Family and Racing Go Together Like Peas and Carrots

Monday, July 14, 2008
By: Matt "Night" Rider

Families and racing have been around for a long time. Some famous racing families include the Forces', Petty's, and the Earnhardt's, but family racing is also local.

From the Bunker Hill Dragstrip to the Miami County Speedway, you'll find an abundance of racing within families.

Dan Dishon (Top Left) and his son Nick (Bottom Left), both of Logansport, drag race motorcycles out at the Bunker Hill Dragstrip.

"I think me and the kid are tighter than maybe most parents are with their kids. Having the wife, Tina, here helps out the relationship. She grew up in the sport so she understands what the sport is all about. We actually met here at the track (Bunker Hill Dragstrip)", said Dan Dishon.

His son "Nitro" Nick Dishon said, "Mainly the positive support. They will give you anything you need. If it's not running right, or you're struggling, they'll try to helo you."

Family and racing can alos be found at the Miami County Speedway. Ken Hughes and his son K.C.(Bottom Left), Amboy are just one of many racing families that race out at the MCS. Many local families have deep roots in racing.

Ken Hughes raced micro sprints all over the country. Ken got his son K.C., interested in racing.

"It's something we've (Hughes family) done together for 35 years or more. It's a time for our family to be together. Not just at the race track but the week preparing the car", said Ken Hughes.

The Kimmels (Left Bottom), Mentone, are all into racing. Sam Kimmel (#4 micro sprint) and his little sister Barbie (#44 micro sprint) both race at the Miami County Speedway, while their parents (Cindy and Joe) are there for support.

"Racing brings us together. We are together every weekend when we race", Joe Kimmel said.

Cindy Kimmel said, "It makes it that much better when it's family. When things are going bad, it's better to have family for the support."

Jeff Weideman and his wife Jennie, Sharpsville, take turns racing their #92W micro sprint, each weekend at the one and only Miami County Speedway. Jeff Weideman said, "Racing is something for the family to do together."

The racing reigns are usually passed down from generation to generation. Racing also provides family members with many great memories to look back on and enjoy.