None of them will be part of Late Model Stock Car racing's "big race" season, but both have a history as a part of our typical big races. Motor Mile has seen it's share of big races including a few televised events in the 1990's, Ace last staged a major season closer at the end of the previous century that was 300 green flag laps. Tri-County actually once staged their big event on the same weekend as the Bailey's 300 at Martinsville and incredibly drew 40 cars, despite much of the Late Model Stock Car world centering around Martinsville.

Langley Speedway has been trying something new with their big race, staging it in the middle of the summer to try and attract some more cars, but in two years they've failed to draw many outsiders despite a great purse. Orange County last staged a major in 2007 which drew 28 Late Model Stock Cars, but that's all history now.

Indeed 'big race" season has become more of a mini-season with only Hickory, who will stage two big races, Martinsville, with the Bailey's 300, South Boston with the Mason Dixon 500, Caraway with the Mid-Atlantic Championship and Myrtle Beach with the Seneca 250 to carry on the tradition. We may never again see the days of the mid to late-90's when it seemed like there was a "big one" coming every weekend during the Fall.

This is also the first year that Late Model Stock Car fans may not be treated to their version of the Thanksgiving Classic as the PASS Super Late Models Series will take center stage. Reports have swirled around that the UARA-STARS Series may replace their canceled Coastal Plains event and end their season on a double ticket with the PASS Series. However, no official statement has come from either series and the later we go without an announcement, the chances get less and less of the UARA portion being included.

Recently, I got a chance to catch up with former NASCAR Whelen All-American Series National Champion, Peyton Sellers at a recent personal appearance and I thought we would chat about his part time ride in the NASCAR Nationwide Series ... No way. Peyton simply wanted to talk about the area short tracks and in particular the Philip Morris vs. Frank Deiny, Jr. feud at Motor Mile recently.

"That's what racing's all about," Sellers proclaimed the former Late Model Stock Car competitor. "That's exactly what the fans want to see."

Indeed the battle of machines and words has escalated Motor Mile to perhaps the "must see" racing venue this year. And, that "must see" excitement continues this weekend as the two square off for only the second time since that bitter night when the two exchanged their thoughts and ideas on the bump from the last lap. Don't count out possibly seeing Peyton getting back out there in a Late Model Stock Car later in the Fall as he always makes time to mix it up with the locals when he gets a chance.

I have to send my thanks this week to Kim Foushee and the fine folks at Orange County Speedway for including one of my "Rob's Rambling" on their news link. You won't meet a nicer bunch of folks or see a better run track. Get out there to see them before the season ends, you've still got a couple chances!