It’s a harsh reality.

Racers throughout middle America and the Northeast have noticed something that happens with unfailing consistency: winter. By February much of the nation is locked into a deep freeze, making outdoor racing an impossible notion. | Complete Speedweeks coverage

There was a time when racers spent the winter indoors, leisurely working on their stuff and counting the days until spring. The idea of racing in February was farfetched to say the least, so competitors and fans simply MORE

Racing is wonderful! Why would anybody ever quit?

Over the past couple of weeks two relatively young racers have announced plans to step away from the sport. First was Brian Birkhofer, revealing his decision in a low-key manner at Knoxville. In recent days popular Wisconsin racer Brady Smith has announced his plans to sell his equipment and quit.

Both announcements were surprising to say the least. The thought of racers walking away while obviously still in their prime has triggered renewed MORE

Thirteen weeks ago Dale McDowell made the long haul up I-75, past Cleveland and Athens and Sweetwater. Through Knoxville, then London and Richmond and Lexington, finally the southern fringes of the sprawling Cincinnati metroplex. Then … across the wide river to Ohio. | Complete World 100 coverage

Ohio was very good to McDowell all those weeks ago. He and Team Dillon Racing carried $100,000 back home from Eldora Speedway, scoring an impressive win on June 7 in the 20th Dirt Late Model Dream. Now MORE