We're now fully engulfed in the worst time of the year for a race fan: the Off-Season! It was a season I'll never forget as it was my first where I truly dove into racing videography. I hit just over 60 races in the Midwest from March through November. I didn't video at all of those however but the following are my top 5 favorites that I did video at!
5) Paducah International Raceway - USA World 50 - August 26th, 2011
I've never considered myself a big fan of racing with fenders...but I'll take one in from time to time. That was the case on this weekend in August as I had an open Friday night and headed the Paducah International Raceway for the annual USA World 50. Plenty of the top names in midwestern Late Model racing turned out for this one and the first half featured some stellar racing among those names!
4) Jacksonville Speedway - POWRi Midgets - September 16th, 2011
Rough track, talented drivers, and slide job's every lap. This was a rough one with plenty of beating and banging...but overall, a heck of a midget race to watch!
3) Lincoln Speedway - MOWA 410 Sprints - July 8th, 2011
A first year series making a first appearance. Lincoln Speedway became one of my favorite tracks this year in the 3 visits got to make. But this one was my first visit and the ensuing A-Main was one to remember. It's always cool to see a guy get his first win...
2) Jacksonville Speedway - MOWA 410 Sprints - July 29th, 2011
Danny Smith and Jerrod Hull are names that most Midwestern sprint car fans are familiar with. Most fans are also familiar with the name Chris Windom though usually in a nonwing sprint car. But Chris put on the wing and ran the first 3 night's of MOWA's Illinois Sprint Week with his 3rd and final night being a spectacular showing in a great 3-way fight with Smith and Hull. This was by far my favorite MOWA race of the year. Plus, who doesn't love some last-lap slide job action...
1) "The 66" Mike Phillips Memorial - POWRi Outlaw Micro Sprints - June 25th, 2011
This one had all the right elements to be an unforgettable race and it did not disappoint. 24 of the best micro drivers from around the country, a 40-lap A-Main, and $10,000 to the first man across the finish line. Christopher Bell and Trent Beckinger delivered one of the greatest fights for the lead in recent memory as they battled on the 1/8th mile Southern Illinois Raceway.
Like I said, it was an amazing year for me with new sights, new people, and great racing around every turn. I'm already looking forward to what promises to be an even better 2012 season!
