This months showcase for area tracks, is Dave Rudisell of Lawrenceburg Speedway!

As you know, Dirt Scoops is ALL about getting to know our fellow racers and drivers, AND our area track promoters and officials! I think everyone could benefit relaying to some personal things about these guys and/or gals and what it takes to do what they do. It seems promoters hear a lot when things go wrong, but it takes guts to run a track, and each year they learn from what they did the previous year to hopefully improve upon the following year. To be honest, I didn't really know who Dave was, per say, until one night Greg won a Lawrenceburg Feature, this guy walked up and offered him a water..he was out there, offering a water to a 'purestock' winner, this to me chalked one up for him, as caring about ALL classes, and not just the big classes. Kudo's to you Dave! Awhile back, I asked Dave if he would be so kind (and BRAVE!) to let us interview him for our new Dirt Scoops site, he was a great sport and agreed! So, I am pleased to share the information he shared with Dirt Scoops for our first ever track promoter interview! Thanks again Dave for stepping up!

Questions and replies!

Dirtscoops Question: Tell us a bit about yourself and your family....

Dave: I am 37 years old. My wife's name is Kim. I have one daughter, Kayla 15, 2 dogs and a cat.

I have lived in Lawrenceburg for 12 years and grew up in St. Leon, Indiana.

Dirtscoops Question: How did you get into promoting?

Dave:I have managed a ski area for 20 years. In the years of managing the ski area I have learned how to produce a great entertainment venue and how to bring in new guests.

I have also been involved with drag racing since I was 18. I crewed on some drag racing teams for 10 years before starting my own drag racing team as owner and driver.

I have raced in many sanctions of drag racing including the NMCA, NSCA, NMRA, OSCA, MDRA, FFW, PRO and many many more. I have set E.T. and MPH records along the way and have won 3 championships.

With my racing background and year of promoting a ski area, I felt that promoting a circle dirt track was my calling. I have been going to dirt track racing events since I was a kid.

Dirtscoops Question: When racing, who do you contribute to being your biggest motivator, or who inspired you the most?

Dave: I was inspired by my friends and family, we all enjoyed spending our time at the track, Its kind of like going camping with racing to boot!!

Dirtscoops Question: Of all your wins, which do you cherish the most and why?

Dave:I won the very first Inaugural PRO Series race in Bowling Green KY running in Extreme Street Class. I was outclassed but ended up winning beating my arch rival and friend Gary Rohe in the second round.

Dirtscoops Question: Share some of the tracks in which you raced, and did you race against any famous drivers?

Dave: I have raced from Palm Beach Florida, to Michigan, to Memphis, to New Jersey and all points in between. I once raced at a track in Georgia and Jerry Glanville was pitted next to me, I had to wrench on his car all weekend, he was a great guy at the track.

Dirtscoops Question: What was your biggest challenge when racing?

Dave: The biggest challenge was getting to the races and back home again. We raced all over the country and would leave work on Friday and drive all night, race Saturday and Sunday, then drive back home only to get to work on Monday.

Dirtscoops Question: What advice would you pass on to a rookie driver?

Dave: Don't try to win on the first lap, be patient, and consistent. Don't spend more than you can afford. Don't use credit cards to buy racing supplies.


Dirtscoops Question: Any special shows you would like to share (a sneak peak) for next year?

Dave: We currently have 4 USAC dates scheduled, as well as a Lucas Oil Late Model show, The current schedule can be seen on our websit. (You can check the Lawrenceburg Schedule out here).

Dirtscoops Question: Tell us about track updates!

Dave: The new 3/8th mile track is in the process of being worked on. Final contract with companies have been signed and work is slated to begin this coming week. Construction is scheduled to be completed in March of 08.

Dirtscoops Question: What things do you think went well for 2007?

Dave:We rebuilt the fan base and car count in 07. We ran a smoother program each night trying to be finished by 11pm each night. We did not succeed a few nights because of weather or huge car counts. The track prep crew did a great job and have learned a lot with the new clay. The track officials did a great job getting the shows in.

Dirtscoops Question: What things do you think you could improve upon for for the year 2008?

Dave: We plan on running a tighter program, getting the races finished faster. The track prep will even get better with more equipment to use.

Dirtscoops Question: Any big changes in any of the rules so far?

Dave:The rules will pretty much stay the same in 08

Dave continued with:

In 2007 we had a great deal of advertisers that benefited well with their advertising programs at the track. We hope to do the same in 08

Closing comments....

Dave: "Our first year as promoting Lawrenceburg was a great one. With the help of the fans, racers, crews, and staff, we look forward to 2008."

"Lawrenceburg Speedway is growing in a positive direction and we expect to be the premier track in the country."

~Dave Rudisell

Keep up on events and races at Lawrenceburg Speedway

Thanks Dave from the Dirt Scoops Group!