Frankfort Indiana Motorsports

9-25-08

We went into the month of June with high hopes for a great start to summer, unfortunately, mother nature had other plans.  On June 7th we headed down to Brownstown Speedway to kick off our summer racing; however, the race was canceled due to the large amount of rain we received.

With our high hopes “dampened” we still went into the next racing weekend with a good attitude and hope for a great race.  Once again the race at Brownstown Speedway was canceled due to the track flooding.  With the odds against us, we were more determined than ever to make the next weekend one to remember.  

We definitely got our wish.  On the afternoon of the 21st the boys and Sam headed to North Vernon to race at Twin Cities Raceway Park.  The skies were blue and the race car had been running great, nothing could go wrong.  As we were passing through  Indianapolis at the corner of West and New York streets the U-Joint on the truck we were driving went out which caused us to drop the drive shaft.  We were stuck in Indy for three and a half hours waiting on Jim Moon, the car owner, to bring us the part we needed to fix the truck.  After a long wait we were able to get the truck running and make it to North Vernon just in time for Hotlaps.  Joe raced very well during the Hotlaps.  During the heat race Joe started 4th in the second row and had a good beginning.  Going into the second lap the stud broke off the ball bearing of the right front tire forcing Joe to end his heat race early.  Our lack of good luck during the heat put us in last place to start the actual race.  Going into the 4th corner of the first lap Joe was met by a wreck that broke out in front of him.  Having nowhere to go he had no choice but to take the wreck head on.  Joe's car was in good enough condition to continue on with the race.  On the second lap of the restart however, Joe experienced the same problem.  A wreck broke out in front of him and proved to be unavoidable.  This time the car suffered a broken front end, the nose piece was completely ruined and the front end of the car was torn off up to the radiator.  Needless to say, the race was over for FIM.

In the month of July, Joe was able to race in what he feels is one of the most important races of the season.  The “Race for Riley” is a race held every year near the end of July.  Drivers come from all over to participate in this charity race that directly benefits Riley Children's Hospital.  Joe, being a “Riley kid” himself, loves having the opportunity  to give back while doing what he loves.  Joe went to this race with a great support system behind him and was able to walk away from it very pleased with his 3rd place finish.  

As Joe's senior year is quickly approaching, we are sad to say our 2008 racing season is over.  He has already been practicing with his football team for two weeks now and his first game is next weekend.  Joe will also be attending Ivy Tech half days this year in hopes of getting a degree in welding.  This being Joe's final year in school, it is important that all of our focus is now shifted toward school.