As I labored over a few non-beadlock wheels in sweltering 95-degree Tennessee heat a few months back, I realized that tire rules aren’t all that fun. Tire rules are supposed to save race teams money, but sometimes I wonder if that hasn’t backfired.

As far as the expense goes, while everyone points out all the tires these professionals have in their trailer, have you seen the number of wheels they carry with them?

Yes, you can use the wheels over again, but damn, those guys carry a lot of MORE

With the year's final crown jewel in our rear-view mirror, here are some thoughts on the 30th annual Dirt Track World Championship, held Oct. 15-16 at West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, W.Va.:

Is this the place?

After venturing away from its native West Virginia nine years ago, it was quickly clear the Carl Short-promoted race was headed back to BDS Promotions-revived WVMS after last year's frigid event in Lawrenceburg, Ind. But the race's Wild and Wonderful return wasn't the huge MORE

After taking in the 40th annual World 100 this year, it’s obvious that the influence NASCAR driver Tony Stewart has had at venerable old Eldora Speedway since purchasing the speedplant from long-time owner and promoter Earl Baltes. It was my first trip to Eldora since 2000, when I attended both The Million and World 100.

The changes and improvements from a decade ago are obvious — not that there was anything wrong with what Earl had been doing at the historic half-mile Ohio oval while MORE

Returning from last weekend’s Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals at Knoxville, I couldn’t help but reflect on how impressed I was with the event and what it could mean for Dirt Late Model racing. Complete shows each night, excellent racing, a large crowd and a top-notch facility. All too often, when high expectations are placed upon a dirt track to produce an excellent event, some walk away disappointed that the event didn’t live up to expectations. Knoxville delivers.

Among talking points in MORE

In the never-ending discussion of Billy Moyer vs. Scott Bloomquist, I have officially changed my vote — for now at least. Moyer is the greatest Dirt Late Model driver of all time. There, I said it for the world to see.

“After this year, I don’t see how you could argue against Moyer,” said one accomplished driver after Moyer's three-race sweep at Knoxville's Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals. “I have nothing against either guy, and definitely think those are the two best, but what Billy has MORE