The first time I see James Essex at most Dirt Late Model events, he’s scurrying through the pits, peeking over his glasses to say hello — and scribbling on an index card with his black uni-ball Roller fine point.

The longtime Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announcer’s stack of 4-by-6-inch ruled index cards are his rubber-banded bible for each racing season, the holiest of holies for recalling driver hometowns, ages, chassis, engines, sponsors and more.

The decidedly old school method of MORE