voice was out of town and will return this weekend.
The trophy was huge and the win was exciting, and you could see in Moran’s face how excited he was.
In 2nd place was the young gun, Blant Duke who knew he had been in a race, but 2nd is not where he was wanting but it is better than not finishing a race.
Mike Jenkins would finish in 3rd place and that would make his night.
Congratulations to Clifton Moran or better “Hog Head”.

When the pure mini cars pulled onto the track I knew I had a little time left on my tape but I was hoping a praying that there would be no big pile ups in the Pure Mini race.
Well my prayers were answered, and the racing was exciting, with drivers like young #4 Dusty Jones was proving he had a car that could win. But #16 Stephen Hill, who would lead half of the race was getting into it with his friend, Jones, but really they were racing, now there was contact with Gary Parker and an Bobby Arnold who was leading the race and showed how winning was done.
When fans of pure mini races this had to be your race, the only key driver missing from the action was #00 of Matt Black, who chose to race elsewhere.
When the race was over, Bobby Arnold would win and prove he could win at Senoia Raceway.
So far plenty of racing actions please grab your friends, neighbors, and family and also those folks that have never see a dirt track race and believe the only kind of racing is on asphalt like NASCAR.
Let’s turn them onto the best sport in the world Dirt track racing, where it takes talent to win.


Having great times is something you will always have when you attend a dirt track race at New Senoia Raceway.



This weekend, I mean we are about to see some great racing, plus a heck of a demolition derby at the end of the night followed by some great fireworks.

The place to celebrate the 4th of July is at New Senoia Raceway, where there is always something for the family, kids, and elderly race fans.
Come be part of the excitement!


Thanks,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a World Wide racing BLOG following!

$425.00 in the HOLE help me DIG OUT PLEASE

Who said "Dirt track racing is Fun"?


Sure racing is great when you don't mess up a high priced camera, something that you earn your money from. Sure I enjoy Dirt Track Racing as much as you do, I enjoy the fans the great drivers, the excitement, what I don't like is when my camera was destroyed due to intense DIRT from Hobby to Late Models, I mean take it like this, you drive a race car, you win, you are excited, then again what happens when you car gets tore up. Guess what you have to take it back to the shop and work on it, if you want to race ever again.

Well I was under the same pressure this week, and I took my camera into Atlanta to get a RUSH fix on it so that I could again return and catch some of the greatest racing on DVD.

Remember when you purchase a copy of a DVD of a race you have to remember that you can go back in time and relive the excitement over and over again. You have a part of history in racing to show family, co-worker, friends, and just plain enjoy yourself.

You can also study your driving techniques, and change and reevaluate what you are doing wrong or right.

My video are now gone down to $20.00 for 1 week special, and if I get more orders we could keep it that way or maybe drop it lower to $15.00 dollars, maybe I can make you some deals, we can work something out but if things don't change I will be forced to travel elsewhere for work.

So please help me out at Senoia Raceway, I do my best as my late wife would have wanted me to, but I need some extra help.

All I am asking is that more drivers help me and purchase DVD's of all the features that I shot at the track.


Many Thanks,


Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a World Wide Racing BLOG following!

SPECIAL EVENTS PLUS SPECIAL RACING ACTION

Kids Ride on race cars this Saturday”

You want to make a impression on a young girl or boy, well lets have some family fun, as drivers are asked to drive slowly around the 3/8th New Senoia Raceway, and make sure they have some kind of drapes on their cars so that the children cannot scratch your cars in any way, this is going to be exciting for the kids, just think they will be riding slowly on a safe place on the vehicle and this might just be what it takes to influence a child to become a driver. Kids will choose what cars that they wish to ride on, so it should be interesting from Hobby cars, to B-Cadets, to Crate to Pure Mini to Limited Late Models, just some more fun brought to you by New Senoia Raceway.

It’s just another way of saying “THANKS” to everyone that has been driving at New Senoia Raceway and also gives the family some real “Kodak Moments”.

The Hobby car feature will be having again some great racing, with Points Champion #07 of Clifton “Hog Head” Moran, plus maybe even #41 Scott Sherrer will make the show he was not at the track last week could be to motor trouble, or maybe he wanted to spend some time with his family, who knows I just hope he is back to given “Hog Head” some racing action. These are two of the toughest drivers in this feature, and who could count out “Rambling” Rusty Johnson in his #33 car that won a few weeks back. I won’t even count out young superstar, #01 Blant Duke who could be there then again may be he won’t show, if he does the race is on, because Blant hates 2nd place in any way.

I met up with Cory Hillman at of all places Stevie B’s, and he informed me he was racing at Senoia Raceway, soon, also his famous dad will soon be there, you may still remember him as “Hurricane” Mike Hillman, who drove the asphalt track at Senoia in a late model race car, Hillman comes from a long line of racing families, like Mike’s brother Joe Hillman, and his famous #01J, you may have seen Joe race and if you haven’t you are missing some great racing.



Cory like his dad knows how to drive, one thing I have always thought was Cory’s down fall was his heavy foot, that would push the engine of his car too far, and it would blow. He is a great driver but needs to work on his style.

The next feature at Senoia raceway has been one of the most watched races of the night, due to the drama that has unfolded between, Billy Bright Sr. and Jeff Carter two drivers different in size, but both come from a background of winning ways. Take Billy Bright Sr. a driver that has won many a race at tracks all over the South and knows how to win, even if he is pushed to the limit.

Jeff Carter is the same a winner, and he also has a short temper, but he tries to hold it in, but when he is pushed he pushes back.

Saturday night May 28th, 2011, started the mess, when Carter hit Billy Sr’s car and spun him, which could have been called a racing accident, then again some say it was on purpose. Whatever the case Chad Harrington, not being the flagman was upstairs in the tower, and was not at the flag stand. Now would he have put Carter in the rear if he had thought Jeff did it intentionally?

Then again even Chad is not superman and can’t see everything though I do believe if he would have been in the flag stand he may have made a ruling. I see more than most folks because, I am trained on watching cars to see who is about to get mad and take someone out, but remember sometimes I miss wrecks, it is human. I know I am human, and I have missed some big wrecks, but that is what life is all about. I have been trained to follow the top 5 cars, and also watch for things happing in the back, but at times even I miss spins. I have to kick myself when I come home for not doing an amazing job.

The end of Saturday night’s ended with Billy Bright Sr. winning the 20 lap feature, but that last lap had every eye turned to turn 4 where Billy Bright Jr, had spun and with no place to go Blake Griffin hit Jr in the side of the driver’s door. All I knew was keep the camera rolling and as I closed in, I seen Billy Bright Jr and his head was sideways. I knew it did not look good, it was almost like a NASCAR wreck when someone spins in the middle of the pack, there is no way a car can be missed. Billy was more or less a sitting duck, and Blake had no place to go.
The Bright’s almost pulled off a one two finish, but you have to remember Jr was racing his father for the win, and no Bright wants to finish 2nd place.

Jeff Carter is the same way, always a winner, I first coined him as “The Magic Man” because of his outstanding driving, in one race at West Georgia Speedway he went from the back, through traffic and finished in first place. When I looked back at the tape, I was amazed and said, how could this driver, make such a run, I mean he passed cars high and passed them low, he was incredible.

But Jeff and his family have been racing for years maybe not as long as the Bright’s but they have raced at all kinds of race tracks.

This weekend I have no idea if Blake Griffin will be there, but I am sure if he can make it he will be there racing for the B-Cadet win.
This weekend, the B-Cadet feature will be showing 2 number #3 cars, why I have no idea, but I do know one will be driven by Jeff Carter the 2nd I have no idea who the driver will be.
All I can say is “BE THERE” the drama continues.

Remember, the next feature will be the Crate race and I am sure everyone is familiar with some of that races outstanding drivers like Todd Darda, Russ Ogletree, Tim Bright Jr and more. These crate cars are fast and everyone has a chance of winning the big race.

Plus last weekends winner Doug Stevens driving a car that looks like Late Model driver Racing Jason Williams only the number is different Stevens #77 with Williams #73

When the crate race is over get ready for the Pure Mini class, and these young men come to put on a show every weekend for the fans, drivers like #4 Dusty Jones will be there we hope, #00 Matt Black a winner out of my town of Douglasville, Georgia, then you have the points leader #0 of Dorough Bright known as “The Original”, plus we could never leave out #13 of Gary Parker or #54 of Bo Chambers. Then there is always Rocky Johnson and Joe Stephens, plus add in a few more Mini Stockers and you have a race and a half.

Winning the Pure Mini race was Erik Hogsed who was driving a "LEGAL" #4 car of young Dusty Jones.

Then the crowd stands for the 25 lap race that everyone comes to see, the Limited Late Model races, featuring drivers like #73 Racing Jason William, #99 Rucker Orr, #21 of Little Joe Armistead Jr, also racing in #9 or 29 Shane Fulcher, also add #11 Lavon Sparks add in a few more and you have the most exciting race of the night. Then again, the Hobby is exciting, and the B-Cadet is dramatic, the Crate race flies, and the Pure Mini race is for the young guns, and the Limited late model drivers are those kind that know how to race 25 laps and everyone finish or hope too.

And Again, Jason Williams, would take his 2nd win, and is setting himself up to climb the points leader board.

Please don’t eat prior to coming to New Senoia Raceway because the food is outstanding, plenty of great food to choice from and at a reasonable price for all family members. One thing for sure you will be greeted with a smile, from everyone working behind the counter.

Don’t forget bring your friends, relatives, brothers or sisters or neighbors to New Senoia Raceway. Maybe they have never been to a dirt track. They have stayed home watching NASCAR on TV. They think watching cars go around and around is amazing , but you see they have never seen a dirt track race where racing becomes a skill like none other. When the driver’s race on dirt, it is a challenge and winning is the top of the ice cream at the end of any driver’s night. They make history by winning at the fastest 3/8th oval in Georgia.

Coming up New Senoia Special events will be the long awaited Demolition Derby. Plus other special events, more than you can imagine, so come on bring your families to the best track in Georgia to race on and also a clean and fan friendly track.

Remember all DVD’s of every race can be purchased by calling me, TINO at 770-361-3019 call me please

See you at the races,

Thanks,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With A world Wide Racing BLOG following!

West Georgia Speeday! Sunday racing in the HEAT

“West Georgia Speedway, Sunday Dust Bowl and more..”

Sunday afternoon racing at West Georgia Speedway became a real challenge for all the many drivers that came to the historic new race track which is under new management of Jack Mills.





The races at West Georgia Speedway or held every Friday night, but since the holiday was at hand they went to a Sunday race, and the heat in Georgia was incredible, making it impossible to keep the track watered and not dry, as a bone.





But just like everything, the heat was beating down so fast that the track was not able to hold water. Which was a shame because it almost cost #73 Jason Williams a car, as he barreled into turn 3 and was coming out during his qualifying run, he almost lost his ride in the wall at West Georgia Speedway due to the dust.





There were several late model drivers that were on hand to race at West Georgia Speedway before heading to Rome Speedway to race that same night. So damaging a car was not what any of the drivers needed are wanted. Drivers like #11 Lavon Sparks known as the “Phenix City Predator” and he is moving up the point’s leader board at New Senoia Raceway in Senoia Georgia. Then there was #25 Scott Duffy, always a class act race car driver. Duffy, who has had so many wins at West Georgia Speedway plus wins at other tracks, it is impossible to keep track of all of them, amazing.





#73X Richard Davis was also there driving a car that looks almost identical to Jason Williams car, only the number is different.
Stevens also is a winner and won the crate race at Senoia Raceway, this past weekend.





Also racing at West Georgia Speedway was #54 Mike Head who was not driving his car but a friend’s car, trying to get the bugs worked out of it.





But the day belonged to Lavon Sparks who came up from Alabama to race at West Georgia Speedway, and then he would be off to Rome just like Williams, Duffy and other late model drivers.





The Speedway was also packed with hobby cars, and pure mini cars plus what can you say B-Cadet cars.


The B-Cadet race was hot, in more ways than one, put it this way during Hot laps, Billy Bright Sr. and his Son Billy Bright Jr took the track with #3 Jeff Carter, nothing new just hot laps right?




Wrong, I had not started filming when I noticed Billy Bright Sr. gained speed and passed his son’s car and that is when it happened he ran right into Jeff Carter, whose car spun, and out of the car came a heated Carter and the battle was one. Jeff would pull his car into the infield pit area, where some sheet metal work just had to be done, while Billy Bright Sr. had to load his car on his trailer and get it ready to head back home and work on the entire front of his car. Why did this all happen, well it started at New Senoia Raceway last weekend when Jeff Carter got into the back of Billy Bright Sr. who thought Carter did it on purpose, but if it was done on purpose I am sure Chad Harrington the main flagman who was in the tower talking over the race receiver’s would have informed Jeff to go to the back of the field but that did not happen. The video I shot shows the entire racing accident including, the end of the 20 lap feature where Billy Bright Jr spun and was hit directly near the driver’s door by Blake Griffin who had nowhere to go, but into Billy Jr. At that point in the video I had closed the camera into a close up shot of Billy Bright Jr, whose head was laying sideways in the car that was when I became very worried about the driver. He is young and a warrior, but licks that that can take a toll on the human body.





I had not even realized that that was the end of the race, until I looked down and seen Billy Bright Sr. in front of the grandstands, and the Announcer letting Billy have his say. It was then and only then did I know that the battle between Jeff Carter and Billy Bright Sr had reached a new level of impact.

Like I said, racing is racing, but when a driver gets hurt that is not a sport anymore it becomes dangerous. Will this battle rage on, all I know is I hate to see what happens at Senoia this weekend.

One person that was not happy with the whole event was Jack Mills, who gave both drivers a piece of his mind and even during the B-Cadet race at West Georgia Speedway he informed both Billy Bright Jr and Jeff Carter that if anything happened during their race they would be escorted by the County to the local jail and that would be the end of that. As Jack said if you want to wreck each other take it back to New Senoia Raceway. One thing for sure Jack Mills will not tolerate this nonsense at his track.

Needless to say, Billy Jr started the race in his #B7jr car, and took the lead, and was being chased by Jeff Carter, but the laps would run down and Billy Bright Jr would take his 1st win of the 2011 racing season on a Sunday afternoon at Hot West Georgia Speedway.

Jeff Carter would finish 2nd and sitting in the grandstands was Billy Bright Sr. what a race.
Jack Mills has been bringing some great racing action to the Historic race track and giving it more life, the infield is in bad shape, but before long Jack will have that worked out, to where cars can again fill the infield pit area. One thing for sure Jack Mills knows how to run a track, and you listen or you can find the highway home.

One thing for sure this weekend will be something else. Also I was informed by a driver, that really if you look at it all in all, it was a BRIGHT WEEKEND, what that means is simple, Billy Bright Sr. won on Saturday Night at Senoia Raceway and Billy Bright Jr won at West Georgia Speedway on Sunday afternoon. So it may have been HOT but the Bright’s were in full charge, and could this be the start of the winning streak for the Bright’s.

The drama between the Carters and Bright’s has just exploded and who knows when it will end. Drivers are strange, some can be the best that you can meet then at times they turn in to wolves, and you never know what can happen.

As for as West Georgia Speedway’s food, HAND’s DOWN THE BEST IN THE SOUTH, Jack and Mark have been working at making the food tastes like real food and not racetrack junk. So when at “The Burg” or West Georgia Speedway, cruise on into the concession stand for some great Hamburgers, Cheeseburger, Chicken Sandwiches, Fries and Nachos and Cheese, Corn Dogs, and Hot dogs and of course cold drinks of your choice.



All this food served with a smile, something that the concession stand at Senoia Raceway was known for, plus the food is delivered into your hands by people that care.

Jack Mills, “BIG JACK” is back and West Georgia Speedway will be racing every Friday night, hopefully the races will be over before midnight, so people have time to get home and get some rest for Saturday.

Thanks to every driver that came out to West Georgia Speedway on Sunday April 29, 2011 in the HEAT to watch some exciting racing. All we know is West Georgia Speedway is BACK!

I would like to pass along an apology from promoter Jack Mills. Jack acknowledges that there was inadequate preparation and watering done to the track surface prior to Sunday's race. He takes full responsibility for the resultant dust. Further, he assures me, and asks me to pass along a promise to fans and racers that it will never happen again. Jack Mills has been around race tracks for 30 years and has been a driver and knows what needs to be done to upgrade the track to where it is the finest in the South.

Many Thanks to all my readers,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a World Wide racing BLOG following!

His Name is Chad....need I say more...

“HE SAYS IT, THEY DO IT”

I got a rare glimpse of one of racing premier flagman in the South Saturday night prior to the racing action at New Senoia Raceway.

When I film my eyes are always on Flagman Chad Harrington because I know he is like a great orchestra leader, and he makes sure all drivers mind him. There is no special driver on the track, just a lot of drivers who want to win, and without a class act flagman like Harrington it would be a mess.

Drivers would have their way, and that is something Chad does not put up with, as kind as he is on the outside once he is standing on a flag stand he becomes a new man.
Most night he is up in the flag stand with his son Alex who Chad lets flag the lower class races, and that is great experience too, a father teaching his son.

I was privileged to sit in the tower and listen to Chad on a race receiver talking to the visiting flagman, giving him time to work the races under the eye of Chad and what I heard was amazing.

It is so strange while the cars were hot lapping to hear and see Chad talk to the drivers, telling them to run up top to clean up a groove, or even to hear him say “gentleman, work your tires back and forth, always adding a please at the end”.

Very rarely do I have a chance to sit and listen to someone I admire, but Saturday night was my lucky night at New Senoia Raceway.

When I first started filming at New Senoia Raceway, all I knew was the flagman was key to my filming of races, I watch him very intently because when he says one to go, I fade from black to start recording and the race is on, unless I see him throw a yellow, in which, it is my cue to fade the camera after getting the shots I need of the cars that were involved in the wreck.
Once he throws the green again, it is back to filming and it all ends on one of the most dramatic finishes in motor sports. As Chad throws his famous “Double Checkered Flags” and no flagman that I have seen does it better.

Chad is a quiet man, a family man, who loves his family and enjoys his work. When he is with family he is all family first man. When he is working on a flag stand Chad is a new man, and new breed, a rare breed.

Whatever the case, it was amazing just listening to Chad converse with drivers making sure they had their race receiver’s on, and if not they had better before the race started.


He was even giving small details to a driver that had numbers on one side of his car, he told him before he came out for his feature he had better have at least duct tape lettering on the fans side of the car. Small details, but they mean so much and when you have a class race track you expect the drivers to go along with every rule in the book.

One thing for sure I have seen Chad come down off the flag stand and get right in a drivers face and confront them about what they are not doing right, and when you see his hand pointing with a black glove on it, you know he is not happy at all.
To wrap it all up Chad is a flagman that I can admire, and I have seen my share in all the dirt track racing I have done filming some of the best and some of the worst drivers on tracks.
All I know is ever since I lost my wife on April 8th, 2011. Things have not been the same, except for Saturday night racing at New Senoia Raceway, where I believe I was embraced by a true racing community.

I have a young man helping me since I am getting older, and he is just 16, Mason Blair is his name, and a kind young man. While the Spectator races were going on, Chad walked onto the deck where I film in the HOT Georgia sun, and I heard Mason say he was the second best at something, I was concentrating on the race. But that is when I heard Chad give Mason some words of wisdom that could and only would come from Chad, he said to young Mason, “Never say your second best”, always try and be the best”.

Now this was coming from someone I admire and if you notice in some of the photos on this BLOG you will see the gently side of Chad Harrington that drivers rarely see.

All I can say it is a honor for me to sit and listen to Chad as he was talking to the drivers with so much respect, it was like a different world. It was a world that I have never entered into before, because I never knew much regarding race receivers. To me it was amazing, I mean there you had some of the biggest names in racing and Chad was chattering away in their ear and whatever he said they did.

Can you imagine, having the nerve to come down and talk to drivers like #54 Mike Head, #73 Jason Williams, #9 Shane Fulcher, #99 Rucker Orr, #21 Joe Armistead Jr, and so on, and these are drivers just in the Limited Late Model race. I have not even talked about the Hobby, or B-Cadet drivers or the Crate drivers.

All I can say is Chad has his hands full every Saturday night, the action is worth watching, the race and but please keep an eye on Chad Harrington, as he directs traffic like no one else.
I want to personally thank Chad Harrington for the rare insight of dirt track racing that I have never known before, I may be 61 but who says you can learn something new every time you or at a race track?

Too all the great racing fans in Georgia, please come out to New Senoia Raceway and catch some of the best drivers in Georgia and Alabama. Oh and keep an eye out for the young and talented flag man Chad Harrington. You will be amazed at how he handles the drivers and flags the race.

Many Thanks to everyone,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/ Video Journalist

With a worldwide racing BLOG following!

Saturday May 28th, views and news.....

NEW SENOIA RACEWAY, “WHATS UP”, COME ON MAKE MY DAY!

Tony and Tim Moses have been putting together some great shows at New Senoia Raceway, but the fans have spoken that they would like to see more local features with maybe some extra money on the line.

Yes we know the Outlaw Sprint Cars will be back in August and we can deal with that, but gone are the touring Crate car series at least for the rest of 2011.

Back will be some special events for fans and families and children, so you can look forward to some exciting events.
How about today’s 1st Spectator Drag race around 3/8th mile Senoia Raceway with some street legal cars, all drivers who win advance to the final round and will be crowned the 2011 Spectator Driver and Champion for the 2011 racing season. This is going to be good, I mean real good, and the fans will really have a great time watching each car advance. So be ready to pick your driver and car, and see if he can make it through the 8 tries around.
Also coming up is the famous “Demolition Derby” last season it was front wheel drive vehicles this season, let’s get a little crazy and have a minivan demolition derby, that’s right mini vans.
This has always been a fan favorite event, and only New Senoia Raceway knows how to handle events of this magnitude.
Later I am sure we will see the famous “Watermelon eating contest” that makes everyone hungry and happy.
This is also the night of the famous Senoia Raceway “Fireworks Show”.
All in all racing at New Senoia Raceway, are going to be more exciting and a lot more demanding on the drivers, because drivers who race at Senoia are not 2nd place drivers they are all fighting for the win every race night. 2nd place is nice but not what they come after, just ask #41 Scott Sherrer, who blazed the way in the Hobby feature last season, it is just this season he is up against some great drivers.


Like #07 Clifton “Hog Head” Moran, then you have #01 of young Blant Duke, plus #33 of “Rambling” Rusty Johnson. Also when he is racing is none other than #K1 of Kip Stanfill, who has been out for a while do to being run into with of all people #87 Pappy Powell.
The list of drivers goes on and on, because Senoia Raceway is known for setting history and making drivers great.

And if the fans don’t like the Hobby feature, wait we have the famous B-Cadet feature which features some of the most outstanding drivers in the South. Drivers like #B7 Billy Bright Sr. known as “The Legend”, his son, Billy Bright Jr. in the #B7Jr car, always a huge threat in any race. Then you have the current point’s leader, #3 of Jeff Carter who has had the car to beat so far this young year.
But B-Cadet racing has become more intense as extra drivers have been really showing that they also can be winners. Rumor has it, in a few weeks the sometime driver of the Pure Mini #4 car which belongs to Dusty Jones will be racing in the B-Cadet feature and he is none other than Erik Hogsed, a well-liked driver who can drive with the best of the drivers. So fans please be ready for some exciting B-Cadet features and these races will never let you down in any way.

When the Crate cars appear on the track for their feature you never know who can and will win this exciting race, drivers like #T7jr of Tim Bright is itching for a win, or even a 2nd place finish. Then you have #M96 of young Marty Lunsford, who is young but has the talent to run with some of the best drivers in this feature.
Drivers like #91 of Todd Darda, can leave their mark on the track, Darda has been a winner of many a Crate feature. But that does mean he cannot be beaten, just let him slip up and who knows you may see Tim Bright or Marty Lunsford taking the win.

After the Crate feature, let’s get ready for the hardest working drivers at the track, those Pure Mini drivers, who work all week, just to get their 4 cylinder cars ready to race.

Drivers like #00 of Matt Black from Douglasville, Georgia, also racing are #0 of Dorough Bright known as “The Original”, plus a driver that never fix’s his car same dents as always, #13 of Gary Parker. We know that #4 Dusty Jones has been disqualified from racing for 1 more week, but his car will be driven this Saturday night by Erik Hogsed, and believe me when I tell you if he wins it is because his car is legal all the way. They changed all the wrong parts and installed all the right parts, so if the #4 wins it is because it is the driver and the car. One driver that was involved in a wreck on the back stretch was #54 Norman Chambers. I have no idea if his car will be ready after last weekend’s wreck.

Then after you have raided the concession stand for some great food and drinks you can get ready to watch some of the greatest Limited Late Model Drivers in Georgia.
Drivers like, #9 Shane Fulcher, plus a winner from 2 weeks back #73 “Racing” Jason Williams, and we might see #21 of Little Joe Armistead Jr. who we have been missing. Don’t worry #99 Rucker Orr will return he is always a driver that fans either love or hate, he is more or less the bad boy in racing.
One thing about the Late Models is you never know who is going to win, all 25 laps are fast and furious and when the dust settles, and Chad Harrington has thrown the “Double Checkered” Flags you know you have seen a race and seen some true winners on this fast track.

My racing partner, my wife, has departed into the skies in Heaven and I miss her reading my blogs and proof reading them for me for all my mistakes, she was my prayer warrior, and believed in me in everything I did, I miss her so much, more and more I go on because that is what she would have wanted but there are times I want to just quit.
I am asking for your help and prayers, please if you can purchase a DVD because that money is set back to help pay off some of the funeral expenses and there is plenty that needs to be paid off, please help me in any way you can. Please I am asking you as a friend and a writer who loves Dirt Track racing.


May GOD bless you always, and may you WIN every race you drive in!

Many Thanks to everyone,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a World Wide Racing BLOG Following!

RACING AT SENOIA THIS SATURDAY, BE THERE!

s

YES IT'S TRUE, THE RACING ACTION IS BACK, GREAT RACING ACTION, FROM THE HOBBY CARS, AND B-CADET CARS TO THE CRATE LOCAL CARS, AND THE PURE MINI CLASS, AND THEN THE LIMITED LATE MODELS, OUR FRIENDS, AND FAN FAVORITES.

Fans can be ready for another show down between the #3 car of Jeff Carter who is now the points leader at New Senoia Raceway. Carter and the BRC racing team who has not captured a feature win this entire 2011 racing season at Senoia, for some reason

Billy Bright Sr. known as "The Legend" or his son Billy Bright Jr known as "The Hotshot" have been the two thorns in Carters side. You know one more person I am leaving out is none other than Marcus Caswell who can be a force to be dealt with when his car is right.

When the B-Cadet car's come onto the track the fans and everyone knows that the show will be "BIG" these men come to race and come to win, that is all that they want and need to do.

If the B-Cadet feature is not your race, well the HOBBY car feature has to be one of the best races in Georgia, drivers like #07 Clifton "Hog Head" Moran who is now the points leader has been winning and putting on a show. Then again he is racing against some of the best drivers in the Hobby races. Take Scott Sherrer #41 a true champion and great person on and off the track. Scott always comes to win, and winning has been coming not as many as in past years. He is always in the hunt but these season he has had his hands full with drivers like Moran and young Blant Duke from Whitesburg Georgia in his #01 car.

In this Old Photo Rusty Johnson is standing next to his famous #29 race car that won lot's of races at many a track.

Then you have last weeks winner, #33 Rusty Johnson, a fan favorite and a driver that has gone through so much in life, he is getting older and the wrecks he has been in is taking there toil on his frail body. The track may look smooth but when drivers are racing they are being beat up in more ways than one.

When the Hobby feature is over it is time for the local Crate Cars to run their races, and these men go at it full time and with all their hearts. Drivers like #T7 Jr of Tim Bright Jr has the car just needs the proper seat time so he can run with these big guys. Also I am hoping to see young star #M96 Marty Lunsford back to racing again, he was missed last weekend. Marty is learning and learning is what it's all about in this demanding sport. I am really not sure who will show up for the Crate race, maybe Todd Darda, maybe Matthew Turner, then again we may see some Alabama gang show up and when they come there is a race and a half.

After the dust has settled, bring on those drivers that think they are racing with the big league drivers and I am speaking about the Pure Mini feature.

This feature is growing but winning can be tough, when you have drivers like #00 Matt Black , #0 Dorough Bright known as "The Original". Then you always have #13 of Gary Parker, and maybe even #54 of Bo Chambers, not to mention the driver that was disqualified last weekend #4 Dusty Jones, and maybe if we all stand up and cheer we can get #16 Stephen Hill to return to race, he has been absent and is a well known presence when he is racing.

And who could leave out #J17 of Joe Spencer or Old faithful Rocky Johnson, who is a mess but a class act person.

After their feature lets all stand up because it's time for the Limited Late Models to run, and the drivers are magnificent. Drivers like #73 Racing Jason Williams, #99 Rucker Orr, #9 of Shane Fulcher, #21 of Little Joe Armstead Jr, plus so many other drivers that make up a great field of racing action.

For pure excitement this 25 lap race is the fastest of the night and when Chad Harrington waves the "Double Checkered Flags" you know you have a true winner. Who will it be , this weekend at New Senoia Raceway?.

Don't forget Spectator drag races will be held so get ready for a event that everyone will be talking about, 8 street legal cars, 8 crazy drivers, all willing to race their car from a dead stop at the start finish line all the way around the 3/8th track to see who advances to the final and becomes the 1st 2011 Spectator Champion, and will their car be in one piece at the end?.

Come see what happens, this is going to be fun......and I like fun.

Please remember, the food at New Senoia Raceway is worth the drive and eating, plenty of great food, from Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, to Hot Dogs, to Chicken Sandwich's, plus Corn dogs and Nacho's and Cheese and the famous Senoia Raceway fries just like you want them. And remember on hot days, the Track has all your favorite beverages, cold to hot, so make sure you don't stop and eat on the way as the food is too good and at a price everyone can handle.

So see ya at the track, and lets see some great racing this Saturday Night at New Senoia Raceway for a full show of racing action.

Many Thanks,

Tino Patti

A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist

With a World Wide racing BLOG Following!

NeSmith 50 lap race plus Super B-Cadet and Hobby races and more

50 LAPS OF PURE EXCITEMENT WITH ONE WINNER, DAN BREUER AND HIS #B7 TOOK HOME THE $2500 CASH MONEY AND PRIZES AND TROPHY.












The same race team from Mount Airy, N.C. showed how crate racing was done, as Steve Cooke set the fast time for the NeSmith Crate Late Model race of 50 laps of pure horsepower.






Chase Edge started along side Cooke, this young blond talented 18 year old driver just one week ago came to Senoia and won the Crate race tuning his car up for the big race of the night.




When Chad Harrington dropped the green flag, it was all racing with no pile ups in turn 1 or turn 2 everyone made it through, Cooke had the lead with Chase Edge following him but in turn 2 Dan Breuer got around Chase in turn 2 and his sights were set on his teammate Steve Cooke.






Once Breuer was past Cooke they worked together like a fine oiled machine, the way and every other Crate car falling in behind. What was amazing to me was that I had earlier spoken and taken some photos of their cars waiting on the outside of the track and the two drivers were as down to earth as could be. As a matter of fact one driver commented that his car was not the winning car, it would be Breuer's car, I laughed and said "Don't think that way, but after speaking to Dan I told him if he could make it through turn 1 then he would make it all the way, never did I realize these two cars would finish 1 and 2 and take home the win.





Young Chase Edge would finish his #18 car in 3rd place not bad because he is only 18 and a High-School graduate, and was racing against some of the best drivers in Georgia and 6 other States from Mississippi, to Tennessee, to North Carolina and parts elsewhere.




You have to remember, there were other outstanding drivers like Jason Williams a late model driver who was driving #16 Trey Whites car, then there was the always talented #27 of Doug Ludwig, from Griffin Georgia, but fate would night ride with Doug on this night as half way through the race he would break a shock and have to pull off the track, thus giving him a chance at the $2500 cash.





Finishing in 4th place was David Gentry and fourth went to fellow Tennessean Jake Teague who would finish the night in 5th place.





When Chad Harrington was waving the "Double Checkered Flags" it would be over Dan Breuer and his teammate Steve Cooke.





The fans at Senoia got their moneys worth of pure excitement, and saw some of the most talented drivers in several states race for some big cash money.

Racing were drivers like, super star drivers like Oliver Gentry, Racing Jason Williams, Chase Edge and Todd Darda, plus Matthew Turner, the race went all 50 laps and only 2 cautions without a major wreck, these men came to race and win. These men also showed the side that they wanted to show. Fans paid extra to come in and see such a fantastic show at New Senoia Raceway, and Tony and Tim Moses and their staff have been bringing in some great shows.

THE NEWNAN BONDING

The start of the night featured the fantastic B-Cadet Cars in a winner take all race, I mean these men came to race and WIN.

This night would be no different, Jeff Carter in his famous #3 took to the track, but also in the race were the famous Bright Racing Team featuring Billy Bright Sr. and Billy Bright Jr. plus a great driver in the #7 of Alabama's Chris Arnett, who led most of the race, only to have his car go south on him, thus letting Jeff Carter take the lead but you have to remember the Brights were following him close and rubbing Carter ever chance that they got.



Carter, the BIG MAN from Stockbridge Georgia, known by this writer as "The Magic Man" and known by others as "Cheeseburger", maybe because of his huge size, what ever you may know him as "Winner" is what suits him better. Carter not only got the huge applause from the huge crowd after the race he has become the B-Cadet leader in points and that is big in its self.


Several times Carter was being closed in on by Billy Bright Jr and also Sr. but Carter would out motor the BRT racing team.



When the race was over, Carter was asked to tear his car down by the Brights in which he did, and when the night was over Carter was declared the winner and he took the winning money plus the money from the Brights who protested his car. They dug late into the night looking for something that could never be found. He was legal, because Jeff Carter has been running a stock
hobby motor, nothing fancy just a great car and a good driver.


The end of the 20 lap feature brought out the applause from the huge crowd who knew that they had watched a classic race. Also winning meant that Jeff Carter was now the B-Cadet points leader taking over for Jay Conner.


I will add this comment and it is personal, so please do not take it wrong, I have several drivers that are my friends, and I want to keep it that way but as long as I have been following Jeff Carter and his racing family , I have never known them to put some car on the track that was illegal in any way. he is just the "Buddy Baker" of racing, hard nosed, and fast.

Jeff Carter and his family would like to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to Keven Horton and son for helping in the complete TEAR DOWN of Jeff's motor, and for all that care his motor is back in and waiting to race at Senoia this weekend, the drama continues, can you wait, I can't?

The Summit Racing Equipment Hobby Stock Feature would be just what it has become a true fan favorite.

Racing would again be #41 Scott Sherrer who has been having problems plus #07 of Clifton Moran and Whitesburg "SuperStar" #01 of young Blant Duke.

But this night would belong to #33 of Rusty Johnson, who has raced with the best and his has had his share of pain in wrecks, and when he was exiting his car after taking the checkered flag when I focused my camera close you could see this great driver in pain, trying to climb from out side his car, several times pounding on the steering wheel in pain. He limped over to get the interview and it was very noticeable that Rusty is getting what is name implies "Rusty" and his bones are not working like they did in his younger days, but that can be said for us folks growing older every day. There were so many times "Hog Head" Clifton Moran tried to pass Rusty and Clifton was racing his heart out, only to have Johnson shut the door on him, blocking him every chance he could get.

When the race came to a end Rusty Johnson would take his first win , and coming in 2nd was Clifton Moran, in 3rd place finished Newnan's Andy Spradlin, and finishing in 4th would be long time champion #41 Scott Sherrer.

When Rusty was interviewed at the end of the race he told track announcer Mr.Ted, that "He did not know if he would be able to hold Moran off, but was happy his car did all the work".






In the Pure Mini race we had another upset again, Driver Dusty Jones was not allowed to drive because one week ago he refused to tear his car down, so he was Disqualified from winning last weekends race, but he returned to Senoia only to have his car driven by always a pure winner Erik Hogsed, Dusty did not drive.


















After a protest to check Dusty Jones car he was found to be illegal and his car was disqualified thus taking the win from Erik Hogsed who had won driving the #4 car, all the drivers had been complaining that Jones car was NOT LEGAL, and sure enough in post race inspections where his car was gone over with a fine tooth brush he was found not to be legal.


That should end the controversy in the Dusty Jones Story, the saying is if you bring a car to the track, make sure it is legal, and not illegal.


So Whitesburg own Dorough Bright would finsh first, coming in 2nd place was Barnesville's Gary Parker, and finishing in 3rd place would be Senoia's Robbie Scadron with Douglasvilles #00 Matt Black taking 4th place somewhere where this young man is not used to finishing. Rounding the finish out and finishing in 5th place was Joe Spencer.



New Senoia Raceway cranks back up with a full show this Saturday night, when the Limited Late Models return to action, and it is always great to see these drivers, like "Racing Jason Williams" , "Shane Fulcher", "Rucker Orr", maybe "Little Joe Armstead Jr", and who knows who else will make the show.



The Hobby cars will return to action with I am sure a new and improved Scott Sherrer wanting to taste the win again, losing is not Scott's best ascet. Back will be Carrolton's own Clifton "Hog Head" Moran, and I am sure we could see Rusty Johnson back, maybe even Blant Duke.




We will not see #K1 of talented driver Kip Stanfill, who is taking some time off and away from racing, why all I hear is his car is not fixed and it does not look good at all for him.



The B-Cadet feature will return , having all drivers eyes set on #3 Jeff Carter who has become the man to beat, "Cheeseburger" as Mike Head nick named him, but to me he will always be the "Magic Man".




No matter what you call him I am sure the Bright Racing Team will be back and they will have their "A" game plan, losing is something that they are not used to doing, and winning is something they have not done so far this season. Do you think they are waiting for "HOT WEATHER"?


The Crate cars will return, minus some of the big names just the regular feature drivers.
Even maybe #M96 of young Marty Lundsford will return.


We all know the Pure Mini's will be back, and I wonder what will happen to Dusty Jones, plus I really wonder if Douglasville's own Matt Black could have his car ready to race and get all the bugs out. Will Stephen Hill show? Great question who knows?.


We know Gary Parker will return as will Dorough Bright. You might even see , Rocky Johnson make the show. Who ever shows up, the fans will see a exciting Pure Mini classic show and always a great feature.

When they are done bring on the Limited Late Models, and lets see who can win after a week off from the track who will be ready to win, what driver will have that burning fire and desire to win and walk off the winner at New Senoia Raceway.


The evening will close with somewhere in between one of the finest crowd pleasers of all a true Spectator Drag race, around the 3/8th oval track one time, the winner advances to round two and so on, untill you have a Specator street legal car. No cost to enter the race BUT there will be a limit to the first eight cars to sign up. So bring your car, and see if you can win some big bucks and have a great time.


PLEASE REMEMBER THE GATES OPEN AT 5:00 P.M. WITH GRANDSTAND GATES OPEN AT 6:00 P.M. Hot Laps begin at 7 P.M. with the green flag dropping at 8:00 P.M. so bring your friends and come and enjoy a full night of racing.


Also make sure you try all the food from the concesstion stand, from the best hamburgers, to cheeseburgers, to chicken sandwitchs and also fries hot dogs, corn dogs, nacho's and chips and cheese and jalepeno's. Plus wash it down with some great drinks, cold and hot, no matter Senoia has what you need.


The Staff is outstanding and there to help you in every way, so bring some friends and turn them on to Dirt Track Racing Southern Style.


Remember you can check out the New Senoia Raceway's website at www.newsenoiaraceway.com or on Facebook. You can also call the raceway at 770-599-6161 to gain any more information.



For all racing DVD action call me anytime, at 770-361-3019, just ask for Tino , that's me.


For Super Photo's contact Francis Hauke Jr and he can be reached on the New Senoia's website, he is supreme in all his work.


Again thanks to everyone for Praying for me as I go through this time of my loss of my wife who I miss so much each and every day, sometimes it gets so lonely, thanks for being my friend and standing with me, I know my wife loved each and every one of you, and if she would have been well enough she had planned to make one drive down to the track for one weekend race, well that time never made it, she never had the chance. I know she is watching every race and see all the winners from HIGH above in Heaven, I am sure she is looking down, and thanking Miss Lisa Carter for her slip on's, I am also sure she is thanking each of you drivers for helping me in help with purchasing DVD's and I will always THANK YOU and GOD will Bless You.



Many Thanks,








Tino Patti





A Freelance Photographer/Video Journalist






With a World Wide racing BLOG Following!