The first time I see James Essex at most Dirt Late Model events, he’s scurrying through the pits, peeking over his glasses to say hello — and scribbling on an index card with his black uni-ball Roller fine point.

The longtime Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announcer’s stack of 4-by-6-inch ruled index cards are his rubber-banded bible for each racing season, the holiest of holies for recalling driver hometowns, ages, chassis, engines, sponsors and more.

The decidedly old school method of MORE

OK, I get it now. I felt it. It being the feeling of falling in love with a town, a speedway and an event. Last month I made the 11-hour drive to Fairbury, Ill., to attend the Prairie Dirt Classic. DirtonDirt.com co-founder Michael Rigsby has been after me for some time now to come and experience the event. In recent years, I have developed a close friendship with Fairbury co-owner and promoter Matt Curl through working together at both the Gateway Dirt Nationals and the Wild West Shootout. Matt MORE