Writings

      Here are some of my favorites from past published writings

 

         The Undertaker - Mixing some old with the new in this journey of a Kentucky newcomer. This preseason 2001 look at one of Kentucky's up and coming drivers. (Jan. 2001)

         Ronnie Johnson - Any reporter covering dirt late model racing knows that Ronnie Johnson is one of the Darrell Waltrip's of dirt for interview material. He's always willing to share a view, share a laugh and share the world according to RJ. In this early 1999 piece, RJ reflects on a career that was in the middle of change and how he viewed the racing scene before the end of the century. (March 1999)

        Steven Howard - Not Your Average All-American  - This is the classic Hollywood movie. The kind of story every writer would love to tell. Just barely in his 20's Steven Howard had already seen death face-to-face, a racers worst fear - fire had entered his life and he had overcame all this to become a national champion already. But interviewing him was one of the toughest I've faced. Not wanting to force any issues, the struggles of life were still evident in his words and expressions, but he gave me a great interview and a story I'll never forget. Steven is why race car drivers become heros and why we can admire and watch them with amazement. As of 2000, Steven still competes on the NASCAR All-Pro Series behind the wheel of the #19. (Oct. 1996) 

      Jesse Samples Jr. - the Kid from Nowhere - While the Christian Rayburn story below might be the piece I'm known for, this is the article that holds the most meaning for me and also tells the most about me, explained in the attached Column that I wrote to go with the article. I think this is a story that every beginning driver, no matter what division, needs to read and think about. I was proud of this article when I wrote it because it brought attention to a Jeff Gordon before there was Jeff Gordon- Superstar, I was proud because it shows that as much as we make stars out of drivers, there are other equal stars in everyday life- it's what makes you happy that matters most. And because of writing and researching this article, I'm proud I know Jesse Samples Jr. - one incredible star. (May 1997) 

 - Due to the extensive length of article... a text only version can be printed off this link, click and print per your computer instructions. (Prints on six pages)     Printable version

- Simply Rc - column that was written in the issue that Jesse Samples Jr. - the Kid from Nowhere appeared. Explains in greater detail the personal perspective  of meeting Jesse and writing the feature story on him. (May 1997)

       10 Names for the New Millennium - Predicting the future in racing???- be easier winning a lottery I think... but none the less this article looks at 10 drivers, who I thought might be names heard for the next 1000 years or less... ha... (March 2000)

       Dirt Racing Outreach - A short piece on Bill and Debbie Reed's Dirt Racing Outreach, not a Nobel Prize piece, but something that as soon as I was a part of, felt needed to be shared with the racing community... therefore here it appears for  more to learn... (March 2000)

     Christian- here's your story - If there has been a story I've been known for writing over the past years it's this recollection of a conversation with quite the character of a character... Christian Rayburn, son of legendary chassis builder/racer CJ Rayburn. It speaks for itself, trust me. (April 1997)

    Freddy Smith and Goats - What can be wrote about Freddy Smith that hasn't already been. That's where I began with writing this story on Freddy Smith. Immediately I thought the way around this was to interview the one person that knows Freddy the most, his wife Naomi, and get a story that hadn't been wrote about the Southern Gentleman. I think after all the stories that quote all his race wins, that document the changes he's seen or experience in racing, this is the story that will leave a little more of who  Freddy Smith is for those that come along. I hope it stands the test of time and leaves a little different representation of the Dream winner and five-time Dirt Track World Champion. (Sept. 1999)

            

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