If you're a fan of history like me, you'll like recent additions to DirtonDirt.com's historical archives, courtesy pre-eminent Dirt Late Model historian Bob Markos.

The genesis and early history of the UMP Summernationals (way back before DIRTcar tripped up caps lock keys everywhere) has long been murky, but Markos dug up what's believed to be complete results from two of the earliest seasons in 1986-87.

I wasn't around for those races (I was otherwise occupied as a history major at Western MORE

A few weeks ago, the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame ushered in its class of 2009 inductees with ceremonies at the North-South 100 in Florence, Ky. The list of Dirt Late Model racing legends that are inducted into the Hall of Fame is impressive, to say the least. While watching some of the video from the 2009 ceremony, it got me thinking. What makes a driver legendary and when do they become legendary?

When thinking of legendary drivers, one immediately turns to drivers such as Jeff Purvis, MORE

With the World 100 fast approaching at the famed Eldora Speedway, the anticipated tech day prior to Dirt Late Model racing's biggest event is also forthcoming. While work commitments keep me from taking an extended break for the World 100, the tech days around the World 100 used to be some of my favorites. The atmosphere is more relaxed, cars are out of the haulers and on display, and drivers and crews have more time to talk about the cars and the upcoming quest for the globed trophy.

Most teams MORE

No doubt one of the most inspiring stories in Dirt Late Model racing in recent years is that of Hershel Roberts, the 66-year-old IMCA driver who has continued his driving career despite battling stage IV cancer the past three seasons.

Recent health problems have forced the East Moline, Ill., driver out of his car at least temporarily — Ray Guss Jr. has been subbing in the No. 58 — but Roberts has probably gained more fans with his valiant battle with cancer than he has with his 289 career MORE

While the initials “CK” might not ring a bell to most of you out there, it's plenty familiar to the Dirt Late Model community out West. Chris Kearns — or CK as he is known to many — made a significant impact on Dirt Late Model racing by bursting onto the scene a few years ago in promoting the Western Allstars Late Model Series. Kearns brought unique formats, a flair for promotion, and new sponsors into the sport which both boosted the purses and in turn boosted car counts at his events MORE