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I began entering the codes from my diet coke caps, when I ran across the opportunity to redeem my points for two tickets to Indy qualifying. Since I have never been to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and it is their centennial year, this was a great chance to take it in. Patrick and I talked, and decided while I was down there to check one of the local short track scenes. I studied, and researched, and finally came to my decision, " I want to go to the Indianapolis Speedrome." Patrick agreed and set forth to make contact with Joel Cohen for us to visit. Unfortunately Patrick had a last second appointment with some clients and was unable to go. This was most unfortunate for him because this was a spectacle to experience.

At this time I would like to thank the Cohen's for inviting us in to enjoy a great night of racing at the Speedrome. The staff was very kind and receptive upon our arrival, and answered all questions I had, no matter how silly they were.

I made my way to the pits, and upon entering was excited to see all of the classes of cars, and very impressive car count they had. The drivers were eager to speak with me, I think some of this was curiosity for the stranger walking by them with a camera, pad of paper and a recorder. The first thing I noticed was that the late models, are like a mix between a modified, and a super late model. The front wheels are in the open while the rear is not. The driver sits in the middle of the car, instead of offset to the side. They also had the perception of being wider, but was told, "Nah it just looks like it." A grin followed.

The next class of cars were the Stock class. These were slightly modified versions of the common Street Stock in Michigan. This was followed by the Road Runners. This class was the match to Street Stocks, and had some very imaginative designs, and thoughts. Last but surely not least were the hornets, FWD's. These guys were about as die hard as you can get. The action that ensued on the track proved it, but I will get to that in a minute.

The night's racing started with a Late Model trophy dash on the 1/5 mile oval. It was immediately apparent the passion these drivers had to be first. The pack remained tight, and had little changes with Bobby Douthitt No. 21 getting the win. All of the heat races ran as smooth as can be, and the pace moved right along.

The Jiffy Lube sponsored Late Models started the night of features with their oval race. One name that has held strong at the Speedrome is Tunney. Currently there are five in competition. This is one strong and long lived racing family. Bobby "The Big Dog" Douthitt grabbed the lead early on in this 25 lap feature. Soon he had Mark Tunney, who is now tied with Eddie VanMeter for the points lead, trading paint. While they battled, VanMeter made his way through traffic, and slipped past for the lead, and the checkered his third straight oval win.

Next was the Trackside Race Car Parts Stocks, which had a field of 25. As the cars pulled up to get the green it was bumper to bumper, fender to fender through all 4 turns. Many altercations occured within the first four to eight laps bringing the finish to a shoot out between five previous division champions.The 1986 champion in the No. 63 Lawrence Towing, Shadeland Flowers, Pendleton Pike Auto sponsored car Joe Sheedy led the pack with Victor Rybolt, Jimmy Kirby, Larry Hahn, and Speedy Teepe pushing hard for the lead. When all was said and done Joe Sheedy brought home the checkered flag.

While Joe enjoyed his victory, the Peters Auto Service Hornets began taking their places on the track. I spoke with driver of the No.18 Peters Auto Service, Thirsty Turtle, Big Leaf Tobacco sponsored car."What did I do wrong" was the first sentence he spoke. I explained nothing and told him who I was. He is an exciting and hyper driver that you know belongs in a race car. " I have won three in a row and hope to make it four tonight." Not only has he won three in a row, but he is also the current points leader in the class. When the green flag flew 26 cars put the pedal down. man were these cars competitive. The red flag came out when the No. 14 of Casey Davis was pinched into the front stretch wall coming out of turn 4. At the end Nigel Peters crossed the line first giving him the sweep for the weekend Hornet class.

The last oval class to run for the night were the Roadrunners. Twelve cars were in competition for the win with former Hornet driver Henry McDougalle Jr.. McDougalle Jr. was being challenged by three former champs through much of the race, but with fast and consistant laps McDougalle took home his first career win and became the 199th different driver to win in the class.

To finish the night out was the Late Model figure eight. Yes you heard me right ... Late Model Figure eight. As crazy as that sounds they ran 35 laps with zero cautions. Many close calls made this some edge of your seat racing. T the start Steve Frost in the No. 71, and the No. 41 of Casey White bounced the lead back and forth. An altercation between No.23 Eddie VanMeter and No.51 of Rodney Sizemore in turn two allowed Ben Tunney's No.5 to take second. Casey White finished in first, and Tunney in second meanwhile VanMeter was able to gather it back up and finish third.

I suggest if your looking for some action, great seats and good food, attend a race at the Speedrome. Saturday September 12th they will host the 33rd annual World Figure Eight 3 hour Enduro. I think I may just have to attend this one, and hope you find time to check them out yourselves.

Thank you again to the Cohen family. I enjoyed myself immensely.