All my career that has lasted for a decade, I have never once backed down from a big name driver. I have raced with, and been, nationally ranked myself. When the stars of the WKA invaded my home track if I backed down, my down would have jumped my behind. He doesn’t believe in that, and neither do I. I stepped in a big car for the first time at the now closed Memphis Motor Sports Park ¼ mile dirt oval. It was filled with nervousness, excitement, joy, and heartbreak. I crashed pretty hard in practice, but hey, it happens. Came back to come from 10th to 4th in the feature only to spin out after contact with another driver down the front stretch on the last lap. As a fan, I would love to see more of that. A rookie, not being scared of the veterans. As a driver, I would love it also, as long as he/she can handle themselves. I love the competition, and having been to many big shows, the local guy usually doesn’t stand a chance, it’s like he knows that so he doesn’t try.

When this really hit me was watching a World of Outlaws Sprint Car race at KC Raceway in Ohio. I was watching the event on TV. I notice Steve Kinser pull up next to a driver, and he literally pulled off the track to give Kinser enough room. I seen the same thing with some of our local drivers at a WoOLM event at Memphis a couple years back. Bloomquist started mid-pack and the local drivers, and lesser named touring guys about crashed getting out of his way as he charged to the front. I really see a problem with this. I know there is probably no way to stop it, but we can as fans, fellow drivers, and dirt track supporters make it easier on the local guy.