Power sliding the Driver's Ed. Departments car is not a good idea but I only did what the teacher told us to do. #1 get up to speed, 2. brake hard and 3. stop just short of the cones on the driving course. Well, everybody knows you have to turn left to go faster except for Coach Scull. And that's exactly what I did, I sped up, locked down the brakes and took her in sideways right up to the cones and left them all standing. Needless to say, Coach Scull said I was going to fast and he proceeded to chewed me out all the way back to the main building where class given a short restroom break. My driver's ed. teachers do not know I race on Saturday night but I may have given my hand away this week. There has been tell-tell signs all year. For example, I was the only student out of 40 that passed the classroom Driver's Simulation Test back earlier this year and I already have my driver's permit, so I didn't need the class for that. But, my mom made me take the class because I could not make good right hand turns on the road. Up until last year, I had only turned left on the circle tracks. After I pass my final driving exam-which either passes me for the year or fails me for the year, I plan on telling the Coach's about my racing experience, but until then, I guess I better keep the dirt trackin' moves at Eastbay and out of the Driver's Ed car.
What a great night for racing. The track was mushy early in the evening-even the pace truck slipped and slided in the turns but the track came in pretty well. In the heat, I lead 5 of the 6 laps until I starting overdriving and sprint styling the OWM. As a result, I spun and finished 6th in the heat. In the main event, I juggled the Better Leather sponsored #79 from 1st to 3rd, back up to 2nd and then a final finish in 4th on the last lap. Some red car with major hand signals kept tagging and trying to trash me under caution laps so much so that you would think Target sponsored my ride, but hey, it's all good racing free-style at EB.
KEEP CHECKING THE WEBSITE FOR SOME UP and COMING EVENTS IF MY RETRO CAR COMES TOGETHER AS PLANNED.
When: 11/17/07 What: Open Wheel Modified Division Where: Eastbay Raceway Park in Tampa Florida Time: Racing Starts at 6:30
Ruel Rules @ Eastbay in #79 Pits
Meet my Crew Chief for the November 9 and 10th Races.
Limited Sprint Action was great tonight. In Heat Race #1, I finished 2nd behind Tim George. In the feature, I had the honors of starting shotgun-but hey-FSCA made me do that 18 times last year so I kind of like it back there. I worked my way up to 4th position. Then on lap 11, I found myself facing traffic head on in the middle of turn one when I dove in a little to hot going for the pass. So to the back of the line, but I salvaged a 6th place finish for the night. Ballew was the feature winner for the night. And, Gene Lasker, finished his eventful year with the cha- mpionship honors at Eastbay. Congrats.
In the 360 Sprints-I won heat race #3 and went on to compete in the DASH. I started 3rd and immediately fell back to 6th after Tyler Godwin and I got together on the backstretch and bent my wheel. I started the feature in 6th place and finished 9th for the night. No one could touch Kenny Adams who went on the win the event. Kenny was a crowd favorite in celebrating his victory but doing 360 donuts on the backstrech-very impressive. Fellow Florida Driver-TJ Winegarder sealed up the Rebel Region ASCS Championship tonight. Way to go TJ.
Dakotah is pulling triple duty this weekend. Open Wheel Modified, 360 Sprint and Limited Sprint.
In the Better Leather owned Open Wheel Mod, Dakotah started on the pole position and lead the first 9 laps until a spin in turn 4 put him to the back. He went on to recover and finish a respectable 6th place for the night.
In the 360 Better Leather Sponsored Sprint, he started absolutely last on the 3rd heat race and was only able to finish 6th which bumped him in the B Main. He went on to win the B-Main and was 1 of 4 contenders for the C&B Farms Bonus. Kenny Adams, Gavin Thomas and Matt Tiffany were the other contenders. Starting deep within the 20 car field in the 16 place position, Dakotah presented the right blend of agressiON and finesse to advance up to 8th place for the night. Kenny Adams for the Big Winner of tonight's action. Congratulations go to the Malabar Missile. Dakotah passed 10 cars tonight under green flag conditions tonight should be in a good position going into Night #2 of the Fall Brawl. Not bad for Dakotah's inauguaral ASCS FALL BRAWL. Special Thanks goes out to a great crew, Tom Macaluso, Mark Ruel, Jr., Mark Ruel, Sr, Chris Koudela and A Girl Named George.
CHECK BACK TOMORROW NIGHT FOR LIMITED SPRINT AND 360 ACTION REPORTS.
T-shirts are ready for order. Design is on white t-shirts. $25.00 Contact Dakotah by email at dsteph79@msn.com Be sure and include your size.
Race Fan Jonathan hangs out with Dakotah at Nov 3rd Race at Eastbay
11/3/07 East Bay Open Wheel Modified
RESULTS: The Open Wheel Mod class at East Bay fielded 21 cars. Dakotah won Heat Race #2. In the Main Event, Dakotah was challenging for the lead position on Lap 9 and spun while racing just a little to tight in turn 1. Another popped tire put him to the pits for service only to discover a broken J Bar which ended the night for Dakotah. Finishing position for Dakotah was 19th.
Since capturing my latest championship, there has not been a week go by that someone has not ask me, "Where are you racing next season?" And I proudly respond-EastBay RaceWay. And the next question is: "Why Eastbay, when you can race anywhere in the South?" Today-The 2007 EastBay Raceway Park Season Opens in Tampa.
I have waited all of my life to compete at EastBay. As long as I can remember, come Saturday night, I could hear the rumble of the race cars while playing in my backyard. I would take my hotwheels and make my own racetrack in the sand or I would slip off on my bike searching for bigger kids just so I could challenge them to race me. Sometimes I would have to pick a fight and get them to chase me just so I could go fast with that sound from Eastbay. I had to win those races but my urge to go fast had to be satisfied at all costs.
Every year, the big debate at my house is-what's next year. The decision was extremely hard this year because a whole lot of options and choices were available. Do we go regional with USCS or ASCA, do we defend at FSCA, the Central Florida Wingless is an unbelievably competitive league, USA Sprints have revived and what about Knoxville Nationals-am I ready? should I run dirt or pavement, big car, sprint car, late models and the list goes on and on. My dream of becoming a professional race car driver hinges on every decision. But in the end, Eastbay has a reputation like no other track in the state.
I believe a real race car driver has to tame that little 1/3 mile bullring that is ever changing week by week and never changing over the test of time. And it is now Dakotah Stephens time to tame Eastbay. I choose Eastbay because if for some reason, my racing career does go to the next level and my family move back to NC or to Indiania, I want my hometown racefans to know, Dakotah Raced Here. My family and I have spent the last 8 years traveling and racing all over the states of Florida and Georgia, and nothing is more fun than riding home after a race replaying every play of the game and sharing in all the new and unique people we have met. The energy is tremendous on that ride home-regardless of the outcome. So, to answer the question as to "Why Eastbay?" -Simply because Eastbay is part of my journey and destiny on the racetrack to adulthood.
"Winning is not about achieving your goal, it's about fufilling your destiny and completing your journey."-Dakotah Stephens 10/30/07
Results October 13
Limited Sprint-15th Started last on the field of 19 after missing the heat race due to an oil leak. Lap 1 yeilded a flash fire and on Lap 4, Dakotah caught the inside berm and flipped on his lid. Whew.
360 Sprint- 9th Heat race-Dakotah started 8th and finished 5th. In Dakotah's first feature race in the new sprint car, he started 13th and finished 9th on the field. He was marching forward when the wing slider malfunctioned and let the wing slide all the way forward on a slick track. Not good.
Dakotah was just thankful to see the checkers after a very eventful night at Eastbay.
EASTBAY BABY
OCTOBER 13, 2007
L. SPRINT AND 360O SPRINT
CHEER ON THE RED #79 TONIGHT AT EASTBAY!
Volusia Speedway in the 360 Sprint---Rained Out Again-but we took the OWM to EASTBAY and finished 16th after getting took out on the first lap.
Dakotah keeps flirting with that checker flag. He brought home a 2nd place position for a 2nd week in a row at Eastbay. We're sure to be "going green" soon.
NEXT WEEK 9/22/07 GET YOUR MONEY'S WORTH
You do not want to miss next weeks racing at Eastbay! 9/22/07 They have a full card with the Limited Sprints, 360's and Late Models all in one night.
OWM-Dakotah started 9th in the feature and finished 4th after coming from the back twice. Dakotah was piloting Buzzie's old car with Tom Macaluso as Crew Chief and Set Up Specialist for the night.
#79 Sprint car was on a rail starting 18th and finished 12th. Stephens, who started near the rear of the field, quickly moved into contention only to find himself with a bent wing as he, Jones and Gavin Thomas tangled in turn 4. The incident ended Thomas' night early and Stephens exited the field after the restart.
8/18/07
See Dakotah Race at Eastbay. This is one night you do not want to miss?
Check out the new #79 Better Leather/Woodstown Open Wheel Modifed Results Dakotah started 7th in the heat and finished 3rd and in the feature, he started 12th and finished 6th place. The car is a real beaut on the track and Dakotah says the motor and the feel of the new car is awesome.
Thank You to the Macaluso Family for putting a great ride under me. This baby will be in victory lane in the coming weeks. Dakotah
July 28, 2007 RESULTS: 6 place finish with a broken shock on the right rear
RESULTS: Qualified 20th The rear end broke in the #78 Better Leather Late Model on the last lap of the heat race Saturday night at Volusia. We have to work out the kinks when a car hits the track for the first time. Watch for more racing in the #78.
Dakotah is Living a Racers Dream!
2 weeks, 3 races and 2 divisions
Watch Dakotah go up with the big boys of Late Models this weekend at Volusia Speedway Park at the Scott Thompson Memorial Race on Saturday night, June 30. With a win in the Open Wheel Modified, and a win in the Limited Sprint, Dakotah's resume would be hugh if he tacked on a Late Model win during the 2007 season. Now that we got the talking done, come on out and see what Dakotah can do on the track in this 2450 lb. Better Leather sponsored stock car.
ASCS RESULTS: Not what Stephens Racing wanted but it sure was fun to tackle big georgia dirt tracks and meet some new drivers, series promoters, & fans.
See Dakotah's Next Race 6/9/06 Eastbay Raceway Park Limited Sprint Racing starts at 6:30
Started 8th, Finished 17
13th Place Finish for Dakotah
Lap 1 in Turn 1 yeilded a couple of spinning cars from the front of the pack
that left Dakotah with nowhere to go except the wall. The hit appeared gentle
but was really significant in busting up the right front wheel and setup.
A new month with new luck starts next week. Dakotah will be wheeling the
Better Leather Open Wheel Modified at East Bay on Saturday, June 2. Be
sure and stop by our pits next week because my parents will also be celebrating
their 23rd anniversary that night.
I've Been 'LASKER'IZED Results from 5/12/07 L. Sprint
laskerized
(v.)
To be driven over, under or through by Sprint Car elder- Gene Lasker.
Dakotah won his heat race starting from 5th position. 14 cars started the main event, Dakotah in the 7th position. The #79 advanced to 4th position by lap 2 and took over the lead on lap 4. The race was caution free until lap 12 with Dakotah way out front. After two cautions, Mr. Lasker jumped the green, turned right, and removed Dakotah's front wing under the flag stand. No penalties were given even though Gene Lasker was ahead of Dakotah before the cone. Video will be posted later this week on youtube. Dakotah brought home a disappointing 7th place finish.
Click here to see Mashthegas.tv Video Footage of the Limited Sprints Feature from Eastbay on May 12, 2007.
You Make the Call
Dakotah's Next Race 5/17/07 @ Eastbay in the Better Leather Open Wheel Modified
8th place finish for Dakotah in the Open Wheel Modified. He started 9th in a field of 15 cars. Field invertion with points leader in the back.
Results from 4/28/07
Dakotah brought home a 3rd place finish in the Limited Sprint. He started 8th in a 16 car field eventhough he finished 2nd in the heat race. Eastbay does a top 12 points inversion. Paulie Milum took the checkers with Lasker in 2nd, Dakotah finished 3rd, followed by Slick Rick Martin and Tim George in 4th & 5th places respectively.
The Open Wheel Mod's were a battle field of survival of the fittest. Dakotah started in the 10th place position for the feature following a 5th place finish in the heat qualifier. 17 cars started the 20 lap feature. The finishing order was Jamie Burrows-Winner, Roger Crouse-2nd, Jeff Matthews-3rd, Raymond Rogers-4th, and Dakotah close behind in the 5th position.
It was a fun, fast and furious night for Dakotah Stephens Racing in that both features were ran back to back with little breathing time in between. What a fun night for the 15 year old getting to run side-by-side and learn from some of the best drivers in Florida. Dakotah's living a dream that most can only dream about.
Saturday 4/21/07 Open Wheel Modified Better Leather Auto #79 Results: Dakotah finished 2nd for the 2nd night in a row. Dakotah started on the pole for the heat race and finished 3rd. In the feature, he had another pole started, he lead the first 8 laps. Caution came out and Raymond Rogers was able to make make the pass in turn 1 for the lead. Jeff Matthews and Dakotah raced close for 2nd position for 4 laps or so but Roger Crouse had a late charge foward and took over 3rd place and made a late bid for 2nd as the checkers dropped. Matthews did double duty tonight including an entry in the National Late Model race. It was a great night of racing at Eastbay, if you weren't there-you missed some great racing action. Stephens Racing shouts a big THANKS to Tom Macaluso for his awesome setup calls under the #79 Modified tonight. 1. Raymond Rogers 2. Dakotah Stephens 3. Roger Crouse 4. Jeff Matthews 5. Bobby Dixon
Friday 4/20/07 Limited Sprint Zink Family Motorsports/Sticks Pest Control #79 Results: Started 9th in the feature and Finished 2nd on the field of 14 Cars.
1. Gene Lasker 2. Dakotah Stephens 3. Rick Martin 4. Paulie Milam 5. Tim George
Other Sprint series running this weekend:
FSCA is at Douglas Motorsports Park in Georgia. The Pushinthecushin boys carries live updates and results on their website-so check it out Sat. night if you are homebound.
Winner: Tommy Denton-That's 2 victories for him this year. Way to go Denton.
USA Sprints Posse Invade Charlotte County Motorsports Park This Saturday April 21st Winner: Greg Leonard -Way to go! Apoligies to Greg from this webmaster on the name error-to many Yuenglings.
Dakotah started 2nd in the heat race and took the win. He started on the pole for the feature and won. 1. #79 Dakotah 2. #1 Tim George 3. #80 Michael Smith 4. #8 Gene Lasker
360 Sprint Results
Congratulations to #20 Frank Carlson for winning tonights feature. Very fast and hooked up. 2. #1 Frank Beck 3. #71 RJ Johnson 4. #10 Matt Stegman
TJ Winegardner had the move of the night when he went from 10th to 2nd on the first lap, first turn. He was contending for the lead on lap 19 but spun due to a lap car. Tyler Godwin had a major run going before his car broke loose. Danny Curry was a solid 2nd moving forward until turn 2 decided to bite.
FSCA Sprint Report from North Florida Speedway, Lake City, FL BRUCE DURDEN circles victory lane again in that blinding dayglo orange and blue rocket with rookie hotshoe Gavin Thomas carrying the torch for us young guns with 2nd place honors followed by friend and foe on the track-Matt Kurtz. Congratulations guys.
4/07/07 Results #79 Better Leather and Auto Trim Open Wheel Modified Eastbay
17 cars in the field
Heat Race: Started 9th in the #2 heat race and advanced to 5th in 6 laps.
Feature: Started 10th and finished in the 3rd place position.
Congratulations goes to #48 Raymond Rogers for winning tonights feature. #33 Jeff Mathews brings on 2nd with the #79 Dakotah following for 3rd place at the end of 15 laps.
Dakotah's next race is in the Zink Family Motorsports Sprint at Eastbay on 4/14/07.
Heat Race Dakotah started last in 8th in Heat 1 and advanced to 3rd position. Line up was based upon points. No Cautions
20 Lap Feature event with 16 cars starting. Dakotah started 11th and by lap 5, he had raced his way to a 6th position. By lap 9, he was up to 2nd. From there, the race was riddled with cautions and Dakotah was not able to put together enough consecutive greenflag laps to pass the #99 car of Chris McNicols.
See Dakotah Race the #79 L. Sprint at Eastbay 3/24/07.
Results: TOP 5
Heat Race: Started 7th Finished 4th
Feature: Started 7th and Finished 5th
Broke the entire front wing off the car on the start of the race. AND Penalized 2 times for jumping the start. Rule book states nose to tail-no one side by side. Live and learn. Watch for You Tube Video in the coming days.
Great racing surface and fun night overall: Congrats to Gene Lasker 2. Frank Beck 3. Tim George 4. Andy Kelly 5. Dakotah Stephens
for live updates today from the O'Reilly ASCA Spring Nationals.
Results for 3/10/07 5th Place Finish
What a great night at Eastbay. The stands were packed with fans and 5 year old, Wyatt Locklear was my pit guest and official mud scraper for the night. Look out for Wyatt's name in the years to come. He was completely jacked from the thrills and excitement of attending his first Sprint Car race and getting to work on the car. We started 6th in a field of 12 cars and brought home a 5th place finish for the night. Congratulations goes out to my old USA Sprints buddy Tim George on his win for the night. #99 Danny Jones challenged for the win but fell short with a 2nd place finish, followed by Lasker in 3rd and Frank Beck 4th on the field.
In the 360's race, the most spectacular move of the night goes to TJ Winegardner who spun donuts style with at least 4 horizontal turns under the green. TJ went on to stomp his way back to a 3rd place finish behind RJ Johnson and Danny Martin taking top honors.
Next Week I will be in the #79 Better Leather and Auto Trim Open Wheel Modified at Eastbay Raceway Park.
Introducing the 2007 Sponsors Dakotah Stephens Racing #79 Limited Sprint/Open Wheel Modified/360 Sprint
Dakotah's 2007 Official Head Shot
Racer's: For all you personal photo needs-contact Sarah Justice
Heat Race: 8 Laps- Started 7th, Finished 2th to Steve Arpin Heats lined up based upon points
B Main: 20 Laps-Dakotah started on the front row in 2nd position. He lead the first lap until he spun in turn 2. After being sent to the back of the pack to 20th position and another late caution, he was only able to better his final standing to a frustrating 12th place finish.
Friday Night 2/16/07
Qualified: 1 lap at 18:28 *New Right Rear Tire
Heat Race: 8 Laps- Dakotah started 7th, finished 6th. *Same Right Rear Tire due to stripped lug nut.
C Main: 12 Laps- Dakotah started 4th and spun on lap 1. He was sent to the back with 14 cars ahead. He came through the pack to finish 2nd and advanced to the B Main. *Same Right Rear Tire
B Main: 15 Laps- Dakotah started 18th in a field of 22 cars deep. Dakotah had advanced 8 positions and was contending for 10th place when he caught a rut in turn 4 and performed a full 360 spin for the fans. He was sent back to the 18th position again. A three car crash in turn 2 yielded a long caution and unfortunately sent Julie McDermid to the hospital for observation with a wrenched neck. Keep her in your prayers. Dakotah's *Right Rear, now very SLICK tire had a cooling period and he successful went on to finish the B-Main in a respectable 8th place finish.
Thursday Night 2/15/07
1 lap qualifying lap of 18:47 Transmission Broke
Dakotah started the 12 lap C Main event from his favorite spot of 18th (shotgun on the field) and he advanced 10 positions to finish out 8th for the night.
Wednesday Night 2/14/07
Minor Engine Trouble- The Macaluso/Stephens OWM Team worked until 4am to get ready for Thursday
Dakotah was holding the #79 Better Leather & Auto Trim/ Woodstown Ice and Coal Modified Car between 3rd-6th place until lap 13 when he found the outer retainer wall in turn 3. 1/21/07
Check back Monday evening for results and to see if you guessed where Dakotah raced at this weekend?
Many benefits come with being a Sprint Car Champion. The Royal Krewe of Charlotte de Berry invited me as their VIP Pirate guest on their float for the Gasperilla Children's Day Parade in Tampa, 1/20/07. Maybe one day, I can invite The Krewe of Charlotte de Berry to be my VIP Pirate guest when I race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Wouldn't that be ironic.
Short Track America 2006 Survey Dakotah continues to contend among the major racers around Florida. Real Racin' USA released their 2006 Survey Results and Dakotah had a strong showing with a 3rd place finish for the Dirt Driver of the Year. Having my name beside the likes of Sport Allen and Earl Pearson, Jr is an honor. You can listen to Real Racin' USA Live every Tuesday night from 7-9 or on demand anytime. During the racing season, Real Racin' USA reports race results from all the tracks on Saturday nights after the races. Tune in all year long if you love Florida Racing.
NEW PAGE Dakotah's Race Stats for 2006 Championship Season with FSCA See Tab to the left
Dakotah continues to lead the Youth Movement as this week's featured driver at TJ Slideways.com
Check out the Regional Breakdown of drivers to watch according to Talent Scout David Smith at http://www.davidsmithmotorsports.com/blog.htm. You will find none other than yours truly, Dakotah, along with other championship talents both here in Florida and around the nation. For the insider reports from emerging Talent Scout-David Smith, be sure and subscribe to the publication today.
Next Race:
Date: December 15, 2006 Started 10, Finished 7th Track: EastBay Raceway Park, Tampa, FL Race Car: Modified #79
Next Appearances:
Date: December 13, 2006 Event: PRA Race Silver Crown Cars and Modified Cars Location: USA International Speedway, Lakeland, FL
Date: December 14, 2006 Event: PRI Show Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
FSCA Awards Banquet is Saturday night, Dec 2 at Be-a-Pig in Fernandina Beach where Dakotah will be celebrating his championship year along with all the Sprint Car Stars of the Florida Sprint Car Association.
This picture of Michael Smith and Dakotah Stephens was posted back in June 2006. See them at the bottom of the page. Both young guns had their goals set and now they are nominated as representing some of the best in Florida.
Upcoming Events
Dakotah has an article in the Tampa Tribune on Thanksgiving.
Dakotah is Tom Sherrill's guest on the Florida Short Track Report on Monday, November 27. Be sure and tune in from 7-9.
See Dakotah Race at North Florida Speedway on Friday, November 24 in a Grudge Match Race and the Feature Event. Update: Did not start feature due to engine failure. Dakotah has started 42 consecutive feature races with this being his first DNS since April 24, 2005.
To listen to Monday Night's Florida Short Track Report, go to http://www.tbsnradio510.com/e_clip_joint.htmM Tom Shirrell proposed a Young Gun Grudge Match between my buddy Michael Smith, 9X of TBARA and I. He says he can win but well, not if I'm on the track. It's all good.
11/18/06 Dakotah and Phil at North Florida Speedway Awards Banquet. Dakotah is accepting the
"Driver of the Year" Award. Thank you NFS Speedway Owners and Staff.
Your have done a great job during your inaguaral year. Keep the racing on the track fast... fast... fast.
Started 9th Finished 16 after lap traffic spins. Officials imposed 2 caution spin rule eventhough the second was a self spin to avoid a spinning car. The car was mighty fast but did not get the opportunity to show it's dominance past 3rd place. That's racing folks.
Dakotah will be live from Snook River Grill with Real Racin' Talk Radio on Tuesday night, November 7, 2006. Be sure to tune in and listen live from 7:00-9:00 pm as Jack and Dakotah discuss the 2006 racing season.
Dakotah finished 4th behind point contenders, Leonard, George and Milum at his debut at East Bay Speedway Friday night, November 3, 2006.
In the Friday racing action, two of East Bay's local divisions, the Limited Sprints and Outlaw 4s, were joined by the Florida Mini Sprint Association. Paulie Milum and Tim George captured preliminaries for the Limited Sprints, but it was Greg Leonard prevailing in the main. The heat winners ran second and third with George ahead of Milum. Dakotah Stephens and Rick Byerly rounded out the top five.
Dakotah Stephens
2006 Champion
Florida Sprint Car Association
Stephens Racing welcomes our newest Sponsor, Tom Macaluso and Better Leather to the team.
A Special Thank You goes out to Wild Bill Daughtery, pilot of the #1 machine. Without Bill, Douglas, GA would not have been possible.
Dakotah finishes 11th place after the #1 car Dakotah was piloting caught fire on lap 14.
I took the green flag from the 14th starting position and was able to work my way, under green flag conditions, up to 4th place, driving Bill Daugherty's #1 machine. An oil leak ignited a small flame under the #1, which then became a more significant flame, before I ejected from the car. I have no burns and only a twisted knee on my brake foot. Who needs brakes, right? Ha Ha.
Dakotah threw out Frisbee's for the kids at North Florida Speedway.
My next race is Labor Day Weekend on September 2 at North Florida Speedway in Lake City, FL with the wild and crazy outlaws of the Florida Sprint Car Association. A BIG Thanks has to go out to Team Toucan, TW Parkinson Sprinter #4 who made it possible for me to race last week. And Mark Ruel, Jr- Sprinter #38, Ruel, Sr.-Car Owner #38, and Big Bad Bill #1 were a first rate pit crew who performed better than most professional teams. Those guys had my car put back together in about 20 minutes flat. Beers are on me when I am old enough to buy and Mark and I are old enough to drink. Just Kidding. I appreciate all of your help guys and I am honored to be part of this first rate racing series. And to Otto-that new sprint car is sweet. You make me jealous and I can't wait to see how it runs.
2nd Place Finish tonite with a little help from my friends. See my hotlap tailspin on the race video page.
1. Matt Kurtz
2. Dakotah Stephens
3. Greg Leonard
4. Danny Jones
5. Perry Caudill
Let's get busy. My next scheduled race is this weekend,
Dakotah is appearing on Racing Round Up TV Live on Wednesday Night, August 16 at 8:00 on Channel 20 in Tampa, FL. Be sure and tune in to hear this hot shoe rookie's take on racing around Florida and maybe some secrets to his success as an up and coming Sprinter.
**Next Appearance: Friday, July 27, 2006 at Shriner's Hospital from 2pm- 6pm in Tampa, FL. Racing Roundup TV is bringing racing to the children who can't go to the races and I am honored to be part of this wonderful event.
Thank's to my Sponsors, Zink Family Motorsports, Shadow Racing Products, and All Steam Supply, and to Otto and all the FSCA fellow Sprint Racers. And Dad, the set-up was great. Thanks to North Florida Speedway for their hard work on the track improvement's they have been making each week.
Dakotah with his childhood friend and racing competitor Michael Smith, #9. Dakotah is contending for 2006 Rookie of the Year with FSCA and Michael is contending for 2006 Rookie of the Year with TBARA. They also share the same birthday, September 25.
This 15 year old, up and coming driver has raced for more than half of his life. In 2005, Dakotah successfully transitioned from Go-Carts to Sprints racing with the USA Sprints series on both dirt and pavement tracks around Florida. He finished 6th in points contrary to starting the season late. His first feature win in Sprints came at North Florida Speedway on July 1, 2006 while racing with the Florida Sprint Car Association Racing Series.
Dakotah is a 2 times Florida Kart Association State Champion, Dirt Devil's Speedway Track Champion and was named Rookie of the Year in 2000.
This talented kid is one to watch and welcome's all who want to join his team as Dakotah hot shoes through the racing ranks.
-Dakotah Stephens #79
