ron.brown11

Nick, I just read that Brendan Queen has already used his success in the CARS Tour to get an opportunity. He will be running the truck race at N. Wilks in May. He'll be driving for Tricon (Gilliland). That's why I said that Kaden can make that jump if he can win some of those LMSC races. There are a lot of eyes on the drivers in that series now. And there are several young drivers in that series that could get a shot.

Yeah Nick, money sure helps a lot. When I went to high school in Cincinnati and going to the races, EVERYBODY ran big blocks with tunnel ram intakes and 2 huge carbs. Then this guy from Beaverton, MI showed up for a high paying 100 lapper. He cleaned everybody's clocks, driving a Camaro with a small block. Back then most tracks calculated the required weight of the car, based on the cubic inches of the engine. All of the tracks that I went to, used the 8lbs per cubic inch rule. So the weight required for those 427 and larger engines was staggering, compared to a small block. But that wasn't the main reason they were beat. This guy's chassis was extraordinary. That guy was Ed Howe, the inventor of the store bought chassis for the local racer. Within about 18 months, nearly all of the late models in the region were running small block engines. Within 3 years, nearly every late model in the region was a Howe or other mass produced chassis. We even had 2 Petty Engineering kit car chassis' running there. For all intents & purposes, that was not only the end of junkyard chassis', but also the end of big blocks in the late models. It's hard to argue against the success that these chassis' has been. It's also easy to see how they have helped drivers get better, quicker too. But yeah, it sure was cool to see really smart people take a junkyard frame, and be able to make it do something incredible.

Although I enjoyed the end of this ARCA race, I was shocked when FloRacing made it their Race of the Week selection. Who knew that racing side by side, and not dumping each other for the win, would be something that others might appreciate.

I don't normally watch the ARCA series much, for a couple of reasons. First is because there's only 2-3 cars/teams that have the funds to control pretty much everything. The second is that they're usually a crash fest. However, last weekend's race at Kern Co was the exception. They didn't crash much, and the last 12 laps between Cole Raz & Trevor Huddleston were worth it. These guys traded the lead several times, while running every one of those laps side by side. Yep, they rubbed & doored each other several times, but they didn't wreck each other. Neither are full time ARCA drivers on any of the big teams. Raz won it, but basically apologized during his interview. Trevor said that he was pissed, but that's the calmest "pissed" I've ever seen. Yeah, I'd been happier if they had congratulated each other, but hey I get it. Trevor's dad Tim, now runs things at Kern County. He's been the guy doing the same thing at Irwindale for several years now. I still don't know if Irwindale is racing the oval this year.

Nick, I truly believe that Kaden would have won the LMSC main, if not for knocking the toe in out. Even with that he came close. He and Mini Tyrell got together a couple laps before the huge crash, and you could tell he was having issues with the nose of the car on corner entry after that. With the Pro Late Model that he drove, they only have 2 employed team members, everybody else are volunteers. I only know that because he said so during his victory lane interview. Nobody had anything for him in that race. Neither ride is for the full schedule unfortunately. I think if he can win 5-6 races in the Pro series this year, he could get a full time ride in the LMSC series. If he could get 3-4 wins there this year, he'd be looking at an ARCA or truck series ride. That guy has skills! And it doesn't hurt that both Harvick & Jr are fielding cars in that series, and are at the tracks occasionally. They can't help but notice that kind of talent, when he's outrunning their cars, which are probably the best stuff out there. His only shortfall is that he doesn't have a big wallet or sponsor to bring along with all that skill. He doesn't seem to get rattled no matter what the situation is, or if he's running against better equipment. Ah if I only had won the Powerball...

Well after 225 laps of racing, for 2 different teams, Kaden finished 2nd. The fact that he even finished is amazing. He restarted 3rd and got shuffled back to 7th. With about 35 laps to go, Connor Zilich got into the then leader Bobby McCarty's left rear going into turn 3. It sliced his left rear, and that collected 5 cars. Somehow Kaden managed to snake between the cars that crashed both high and low. On the next restart Kaden started 2nd, and he just didn't have quite enough to run down Brent Crews, who was driving a Kevin Harvick #29 Toyota. He held off the 2 time champ Kvapil to keep 3rd. Before the big wreck, Kaden and Mini Tyrell got together, and Kaden said it knocked to tow in way out. He thinks that he could have won if not for that. At OCS, running the second grove in the fast way around. He was shocked that Crews gave him the top lane on that restart. But the car plowed like a truck going into turn 1, and that was his last chance to try for the win. Layne Riggs drove the #62 Harvick Ford. WOW what a night he had, and he finished 10th. He was spun out, involved in an accident, and cut a tire, all on separate incidents.

With 53 laps left, Kaden is running a strong 4th.

Kaden will start 6th in the LMSC race.

Kaden passed for the lead on lap 1 at Orange County Speedway in NC. He lost the lead on a restart late in the race for a lap. He spanked the field tonight, in the Pro Late Model 100 lapper, leading 99 laps. I hope he can double up later tonight in the Late Model Stock race. What a drive for that young man!!

All of Mr. Labonte's funeral services have been posted, and will take place in High Point, NC on Fri & Sat.

Mike, I'm not planning on checking out any time soon, of course my wife might have something to say about that lol.. But hey, I'm 67, and have had 25 surgeries between March 2008 and Jan 2021. Both my parents died at age 71, so maybe my time is getting close too. I always used to think that all of the fighting, and shit like that was because everyone was so competitive. I've come to believe that almost all of it was simply hard headedness. Once we get past that, it's funny how much we have in common. Then comes respect for each other, then friendship. I sure wish I'd been smart enough to realize that a bit sooner. I haven't known Nick anywhere near as long as you have Mike, but I've always respected him. He always played things straight, and by the book. When I was helping Greg Baber with his modified, he hired Nick for his expertise on chassis setup. I'd like to think that I learned a lot from him, but he didn't have a great student. Geometry was never my best course in school. But he still took his time explaining why he wanted adjustments etc, and never got frustrated. I also took his classes, and he showed patience there too. Again, I really respect that.

Nick, I was sure that you would know more than I do about Bob, and you did. All I ever heard was third party stuff. I too was glad to hear Mike with some personal info. I had always heard the Bob could be a little rough around the edges, but was a good guy. I never went to CC, going to SA on a GI's pay was about all I could afford then, while living in Del Rio. I was glad that he was able to get Terry & Bobby to Cup. I know that have been other Texans to make it, but none had the impact that Terry & Bobby had. I don't think I ever heard Ken Squire say Terry Labonte. It was always "Texas" Terry Labonte. Like you Nick, I was born somewhere else. But TX is my adopted home. God willing, this is where I'll die too.

Bob Labonte passed away this week. There weren't any funeral details listed in the story. He did a lot to put Texas asphalt racing on the national map. I'm sure that Nick Holt can add much more on that, as I was just coming to TX as Terry was moving to Cup. RIP sir..

Kaden started 6th, in Sat's 125 lap race at Caraway Speedway in NC. It was the season opener for the Late Model Stock season, and his first start in the Wood Brother's/David Pearson paint scheme #17 Mustang. He ran as high as third at one point, and got shuffled back to 11th, and then climbed back to 5th at the end. Caraway's grove is on the bottom in the corners, and if you get off the bottom (or get moved off the bottom), you can lose a lot of spots. He was running in 3rd and got moved, and finally got back 5th. Carson Kvapil won the race, but very early it didn't look like he would. He and Deak, McCaskill (spelling?) got together going into turn 1. Kvapil ran over Deak's left rear tire and went airborne with both right side tires. Luckily it didn't really seem to hurt either car. There was only 1 significant crash near the end. It involved 7 cars, but Andrew Grady really got the worst end of it. He got caught up in a lot of crashes, not of his making last year. Unfortunately this season started the same way. Too bad, as he was running really good too. That car will need at least a new front clip. Katie Hettinger, last year's runner up for the Pro Late Model championship, made the jump to the top series. She got as high as 7th at one point, and managed a top 15 finish. This years she's driving for her family owned team. That's an outstanding start for her, as there were 30 cars that started the race. She too lost several spots after getting moved. I think that she's got a bright future in racing.

Kaden raced the CARS Tour Pro Late Model race today at Southern National in NC. He started 3rd and finished 3rd. On lap 3 Kaden drove it off into turn 3, and got under the then leader Tanner Tyler. I don't know if Tanner's spotter was asleep, or Tanner just decided that he was going to turn down and try and close the door. It really hurt Tanner's car the worst, but Kaden had the toe knocked way out for the remaining 97 laps. But he soldiered on for the third place finish. He also mentioned that the car he ran today is a 2015 Hamke chassis. The he went on to say that they have a new car that he'll be driving at Hickory. I'm not sure just how many of the Pro Late Model shows he's running this season. Next weekend the CARS Tour Late Model Stocks will be running at Southern National.I haven't seen the driver entry list for that yet. I'm hoping the Kaden will be there in the #21 car.

Ryan sure didn't have as good as last year at New Smyrna. Last year he drove a car out of the Jett stable and was stout all week. I'm not sure who he drove for, or if that was a family owned car. He was mostly middle of the park in the races that I saw this year. I didn't see every night this year. I'll go back and try and see the rest.

In his first ride for Niece Motorsports today, Kaden finished 6th. I don't know if this was his first run at Atlanta, but if it was that's a really good start. Great Job!!

It was bound to happen, and a bit surprised that it took this long. Did CPS ever build/do anything with the part that they bought? They probably passed on buying the track footprint, because of the costs of remediation. I'm sure that the pit area would be classified as "toxic". My brother retired from General Electric Jet Engines 4 years ago. Right before he retired, GE bought all of the acreage of Tri-County Speedway, located about 10 miles north of the main plant. They turned that property into an office complex, removing most of the office workers away from the engine plant. He said that it cost more for the remediation then what they paid for the land/track. He told me about how many truckloads of contaminated dirt they had to remove, before anything could be built, I just don't remember now. The track was a 1/2 mile high bank track. I'd bet that there was at least 30 acres for parking. Then the original track owner/builder bought another 60 acres, and built a softball complex, that had 8 diamonds, with more parking. It was quite the sports complex. All of that now sits under a GE office complex.

Ryan Preece finished 2nd on night 4 to Ron Silk, the defending Whelen Tour Champ, and winner of everything this week in a tour type modified. On night 5 Ryan won and Silk finished 2nd. Preece had an awful Whelen points race on Sat, finishing a lap down and barely inside the top 20. He may not be able to run the Wed or Thur show, as he has qualifying on Wed and the Duels on Thurs. He said that he's going to try and make the show on Wed, but Thur is a no go. Too bad, because he's got his family owned car hauling.

Bubba Pollard started 11th, and ran mainly3rd to 8th most of the race. But his car really looked great on long runs. It really looked like Ty Majeski who started 17th, took the lead by about lap 35, and looked untouchable. With about 9 laps to go, something happened, and he started losing positions, finishing 16th. It turns out that he had a drive plate fail, and he lost an axle. I'm shocked he finished at all. I thought he had a tire going down, but the more he ran it looked mechanical. It looked like a shock broke or the panhard bar broke. Casey Roderick was strong all night to finish 3rd. Young Jett Nolan ran the top 10 all race, and fought his way up to 2nd, and that's where he finished. Chase Elliot started 8th I believe, but did finish 6th. But the was mainly because of Majeski falling back and Nason following suit. A perenial World Series Asphalt race winner, and series champ winner got taken out going into turn 1. It was a really hard hit. The car will need at least a front clip, and possibly an engine too. Derek Griffin is from the Northeast, and is usually very calm. He came unglued on the guy that dumped him. Thankfully no punches were thrown. The Memorial is for super late models, and they put on such a good show at New Smyrna vs the late model stocks cars. There were still 18 cars on the lead lap after 200 laps. Good race to watch!!

Thanks for the info Josh. Like I said, I just don't follow the NHRA as much as I used to. I wasn't at home to watch the Thur & Fri practice & qualifying so I wasn't aware of how they had done the F/C & T/F match ups. I think that I heard that who ever won that race got $10k, but that's just what I think I heard. I was just jumping back & forth with the Ice Breaker @ Florence and the NHRA. Then it was onto the races @ New Smyrna. I have been to the Bradenton strip, but that was way too many moons ago. From what they showed on Flo, and what my brother said from there, they sure have upgraded that facility!! I watched a Pro Mod weekend program online a couple years ago. It sure didn't look like this weekend. I'm happy for them, but even more happy for the teams & fans that will get to enjoy these upgrades.

They're running the 1000' track. I'm not sure that they will ever go back to the full1/4 mile track with the nitro cars. Jack Beckman is certain that the NHRA will do something to keep the nitro cars to somewhere around the 335mph mark. Both of those nitro series cars are already pretty unstable at 335. Beckman was still stunned 24 hours after Tasca's run. He said that he studied the computer printout from timing, checked the track's weather data, and went back and watched the video several times. He was certain that is wasn't a valid mph. Like having a big tail wind, or something else that might have helped push up the speed for Tasca. Beckman should know, he got the nickname Fast Jack for a reason. TBone, I don't know when/if you started following Cup racing, but in 1988 Bobby Allison nearly parked his 3500lb car into the main grandstands at Talladega. That was on top of numerous bad crashes at both Daytona & Talladega. If that would have happened, I don't think that NASCAR would exist today. They said that the restrictor plates were only a temp fix, until they could figure out a way to slow down the cars. Every Cup race since at the super speedways have sported the restrictor plate. The need to slow down the nitro cars isn't something new. They have decreased the percentage of nitro allowed into the fuel mix at least 2 times before. They used to be able to run 100% nitro, but thanks to Kenny Bernstien's huge numbers that he was attaining, along with several big nitro crashes (several different drivers), they started cutting the percentage of nitro allowed. A few years later speeds where starting to get some pretty bigs gains, so they lowered the limit again. I know of them doing that twice, but there could be more. I don't follow the NHRA as much as I used to.

The Pro Superstar Shootout just finished at Bradenton Motorsports Park in FL. All of the NHRA's biggest stars raced in 4 divisions, Top Fuel; Funny Cars: Pro Stocks; and a 4th class that pitted funny cars against a top fuel dragsters (the funny cars got a .2 starting line advantage). I didn't catch how they arrived at which cars would compete in that division, but it sure was fun. Chad Green in his Mustang funny car beat Texan Steve Torrence in his top fuel dragster in that final. I didn't hear what Green won for this class. In his winning interview he said that he couldn't believe that he was able to beat Torrence not once, but twice this weekend. Texan Erica Enders, the reigning Pro Stock World Champion won the pro stock final, winning a $125,000 in doing so. In what might be considered a surprise & upset, Austin Prock won the funny car final. Prock normally races a top fuel car, and the car he drove is normally driven by Robert Hight. It was announced about 3 weeks ago that Robert has some medical issues, and Prock was announced as his replacement driver. As both Hight & Prock drive for John Force, the decision was made to park the top fuel car, and just concentrate on the funny car. That seems to have worked out pretty good so far. His check for winning was $250,000. Nice payday! In top fuel, reigning champ Doug Kalitta won. The perennial top fuel driver finally won his first top fuel championship in Nov. What a way to show that his winning the championship wasn't a fluke. He too collected $250,000. But here's the most shocking bit of news from this weekend. There was a world record for the top speed ever in a nitro burning car. One car ran a 341.68 mph run, the fastest run ever by an NHRA legal car, and it wasn't a top fuel dragster either. Bob Tasca ran that ET in his Mustang Funny Car!! Fast Jack Beckman, a many time funny car winning driver was on the announce team for this weekend. He so didn't believe the mph, he left the booth and went to the timing tower to verify, and it wasn't a lie. He was stunned to nearly being speechless. And if you ever heard any of his interviews after a f/c win, you'd know that's something, Think of a John Force interview when he's being interviewed about anything. My brother & sister in law, who still lives in Cincinnati, left Wed, heading to Sarasota, FL to get out of the cold for a couple of weeks.I told him about it. He didn't know that this race weekend was happening this week. They decided to stop by Bradenton, as it's only about 15 miles from Sarasota. As they were walking up to the ticket booth, they heard a couple of nitro cars, but couldn't see what was happening. He heard them staging (whoever "they" were), and whipped out his phone, aiming toward the track. He never saw any cars, but he did get the audio of the run, but the video was just blurred chainlink fencing, but he sent it to me anyway. Then he heard the track announcers going crazy over the top speed that was just attained. That was Tasca's record run. He thought they were T/F cars. Beckman made a few comments tonight about that run. He said the he expects that the NHRA will make some rules "adjustments" to the nitro cars before the season opener, to slow them down. Sounds like NASCAR eh?? He was saying that the NHRA views 240mph kind of like NASCAR views the 200mph speeds at Daytona & Talladega, a dangerous speed there. These races at Bradenton is not an NHRA event. This was the show that Tony Stewart and others put together, kind of like an All Star race, or the SRX races that he and Ray Evernham have put on for the last 3 years.

Carson Kvapil (driving for Jr Motorsports) wins the Ice Breaker 125 at Florence. Connor Hall was 2nd, Cody Kelley 3rd, Earnhardt was 4th, and Sam Yarbrough 5th. Very good clean race, with a couple of spins & 1 car that ran off course in turn 3. Connor Hall drove his first race for the Nelson Motorsports' #22. Cade Brown won November's SC 400 race in a dominating fashion, but 6th was all he could muster today. Still, this was a very good, clean race for all. Great start to the season for these east coast late model stocks drivers. As there were no late model stocks running last night at New Smyrna, some of these teams that ran at Florence today, might head south to try their luck there. I hope that the races tonight at New Smyrna will run as clean as today's race.

Jody Measamer hasn't forgot how to race either. He just won the truck series race at Florence Speedway's Ice Breaker. I will try to give an update for the main event for the late model stocks later.