tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295331982009-10-26T08:43:22.226-05:00<i>Daily drama from the racing world with Michelle Petroff</i>Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-43758651199175584072009-04-15T20:37:00.003-05:002009-04-15T21:12:49.098-05:00

Hello Blogosphere!It has been awhile. Every time that I would start to write, I would get distracted so my apologies. It has been a *very* interesting 2009 and that is part of the lull as I handled a few matters.Isn't it almost amusing how things we get really upset about when in the moment often turn out to be blessings in disguise or insignificant in the greater scheme of things? This has

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-80170031059520568412009-02-27T07:42:00.004-06:002009-02-27T08:14:16.663-06:00

The tough economic situation has sparked change in all divisions of motorsports but the change in both the NHRA and NASCAR is enough that I need Cliff Notes to keep track. Just a few of my observations and thoughts on this matter...NHRAAdmit it, most of you are like me - when I say NHRA you think the pro touring series. I just got used to it being the Powerade Drag Racing Series last year and

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-38359514900814372302009-02-16T15:22:00.005-06:002009-02-16T16:12:47.820-06:00

Or at least that's what you think! Within the professional motorsports' world, the public relations reps and agents have their own little subculture with as much conflict, controversy and drama as what fans see on the track. Those who enter with newbie enthusiasm and believe this will be a glorious job where they get to just hang out and watch races are soon disappointed while their peers who are

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-33067603526826367992009-02-14T22:24:00.000-06:002009-02-14T22:29:46.765-06:00

A very sad early report on the tragic death of a talented young racer.~MichelleMatt Hawkins, one of the brightest young stars of the short track world, has passed away at the age of 21. Hawkins lost his life after an incident involving an accidental gun discharge Friday night in Georgia.On the track, Hawkins had built up an amazing resume. He won in his first career starts in both the ARCA REMAX

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-21841934002907605282009-02-14T10:15:00.002-06:002009-02-14T10:26:43.477-06:00

Contact: Michelle Petroff, Josh Richards Racing, (618) 406-6842 or michelle@michellepetroff.comBARBERVILLE, FL (February 13, 2009) - Go ahead and call him Kid Rocket but Josh Richards has proven he is anything but juvenile. Twenty year-old Richards has ignited his 2009 season with five victories during two weeks of competition during Florida’s Speedweeks.After a historic performance of three

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-62913639992735478212009-02-13T09:45:00.003-06:002009-02-13T09:50:02.238-06:00

Contact: Michelle Petroff, Josh Richards Racing, (618) 406-6842 or michelle@michellepetroff.comBARBERVILLE, FL (February 12, 2009) - With two weeks of racing already under his belt in the 2009 season, Josh Richards remained focused on the most important race of his Florida Speedweeks performance – the World of Outlaws Late Model Series’ opening event during the “38th Annual Alltel DIRTcar

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-67616957473819430822009-02-12T10:57:00.004-06:002009-02-12T11:15:21.731-06:00

The Childress legacy doesn't just exist in NASCAR. The veteran team owner's grandsons have impressed many with their recent UMP Modified performances at the "Alltel DIRTcar Nationals presented by UNOH". Austin Dillon, who has toured throughout the southeast in the dirt late model ranks, and his younger brother, Ty, finished first and second respectively in Tuesday night's finale.Austin, the

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-89744247623733362422009-02-09T16:57:00.003-06:002009-02-09T17:01:10.316-06:00

Since the car is sitting at Volusia and a week of racing kicks off tonight, I believe this is now safe to post. The new Shannon Babb Racing No. 18 with support from Sheltra & Sons Construction, Petroff Towing, Donley Trucking, Sunoco Race Fuels, Allstar Performance and Rocket Chassis looks sharp.

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-14489655655859716682009-02-09T07:56:00.003-06:002009-02-09T08:52:03.176-06:00

Oh, the drama that happens when race fuel, lights and a full moon mix on a Saturday night!Rather than starting with the circus acts stealing the headlines, I rather focus on the best story of the night first. One of the most independent spirits in dirt late model racing pulled off an amazing win after a week of consistent performances.Our very own Dennis Erb, Jr., of Carpentersville, IL, has

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-91293216798249309092009-02-07T08:46:00.023-06:002009-02-08T12:31:31.495-06:00

What is fast, black and grey all over with an orange center? Ask Shannon Babb!I know that I would be in the crosshairs if I posted photos of it and am not willing to take that risk since he's proven to be a good shot. But watch for the new Shannon Babb Racing No. 18 to debut at Volusia! Although he is back on his own, surely his winning ways will continue.A flashback through the years:

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-45151081226900547382009-02-07T08:01:00.008-06:002009-02-07T13:36:04.191-06:00

Victory Lane Photo Shows the Flat Right Rear TireJosh Richards may be over a decade younger than the rest of the competitors who follow the ultra-competitive World of Outlaws' Late Model Series but that has not hampered his ascension as one of the nation's most powerful drivers. The 20 year-old West Virginia native has continued to excel since his 2005 WoOLMS "Rookie of the Year" honors and

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-6444365993971630022009-02-06T11:19:00.002-06:002009-02-06T11:30:08.318-06:00

After being around this industry for so long, it takes a lot to surprise me. So, I am really in awe that after shelving this blog and all of the haters, I am still greeted by new people telling me how much they enjoyed it and wished I would consider bringing it back. Surprising!I had plans to do more last season but was very busy on the taboo pavement side and didn't have the time to clean out

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-63253022507896382122007-02-16T16:04:00.001-06:002009-02-06T11:17:12.920-06:00

The Gravy Train Stops HereAgain, my apologies for the delay. I was going to just talk about the sponsors role in the sport but, come on, we all know how important they are to the success of any track, team or series. Therefore, this entry will be a little bit different than the others because rather than just talking about sponsors and their roles in the sport, I expanded it to also give a few

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-80110014691615568652007-01-21T11:36:00.001-06:002009-02-06T11:16:30.082-06:00

Run it like a business! The heart of our sport centers on the drivers who put on the shows from your favorite weekly track to the “crown jewel” events. Often they are put on a pedestal for just doing their jobs and there times when fans forget they are regular people like the rest of us. But sometimes, a few of them forget that too. When discussing the state of our sport and improvements or

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-68235035710167582682007-01-14T14:56:00.001-06:002009-02-06T11:15:55.360-06:00

It’s All About the Bottom-line – RACING!As I prefaced in the introduction, this is not just a tirade on the state of the sport but rather calling out some issues, concerns and lessons that we can all hopefully learn from so we can be active participants in making dirt late model racing the best it possibly can be. In spotlighting specific parties of interest and key issues, we will hopefully work

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-53409041991329794722007-01-07T10:18:00.001-06:002009-02-06T11:15:16.418-06:00

Good morning everyone! Over the course of the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of talking to many respected individuals in the industry – from long-standing fans and sponsors to drivers, series officials and powerbroker promoters. Various topics of interest (and concern) continually pop up in our conversations because dirt late model racing is at a bit of a crossroads. We are not at

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-31605920841776033202006-11-09T14:18:00.001-06:002009-02-06T11:14:35.123-06:00

Hey, hey everyone!Several people have sent questions or topics for the off-season. One topic keeps reappearing and that's on how to get sponsors. If I had a magic answer, I wouldn't be workin' hard trying to get them too. Granted, there are some essential 'need to know' or don't do pointers but a lot of it comes down to luck, planning and just finding the right people. Product support is

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-1155138606321790222006-08-22T20:44:00.001-05:002009-02-06T11:12:08.901-06:00

It seems to be that time of year when talk of sponsorship is a hot topic in the racing community. I've dealt with this issue quite a few times and have had many discussions with racers, fellow sponsors and others about common questions, complaints and misconceptions. I apologize for the delay but its been chaotic and I haven't been able to sit and try to elaborate on a few thoughts until now.

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-1154801134616086942006-08-05T10:47:00.001-05:002009-02-06T11:10:32.958-06:00

Recently a hot topic that has come up on some of the message boards is the confusion over a few events in our area and the WoO Late Model Series. Initial plans were to have the WoO join UMP for Paducah, I-55 (Pepsi Nationals) and the Springfield Mile but that doesn't look likely at this point in time. Stinks, I agree. But most people outside of the promoting or track operations side don't

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-1154622827166059202006-08-03T11:30:00.001-05:002009-02-06T11:09:42.845-06:00

So the NASCAR boys came to back to play at one of the most popular Midwestern dirt tracks. Yup, another successful year for the "M&M's Night of Stars" at I-55 Raceway. Extreme heat (temperatures over 100 degrees) did have some impact on the turnout but some people lined up as early as 10:30pm the night before to get a shot at tickets for the autograph sessions. Props need to go out to Ray

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-1152744409584408952006-07-12T17:45:00.002-05:002009-02-06T11:11:06.522-06:00

Evening, y'all! I'm running out for a bit but will try to post some random updates from West Burlington tonight otherwise, you know the drill. I received and e-mail today and Joe took a lot of time to sort through things and I thought this was a topic many of you may have interest in so I am passing it along... I got a lot of flack for calling this thing the "Hell Tour" but it is what it is.~

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-1152419303758067722006-07-08T22:37:00.001-05:002009-02-06T11:06:25.685-06:00

As we say, "We're not at the circus, we're WITH the circus". People see the entire entourage (aka regine) roll from town to town swarming car washes, part stores and Wal-Marts - yup, the circus is back in town.I've had some really interesting questions lately about the traveling habits and routines. I may forget a few things since it's almost 11pm and I'm a little lost today so bear with me

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-1151669202532177422006-06-30T17:56:00.001-05:002009-02-06T11:04:43.657-06:00

There is a lot of talk about the big 5-0 celebrations for my dad and our special surprise present for him so here's a little 4-1-1. My dad, scary enough, used to race back in the 1970s. As I mentioned in a previous post, he raced for grocery money, not trophies, and is quite proud of the fact that no one ever ran over his stuff and went unscathed. He drove a blue car (like our tow trucks,

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-1151253493231365632006-06-25T10:36:00.001-05:002009-02-06T11:00:54.198-06:00

Good morning everyone! I had a lot of e-mail response to the entry on "How much fun vs. how much business" and quite a bit from teams. A lot of "thank you for letting people know just because you travel doesn't mean you are making a lot of money" and a lot of "what do these teams that got singled out do right that we can imitate?"Regarding the part on racing for a living, that is a whole

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29533198.post-1151164500815572042006-06-24T09:51:00.001-05:002009-02-06T10:58:04.220-06:00

OK, updates from Farmer City thanks to the fellas are up and one Starbucks downed so back in the saddle. I have to leave here in about an hour for the drag races. Too much sun so I need to bust out the SPF 65. It's a lot of work to stay this pale!Sounded like last night was a snoozer in the feature just follow the leader but Hillard made it interesting. We've all been in those situations -

Michellemichelle@michellepetroff.com3