Byline: John S. Hullinger
Jun. 29--If you are a fan of dirt track racing -- Late Models in particular -- CNN just found out about you.
The Cable News Network proclaims dirt track racing as 'The biggest sport you've never heard of' in its documentary 'CNN Presents: Dirt Track Warriors,' which debuts Saturday night at 8.
Considering that the documentary acknowledges the sport has more than 30 million fans, perhaps 'The biggest sport we've never heard of,' would be a more accurate tagline for CNN.
Centered on Eldora Speedway in Rossburg and the 2005 World 100 Late Model race, the show is an intriguing look at one of the last true grassroots sports left in America.
And regardless of how sheltered CNN's producers may or may not be, 'Dirt Track Warriors' is worth 60 minutes of your time.
For those who have followed the sport for years or even decades, it is a chance to see dirt track racing get some mainstream exposure. It is also a chance to spot a familiar face in the stands or pits, or a familiar car on the track.
There is even a brief segment featuring footage from last year's Old Spice Sprint Sizzler that featured NASCAR star and Eldora owner Tony Stewart competing against EFINRA 360 Sprint regulars.
For those new to the sport, it is an informative and revealing look at the many facets of dirt track racing.
'Dirt Track Warriors' follows three drivers from different backgrounds as they attempt to qualify for and win the biggest Late Model race in the country, the World 100.
There is well-funded Late Model legend Scott Bloomquist and his pristine shop, hauler and cars. Then there is Chub 'Chubzilla' Frank, who races for grocery money. And then there is 'silver-spoon driver' Josh Richards, the up-and-coming son of famed Rocket Chassis builder Jerry Richards.
Three-time World 100 champ Bloomquist is the fast-living, hard-charging veteran who seems finally to found peace and happiness with newly pregnant wife Katrina.
He doesn't find it at the World, however. In fact, on his Web site, Bloomquist lists the 2005 World 100 as the 'Most Forgettable' racing moment of his career.
Frank, the defending winner, is still trying to recover from a fire that destroyed his shop and his entire collection of trophies and winner's checks.
Richards, a 17-year-old high school honor student, is trying to qualify for his first World 100 and prove he is in the seat because of his talent, not because of his dad.
Each has a unique perspective on the sport and his place in it. Each has a different background and different obstacles to overcome to reach the goal.
'Dirt Track Warriors' is more about the people than the sport itself.
But it is the people that make the sport.
Copyright (c) 2006, The Lima News, Ohio
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