Yea, I know I've been slacking on posting here for way too long, but at least I have a reasonable excuse this time. If one picture could illustrate my 2025, it would be the pic below of Sam Bigham stuffing his Modified into the wall at over 100mph at Toledo Speedway. Obviously he didn't have a great year either, but both of us are looking forward to a better year in 2026. He's starting with a brand new chassis and I'm finally headed the right direction with my recovery from multiple surgeries that sidelined me nearly all year and into 2026. I?ve never in my life been knocked on my ass physically or mentally, but I experienced both in 2025, and I've decided that I didn't like it very much. It's been a very humbling experience to say the least. Battling my own health issues was hard enough but losing two family members, one of which has always been a hero and role model, really kicked me in the ass. Life has prepared me pretty well over the years to deal with the loss of loved ones, and for that that I'm very grateful, but it still stings like a bitch. Maybe I was way overdue to be humbled and knocked on my ass. I don?t get to question what the Big Guy upstairs has planned for me, so I just try my best to understand why things go the way they do. So far I?ve figured out that it showed me that I?m not unstoppable after all, but I don?t really have to be. That?s where the humbling came into play. I?ve spent my life taking care of myself and others too when they needed it. For once in my life I needed others to help and support me and I certainly haven?t been disappointed. I?ve said it more than once that I would have been lost without my loving wife stepping up to take great care of me even at my lowest points. That and the support from racers, friends, neighbors, and even long time customers has me finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. It's been an incredibly long recovery physically and it's not over yet but the improvements are coming along at least in one aspect. There will likely be more surgeries required to try to fix an eye that was damaged from an earlier surgery but I'm convince that I'm in better hands this time. The damage may end up being permanent but I, along with my new eye surgeon, aren't giving up yet. Recovery from the other surgeries will take as long as it takes according to the surgeon but at least I'm mobile and walking again. Anyway, there was at least one bright spot for me in 2025 when I watched my favorite carburetor specialist and granddaughter walk across the stage to graduate. I may have lost my best employee but she's now working full time helping to brighten the days of old folks. Grumpa couldn't be more proud. Hearing that new carburetor customer Jonathan Reitter put his fresh DFC Racing carb in victory lane on it's first night out and again at the Cavalcade weekend at Lorain Raceway Park perked me up a little bit too. Nice job Wheelman!
Now to the rest of the racing world. 2025 and the off season saw the loss of three asphalt tracks in Ohio and that just sucks. Bringing any of them back doesn't look good at this point either. On a much better note, Hilltop Speedway got some great new owners that have busted their asses to bring back the Hilltop Speedway that us old timers remember. Not only have they made much needed improvements (and continue to do so) to the facility, but once again it's a place that racers and fans look forward to visiting weekly. They involve racers as well as fans in their decisions moving forward like tracks used to do. That was something that's clearly needed to succeed. This season they will bring the Crown Vic division in to add to their already action packed shows. Hats off to the Snyders for not only stepping up to save Hilltop, but for moving forward with a focus on the right things. Once I get through the rest of my recovery I sure as hell can't wait to get back to The Hill. Folks, be sure to load up your friends, families, neighbors, and even perfect strangers if ya want, and head to Millersburg to take in the best racing on dirt you'll find anywhere nearby. You might also want to support the remaining asphalt track in our area, Midvale Speedway, or any other dirt track to keep local racing strong. For me, I'll be tickled to get my first taste of racing fumes and noise as soon as possible. See ya at the track!
