2022 Peoria TT Images #1: Maybe The Best Motorcycle Race In The World …Images by Willy Ivins

The Peoria TT AFT dirt track race is a hidden gem for racing fans. It may very well be one of the best races in the world to see as a spectator. All of these photos were shot by Willy Ivins from spectator areas.

Why might the Peoria TT be the best race in the world: you can see the riders eyes in their helmet as they come past.

Why might the Peoria TT be the best race in the world: you can smell race fuel, sweat and fear, from the fence.

Foreground: the only American to beat Marc Marquez in a race, Brad Baker.

Kenny Tolbert stuffs a tube in a fresh Dunlop. He has forgotten more about racing than many experts claim to know.

Why might the Peoria TT be the best race in the world: because if you are wondering if the rider you are following missed a shift in turn three in the heat you walk over there and ask him, “Hey, did you miss a shift in three in the heat race?”

Why might the Peoria TT be the best race in the world: because you can leave expensive stuff laying around without fear of it being stolen. Because if a thief is discovered he will suffer paddock justice. What is paddock justice? Double broken wrists. So then for the next six weeks he gets to explain why he needs someone to wipe his ass for him. It’s worse than probation and or jail.

Why might the Peoria TT be the best race in the world: because if you’re wondering how much sand is in the dirt in a corner you pretty much walk out there when the track is clear and look for yourself.

Former Prince of Peoria Henry Wiles knows the best fans are those with cash.

Former Prince of Peoria Henry Wiles knows the best fans are, sometimes, those with cash.

Randy Texter’s son. Probably still not wearing sunscreen.

Tommy sighed and said okay, one more time. “This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had roast beef …”

Why might the Peoria TT be the best race in the world: This.

Estenson Racing team manager Tommy Hayden smiles with Peoria TT winner Jay Diggity.

Estenson Racing team manager Tommy Hayden smiles with Peoria TT winner Mister Jay Diggity.

The only kid in his entire class who knows what a Flying W is.

Team owner and uber race fan Tim Estenson takes a victory lap at the Peoria TT.

Why is American dirt track racing cool? Because if two guys are putting a front axle in and it gets misaligned and won’t go in the first time someone can say “put a little hair around it” and nobody will go home to a stack of sexual harassment lawsuits.

Why might the Peoria TT be the best race in the world: you can hear the race winner scream in delight.

Nicky HaydenRemembered

Nicky Hayden
Remembered