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Introduction

I'll start off by telling you a little about myself. I am a senior at Missouri State University in Springfield, majoring in Broadcast Journalism. Just this summer I got married to lovely lady who enjoys racing almost as much as me. I work for Meyer Communications, in Springfield, MO and co-host a variety of sports shows on Jock 98.7. I enjoy all sports especially racing and am a lifelong fan of the Royals and Chiefs.

The first dirt track I ever went to was the Dallas County Speedway. From the beginning I was hooked. Over the past several years I have been to many different tracks. We really are fortunate here in Southwest Missouri to have several different tracks-Lebanon I-44 Speedway , Lebanon Midway Speedway, Monett Speedway, Lucas Oil Speedway, Springfield Raceway, Dallas County Speedway and Bolivar Speedway. Some argue we have too many, which is a possibility.

 I don’t have a preference when deciding where to go. I enjoy the fact we have a choice. Some people are loyal to their drivers or tracks which is great, but many are like me and tend to hit all of the tracks in the area.

 Three things stand out to me about the 2008 local racing season thus far:

 I have been blown away by the Bolivar Speedway. I went one Friday night about mid-season. I wasn't expecting much and had only seen three asphalt races in person. The car count was pretty good and the racing was excellent. They were side by side the entire night and every time since then the racing has been the same. Bill Allen doesn't have a fancy track, but his racers are loyal which tells me he knows how to treat people. He took a huge risk by scraping the dirt off the track, but it looks like it is paying off. It is too bad more of the dirt drivers aren't giving it a shot, especially the factory stocks. Bill has a real simple rules package and several of the cars are dirt cars.  Many even run both surfaces.

 The Lucas Oil Speedway has had some phenomenal shows. They have brought in cars and series which otherwise would not have come to the area. Everyone knows the facility is great, but I have been impressed with the shows this season. From Late Models to Sprints they really seem to cater to the fans interests. Where else can you see nine different late model series run together in one feature? Their local shows are drawing well, too.

 The DLRA (Dirt Late Model Racing Association) was started by Randy Mooneyham this season. Randy has done a great job with this series. He attracts the local guys who run open lates and some regional guys, as well. With weekly open late model racing not prevalent, something needed to be done to keep the local guys, who didn’t have the resources or desire too race a MLRA, MARS or MSRA show, in the mix. The series is well received and the fans seem to be enjoying the shows.  As time goes on look for this series to grow and become more popular.