All Columns

KERCHNER: There’s Been A Lot To Watch
Columns

KERCHNER: There’s Been A Lot To Watch

KERCHNER: There’s Been A Lot To Watch

The Labor Day weekend is in the rearview mirror and the racing season has gotten down to the nitty gritty. That said, it’s been a very interesting season at every level of the sport with huge crowds not only at short-track racing’s crown jewel events but at NASCAR and IndyCar events as well. There’s certainly […]
KENNEDY: A Robust Tripleheader At Irwindale
Columns

KENNEDY: A Robust Tripleheader At Irwindale

KENNEDY: A Robust Tripleheader At Irwindale

The third Spears SRL Southwest Tour triple-header of the year at Irwindale Speedway took place Sept. 16 on the half-mile paved oval.
BOURCIER: Jeff Walker, Race-Driver Whisperer
Opinion

BOURCIER: Jeff Walker, Race-Driver Whisperer

BOURCIER: Jeff Walker, Race-Driver Whisperer

INDIANAPOLIS — Every piece had been checked, every nut and bolt tightened. The engine was idling, so the whole thing shook and rocked, as sprint cars will. When its driver, Justin Grant, leaned in to yank the throttle, the chassis tensed like a leopard set to pounce. Grant looked anxious. He’d swept the first two […]
SHEHEEN: The Demon Hits The Big Screen
Opinion

SHEHEEN: The Demon Hits The Big Screen

SHEHEEN: The Demon Hits The Big Screen

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Damion Gardner earned the nickname “Demon” as a kid, and it served him well as he became one of the nation’s best sprint car racers. Ten West Coast non-winged sprint car titles support that statement. Win that much and it divides the fans. There are those who love you and respect your […]
SULLIVAN: The Sweet Spot
Columns

SULLIVAN: The Sweet Spot

SULLIVAN: The Sweet Spot

INDIANAPOLIS — F. Scott Fitzgerald is reputed to have said the test of first-rate intelligence is the ability to keep two completely opposite thoughts in your head at the same time. I have no idea if what follows fits into this category, or (a.) if it is just taking a different perspective, or (b.) simply […]
KERCHNER: Friday Morning Heat Race
Columns

KERCHNER: Friday Morning Heat Race

KERCHNER: Friday Morning Heat Race

Who is the most impressive young driver you’ve seen this year? There are plenty of candidates. Here are five: Corey Day, Jade Avedisian, Brent Crews, Ryan Timms and Chase Randall.
FROST: The Next Phase Of The Media Landscape
Opinion

FROST: The Next Phase Of The Media Landscape

FROST: The Next Phase Of The Media Landscape

WILMETTE, Ill. — The sports media business model continues to evolve and money continues to flow. In this month’s Business of Speed, we investigate how the motorsports industry is approaching the future. Teams are no longer simply focused on winning races and hoisting championship trophies. On the test track, behind the simulator screen, in the […]
KERCHNER: Friday Morning Heat Race
Columns

KERCHNER: Friday Morning Heat Race

KERCHNER: Friday Morning Heat Race

It’s time for our weekly Friday morning tour around the racing world. From hot laps to the main event, here’s what’s on our mind this week
ARGABRIGHT: The Essence Of Damion Gardner
Opinion

ARGABRIGHT: The Essence Of Damion Gardner

ARGABRIGHT: The Essence Of Damion Gardner

KNOXVILLE, Iowa — The lights dimmed and the room fell quiet as images of a storied racing career began to play out upon the screen. Through riveting footage and interviews, the life and times of Damion Gardner came to vivid, compelling life. “World’s Fastest Sprint Car – Damion Gardner and the Championship Mind” is an […]
WADE: Losing Another Drag Strip
Opinion

WADE: Losing Another Drag Strip

WADE: Losing Another Drag Strip

This is starting to sound like a broken record: Another drag strip is shutting down.