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Wengerd Enterprises
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Race Ohio
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Reed Tree Service
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Racers For Tots
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Help us brighten the lives of some really great kids!!
Racers Making A Difference
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Who's Online?
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Firefox
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DFC Racing recommends Mozilla's Firefox internet browser. It's just plain better and safer than anything else out there. Plus it's FREE!!
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Website Awards
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DFC Racing is very proud of the fact that our website has won The Golden Web Award as well as the Racer's Choice Award year after year. Thanks folks!
If you'd like a kickass site like this one, feel free to contact Bob to see what he can do for you.
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Race Car Lettering & Graphics Packages From Wengerd Enterprises
Information and pricing on race car lettering packages from Wengerd Enterprises Unlimited can be found here. Wengerd Enterprises Unlimited is proud to be able to provide race teams with vinyl lettering packages, hero decals, team logos, and pretty much anything else they can dream up to make their car or hauler stand out. We'll be happy to work with your race team with any needs you may have.
Don't forget that we also offer custom signs, vehicle lettering, and window signs for your business.
For individuals we offer custom graphics for just about any use, including any custom message or logo you desire. Contact us with your ideas or needs and we'll put together a sample and price quote.
As of 2024, over 45 years of experience goes into every carburetor that leaves our bench. We rebuild and modify all types of carbs from lawn equipment to performance vehicles of all types. Over the years our "inspection legal" Holley 4412 carbs have become VERY popular nationwide in many types of motorsports, with sales and race win numbers growing each year. If you race in a division that requires a 4412 Holley, you already know better than show up at the track with a stock "out of the box" carb. Many folks seem to think they need to spend over $1000 for a 2bbl. carb if they want to run up front. DFC Racing Holley 4412 carbs have proven that theory to be wrong for years on dirt as well as asphalt, and even at the tractor pulls. Those big name shops that sell the high dollar carbs often brag about being "authorized Holley modifiers", yet they often fail to put the work into their products that we do. Simply put, our recipes are proven on the track, not with some fancy authorization logo from Holley. Chances are that you've already followed one of these carbs on the track. Are ya tired of following yet?
While Holley 4412 carbs have become our most popular item, we're always happy to rebuild or modify any type of carburetor to fit your needs, including crate engine classes, drag racing, and even your street driven hotrod. Feel free to contact us with your questions and to see what we can do for you.
****Now providing our own carb plating and coloring for your convenience. This is sometimes required to make your local tech inspector happy if you know what I mean;-) |
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Who's Ready For Racing Action?
by Bob on Sunday, Mar 3rd
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The 2024 racing season is finally about to get started. Three tracks in particular are looking to make 2024 bigger and better than ever with plenty of action of all varieties. Probably the most awaited news in this area has finally become official in recent days. Under new ownership and even a brand new name those familiar sounds and smells of racing will return to what was known for decades as Barberton Speedway, or as many folks called it, "Barbertucky Speedway". After the death of the previous owner the future of the track was in doubt as things were tied up in the courts for what seemed like forever. I gotta say this Dennis Knox fella is one very determined and motivated sumbitch who wasn't about to let this place slip away into permanent silence as other tracks have done. With plenty of support from the area racers and others he finally sealed the deal this week with the blessings of the Norton zoning commission. The 1/4 mile paved bullring that helped to make the Miller family and many others famous will now be known as Norton Raceway Park. While some folks didn't exactly welcome the new name, I'm reminded that Wayne County Speedway and Lakeville also had name changes in their past but we all got over it and moved on. Well except in the case of Lakeville, since it's latest name is "farm land". So I say we should all be thankful that somebody so dedicated stepped up and returned racing action to the place, no matter what they call it. My only concern is what do us old timers call it now. I mean is it Nortontucky or just Nortucky? ;-) Call it what you will as long as you racers and fans show up to support the place. I look forward to whatever they throw at us this year!
Last season we saw the new owners of Midvale Speedway jump in full throttle from the start. Randy and Kim Smart certainly aren't new to racing but operating a track is completely different from operating a race team, and always quite a challenge. The proved in 2023 that they were absolutely up to that challenge. They added plenty of extra entertainment along with the top notch weekly racing action throughout the season and it seemed to pay off with improved car counts and much better crowds than in recent years. Their 2024 schedule is out and you'll want to check it out to make your summer plans. There's something there for everybody for sure. Shucks, even this old fart is gonna make the trip back down there.
2023 was also the first season for new owners at Hilltop Speedway too. Tyler and Beth Evans took over the place at the very end of the 2022 season and we got a glimpse of their intentions with improved track conditions from the start. In 2023 they decided to try some new things on the schedule which sure surprised me. After years of requesting a shot, those winged "tumble buggies" got their chances to take on "the hill" to put on their version of a race show. While the racing action was decent the car count and support from the loyal weekly fans just wasn't there on those nights. Ya can't say Hilltop didn't give the Sprints a chance at least. This season you won't see them on the schedule nearly as often, and I know I'm not the only one that's alright with that. As Jeff Norris used to say, "if I want to see wings I'll go to the airport". Improvements at the facility for this season have been underway for weeks now and I'm happy to report that the damn sound system that everybody complained about is being upgraded for 2024. Myself, I can see the action and the only sounds I need come from those screamin' engines 3 and 4 wide out of turn four. A basic schedule has been released for now but there will be some tweaks and additions as things get sorted out. The return of the Jeff Norris Memorial is hopefully one of those additions.
All of these local tracks mentioned here work their asses off all year long to provide a place for our favorite pastime so be sure to support them as often as you can. If you have concerns or suggestions they are all eager to here directly from you. "Directly" is the key word here. From my experience a face to face chat at the track or a phone call during the week is the best way to be heard and taken seriously. See ya at the track!!
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Weekend On The Hill is HERE!!!
by Bob on Thursday, Sep 21st
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Hilltop always like to end their regular season with a bang, and this year it will be the biggest ever. Not only is this a fun weekend, it's always one hell of a show. Friday night payouts are nothing to pass up for the racers, but holy shit check out the Late Model payout for Saturday night! The winner will take home $8500 but they will sure as hell have to earn it. Expect a great field strong competition to show up to do battle with the Hilltop "regulars". To close out the nights after the races there will be a bonfire and DJ (no, not DJ Miller;-) for your entertainment. You won't want to miss this weekend so load up everybody ya can find and get to "The Hill"
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A Show You Just Gotta See!
by Bob on Sunday, Aug 27th
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As previously mentioned here, the folks at Midvale continue to impress with improvements to the facility, and the shows each week. The Ohio Invitational presented by The U.S Air Force, The U.S Army New Philadelphia Recruiting Station on September 3rd is bound to be one hell of a show. Not only will there be plenty of action on the track, but this place is well known for their kickass Fireworks shows. You're guaranteed to get your fill of entertainment at this top notch facility. Yep, it might turn into a long night, but you won't regret making the trip. Below are all the details about the show including prices, times, and even payouts. Check it out!
Coming up on Labor Day Weekend, SUNDAY September 3 at Midvale Speedway is the prestigious OHIO INVITATIONAL!!
Presented By The U.S Air Force, The U.S Army New Philadelphia Recruiting Station.
Outlaw Late Model 70, Open Mod 50, Open Street Stock 35, Open Compact 30 & the Ace Racing League will all be in action!!
We will also have a Candy Rush during Intermission for the Kids!!!
We will finally have our long awaited FIREWORK DISPLAY!!! One of the biggest and baddest Firework shows in the area!!!
Bring your friends, family, and even your neighbors to Midvale Speedway for a great night of racing and family fun!!!
Below are the Payouts for the event and times.
Payout:
Outlaw Late Model (Midvale Rules - American Racer Tire - Spotters NOW allowed in Midvale Rules):
$2500, 2000, 1500, 1000, 800, 700, 600, 500, 450, 400, 350, 300 to start.
Open Mods: Jokers Wild 50 (2) 25 lap features back-to-back. The first leg will be set up by the Top 12 from qualifying with staggered heat races for starting positions. The top 3 in First Race Pay: $500, 300, 200. The cars will stop on front straightaway for 10 mins, YOU WILL BE allowed to make adjustments/fuel. YOU CANNOT Jack up the Car, all 4 tires MUST stay on the ground. Before the start of the second leg, the Top 8 will redraw for starting spots. The Winner can either go first or last on draw. Everyone else will start the second leg, where they finished the first leg.
Final Pay: $1500, 1200, 1000, 800, 700, 600, 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200 to start.
(American Racer Tire - No Recap Tire)
Open SS: (Lorain/Painesville/Wheelman Rules. American Racer Tire. Crate Motors allowed 4BBL & No Chip)
$800, 600, 500, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 130 to start.
Open Compacts: (Midvale/Painesville/Lorain/Sandusky Rules. Min Weight 2400. 400 Treadwear Tire)
$400, 200, 100, 85, 75, 65, 50, 35 to start.
B-Main: $50, 40, 30, 20 to start.
We are doing position sponsors for the Ohio Invitational Open Modified 50 Joker's Wild race for $10 a position.....please contact Matt, Randy or Kim if you or your business wants to sponsor a position. You can put your business name, in remembrance or in honor of someone.
Pits Admission: 12 and up $40, 4–11 with Paid Adult $20, 3 and Under Free with a Paid Adult
Grandstand Admission: Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students 14-17 $15, Students 6-13 $10, 5 and Under FREE
Pit Gates open at noon, hot laps at 1:30, grandstand gates will open at 2, qualifying at 4:30 and racing takes the green flag at 6:30!!
*Only tow vehicles are permitted to park in the pits!! All other vehicles (even those “containing parts”) will be required to park in the parking lot outside the gate*
TIRE ROTATION:
Tires are available! They can be purchased at the track while Ditto is there. They will also be available at practice & are $175 each.
BRING A RADIO AND SOME EARBUDS AND TUNE INTO 105.7 in the grandstands and 107.9 in the pits to hear the LIVE PA BROADCAST!! We have added FM broadcasters so YOU THE FANS can hear the racing action from the Announcers better!!
110 Racing Fuel will be $11 per gallon at the track
Transponders are $20 to rent plus an ID.
Driver Radio Frequency is: 454.0000
Practice will be on Friday September 1st 4-8 and Saturday September 2nd From 12-5....cost is $10 per person age 4 and up
Coolers - SMALL BACKPACK or 6 pack coolers that can be kept UNDER your seat. NO LARGE COOLERS, NO WAGONS, NO GLASS, NO ALCOHOL.
We accept Cash or Card.
The Fireworks are set to music and will be shot off after dark, depending on the racing program. Estimated around 10pm. YOU will NOT want to miss this!!!
Camping is permitted along the fence line area BEHIND the Bullpen in the field, along side the wooded area and the back ONLY!! You are RESPONSIBLE for your own camp site!! NO LARGE FIRES, No water, sewer or electric hookups and PLEASE clean up after yourself!!
There will be Parking attendants, PLEASE be respectful to them, they are simply trying to make sure that we get as many cars in the lots as possible and everyone can put safely and quickly in an emergency....PLEASE PARK WHERE YOU ARE ASKED and DO NOT PARK 3 AND 4 DEEP!! Not everyone can park in the front row, if you want a good spot, get there early!!!
ALL HANDICAPPED PARKING WILL BE BEHIND THE CONCESSION STAND AREA, we do have a Handicap accessible area in the grandstands, which is the Family Section closest to turn 1.
Personal Chairs - You can bring a personal chair and use it in the grandstands or in front of the grandstands but you CANNOT put a personal chair next to the wire cables or fence. You also CANNOT put your chair in a walkway or isle.
Rain Date is Monday September 4th
If you are a regular and ARE NOT racing, please message Matthew Helms about pit pads. Will do the best we can do....we are expecting a packed house!!!
Anyone or any business that is wishing to add in as a sponsor or to donate, you are ALWAYS welcome....please contact us!!
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Take A Trip To The ''Dark Side''
by Bob on Monday, Aug 21st
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I don't get to the asphalt tracks as much as I used to but this place is well worth the trip. You'll even see a few of your dirt friends there most nights. Midvale has been the premier track in the area for a few years now, and with new ownership this season, it just keeps getting better. I've known the new owner Randy Smart since his racing days in the Modifieds. He quickly became one of my favorite carburetor customers when he not only dominated, but sent others for carburetors so he had some competition. That's a real racer!
When I asked him recently what made him decide to buy a track, it was clear that this guy lives for racing and making it better for all racers and fans. It's always a huge risk buying a track, but Randy, Kim, and the rest of the crew jumped in with both feet from the start. Their focus is always on making the show better each week for all involved. I'd say it must be working based on increased car counts and fans in the stands. Larger car counts have recently led to later nights which is good and bad I guess. Fans get more show and more racers get to race, but some folks got used to getting home early. I get that, and so do the folks at Midvale. Rest assured they will do whatever they can to pull off this balancing act.
Their season is winding down just like it is at all area tracks but there's still plenty of action to be enjoyed before Fall moves in. Load up the family and anybody else that might enjoy some door to door action and take in a show at Midvale Speedway. You certainly won't regret it!!
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Another First For Hilltop Speedway
by Bob on Wednesday, Jul 5th
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This new fella that owns Hilltop Speedway sure isn't afraid to try different things. Not only has he made huge improvements to the track surface and facility, finally filled those empty sponsor boards, and brought in a variety of those "Winged Tumble Buggies", but this week the Valvoline Iron Man Late Model Series is coming to The Hill for the first time ever. Anytime a series rolls into town to take on the very stout weekly field of drivers we're treated to some serious kickass action. They will do battle to chase the $5000 to win as well as the DFC Racing Carburetor Fast Qualifier Bonus/Challenge. Setting fast time will earn that driver $100 as usual, but if that driver goes on to win the feature they will pick up another crisp $100 bill. We offer this challenge from time to time to highlight the quality of talent and racing action at hilltop. The fastest qualifier doesn't simply skate to an easy win here. In fact, this challenge has only ever been won once in the past and it took Fast Freddie Carpenter to pull it off. This is a show you sure as hell don't want to miss so you know what to do. Load up the family, friends, coworkers, and maybe even the neighbors ol' lady and get to Hilltop Speedway this Friday night July 7th. I'll see ya there!!
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Surprise Late Model Special Added To Hilltop For June 16th
by Bob on Sunday, Jun 11th
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The original schedule may show a week off from racing at Hilltop for Friday June 16th, but Tyler and the gang have decided to throw together a show anyway. Not just any show either. This one will pay the Late Models $3000 to win and $225 just to make the show. So far this season it took 6 shows just to get a repeat winner in the Late Models, so it will be interesting to see the level of talent showing up for this event to not only shoot for the cash, but to add their name to that list of winners.
The Late Models won't be the only division taking to the track on Friday night. The Modifieds, Modlites, and Mini Stocks will also be there to round out the show. Complete details are posted below.
I know this is kinda short notice but you won't want to miss this event, or any other chance to see the best side by side action found on dirt. Load up the family, friends, neighbors, and awe hell the crazy kid down the street and head to Hilltop. I'll see ya there!!!
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2023 Brings Some Big Changes
by Bob on Friday, Jan 27th
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As they say, time marches on, whether we're ready or not for what comes next. 2023 looks to be bringing us some changes, and some are very welcome changes. Others are a bit scary at this point but we'll have to wait to see how those play out this summer. The scary part refers to the future of Barberton Speedway. With the death of the owner last year, the future of this historic track has been up in the air. With plenty of rumors flying since last fall there hasn't been any real news yet that makes any of us confident that racing will return anytime soon, if at all. Let's hope for the best!
The more promising changes this year come from Tyler and the gang at Hilltop Speedway. New track ownership always makes plenty of us old timers a bit nervous, and for good reason, but so far I'm pretty damn impressed with the fresh new ideas that Tyler and Beth have brought to Hilltop. They showcased their dedication last season in just the couple shows they had since taking over. Different divisions and a kickass racing surface were the most obvious. While Mother Nature hasn't been kind to their Winter Enduro Series, ya gotta give them credit for thinking outside the box in such a way. Below is the 2023 schedule they've put together and it's easy to see some major changes. In what I consider a bold move, you'll find Sprints taking to the track fairly often this year. 410 Sprints, 305 Sprints, Micro Sprints, Winged Sprints, and even Wingless Sprints. What the hell is going on? ;-) While it's probably no secret that I'm not a big fan of the "tumble buggies", I welcome and fully understand the changes. Racers and fans have asked for more Sprint action for years and Tyler has decided to give them the opportunity to prove their support by adding them to the schedule. Hopefully the Sprint folks respect that and make this a successful change. The most important thing to me on the schedule was seeing that the Jeff Norris Memorial will continue. THANKS Tyler! There certainly will be tweaks and changes made to the schedule throughout the season as always but it's pretty impressive so far. DFC Racing Carburetors may have to work on some different ideas this season for bonuses and such but I'll be happy to Support Hilltop any way that I can.
On a more personal note, 2023 will bring other changes around here at DFC Racing Carburetors. My all-time favorite carburetor builder, my granddaughter will turn 16 in a matter of days. Her time in the shop has been limited a bit lately as she chases her other dreams, but Grumpa couldn't be more proud. She busted her ass for years to make the majorette line and she nailed that the first year she was eligible in 2022. She still found time to help with carbs and even pass out some bonus money last year and I figure that will continue, but I know my Munchkin will be busy with other obligations as she grows up even more. She's been my side-kick in and out of the shop for many years now and certainly cherish every moment of that time. This young lady doesn't just build racing carbs, she's built winning carbs, and even championship winning carbs, while getting to know some pretty cool racers along the way. Those memories will be with both of us forever. Oh, and she's pretty damn good with a baton too. ;-) Happy Birthday kiddo!!
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Winter Action On ''The Hill''
by Bob on Wednesday, Oct 19th
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Just when you probably thought it was time for that long winter hibernation without racing, Tyler and the gang at Hilltop comes to the rescue. They've put together the Hilltop 100 Winter Series featuring 8 Enduro races from October 29th to February 18th. Sure there's no Late Model or Sprint action, but Enduro races are always action packed. For those thinking about putting a car together for these shows, all I can say is you'll have the most fun you've ever had with your clothes on. If you're not the car building type, at least be sure to come and watch the madness while supporting a great track. You won't regret the trip!
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More Action Coming Your Way From Hilltop
by Bob on Tuesday, Sep 27th
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Just when you thought it may be quiet in Millersburg for the rest of the year, Tyler and the gang decided to put on yet another big show. This event on October 7th will not only pay $3000 for the Late Models to win, but will also serve as a qualifier race for the Jim Dunn Memorial Race to be held the next night at Muskingum County Speedway. Also taking to the track on Friday night will be the Modifieds, Mod Lites, and Mini Stocks. Details are posted below. This should be a great show that you won't want to miss so load everybody up and head to "The Hill" for your kickass racing fix!
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What A Weekend!
by Bob on Monday, Sep 19th
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The racing world was surely wondering how the new ownership at Hilltop would handle a 2 day show for their first ever events. Even I had several concerns but Tyler, Beth, and the entire staff stepped up to put those concerns to rest. Did everything go perfectly? Of course not, and that's never happened at any track anywhere. It did go better than many shows I've been to that were put on by veteran track owners.
I'm not a Sprint car guy but I made the trip Friday night to take in the show and partially to see how things went. I can describe the track conditions on Friday night in just 2 words. Fuggin WOW! Ok, I coulda probably got it down to 1 word but that wouldn't be fair. Apparently when you actually put moisture INTO the track, instead of on top of it, it makes for great multi-groove racing without the dust, even with Sprint cars punishing it all night. Many of us already knew that, and remember days gone by when all tracks did this, including Hilltop. Doing this isn't always easy and it's pretty hard to get perfect but they pulled it off Friday night for sure. Every driver I talked to was very impressed and thankful for the effort put into it. The surface may not have been perfect on Saturday night but it was pretty damn close. 26 Late Models, 30 Modifieds, and the rest of the strong fields would work it hard all night resulting in still almost no dust and just a couple dry spots at the end of the long night. It's been a very long time since I've witnessed an entire 40 lap Late Model show where you could see the action without a dust storm. The Sprints went 30 laps (26 straight green flag laps) without a dust cloud to be found. Both nights allowed the 3 (and more) wide battles this place has been known for in the past. Hats off to everybody that helped to make this possible!!
One of the new changes for this weekend was double file restarts in Late Models and Modifieds. I gotta tell you the racer in me doesn't always like the idea, but maybe if the leader was given lane choice it would win me over. The fans sure seemed to love it and were treated to some awesome action because of this new idea. I reckon that putting on a more entertaining show for the fans is the whole idea after all, and it sure as hell did that. The Late Model Feature showcased this very well. While Conley, Markham, Carpenter, and Drown put on one hell of a show fighting for the lead, there was no way to pick a winner until the final couple of laps. They used the entire surface to trade slide jobs the entire race, including Drown wheeling his ride from the tail to finish second. In the final laps Freddie Carpenter turned up the wick a bit and finally secured the lead in his new Kryptonite Vision chassis. Yes, a budget chassis running Sport Mod springs and shocks took home the $5000! It was even more impressive to me since we had a chat right before he strapped in for the Feature. He told me that they got the car mostly straightened out after some ugliness at Eldora but it still should have a new front clip to make it right. Well, it was "right enough" on Saturday night. CONGRATS to ya Freddie and thanks to the rest of the drivers that put on such a thrilling show, with the exception of Corey "The Crying Ace" Conley. We've seen this guy whine and bitch about any track surface that allows for real racing action, even if he wins, so it was no surprise to see him show his lack of class after losing. What a dickhead! In case Corey couldn't hear the crowd, his bullshit isn't welcome at Hilltop. My tip for him would be to try to find another track that will pay him to show up and bash that place. Just in case he does return, I'll keep a box of tissues in my car for his next hissy fit. ;-)
CONGRATS to Cody Scott for picking up DFC Racing Carburetors fast qualifier bonus. He was gonna be my pick for the feature win but mechanical demons ruined that dammit.
Photo Credit To Eric Nickelson/Nickelson Race Photos
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The End Of An Era & Start Of A New One
by Bob on Tuesday, Sep 6th
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While recent posts here have been temporary posts to announce upcoming events and such, that doesn't mean I've been in hiding. I still make it to Hilltop every week and try to hit other tracks as often as possible. I'll admit that the past couple of years have caused me to lose some of the drive that brought me to racing all those years ago. Behavior of certain racers and fans have had this same effect on many of us "old timers' causing many to simply walk away. I've come very close to that point myself, but I guess I'm just stubborn. When it comes to being stubborn though, I've never worked with a more stubborn/determined track owner than Buck Smitley. Any track owner has to have some pretty thick skin and Buck has proven over the years that his is among the thickest out there. However, every man has his limits and he saw that it was time for him to step away while he still had some sanity left. He wouldn't just lock the gates and enjoy retirement though. He'd search out a new owner that would pick up where he left off, and most importantly, keep racing alive at Hilltop Speedway. That new owner is racer, Tyler Evans. Tyler, along with his wife Beth, seem to have a clear view of the challenges of owning a race track and are looking forward to making some interesting improvements in the future. They've already started to shake things up a bit by adding 410 Sprints to the Friday portion of The Weekend On The Hill on September 16th & 17th. For all of you out there that have been begging for Sprints to return to Hilltop, this is your chance to show your support in a way that will let Tyler know that it will be worth it to add more future Sprint shows. Saturday night will feature a $5,000 to win Late Model show also. Even if you're not a huge fan of Sprints, let's pack the place both nights to show support for the new owner of Hilltop Speedway. Load up the family, friends, neighbors, and anybody else you can find and bring them to enjoy the best racing action to be found on dirt!
Let's not forget to thank Buck for all the years of hard work he and his family put into keeping the action alive at Hilltop. Hats off to him for turning the Jeff Norris Memorial race into not just the biggest show that Hilltop has ever pulled off, but one of the best shows anywhere on dirt in recent years. It was awesome to see the racers, fans, and staff send Buck out in a big way. The 4 wide salute from the Late Models was almost the icing on the cake but the outcome of the Feature may have topped it. None other than George "The General" Lee would pick up the Dash win before putting on a clinic in the Feature race. George once dominated this place but has struggled a bit in recent years. Not on this night. George was back to his old ways squeezing every pony from his ride while using every inch of the track to show that the ol' fella still has what it takes to run out front. It sure brought back some great memories of when we were almost tired of seeing him kickin' ass every week ;-) That smile on his face was just plain priceless. I hope Buck enjoyed his final night as track owner and he takes a deep breath before moving onto any future adventures. He sure as hell earned a break from the madness!
Photo Credit To Eric Nickelson/Nickelson Race Photos
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Truly A Night To Remember
by Bob on Monday, Jul 26th
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Mother Nature ruined the plans earlier in the season to hold the 2021 Jeff Norris Memorial event but maybe she did us all a favor by doing so. While working on rescheduling the show, Buck went to work to also raise the purse to the biggest ever offered by Hilltop for a non-sanctioned event, $10,000 to win for the late models. We already expected a strong field of cars based on the last time this event was held, but this would bring in even more talent for sure. A total of 31 Late Models signed into the pits to chase that prize, just one car less than showed up for the legendary Jim Dunn Memorial race at Muskingum the following night. Not too shabby for just the second running of this event at a place that was an old overgrown junk yard not that many years ago when Jeff Norris showed up to turn it into a race track. This is the kind of show that the "Crazy Bastard" dreamed of when he took on that task without a doubt. It's only fitting that his name is on this event.
The racing action all night was awesome and the show was very well run. I didn't expect to get home before sunrise after such a show, but that was far from the case Friday night. It probably helped that the 50 lap Late Model feature went totally caution free. WOW! Another huge time saver was not having to deal with what had become the Jerry Springer Show with fighting and much worse now that the source of the drama has been removed. What a refreshing change to enjoy an entire night of racing without the shit show that had turned many of us away recently. We were treated to good clean side by side racing and fun between teams all night, just like it used to be. In the end Devon Moran would take home the $10,000 win and Dave Hess would pick up the $1200 Modified feature win. Hats off to all the teams and to the entire Hilltop staff for making this a night that will be remembered for a very long time!
It was also a special night for me personally as I got to bring my granddaughter Angelena with me to not only meet some of her carburetor customers in person but to also hand out our qualifying bonus money. Picking up the bonus in Late Models was Drake Troutman. In recent weeks the ugliness has finally been removed from the pits so she also got to hand out a bonus for the fast qualifier in the Modified division, picked up by Dave Hess. (If only we would have had another one of those giant checks printed in advance for the Modifieds;-)) That smile you see on her face in the pictures was still there the next day and mostly thanks to the drivers and crew at Hilltop that made her feel right at home on race night. For the first time in her life she finally felt like more than a spectator or just a kid, she was honestly one of the rest of us crazy people that are hooked on this sport. When we got stuck in the infield waiting to give out the awards, she was more than happy to witness the show from there and would probably still be there today if we wouldn't have had to go home. She got some good pictures from there but I'm pretty sure the memories of that night will last much longer, and that's all I could ever ask for. THANKS to all of you that helped welcome her to our world of racing and for making racing fun again for this old fart. Oh and to Ed Fredrick,,, she's still laughing about her "conversation" with you.
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Jeff Norris Memorial July 23rd 2021
by Bob on Sunday, Jul 11th
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Well we all know what killed off the plans for this memorial race last season, and Mother Nature cancelled plans for it earlier in the year this season. Maybe Mother Nature did us all a favor by raining out the earlier plans because the folks at Hilltop have really raised the bar for the rescheduled event, Jeff Norris style. When Buck shared plans for REALLY raising the purse this time around, I could only think that this sounds like something that Crazy Bastard Jeff Norris would come up with. This show brought out the biggest field of Late Models of the 2019 season even though it wasn't the highest paying event of the year, or in the area. The purse this year will stand out for sure as it's the highest payout EVER offered directly by Hilltop Speedway without a sanction or series being involved. The baddest Late Model drivers around are sure to head to Millersburg on July 23rd to take a shot at that $10,000 to win. DFC Racing Carburetors is once again putting up $100 for the fastest qualifier and will double that bonus if they're running a DFC Racing carburetor. There will be other bonuses offered that night as details are still being worked out. Modifieds, Mod Lites, and Mini Stocks will also be in action that night. You damn sure don't want to miss this event. Come on out to honor the great man that made this track possible and enjoy the best side by side racing in the area, just as Jeff had envisioned.
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Looking Back at 2019 While Preparing For 2020
by Bob on Tuesday, Jan 28th
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The 2019 season certainly ended strong with great shows on dirt as well as asphalt. Corey Conley didn't quite dominate the second half of the season at Hilltop as he planned. We saw some great hard fought wins by others like JR Gentry and Freddie Carpenter too. Nobody will forget witnessing Freddie and son Tyler battle it out on the high banks of Hilltop at the season ender. Tyler would have to settle for 2nd in the Late Models but came right back out to pick up the Modified feature win. In the Trucks we saw Dwayne Powell continue to run up front each week while picking up a few more feature wins. Hell, we even saw Rory Reed return to action briefly at the end of 2019! Sadly, 2019 wasn't all fun and games. In August the racing world lost one of the best in the business. Chuck Griffith was taken away from us leaving a huge hole in our hearts. Chuck will forever be a legend in this area and will never be replaced. Rest easy Chuck!
News of the plans for 2020 has been trickling out in recent weeks and things are looking great so far. Hilltop has released their tentative schedule already and announced the date for the 2nd Annual Jeff Norris Memorial event. This show brought out the biggest field of Late Models of the 2019 season even though it wasn't the highest paying event. This year should be even better with the announcement that this show will now be a qualifier race for the $10,000 to win 38th Annual Jim Dunn Memorial race that will be held on May 23rd at Muskingum County Speedway. Let's just see who shows up this year on "The Hill" thinking they'll "cherry pick" an easy one. Ummm,, good luck with that drivers! ;-)
The highlight of the off season so far for me though is the news that Deerfield Raceway is finally on track to return to action. At the end of the 2017 season Paul Miller decided to step away from owning this great facility that he and his family brought back from the dead years earlier. Tell me if you heard this story before.... the track was sold to a fella with big dreams and no means or brains to make those dreams a reality. Meanwhile he sold off and/or destroyed much of what was once a historic race track. It sat silently while Paul fought to regain ownership of what he already owned since the buyer never paid him for it. Finally he prevailed and a sheriffs sale. He wasn't exactly wild about running a track again, but at least the place had been saved from being leveled and it was given another chance at life. In recent days the paperwork was completed to transfer ownership to a man well known to Deerfield racers and fans. Jim Good has stepped up once again to support the Deerfield racers with plans to get the gates open this season. Jim stepped up for many racers while Deerfield was closed by finding places for some of their drivers to race, including Hilltop. I talked to Jim and Paul last season to bring their cars to Hilltop and their dedication to the racers was more than clear. The name of the track has been changed but I'm very much looking forward to the same great family friendly atmosphere that this place has been known for. Let's all wish the best for the future of Good's Raceway. I'm all in to help in any way that I can for sure! Good's Raceway tentative schedule is also posted below
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Chad's shiny new car for 2006 From: 2006 Action
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