Hello race fans!

I will be trading in my fire suit and seat belts at this season's Duel in the Desert for a microphone and a seat in the sky box. While I would much rather have the seat with the mud flying at my face shield, the change of perspective will be good for me. I have competed in the Duel since it first became an event in the late 1990's. However, I destroyed a car this summer and am currently in the process of completing a new ride for the 2009 season. This will be my first experience behind-the-scenes at the event and I'm excited.

Racers from all over the country converge on the half-mile of magic mud for the season-ending event for the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA). The list of past winners is a virtual ‘who's who' of the modified ranks. Close to 200 men and women are expected to fight for the 28 starting spots in the starting field for Saturday night's $5000 to win feature event. Just making the final field at this event will erase any bad memories racers may have of the 2008 race season.  Be sure to keep an eye on racers Todd Shute, Christy Georges, Johnny Saathoff, David Murray, and Brad Pounds, just to name a few.  

The track surface always provides great racing with several grooves to choose from. Many drivers prefer the low-line right around the tractor tires lining the infield, while those gutsier drivers take on the high-side running just inches off the outside retaining wall. The best (or craziest) racers shoot off the occasional shower of sparks as the tip of their rear bumper gently grazes the concrete barrier.

During the earlier events you will notice the speed of the cars, but as the track dries out you will notice ability of the drivers to finesse the car. The drying surface becomes really slick, like ice, and drivers have to keep the tires from spinning by easing onto the accelerator. Forward bite is something drivers will search for as the night wears on and the track wears out.

This year the IMCA Stock cars, Legends cars, and Bombers will also be hitting the track at the Duel. If you haven't seen the stock cars before, you will not be disappointed. While back in Iowa visiting friends, I have taken in some IMCA stock car races and they are amazing! The racing is always close, clean and entertaining.  I'm hoping there is a large field in every class.

It will be nice not having the pressure of competing, however I think the pressure of announcing will be worse! Will I stumble over my words? Will I ramble on about nothing? Will I sound like a fool?  YIKES! Keep those fingers crossed for me as I embark on a very new endeavor. I hope to check in with you all again before the weekend is up.

See you at the track!
Dan Fitzgerald

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