[fishnman]

After being laid up all week with a fever hovering between 101 and 105, had alot of time to gather thoughts of all the races I've attended in my life. ( for those of you that don"t know me personally sprints, midgets, and REAL champ cars, along with throwing a spinnerbait at 6:30 in the morning are the things that bring pleasure in my life). Also been thinking of the future of this sport and where it is going.

Been following this sport since I was seven years old, and if my math serves me correct that is 38 years. Can't even estimate the number of races, but remember each track without hesitation. Ascot was a thrill the one and only time I had the pleasure to go there, wow the way they rode that cushion! Devils Bowl for the 1st WoO ( a non-wing show mind you). One of my favorites in Texas was a Place called Buffalo Park, and they didn"t run sprints but Texas Modifieds, and a man named Eldon Dotson was the MAN! Even the Supermodifieds at Sandusky and the one visit to Oswego. Those guys flat get it on! But I am an Indiana boy ( Ohio transplant that is) and here is where I have been since 89' when my 4 years of service was done. As for these hoosier tracks, I truly love everyone of them. Sometimes I would go and to Gas City Friday, Burg Saturday, then Tri-State Sunday, get home at 3 in the morning and be back up at 6 for work. The next weekend it was Bloomington, da' Burg and then all Day fishin. Then there was Paragon, and I've always left that place with a good taste in my mouth. Twin cities has left me with some lasting memories, with the 99 NWWC race being my favorite. Kokomo is really a show stopper and Putnamville, ( opinion only here;; excluding the current state), has had some great shows. And Terre Haute, Man that place means ALOT to me! Gosh I hope THAT bets back to the glory days! But Lawrenceburg has always been home to me and when I think of all the memories, really bogles the mind. My very good friend Tommy Bipes taking one of the worst spills I have ever witnessed. Greg Staab being unbeatable at times, running the bottom. Marvin Deputy always stood out in my mind. Thickstun, Ritter, Huntley, I could go on for two hours. Two names that stand out more than any though, Gaines and Wilkerson. Man I have been blessed more than any Nascrap fan could be in 100 years.

Now with the race track recieving another facelift, many are wondering what the future holds for this Historic place. I will surely miss the old 1/4 mile, and I for one sometimes ain't exactly too keen on change, but I think this change may be one of the best things to come along in awhile.

Last year was a learning experience for me even after being around this stuff 38 years. Never realized how much work it took, but believe me there are better and more profitable ways to make a living. Last year was very draining physically, losing 25 pounds, and when you barely weigh a buck seventy, 25 pounds is alot! Mental strain was at an all time high, but come 7:00 every Saturday it was well worth it. Why? Guess I want this place to be second to none, though it really always has been in my mind. At times this year questions were raised on how things turned out, but I for one could not have been happier with the overall results. From the Gaines/Petty shootout in the early part of the year to the Hoosier Fall Classic all in all a pretty good year, and this being Rudys VERY FIRST YEAR in promoting. Was there any mistakes made? Sure there was. But there are oops in anything and everything we do, hell I still get spinnerbaits hung in trees, but not from a lack of effort.

That is what I am getting at: I see everyday the effort Dave is putting into this and his commitment to making Lawrenceburg the BEST SHOW ON DIRT! And not for just us guys that have always known what real racing is and who real men are, but for sprint car fans that are new to the sport. The man has been working anywhere from 4 to 8 hours a day in the off-season on making things BETTER. and this after a 12 hour shift at the slopes. And I thought I had more energy than anybody. I just want to say to everyone in IOW territory that 100% effort will be and ALWAYS will be put forth into Lawrenceburg and the new 3/8 mile.

I know I am more excited about the coming year than ever before, and can't wait till April.I hope to get around a little more than last year to talk to people, always a pleasure to see Fishburger, Cecil98, and so on. Guys I have this deep feeling that we are going to see some great racing this coming year.