2024 sure had its ups and downs but I'll remember it most as the first race season in more than 45 years that I wasn't as involved as I'm used to being. Health issues in the family and even some of my own were mostly to blame, but honestly, maybe that lack of interest that many of us old timers have experienced in recent years also played a part. Talking to may other old timers the past few years I've been concerned about the future of our sport for a few reasons. Finances have always been something that drove folks away from racing, along with other things such as rule changes, and local tracks closing. However the one thing that has driven many old timers away is sadly the way the younger generation acts on and off the track. From fighting and rough driving to online bitching, their lack of respect for this sport has done more harm than the cost of parts or pit passes could ever do. Having said that, I want to make it very clear that there are still some very respectable, and respectful young racers. I'll highlight a couple here, along with another youngster that I'm very proud of.
On the asphalt side, I've had the pleasure of working with and supplying carburetors for some very talented drivers, young and old. In recent years Sam Bigham ("Stretch") has proven to be one of those gifted and respectable drivers in everything from Karts and Enduros to Open Modifieds. He plans to also dabble more in the Street Stocks in 2025. Sam comes from good people and his only crew is often his dad, Paul, and girlfriend, Christine ("Stubby" who also races a Modified). This is certainly not an over funded team, yet they've traveled to several states to compete with the Modified and Street Stocks. I've been honored to have him represent DFC Racing Carburetors at every track he visits, including Bristol Motor Speedway. This youngster was raised to race with class and respect, win or lose. This year he did plenty of that winning with class thing. He went undefeated for the first five weeks at Norton Raceway Park. Not only is that tough to pull off but in talking to some who race with him and other veteran racers, he's earned the respect of them simply by how he handles himself at all times. Picking up the 2024 Championship was just icing on the cake. Hats off to ya kid!
On the dirt side I've had the pleasure of getting to know a few young drivers that still respect this sport while running with the absolute best veteran racers out there. Drake Troutman is just one very good example of how a young driver can climb to the top while showing and earning respect along the way. I first met him when he picked up my bonus money for fast qualifier at Hilltop, which he has done more than once now. They used to call him "The Kid" but I've always called him "young man" because the only thing "kid" about this guy is his age. His awesome talent on the track is only out shined by his shy yet confident personality. Always being a threat to win at any local show he attempts is simply not enough for Drake. He picked up the win at "The Dome" in 2023 in the Modified division then set his eyes on joining the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for 2024. He had some tough nights on the tour but his determination and the help from his very young and small crew kept him not only in contention but brought him his very first win with the series. Some of his fellow competitors actually teared up when congratulating him on his win. That's EARNED respect! The first half of the season would see him in a tight race for Rookie Of The Year honors, but once he took the lead he only ran away with the title. He's also in the running for "Most Popular Driver" in the series for 2024. It was recently announced that Drake will have a full time Late Model ride with another team for 2025, and I'm hoping he stays with the Lucas Oil series. Wherever he ends up I wish him nothing but the best in his racing future.
The final youngster I want to show some respect to is none other than my very own granddaughter/race carburetor specialist, Angelena. I've been braggin' about her since long before she made her way into Speedway Illustrated magazine. Many of you know that her other passion is being a majorette, which she has busted her ass for since before her first carburetor. I've never known any racer to put in as much practice to hone their skills as this girl has done for way too many years. Her hard work and "suck it up" attitude has been evident on the football field throughout her high school years and with this being her senior year she really stepped things up. Her amazing feat this year was an entirely "drop free" season including through the playoffs. For us racers not familiar with twirling a baton, that means she went the entire season without dropping the damn thing even once! Not only is that incredibly impressive, it's something that no others were able to come close to matching. CONGRATS Munchkin! That might just be as big of a moment as completing her very first aerosol carburetor for Rory Reed. I know in my heart that her future focus will turn toward things other than racing carbs, but I have no doubt she has what it takes to accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Don't worry guys, I'm sure she'll continue to build carbs for her "favorites".
Who knows what the 2025 racing season and beyond will bring but I'll still be a part of it for now. I'd love to see more upcoming racers bring this sport back to where it belongs. No matter how you feel about the future of racing, the very best thing you can do is to support all your local tracks. Quit the bitching and bickering and enjoy the show dammit!
![[Racer's Choice Award Winner]](http://www.dfcracing.com/images/choice.gif)
