Comings and Goings

 As more and more races are scheduled during the winter months, the formerly recognized " off season " lines have become blurred. Even as we make plans for our final race of 2018 - for us, the Friday night action during the Gateway Dirt Nationals at the Dome in St. Louis, the 2019 landscape of dirt late model racing is beginning to take shape.
  The local scene has been chugging along with the somewhat early release of some track and series schedules, including some new and exciting events at both Quincy Raceways and34 Raceway. Even so, the biggest news to date may be the purchase of the Stuart Speedway just west of Des Moines by well known promoter/ race director Mike VanGenderen. MVG, as he is known has shown himself to be aggressive with regard to his shows, and he has wasted no time reaffirming that trait. Along with the purchase announcement came word that Stuart would open the 2019 season on Wednesday, April 3 with night number one of the IMCA Frostbuster series. And on Monday a Thursday May 2 stop by the MLRA late models was added. Of course, Mike has worked closely with MLRA over the last few seasons, as he was the point man for events at Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, Scotland County Speedway in Memphis,Mo., and Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa. In fact, the first Thursday in May date has been on the Lee County schedule the last couple of seasons, although it was postponed by rain in 2018. With Quincy Raceways having a Sunday, May 5 date with the traveling series, I would expect the addition of Friday and Saturday races in the area, making for a four day swing. VanGenderen has confirmed that Stuart will host regular Friday night racing, so it will be interesting to see what will happen with the handful of Friday night shows he had previously announced at Scotland County. Either way, Stuart is a track that,even though close to four hours away, is now high on my bucket list of new venues to visit.
  Also, congratulations to Matt Curl, who is adding to his duties as World of Outlaw late model series director by purchasing controlling interest in the famed Fairbury,Il. American Legion Speedway where he was formerly employed.
  On the national scene, dirt track racing has begun to resemble NASCAR with regard to driver changes. Within the last few days we have learned that Benton, Kentucky youngster Tanner English will be wheeling the #116 SWR ride with veteran Randy Weaver at the helm. The team will debut at Speedweeks and race a pick and choose schedule.  At various points during the season English will also appear in a companion car fielded by Tommy Pope.
  Meanwhile, the Best Motorsports team has parted ways with Josh Richards and will now have young Texas pilot Tyler Erb behind the wheel. At nearly the same time it was announced the Richards will take over the Clint Bowyer #14 previously driven by Darrell Lanigan. Richards will apparently team with Don Oneal in the Bowyer two car stable.
  Lucas Oil champion Mike Marlar will move to the Rumley #6, while Brandon Overton will take over the #2 formerly driven by Joey Coulter. Still we await the announcement from the Dunn Benson team as to who will replace Bobby Pierce, who is moving back to a family operation. I have probably missed some moves and I am sure there are more to come, as the PRI show, December 6-8 this year is typically the time for major announcements, so stay tuned.
  Hopefully I will be back with a recap from racing at the Dome this weekend, and if you see me there, say " Hi! " Thanks for reading.