Idaho Racing News

Davey Hamilton returns and drives the Pink Lady

By Brent Arte

In June of 2001, Idaho native, Davey Hamilton, was continuing his climb to the top of the Indy Racing League history books as the only driver to start every IRL race since its inception. He already had seven podium finishes in the league and finished second in points twice, including an exciting six point differential to eventual champion and current Nextel Cup Driver, Tony Stewart in 1997. But little did anyone know that this day at Texas Motor Speedway would be the end of the iron man run for Davey. A horrific crash sent Hamilton into a violent spin, tearing off the nose of the car, leaving his legs and feet exposed to the elements of the crash.

Race fans in the treasure valley held their breath as our local hero, one of the few drivers out of the valley to not only attempt to run on one of the largest stages in the world, but was close to becoming a champion, held on for his life. We all knew that Davey had what it took to be on top, he had proven himself through the USAC ranks, running Supermodifieds around the nation, and on local tracks like Meridian Speedway, the track where it all started for him. After over 21 surgeries in two years, Davey was determined to drive; we heard it around our home track and even in the press as he persevered through the pain on the track to recovery. Davey never let the racing world get to far away, he was, and is, an analyst for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Racing Network, and has recently become the owner of a half-mile track in Indiana.

But a lot has happened to Davey since 2001, therapy has helped him walk again and his passion for motorsports has kept the fire burning within. In 2007 Davey made a remarkable return to the sport that nearly took his life; Racing for Vision Racing he started and finished 9th in the Indianapolis 500. Six long years later, after a stint as promoter of his hometown track here in Meridian, an analyst for racing in the IRL, he came full circle and the eyes of the treasure valley knew their hero had fulfilled his dream, again. Davey raced in this year’s 500 as well, finishing 14th. A few weeks ago Davey qualified fourth out of 44 Supermodifieds at Oswego Speedway in New York, ahh yes, racing is running full throttle through Davey's veins again. Davey also spends some time coaching and mentoring Ana Beatriz, an up and coming racer in the Indy Lights series. But it is not only on a national stage that he continues his love of racing. He also heads up Davey Hamilton racing which includes himself and his father, Kenny, along with winged sprint car driver Mike Cullum of Meridian and outlaw karters Jenna Cullum and DJ Hamilton. In what could be the biggest news for Davey Hamilton fans here at home is what he told me during a recent interview at Meridian Speedway - that after a long layoff from turning laps at Meridian Speedway, Davey will return to the 1/4 mile oval this coming weekend.

Meridian Speedway’s local classes will converge on the track for the 2008 ASA Championship weekend on Friday and Saturday. Along with the local races, the ASA NSRA tour will return to battle for their championship as well. Davey will take the wheel of the infamous "Pink Lady", that his father made famous around the country, on Friday night. Bringing this car out of retirement is huge for longtime fans in Meridian and it will be interesting to see how the car and Davey will compete with the best winged sprint car racers in the Northwest on the biggest weekend of the year at the track. One of many storylines that will be taking place is the fact that all the members of Davey Hamilton Racing will be on display in the valley this weekend for the first time ever. Of course Mike Cullum will try to get his car on track after a hard hit to the wall a few weeks ago to run with Davey and Kenny on Friday and Saturday night for the NSRA show. DJ and Jenna have a championship night of their own at Sandhollow Raceway Park on Sunday. Through it all, Davey Hamilton seems to be today exactly what he was years ago when it all started--a racers racer. He has seen the top of the mountain and realizes that it takes hard work, many hours and a drive to succeed, and the drive to overcome all obstacles.

Though Davey may want more, he has satisfied the fans and racers here at home. Davey and Brandon Johnson have helped some younger drivers get a start in racing, I have experienced this first hand this season with my son Brock, if it weren't for Brandon and Davey, he wouldn't be racing for a championship on Sunday. How do we ever pay them back? Succeed and drive is all they ask.

So here we are, just days away from wrapping up our 2008 racing season, if you are at home pondering whether or not to go out and enjoy the races this weekend, stop and take this advice from me--Champions to be crowned, a local hero returns home, can the legend steal one from the Idaho Outlaw while competing against the best in the west? --then head out to Sand Hollow to check out Championship Kart racing—whew… take a breath and prepare for 2009. Welcome Home Davey, congratulations on your career so far and best of luck in the future!!!! I will see you at the races!!

For more information on the drivers and tracks mentioned in this story you can log onto www.daveyhamilyonracing.com and www.idahoracingnews.com or www.outlawkart.com and of course www.meridianspeedway.com .

Brent Arte