What a WILD night!!!
The night started like so many others this race season, with the weather man calling for rain.  Track
officials delayed entrance for quite some time as they watched the weather radar to determine if the rain
was going to continue to miss us.  We made our way over to the fishing pond and watched it get stocked
with "the best fish in the world" according to the Arkansas man stocking it.  He was putting in big mouth
bass while we were there.  No pictures.  I was too enthralled.
Finally, the gates were opened and haulers began to make their way into the pits.  My dad and I took the
usual tour through the main grandstands and out to souvenir row.  Of course we had to stop to get a
picture of the tribute for the man, the legend, the mastermind who built this legendary track, Earl Baltes,
and the true rock behind his ventures, his wife, Bernice.
When we were ready to head down to the pits, my dad decided the sky looked too mean and had a seat
under the awning.  I have to admit he made a good choice.  The heavens opened up in spectacular
fashion, unleashing high winds, vivid displays of lightning, and vast amounts of water I haven't seen
since... Never mind.  I live in Cedar Rapids.  It did manage to separate the infield from the beautiful high
banks with a moat.  Note the darkness.  Less than 30 minutes after this passed through, the next set of
photos were taken.
After a while, Mother Nature noticed that none of us were leaving and gave up.  Track officials went to
work with the tractors and graders, working the water through the driveway, track, and infield for what
turned into a great racing surface!  We made our way down to the pits and did the walk through to see
who was there.  Noticeably, Smoke wasn't there.  We knew he was sick when he got out of the car at
Daytona.  It's even more apparent when he misses a dirt track race.  We never saw his family either.  
Smoke, our thoughts and prayers are strongly with you as the doctors figure out what's got you and get
you better!  We really missed your antics tonight!  Note how bright it is now.
Finally, it was time for the driver's meeting.  Quite a field was on hand.  Recognize anyone?
The first set of hot laps took the field.  Of course, for hot laps, I had to make my way to turn 3.  In my spot,
you can get shots of the cars coming down the back stretch without the nuisance of a pesky fence in
your way.  I stand up against the inside wall right where the cars turn a hard left and cut down to enter
the turn.  Nothing like a methanol burning, fire breathing car hurtling at you at 130 mph!!!  The cars in this
hot laps session were in heat race number 1 which ended up 1) Fred Rahmer (51), 2) Tim Shaffer (20), 3)
Kasey Kahne (91), 4) Cap Henry (04), 5) Tim Hunter (??), 6) Tim Allison (11), 7) Luke Hall (34), 8) Brad
Foster (00), 9) Brian Howland (??)
Notice the daylight in the
background.  This is less
than 30 minutes prior to
the next set of photos.