09/01/2026
We wrapped up another incredible year of racing at the 2026 Yankee Dirt Track Classic, and I’m still buzzing. We drew a 187 (I didn't know you could draw so bad). So we had to Start the Heat in the back, and then it rained during the heat. Car still doesn't drive in muddy slick very well and water created a misfire. This put us to 18th for the feature. Car drove well (even despite having the wrong gear in). Got all the way up to 9th at one point, and 8th was in our sites, got bumped and a little loose so we dropped a few spots on the last few laps. Finished 11th in a very competitive field, not sure where we'd have ended up had the shocks and gear gotten put in. Some highlights of the car made the attached broadcast.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this season possible — my wife (37+ weeks pregnant) was in the pits on Friday night, as well as, my brother who was under the weather. On Saturday, my brother once again came down while sick, and braved the weather once again. Also had Tanner show up to help get us on the track. Can't thank my family enough, my father (only 79) helped get the car out on the track all season long, and still was giving advice while out of town for the race. My mother for supporting all season long and cooking some amazing food to bring to the shop. Ryan, at Galena Mill and Steel fixing all my screw ups all season long. Brett, helping all season long to make sure I could get to as many races as I could, Dustin, for all his help and support with car. Tanner, for coming down to help fix things in the shop. East Dubuque Shop class getting the body work done to get us on the track, And of course my other wonderful sponsors. Lumbersnacks Barbecue, Sawvice, Galena Mill and Steel, Galena Cellars, Kava Kava, and Ella Bee's Cleaning Service LLC.
To the fans (more than I realized) your energy in the stands, your support all season long, and your belief that we could improve kept us pushing for every lap and every finish line (which at times were tough to reach). We braved broken drive trains, brakes, flying over tractor tires, but still kept up and made subtle improvements. Moments like the Yankee remind us why we love this sport — it’s not just about the racing, it’s about the community.
Not sure how many fall events we'll be able to make, as family comes first, but we'll try to make a few. Otherwise, I do have a guest driver lined up that might be able to wheel some good races now that I've got the car figured out better. (And UPS finally delivered my shocks)
If we don't see you in the fall, See you at the track next season! 🏎️💨
