Colorado National Speedway "CNS" Truck Division

06/18/2026

One of the things I've tried to explain to Rookies, especially our Rookie, over the years is that racing at Colorado National Speedway is a whole lot more than Mashing the Gas Pedal and Turning Left.

A lot of people buy a race car, put on a fire suit, climb through the window, and think they're race car drivers.

The truth is that becoming a good race car driver takes years. It takes practice, patience, observation, and plenty of mistakes along the way.

Every experienced driver in the pit area has made their share of mistakes. That's part of the learning process.

One of the biggest lessons to learn is understanding vehicle position, racing zones, and how your line through the corner affects everyone around you.

This knowledge helps rookies feel more confident and in control on the track.

Back when many of us learned to race, we were taught three basic zones on a race vehicle.
Zone One is the front tire area.
Zone Two is the driver's compartment.
Zone Three is the rear quarter panel, just ahead of the left rear tire.

Those three zones helped drivers understand who had the position and who needed to give racing room.

One of the Old Visual References we used was simple.
If the inside car's front fender was visible in the outside driver's peripheral vision, then the inside car had established position. At that point, the outside driver needed to leave a lane.

If that front fender disappeared from view, the outside car had the position advantage.

The inside car needed to understand that and make the proper decision.

My concern is that these zones have become blurred over the last several years, leading to confusion and unsafe situations.

Recognizing when zones are blurred helps rookies stay alert and make safer decisions on the track.

One reason is the increasing use of the wide-entry corner approach.

Now, don't get me wrong. Wide entry works. Drivers can gain speed. They can improve lap times. Sometimes they may even pick up a couple of tenths. That's valuable in racing.

The problem arises when the timing of the move creates situations that no one can react to quickly enough.

Here's what happens.
A driver enters the corner extremely wide. While they're floating high, another driver sees the bottom lane open and naturally drives into the available space.

At that exact moment, the outside driver dives sharply back to the bottom in an effort to maximize corner speed.

Now you've got two race cars headed for the same piece of asphalt.

The spotter often doesn't have enough time to warn the driver.

The driver making the move may not realize someone filled the gap.

The driver at the bottom may have believed the lane was open because it was.

Then contact happens. Too often, the inside driver gets blamed simply because they were lower on the racetrack.

In reality, many of these incidents are created by timing, positioning, and the limitations of human reaction.

I've seen situations where both drivers were penalized and sent to the rear. I've also seen situations where neither driver intentionally did anything wrong.

The lesson for rookies is that racing is not just about where your race car is right now. It's about where your racecar will be in 3 seconds. Thinking ahead builds confidence and control.

A good driver is constantly thinking ahead.
They're watching mirrors.

They're studying the line of the cars around them.
They're predicting the next move before it happens, which helps rookies feel more engaged and confident in their ability to manage traffic and avoid accidents.

Managing traffic during wide-entry corners is essential; understanding how to position your car helps rookies avoid collisions.

Learning these techniques helps rookies avoid collisions and improve race control.

At Colorado National Speedway, your line into the corner matters. Your mirrors matter. Your timing matters. Your awareness matters.

Everything happens fast, but the best drivers are already thinking ahead before they ever reach the next corner.

That's why experience matters. That's why practice matters. Every mistake is a step toward becoming a safer, more aware driver, and each lap offers a chance to learn and improve. Your progress is valuable.

That's why practice matters. Every mistake is a step toward becoming a safer, more aware driver, and each lap offers a chance to learn and improve.

Every lap teaches something if you're willing to learn.

These observations are based on my experience over many years with race cars, race tracks, drivers, and competitors. Others may see things differently, and that's perfectly fine.

Racing has always been a sport full of opinions.
This one just happens to be my Duck-Ass Opinion.

06/16/2026

Ladies and gentlemen, race fans, truck fans, fence-leaners, hot dog eaters, and professional bench racers...

This Saturday, June 20, come out to General RV Night at the Races at Colorado National Speedway, because if you've been sitting at home waiting for a reason, WELL, here it is.

The racing lately has been flat-out DAMN Good.

The Trucks have been putting on a show.

The Late Models have been delivering one, too.

The Super Stocks have been doing the same; last week's display of driving from mid-pack was AWESOME!

About the only thing not drawing a crowd lately has been some of the empty seats in the grandstands.

Now, I don't know about you, but I'd sure like to show the New Ownership Group that Colorado Race Fans still Care about Colorado National Speedway.

Give credit where credit is due. The new owners have been investing money into the facility. They've been improving it. They've been trying to move things forward. Nobody writes checks that size because they want to watch weeds grow through the asphalt.

An old racer once told me:

"You can complain about the racetrack all week long, but if you don't buy a ticket on Saturday, your opinion is only worth half price."

There's a lot of truth in that.

Now, while we're talking safety, there's one thing that's got this old Duck a Lttle Nervous.

The Yellow Flags.

In my duck-ass opinion, they're coming out way too late.

I've watched several incidents this season where the leaders are practically on top of the wreck before the yellow comes out.

Back in the old days, the flagman saw trouble, everybody around him yelled "WRECK!", and that yellow flag came out faster than a teenager heading for free pizza.

Nowadays, it feels like the discussion lasts long enough to hold a city council meeting.

That Needs Attention Before it Becomes a Big Problem.

And while we're talking safety, we've been working with our rookie driver on something every old racer learned before spotters became race car therapists.

Use your mirrors.

A spotter helps you.

A spotter does not drive the Race Car.

An old wise tale says:

"The windshield tells you where you're going. The mirrors tell you what's fixing to ruin your day."

Look in the mirror in the corner.

Look ahead coming out of the corner.

Look down the straightaway to the next corner and what's coming out of the corner.

Look ahead of the Race Car.

Watch the whole Race Track Lap after Lap.

Don't stare at the hood like it's a television set.

The best drivers I've ever raced with could see trouble developing before everybody else even knew it was there.

That's not Luck.

That's Practice.

It has saved me from more wrecks than horsepower ever did.

So RACE FANS, come on out Saturday night and be part of it.

Support the Speedway.

Back the Racers.

Stand with the New Ownership.

Fill those Grandstands Saturday Night.

Let's remind everyone that Colorado National Speedway still matters by showing up.

Race cars sound better with fans in the seats.

And as another old racer once said:

"If you're not having fun at the racetrack, check your pulse. You might already be in the souvenir program."

See you Saturday night at General RV Night at the Races. The green truck will be there.

And hopefully the yellow flags get there a little quicker, too.

06/14/2026

The Night of Glory at Diva Garage: A Hilariously Exciting Race Recap!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the electrifying race recap from Diva Garage on June 13, 2026! The engines roared, the tires screeched, and the night delivered pure racing drama. Buckle up, because this recap is about to take you for a wild ride!

The Weather Was Right, and So Was the Racing!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. The sky was clear, and the anticipation hung thick in the air. The Super Late Models put on a show, and the Grand American Modifieds delivered a strong car count.

But the true pièce de résistance of the night was the Super Stocks. Oh boy, did they deliver! With Brett Cave and Cox starting 12th and 13th, the race quickly turned into a master class on how to defy the odds and leave the front-runners eating dust.

The Comeback of the Century
With just SEVEN Laps to go, you could practically hear the collective gasp from the grandstands as Cave slipped underneath Cox, taking second place. And just like that, they charged toward the leader with the finesse of seasoned pros. It was a glorious moment that had the spectators chanting.

“Cox! Cave! Cox! Cave!” It was a name showdown that had everyone on their feet, shouting, waving their arms, and probably spilling their Beer into their nachos in the process. The excitement was palpable, and the crowd stayed locked on the battle.

The Racing We All Missed
This is how racing should be: drivers clawing their way from the back, showcasing their skills, and putting on a show. Sure, today the fast guys might prefer to start at the front and lead the whole race, but where’s the fun in that? Delicious chaos is what we crave, and boy, did we get it tonight!

As the checkered flag waved, the crowd erupted, cheering for every ounce of effort put into those cars. You could almost hear the old-timers whispering from the grandstands, “This is what racing used to be, drivers working on their cars, making them finish, and thrilling the crowd!” It was a testament to the fact that racing isn’t just about speed; it’s about heart and hustle.

A Call for Change
Tonight’s display was more than just a race; it was a reminder that we need to shake things up. Imagine if the top eight drivers had to start mid-pack, talk about filling the stands! People would flock to the races, and the beers would flow. Let’s face it, the only thing better than watching a race is watching a race where the fastest drivers for the night rise to the occasion!

So, to all the track officials out there, here’s a wise tale for you: “A wise man once said, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, but if it is BORING, SHAKE IT UP!’” Let’s make that happen.

Conclusion: A Night to Remember
As the dust settled on one of the best nights of racing at Colorado National Speedway, we tip our hats to the drivers, teams, and fans who made it all possible. From the nail-biting finishes to the heartwarming comebacks, this race was a thrilling reminder of why we love the sport.

Let’s keep the spirit alive and remember, racing is not just a pastime; it’s a way of life! So here’s to more nights like this, where the roar of the engines mingles with the laughter and cheers of the fans. Because at the end of the day, racing is about community, passion, and a whole lot of fun. So let’s keep showing up, keep cheering, and keep this spirit alive. Until next time, keep your engines revved and your spirits high!

Presented By DUCKWORTH
THIS IS NOT A CNS MANAGED SITE. See less

06/12/2026

DIVA GARAGE GAS & GLORY PRESENTS

PURE SPEED. PURE ADRENALINE. PURE SATURDAY NIGHT. Saturday, June 13, 2026 6:30 PM
Colorado National Speedway
REAL CARS.
REAL ASPHALT.
REAL RACING.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you've been looking for a reason to get off the couch, ignore the yard work, and hear the sweet sound of American horsepower, your excuse has arrived.

The weather looks great.
The lights will be shining.
The hot dogs will be cooking.
Cold Beer and the smell of race fuel will be in the air.

And let Us locals: PACK THOSE GRANDSTANDS...

On tap this Saturday night:
• Super Late Model Double Feature
• Grand American Modifieds
• Super Stocks
• Pure Stocks

That's a whole lot of racing for one Saturday night.
The Grand American Modifieds are bringing numbers.
The Super Stocks have been putting on great shows.
The Pure Stocks continue proving that brake pedals are often treated as optional equipment.

And then there are the Super Late Models.
The kings of Colorado Asphalt Racing.
The division that helped build Colorado National Speedway shows how our local Racing Roots Run Deep and Strong here in Colorado (CNS)

As the old racers always said:
"A race car sitting in the shop never won a trophy."

There are still cars sitting in garages and under covers across Colorado. Hopefully, one day we'll see those fields grow again because Super Late Models are part of what made Colorado National Speedway special.

Now here's the important part.
Whether you're racing this weekend or just cheering from the stands, your support helps keep Colorado National Speedway alive and thriving.

Bring your family.
Bring your friends.
Bring your racing buddies.
Bring that neighbor who says racing is boring.

We'll fix that problem in about three laps.
For years, many of us watched very little get put back into this facility.

Today we're seeing cleanup.
We're seeing improvements.
We're seeing effort.
We're seeing people working hard to make this place something racers and fans can be proud of again.

Let's show the New Ownership that local Racers and Local Race Fans ARE STILL HERE, and We Still Care.

Let's fill these grandstands and show our support for the racers and the future of Colorado racing.

Let's make some noise.
Let's show them Colorado racing is Alive and well.

For many of us who have been around racing for decades, we want to proudly say once again:

"Colorado National Speedway is our home track."

Summer doesn't last forever.
Before long, football will be here, winter will be knocking, and race cars will be tucked away in the garage.

Right now, with Sunshine, Race Cars, and one of the season's top Saturday night lineups, this is a must-attend event for local racing fans.

Where else can you watch drivers blame the tires, the setup, the weather, the moon, and somehow still find speed ten minutes later?

Where else can you hear engines shake the grandstands and watch three-wide racing under the lights?
That's racing.

And we love every minute of it.
Because race fuel smells better than air freshener.
Because horsepower is still cheaper than therapy.
Because DIVA GARAGE GAS & GLORY sounds a lot better than sitting on the couch.

See You Saturday Night at Colorado National Speedway!

Presented By DUCKWORTH
THIS IS NOT A CNS MANAGED SITE.

06/10/2026

06/03/2026

Well, race fans, racers, crew chiefs, tire kickers, fence leaners, and anybody who's ever spent more money on race parts than common sense, here we go.

First things first.
When the Race for the Million rolls into Colorado National Speedway on August 22, 2026, Sunbelt Rentals and Shane Johnson have a deal that's slicker than a fresh set of Hoosiers on a green racetrack.

All new first-time customers who open an account through Shane Johnson's Sunbelt Rentals location in Parker, Colorado, will receive a special welcome discount on their first rental order.

That's Sunbelt's way of saying thank you for your support and welcoming you into the fast lane with us.
The signup link will be posted soon, so keep an eye out.

As Grandpa always said, "If you don't pick up free money, don't complain when somebody else does."

Now, before Colorado gets its turn, all eyes are focused on Owosso Speedway tonight.

Thirty thousand dollars is on the line.
One driver is going home with a much bigger wallet.
Everybody else is going home with a notebook full of lessons. That's racing.

We want to wish Brian Gossell and Greg Schaefer the very best of luck tonight as they chase the big money. We also understand that Adam Hilton and his team have decided to step away from this portion of the series for now. We certainly hope to see them back when the final event rolls into Colorado National Speedway on August 22.

Tonight, the gates open at 3:00 PM.
Catch all the action live on FloRacing.

Good luck to every driver, crew member, owner, sponsor, and volunteer making tonight's event possible.

Then comes the grand finale.
August 22, 2026.
Colorado National Speedway.
Race for the Million.
Sprint Cars.
Pro Trucks.
Fireworks.

Enough horsepower to make your dentist nervous.
Enough race fuel to make your credit card sweat.
Enough excitement to keep the parking attendants working overtime.

We're hoping the place is absolutely packed.
Packed grandstands.
Packed pit area.
Packed concession stands.
And maybe just enough parking headaches to remind the New Owners that race fans still love short track racing in Colorado.

As the old racers used to say, "A full grandstand cures a lot of problems."

This event has everything.
Fast sprint cars.
Hard racing Pro Trucks.
Fireworks are lighting up the Colorado sky.

Fans are filling every seat.
And one lucky driver is taking another step toward becoming a millionaire.

Mark your calendars now.
August 22, 2026.
Colorado National Speedway.
Race for the Million.
Presented by Sunbelt Rentals.

Open your Sunbelt Rentals account through Shane Johnson's Parker location, grab your welcome discount, and get ready for one of the biggest nights of racing Colorado will see all year.

And remember.
Money can't buy happiness.
But a million dollars, a sprint car, and a victory lane photo sure get you a whole lot closer.

Good luck tonight, Brian Gossell.
We'll see everybody on August 22 at Colorado National Speedway.

Watch tonight's action here:
https://www.floracing.com/signup...

06/01/2026

Well, folks, we may have just discovered the one thing more Dangerous than a Loose Race Truck at Colorado National Speedway.

Crew wives.
Now, before anybody gets wound up tighter than a left rear spring rubber, hear me out.

At Duckworth Motorsports, we've always believed a race team is like a family. Everyone has a role, opinions matter, and we all pitch in to keep the team strong and connected.

As my Grandpa used to say, "The road to trouble is paved with good intentions and usually ends in the doghouse."

This year, we're running the Sunbelt Rentals No. 60 truck with rookie driver Shane Johnson. The crew works hard all week at their regular jobs, then spends their Saturdays helping me chase a race truck around the Garage and then in circles.

During weekends off from racing, they're usually in the garage cleaning, organizing, doing nut-and-bolt checks, checking suspension parts, making sure nothing is cracked, bent, loose, broken, or about to break.

Because in racing, speed is built on Saturday, but reliability is built Monday through Friday.

A missed bolt in the Garage turns into a long walk back to the trailer on race day.

So when a couple of mechanic ladies approached me about being crew members helping during the week, doing nut-and-bolt checks on the race truck, I thought, "Well, Hell ya, that's a great idea."

More eyes on the truck. More hands helping.
More opportunities to find problems before they become expensive noises.

What could possibly go wrong?
Duck's famous last words.

The Crew Wives just happen to stop by the Garage to pick up some team shirts. At that time, a picture was taken of the new Nut and Bolt Crew Members doing the Nut and Bolt checks. photos displayed

At the time, I didn't think much about it.
Later that night, my phone started lighting up like a caution flag. Both Crew Guys called me.

Apparently, my new "helpful addition" to the race team had become a topic of discussion at home.
A very spirited discussion, I might add.

A discussion that probably involved crossed arms, raised eyebrows, and the renegotiation of sleeping arrangements.

Suddenly, my plan to improve the weekly Nut-and-Bolt Program was being reviewed by a completely different Rules Committee.

And let me tell you something.
You think the CNS tech inspectors are getting tougher?

Try explaining your personnel decisions to a car chief's wife at 10:30 at night. There isn't a rule book thick enough.

As another old timer once told me, "You can argue with officials, racers, sponsors, and track owners. But don't argue with your crew's wives. You're already out-numbered."

The funny thing is, I really do try to involve the wives,
I tell them what's going on. I keep them informed.

They're husbands, fathers, and family members who support each other through racing and life, showing how teamwork extends beyond the track and fostering a sense of belonging for the audience.

They're husbands.
They're fathers.
They're paying mortgages.
They're raising kids.
They're juggling life.

A successful race team isn't built from race cars.
It's built from families willing to put up with race cars.
Without the wives, most race teams would have about enough funding to buy a spark plug and half a cheeseburger, showing how vital family support is for our racing efforts.

I needed someone to help with weekly Nut-and-Bolt inspections-mechanical checks that keep the truck safe and reliable, not a casting call for a reality show-to support the team and prevent surprises on race day.

Instead, I've somehow created what felt like an international incident inside the Duckworth Motorsports Garage-think miscommunication meets Comedy Central, Reminding Everyone that HUMOR Keeps us Connected.

Meanwhile, we're trying to get Shane Johnson comfortable in the truck.

The rookie is doing a good job.
The challenge is translating rookie-driver language.

A veteran driver says, "The truck is free on entry, tight center, loose off."

A rookie driver says, "It feels funny."

Then begins the detective work.
I ask questions.
He answers.
I ask more questions.
He answers differently.
Eventually, we figure out we're both talking about the same thing.

It's kind of like teaching a three-year-old to communicate.

You know they're trying.
You know they're learning.
You just have to keep asking questions until everybody is speaking the same language.

We brought the truck home in one piece from our second race.

That's a victory in itself.
The truck is clean.
The decals still look pretty.
The sheet metal fiberglass still resembles both.

At CNS Saturday, the ugly rain cloud finally moved on.
The racing was Good.
The Results were Encouraging.
The crew had fun.
The rookie learned.
The truck survived.
Life is good.

Except for one small issue.
I'm working on how to explain to the wives that a weekly Nut-and-Bolt check is a mechanical task, not a casting call for a reality show-trust me, humor helps us connect, especially when I try to joke about 'tightening more than just bolts.'

So if anybody has suggestions, I'm listening.

Until then, I'm proceeding with extreme caution.
Because in racing, there are three groups you never want to upset.

Your sponsor.
Your crew.
And your crew's wives.

One can take away your money.
One can stop working on the truck.
The third can make sure the second one stops working on the truck.

Stay tuned.
More adventures from Duckworth Motorsports Race Team are coming.

And if you hear somebody mention Barbecue Duck at the next race, you'll know exactly how my personnel meetings went, probably involving a lot of beer and grilled humor with a few well-seasoned jokes.

Quack!

05/28/2026

Well folks… Round Two for the Pro Trucks rolls into legendary Colorado National Speedway this weekend.

Come see the action, check out the safety measures in place, and enjoy a family-friendly event that's safe and exciting for everyone.

And if your wallet ain't crying yet from building one of these race cars… Either you own an oil company, or you haven't paid the engine builder.

We're back this weekend, 5-20-2026, with the Pro Trucks, Wingless Sprints, Pure Stocks, Figure 8's, and the Rocky Mountain Quarter Midget Association, bringing the next generation of racers. Little kids with more nerve than most grown men and probably quicker reflexes, too.

Now I sure hope those Wingless Sprints unload more than eight cars this weekend. Fans LOVE sprint cars.

Winged. Wingless. Bent sideways. On fire. They don't care. Sprint cars get people out of their seats faster than free beer and a caution flag.

And let's be honest here…

It costs more now to build one of these race cars than it did to buy some people's first house back in the day.

By the time you buy tires, fuel, shocks, springs, gears, radios, wrap, fuel pumps, safety equipment, pit passes, bearings, headers, and enough aluminum panels to build a small aircraft… You start wondering if maybe bowling wasn't such a bad hobby after all.

Then race day comes… and you'll want to be here early, with the stands opening on time, so you don't miss the Pro Trucks, Wingless Sprints, and all the racing action happening throughout the day.

And suddenly, none of it matters.

Because this is OUR home track, and supporting it makes us all part of something bigger.

That's why all of us want nothing but the best for the New Ownership at Colorado National Speedway.

You can already SEE the improvements happening around the facility, which should make everyone feel hopeful and proud of our progress.

You can feel the energy changing.
The place is getting cleaned up.
Things are improving.
People are talking racing again. And that matters.

This week we've been thrashing on lettering the race truck. Same story every race team knows.
You stand back Monday night thinking:
"Man… we're close."

Then Tuesday shows up and reminds you that the truck still needs wiring, vinyl, setup changes, tires mounted, fuel, and about fourteen things you forgot sitting on the shop bench.

Racing is hard work.
It's expensive.
It'll test your patience.
It'll empty your wallet faster than Vegas.

But somehow we still do it with smiles on our faces.
Because racers are a different breed.
We complain about the cost.
Complain about the weather.
Complain about tech.
Complain about tires.
Then show right back up next week and do it all over again.

That's racing.
So let's keep supporting the new ownership-buy your tickets now, and help us pack the stands for an unforgettable race weekend at CNS.

Let's pack the stands and show our support, making everyone feel excited and motivated to be part of this community event.

Let's fill the pits.
Let's keep moving this place forward.
And maybe… just maybe… someday we'll all stop pretending race cars are "almost done."

See everyone at CNS this weekend.

05/24/2026

SH*TS AND GIGGLES BEER TIME AGAIN FOLKS

You know, no matter how many years go by, some things never get old.

You know, no matter how many years go by, some things never get old, like the sight of race haulers arriving, stirring nostalgia and excitement in all of us.

I don't care if you're 10 years old or old enough to remember when gas was cheap, politicians were quiet, and your grandmother could cure anything with Vicks VapoRub and a WOODEN SPOON.

When those Big Rig Haulers Start Rolling Down the Service Road into the pits, something happens.

Your neck turns.
Your coffee or Coke gets set down.
And suddenly you're Ten Years Younger.

My Grandfather used to say, "The older you get, the faster time goes by."

He wasn't lying.
Seems like yesterday we were standing at the fence watching the first NASCAR TRUCK RACE come to CNS.

Then, the Southwest Tour, which was already a fixture at CNS, came to town.

The pits filled up.
The grandstands filled up.
The excitement filled up, reminding us how community, tradition, and shared passion keep this sport alive and thriving.

And for one night, Dacono felt like the center of the Racing Universe.

Well, here we are again.
The legendary Billy Green 150 presented by NAPA Auto Parts, a race that honors one of its racing greats, rolled into town, and there sat those beautiful haulers lined up in the pits.

To racers, those race haulers are our version of Christmas Morning, Symbolizing Dreams, Hard Work, and the Thrill of the Sport we all love.

We don't see fancy limousines.
We see race haulers.
Same excitement.
Less leg room.
More tire smoke.

I walked through the pits looking at all the equipment and all the talent that had traveled here, hoping to make a name for themselves.

Some of these kids dream about NASCAR.
Some of them are working two jobs to keep racing.
Some are sleeping in haulers.
Some are sleeping in motel rooms.
And a few are sleeping because their crew chief finally stopped talking.

The crowd was lively, cheering loudly as the cars roared past, creating an electric atmosphere that made every lap feel like a victory.

But I'll be honest.
I was hoping for absolute chaos.
The good kind.

I wanted the parking lot so full that the new owners were standing there scratching their heads, asking:
"Where in the hell are we putting these people?"
Then five minutes later, asking:
"How in the hell are we getting them all back out?"

Now, don't get me wrong.
They had their hands full.
But I hope SUNBELT RUN FOR THE MILLION and future events bring even bigger crowds because with the Sprint Cars and special events coming, that's exactly the kind of problem a racetrack wants.

As the old timers used to say:
"If you ain't got problems, you ain't got business."

Then, Folks, there was Cade Fox.

Folks...
That young man earned some respect Saturday night.

He climbed into a used-up rental car that wasn't exactly loaded with every trick part money could buy.

You could see it wasn't on the same level as some of the front-runners.

But Cade didn't seem to notice.
For about half the race, he settled into the middle of the pack.
Patient.
Smooth.
Watching.
Learning.

Then something must have flipped the driver switch.
Because that kid started driving. And driving hard.

Before long, he was marching forward and finished third.

THIRD, AND I BELIEVE WITH JUST A FEW MORE LAPS HE WOULD HAVE FINISHED SECOND against cars that had every advantage imaginable.

From one old racer to a young racer...
Tip of the helmet, Cade. You made us, Colorado Racers, proud.

You can't teach heart.
You can't buy determination.
And there isn't a performance catalog in America that sells courage.

Now, yes, there were only 14 cars.
And yes, 150 laps can sometimes stretch out like a church sermon on a hot July afternoon.

Cars get spread out.
The race slows down.
The excitement comes and goes.
But that's racing.
Sometimes it's a bar fight.
Sometimes it's a chess match.
Saturday was a little bit of both.

What I enjoyed most wasn't the winner.
It wasn't the cautions.
It wasn't even the finish.
It was standing there watching race haulers unload at Colorado National Speedway once again, each carrying somebody's dream-driver, owner, or crew chief.

Because every one of those haulers carries somebody's dream.
A driver's dream.
An owner's dream.
A crew chief's dream.
A sponsor's dream.

Or maybe just a racer trying to have enough money left over to buy breakfast on Monday morning.

My grandmother used to say:
"Enjoy the good days while they're here."
Saturday night was one of those good days.

Race cars.
Race fans.
Race haulers.
Friends.
Families.

And another chapter was written at CNS, Colorado National Speedway.

For an old car racer like me...
That's still Pretty Damn exciting.