19 Aug 2008 Location undisclosed. After seeing how much I have started typing away my thoughts I decided to start writing a column for you the faithful readers of the MSTRC. Future columns will appear as I have things to report. Plan on some features on racing and drivers that you aren't likely to ever see and my take on races that you may have been at if I was there of course. You never know where the drifter might just show up. My wandering of the world has brought me to many places far from home. In my travels I have come in contact with tons of other racers that would fit right in at any of our local tracks back in the old home state of Michigan. I look forward to introducing some of them to you. I will be updating east coast races and wherever I happen to roam. I'll try and snap some pictures for you all to right click on and save too. On to the first edition of The High Banks Drifter.

My first confession, to many members of the MSTRC I appear to be a slanted dirt racing spin doctor that attempts to make asphalt tracks and the people at them look bad. The fact is I actually like asphalt racing and hope to see it gain car and fan count. I see promoters all over getting it wrong, dirt and asphalt and we need to get together and get the ship righted. Sometimes I can be too forceful about what I think is right and I know that I can be wrong.

Confession 2, I know lots of dirt racers that hate pill draws and qualifying heats.

My next confession, from what I hear on this board I stand prepared for Owosso Speedway to become the 800 pound gorrilla of Michigan asphalt racing on the east side. Promoters that are willing to work with racers are a wonderful thing. Particularly when those promoters are smart enough to know when racers are trying to pull a snow job on them for their own benefit. I see this at Owosso Speedway and could not be happier for the faithful at this outstanding race track.

Another confession, There are 2 race tracks in Michigan that I think have the potential to be world beaters but for one reason or another they have both had difficulties over the years. These tracks are I 96 and Springport. Both of them are quality yards and I hate to see them struggle, however we can not have all things to please us. I sure do hope that some how some way they will both eventually realize their full potential. Which by the way we have only seen glimpses of.

Confession number 4, Over the years things have changed at Auto City Speedway the track I call home. These things have sometimes upset me. Now this year staring down the barrel of a loaded gun Auto City stood their ground and walked away on top with class. I couldn't be more proud.

Confession 5. I own and race a car but really I am just a fan looking for a better seat for the races. Sure I have had some good runs and I make every effort to win when I am on the race track and in my shop during the week but I like watching the races as much as I like racing myself.

Confession number 6. I sometimes get a little ticked off to have had to miss so many racing seasons serving my country. Then I remember, I signed up for it and it pays the bills so I can go racing the rest of the time.

Confession 7, I Miss when there were only race car drivers. This dirt driver, asphalt driver stuff has conspired to take a whole bunch of character out of racing. I build and race cars meant for dirt tracks but I would run asphalt given the chance. When I get the new used mod don't be too shocked if I show up with it at Dixie on a trip home. Especially if Matt Prieur makes his STARS dream a reality.

Confession 8. The coolest race cars I have ever seen in my life are outlaw bodied Super Late Models on asphalt and wedge bodied Dirt Late Models. I also had great love for the Open Modified class at the old Dealer's Choice. I think all of the cars listed above were created with divine intervention. My oppinion only you can have your own.

For My final confession and now that you know the truth about me I just wanted to tell everybody how glad I am for all of you who read what I write. The MSTRC has done a great deal to add some fun to a boring boring existance over the last few months. So the wind will be blowing me towards you in the fall which is coming up pretty quick. Keep your eyes open in a few weeks because the High Banks Drifter might just show up at a race track near you!

Nice article Jake!

Glad you liked it. I knew I took all those writing classes for some reason.

NICE JOB HOPE YOU GET HOME SOON

Jake, nice article,,, I hate to tell you NO ONE will ever make a go of I-96,,,, ever since Steve Clark built the track with my Grand Father, the place has been Jinxed... I don't know why, my suggestion to the next owner,, find a good Catholic Priest.

Very nice article.

I think the track is built on an old indian burial ground.

you would think beng halfway between gr and lansing you could get some people in the stands.

I've only been there twice. Liked the HUGE dirt track. The only thing that left a bad taste in my mouth was that both times I was there they started about twenty minutes late, drives me nuts.