Sports feeds
E-mail sports alerts
DDN sports mobile
Sports TwitterPRELUDE TO THE DREAM
These drivers have the dirt on racin'
Monday, June 02, 2008
They are some of the world's best drivers. So when NASCAR and NHRA guys need advice finding the fastest way around Eldora Speedway in late models, who do they ask?
Some of the world's best dirt late model drivers, of course.
Extras
"Billy Moyer, Wendall Wallace, Rick Eckert, all those guys. It's incredible the car control they do," said NASCAR driver Aric Almirola, who'll be driving for Wallace during the Prelude to the Dream on Wednesday, June 4.
"They're full-time racers just like we are. They race for a living just like we do. They probably don't get near the recognition, but they are hard core racers. That's what I respect the most about them."
Compared to the first Prelude in 2005, more participants are bringing their own cars to race. But many are still in borrowed rides. NHRA Funny Car driver Ron Capps is again teaming up with Eldora veteran Brian Ruhlman.
"He's a big guy, he's like 6-foot-whatever and 200-something pounds," said Capps, whose fourth-place finish in 2006 is his Prelude best.
"The first year I was swimming in his seat. I finally got smart and, the second year, I bought my own seat and sent it to him."
Clint Bowyer, who will field a late model for driver Shannon Babb in the Dirt Late Model Dream this weekend, also is providing a Prelude car for Jimmie Johnson. Bowyer also will be driving. Which Victory Lane does he want to reach most?
"I'd trade a Prelude win for the Dream any day," he said.
Kyle Busch, who finished second in his Prelude debut last season, enlisted the help of Scott James. James has sat on the front row of the past two Dirt Late Model Dreams.
"It means a lot to me for them to call me and ask to use one of my cars," said James, adding Busch will be driving the car James used in last year's Dream.
"We know all know it's for the Victory Junction, so that's one of our biggest reasons for doing it. Obviously we want to put a car out there that Kyle can win in. He's just on top of his game, and we're excited to have him in our car."
If you go
What: Old Spice Prelude to the Dream
When: Wednesday, June 4
Where: Eldora Speedway, Rossburg
Tickets: General admission — 16-older $23; 12-15 $13; 11-younger $8.
What: Dirt Late Model Dream
When: Friday & Saturday, June 6-7
Where: Eldora Speedway, Rossburg
Tickets: Ages 16-older $40; 12-15 $27; 0-11 $14.
Phone: (937) 338-3815
Web site: www.eldoraspeedway.com
