Adams County Speedway
Adams County veteran still seeks first '09 win
Karl Ritterbusch has a huge fan following at the Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa. There are mobs of his loyal fans wearing his T-shirts every Saturday night. The driver nicknamed the Flying Farmer says his longevity has built up his fan base. "It's mainly because we've been around ACS for so many years," he said.
He's right. Ritterbusch has been a staple of Adam County Speedway his share of decades. Thirtysomething years ago he decided it was time to jump behind the wheel of his own race car.
"A friend and I always came and watched the races here at ACS," Ritterbusch said. "We bought a car and raced in what they called at that time the Hobby Stock division."
Ritterbusch prides himself on staying out of trouble on the track and driving a clean race. That's how he wants to be known as a driver. He does this not only to gain the respect of fans but also fellow competitors.
"We don't go over the limit on the track. I try to keep a cool head when I'm out there and that's just the way I've always raced."
With many years of racing experience, Ritterbusch has seen many changes in the Late Model division.
"The biggest change is in the rules. Some good. Some bad. We're to the point where all the rules make guys pretty much equal. It just depends on much money you want to spend," he said.
Ritterbusch admits he hasn't had the best of seasons this year with a best finish of second on June 20. With track conditions changing week to week, Ritterbusch and his crew fought setup issues the first part of the season. It took the No. 67 late model crew a few weeks to decide to go back to what worked for them in '08.
"We were all frustrated at the start of the year, because we spent some time trying a different setup but finally went with what has always worked," Ritterbusch said. "My crew of Martin and Mark Carmichael, Danny McCoy, Rick Hanna and of course all of our wives have been great this year."
Adams County fans like to reward themselves every Saturday night by watching great racing by great drivers. Ritterbusch is no different then the average fan as he likes to reward himself on the weekends too.
"I like just getting away from the every day grind," he said. "It's nice to be with the guys. I don't know what else we'd do on Saturday nights. Racing has become a fixture in our lives."
