By Sean Scampton

Figure-8's have been the ultimate crowd pleasers. Every week, an average of about 12 men get into their beat-up cars, ready to blaze through that intersection fearlessly. Spectators admire their courage in awe as they dive through the X, nearly escaping serious injury from another crossing the same X. The only thing more thrilling than watching them, is driving them.

Many racers in the USA have dreams. I myself, a current 14-year-old sprint kart driver, have dreams of winning the NASCAR championship. For some drivers, unfortunately, those dreams never come true. It is sometimes because of physical problems, lack of heart, or sometimes just bad luck on the track. But where they fail, others succeed.

Ron Davis, a 13-year Figure-8 veteran, has been racing at Sunshine Speedway for some time. He has become one of the more popular drivers. He has also become very skilled at the racing profession. Every week, Ron and his family, son Ronnie and wife Kathy, go to Sunshine "Action" Speedway to watch. Ron's crew tirelessly work on Ron's car. They give every spare moment to help their family and friend. Davis has been trying incredibly hard for the championship for Figure-8's, but just barely comes short. He doesn't stop trying, though. And that will of iron, that heart, will get him that dream in due time.

Well, finally, a huge step toward that dream has been made. Two weeks ago, on Saturday, July 29, 2000, Ron Davis of the #89 machine won the 50-lap Figure-8 championship. To anyone who missed it, you missed one of the greatest Figure-8 races that have ever taken place. The action was abundant, the tension as thick as the dirt flying off the track, and the racing extraordinarily fierce.

And what is a good article about a race without a summarized play-by-play. The race started with Shane Grigsby in front, and Davis around the third row. Halfway through the race, with Davis in second and Art Calkins in third, there was a wreck and Grigsby's bumper had fallen from his car. Grigsby was forced to retire to the pits, placing Davis in first. At that moment, Davis's real skill began to shine. The race continued and Davis was forced to hold off Art Calkins, a multi-champion in the Figure-8 class.

"I knew that one mistake and Calkins would have passed me," said Davis. "It was hard holding him off."

Davis ran a perfect line through the rest of the race. He held off Calkins beautifully. I, Sunshine Speedway's own "Waterboy," Sean Scampton, was there watching the race, biting my fingernails in sheer hope that Davis could pull it off. When he did, cheers rang out through the speedway.

The first thing I saw on the track was Shorty, a member of Davis's crew, quite literally jumping onto him for a congratulatory hug. Many people poured on the track, including his son Ronnie, and his wife in tears of joy, Kathy. Pictures were taken and most of the group met again at Lugnuts Race Bar and Grill.

I talked to Ron Davis there and asked him how he felt. He said, "I feel incredible."

-Sean Scampton-



Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board!
or send a letter to the editor!