Looking Backwards and Forward

The  2014 racing season came to a close in the midwest  Saturday with the one week delayed running of the Turkey classic in Springfield,Mo. Although I had tried to fit this race in, the weeks delay took away that possibility. That is unfortunate, as apparently the weather was outstanding for November, and the car count for the three class program topped the 125 mark, including 25 late models, with Tony Jackson,Jr. winning the headliner.
 So my 2014 race total was down a bit due to circumstances both under and beyond my control. Still, I managed to get to the track 38 times at 13 tracks in three states. As usual, Quincy Raceways led the way with 17 nights, although I missed a handful of shows for the first time in many seasons. Three race nights each were spent at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Iowa, West Liberty, Ia Raceway, Tri City Speedway in Pontoon Beach,Il, and I-55 Raceway in Pevely,Mo. Two evenings were spent at 34 Raceway in West Burlington,Ia., and one night each at Knoxville, Ia. Raceway, CJ Speedway in Columbus Jct., Ia., 24 Raceway in Moberly,Mo., the since closed Montgomery,Mo. County Speedway,
Peoria,Il. Speedway, Quad City Speedway in East Moline,Il., and one new track, Lasalle,Il. Speedway.
The spring visit to Lasalle was track number 57 for me.
 The schedules for 2015 are already starting to trickle in, and so far there are some exciting events lining up. Among the " can't miss " shows already set is the Slocum 50 at 34 Raceway on April 18. For the second time, this will be an "open" late model shootout co sanctioned by the Mars/Cornbelt/ALMS late model series. We will once again take a shot at the Lucas Oil late models at Pontoon Beach on May 1, and the following weekend is shaping up to be a season highlight. The MLRA late models are set for a three race swing starting on Thursday, May 7 in Donnellson, and a Saturday, May 9 visit to the Scotland,Co. Speedway in Memphis,Mo. These two $3,000 to win shows less than an hour from home sandwich a Friday night event at the Davenport,Iowa Speedway, creating an opportunity for a big three race weekend. The MLRA guys then make a return to the area in June, repeating last seasons three night swing through Oskaloosa, Iowa on Thursday, June 11, followed by Donnellson on Friday and Moberly on Saturday. The Donnellson and Moberly shows in 2014 were two of the best we witnessed all season! Snippets of the UMP Summernationals schedule are being hinted at, and one rumor has Quincy going back to Sunday night Summernationals race night, with nothing official yet. The Quincy Raceways schedule is currently on hold pending a major race announcement, with details still being worked on. One interesting quirk in 2015 is the fact that Labor Day is nearly a week later than in recent years. This will push the Boone IMCA Supernationals back, effectively eliminating one weekend of racing in the " postseason. " This has already led to some scheduling overlaps, at the present time, the IMCA Deery Brothers finale on the 1/2 mile at Davenport is set to go head to head with the Knoxville Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals. Things could get interesting come September.
 2015 will also be high school graduation year for grandson Keagan, one of my racing companions, so once again, this should be a full summer of activities.
Until next time, stay warm, stay safe, and enjoy the upcoming Christmas season!