Legacy in the Clay: A Season of Remembrance and Racing
It’s not every season opener that carries the weight of history. But when the green flag drops this year, the roar of the engines at the track will do more than just kick off another round of dirt track battles — it will echo a legacy built on passion, grit, and decades of commitment to grassroots racing.
A Giant in the Tower: Remembering Jim Skidmore
For over 30 years, Jim Skidmore was more than a fixture. He was the voice, the backbone, and often the quiet force behind the smooth operation of race nights. Known for his calm command in chaos and unwavering dedication, Skidmore was the kind of track manager who kept things moving when tempers flared and skies threatened.
Born and raised just miles from the track, Skidmore wasn’t a corporate hire or a passing volunteer. He was local. He knew every turn of the track like the back of his hand, and more importantly, he knew the people — racers, crew members, fans, and vendors. His loss in November 2024 left a silence that couldn’t be filled with horsepower.
This year, instead of the usual ceremonial ribbon-cutting or sponsor fanfare, the track opened with a tribute lap, led by a 1970s-era late model — one that Skidmore once flagged in his early days as assistant starter. Behind it, a pack of racers ran a slow formation, headlights on, pit crews lined the front stretch with hats off, and tears weren’t uncommon.
Racing Into Year 73 With Purpose
The milestone of 73 years doesn’t come easy for any grassroots venue. Rising costs, shifting fan attention, and unpredictable weather have closed too many storied tracks across the country. Yet here, the gates still open every weekend from spring to fall. Much of that perseverance is due to leadership that has cared less about profit and more about preservation — leadership like Skidmore’s.
The 2025 season brings more than nostalgia. Several operational changes aim to honor Skidmore’s meticulous style:
- Upgraded pit safety lights and flagstand communications
- Revised heat race line-up procedures to reduce downtime
- New volunteer recognition program reflecting Skidmore’s behind-the-scenes focus
And while memorial decals and tribute shirts are visible in every corner, the true homage is in the sharper operations, cleaner transitions, and a renewed sense of community accountability.
Racers and Fans Step Up
This season’s car count on opening night — April 27, 2025 — hit 104 entries across four divisions. That’s a bump from 89 the year before. The grandstands saw a near sellout, with over 2,100 tickets scanned — a record since 2018. It wasn’t just about the racing; it was about showing up for the man who showed up for everyone else, week after week.
Several drivers wore black armbands. One modified crew spray-painted “#ThanksJim” on the rear panel. Even rival teams shared tools and parts in the pits — a Skidmore hallmark — more collaboration than competition in the moments before the green.
Opening Night Results – April 27, 2025
| Division | Feature Winner | Car Count |
|---|---|---|
| Super Late Models | Cody Watson | 27 |
| UMP Modifieds | Ryan Huff | 24 |
| Street Stocks | Ashley Davis | 30 |
| Mini Wedges | Landon Frazier | 23 |
Youth Rising and Elders Remembered
Track culture is often handed down through generations. This year saw more youth entries than any previous opener, especially in the Mini Wedge class — a promising sign for the future. Meanwhile, veteran fans in their 60s and 70s returned to the bleachers after years away, drawn back by something deeper than speed — legacy.
One such fan, 71-year-old Carol Jenkins, shared from the front row, “Jim Skidmore gave his life to this place. We’re here because he never stopped being here.”
Changes in the Booth, Same Spirit in the Air
Handling race operations now is a three-person team — a move designed to spread responsibility and avoid burnout. But even with new faces and fresh voices on the mic, the cadence of race night feels familiar. Fast, efficient, and respectful — just like Jim ran it.
There are plans for a mid-season Skidmore Classic event in July, including an extended feature, fan giveaways, and a scholarship fund announcement for young racers in need. The exact date and purse structure are expected to be confirmed by May 15, 2025.
Looking Ahead Without Looking Away
The 2025 schedule is robust, with 17 race nights, including two double-purse weekends, one midweek sprint special, and a season finale already drawing early regional interest. But what’s clear is that this season isn’t just about racing — it’s about remembering who made this track more than just clay and concrete.
From pit walls to concession windows, from heat races to post-race tech, the imprint of Jim Skidmore is everywhere. And every engine that fires this season carries a bit of him forward.
