Jim used to announce at Baer Field on Fridays, Warsaw on Saturdays, and Kokomo on Sundays, but in 1998 got a great job offer and moved to Iowa. Following is a portion of his email to me......
"The job I have as Race Director of Hawkeye Downs Speedway is really
neat. Its quite a nice facility, despite its age. We have seating for about 7500, TV lights, and its the only paved track in Iowa. When I took over at the end of the 1998 season, it had just been a stock car track, at least since it was paved in 1988. At the end of the 1999 season, I brought in USAC Sprint Cars. A lot of people thought it wouldn't work, but we had a good crowd. It was fun to see Dave Darland and his wife, Tony Elliott, Jimmy Elliott, and Jeff Walker. We all agreed, they running USAC Sprints and me managing a track like Hawkeye Downs is a long way from Warsaw and Kokomo!"
Memories - Regarding Warsaw Speedway, Sue (Jim's wife) and I agree that was the most fun we've
had in racing. Its certainly a job now, but it was fun then. The people, especially you and your family, were great. It seemed like the same drivers who would be tense Sunday night at Kokomo were a lot more laid back Saturday night at Warsaw.
I have many great memories of Warsaw Speedway. Like getting there early for the Fish Frys, then announcing the races. Or how about the great Fireworks, and Monty Miller getting on the P.A., scolding those on the lake watching for free in their boats, considering they were the ones trying to close the place down. I'll also never forget getting sick in the tower, and Monty taking over. I had to get back up to the tower for the features come hell or high water when I heard Monty repeatedly say on the P.A., "Jim threw
up, so I'm the announcer tonight, folks."