Helm Communications

03/06/2026

Thank you to the Athens, TN Daily Post Athenian for the nice article in the paper!!! I'm honored and humbled to be recognized in my hometown.

02/17/2026

VADEN RACING 525 SERIES UNVEILED AT KNOXVILLE, TN OUTSIDE GROOVE SHOW

CARTERSVILLE, GA – The new Vaden Chevrolet Performance 525 Super Late Model Series will formally be unveiled this Friday and Saturday at the Outside Groove Racing Show in the Jacobs Building at Knoxville, TN’s Chillhowee Park. The show runs on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Vaden Chevrolet Performance 525 Super Late Model Series features Dirt Late Models powered by the all-aluminum Chevrolet Performance CT525 engine that is based on the production Chevrolet LS3 engine. These economical and durable engines are built and sealed at the factory to prevent any expensive modifications.

Michael Smith’s Dirt Late Model with the CT525 Engine will be on display in the Vaden Chevrolet Performance 525 Super Late Model Series booth that will be located in the row across from the concession area. People can get a close look at the same type of engine that has powered the production Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro, and SS.

Series officials will also have rules, information, and can answer questions about the new series with a new type of engine. Motorsports Promotion veteran Mike Vaughn founded the new series with support from Vaden Chevrolet Performance Parts in Savannah, GA, the leading Chevrolet Performance Crate Engine dealer in the Southeast.

“We’re excited to unveil the new Vaden Chevrolet Performance 525 Super Late Model Series at the Outside Groove Racing Show in the heart of Dirt Late Model Racing, Knoxville, TN,” Vaughn said. “This is my second opportunity to give dirt racers an economical way to go Late Model Racing and once again fill a void that is needed in the sport. The series is Powered By RACE, which stands for Race Affordable Crate Engines.”

Vaughn founded Crate Racin’ USA in 2005, a sanctioning body that featured Chevrolet Performance Crate Engines in several dirt racing Divisions. The Chevrolet Performance Super Late Model Division featuring the CT525 Engine was started in 2012, but when Vaughn sold CRUSA in 2019, the Series was dropped by the new owner.

“In the last couple of years, I received hundreds of phone calls and messages from racers wanting to know if I was ever going to get back in the game,” Vaughn said. “Well, now is the time and I’m back with the right engine, some familiar faces, and some new people that we will introduce this weekend in Knoxville. I’m going to make that a surprise!”

One familiar face, albeit a little older, that Vaughn spoke of is his longtime Communications Director and Announcer Roby Helm, who was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame last year. Another familiar face rejoining the team will be Director of Timing and Scoring Denielle Collar, one of the pioneers of electronic timing and scoring.

The Jacobs Building in Chillhowee Park is located at 3301 E. Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37914. In addition to the Vaden Chevrolet Performance 525 Super Late Model Series, there will be many motorsports vendors, and a swap meet at the Outside Groove Racing Show.

02/16/2026

TENNESSEE DIRT RACING HALL Of FAME ANNOUNCES PLACE, DATE AND TIME FOR INDUCTION CEREMONY

ETOWAH, TN – The Tennessee Dirt Racing Hall of Fame has announced their 2026 Induction Ceremony will be held on April 6 at the Southern Events Venue, 298 W. Madison Ave., Athens, TN with the doors opening at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m., with the Induction Ceremonies to begin following dinner.

The Tennessee Dirt Racing Hall of Fame Class of 2026 are Roby Helm, Dale McDowell, Mike Luna, Herschel Alfrey, Bobby Richey Sr., and Dave Wright. Helm and McDowell are also Inductees in the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame.

Helm will be Inducted into the Tennessee Dirt Racing Hall of Fame just 20 minutes from his hometown of Etowah, TN. In 2026, Helm will begin his 46th year as a professional short track Announcer and Publicist. Since moving to East Tennessee in 1992, Helm has worked Nationally for the Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Late Model Series, and the Hunt The Front Super Dirt Series.

During his career, Helm has announced at 193 different tracks in 27 different states. Helm has owned and operated Helm Communications that has been based in East Tennessee since 1993. In addition to his duties last season with the Hunt The Front Dirt Late Model Series, Helm also worked with the United Sprint Car Series.

Helm is currently the Lead Announcer at Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, GA. The 2026 season will be a busy one for Helm, as he will also work with the Vaden Chevrolet Performance 525 Dirt Late Model Series.

“It’s an honor to be inducted into the Tennessee Dirt Racing Hall of Fame right in my own backyard,” Helm said. “Last year, I was proud to be inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in Florence, KY, but this Hall of Fame ceremony is a little closer to home for family and friends to attend.”

Those interested in attending the 2026 Tennessee Dirt Racing Hall of Fame Banquet and Induction Ceremony can purchase advance tickets for $35 per person by calling the TNDRHoF Director Jack Harper at 615-347-8877. For more information about the Tennessee Dirt Racing Hall of Fame visit their page.

Helm Communications is ready to serve the Public Relations needs of Motorsports Facilities, Sanctioning Bodies, Race Teams, and small businesses. Helm Communications is located at 1411 Ohio Avenue, Etowah, TN 37331. For more information call 865-207-4157. You can also like their page at Helm Communications.

02/02/2026

Please Like the "Let's Go Racing" shirt!!!

01/27/2026

MIKE VAUGHN AND KEN SCHRADER TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ON TUESDAY

CARTERSVILLE, GA – Dirt Racing Promoter Mike Vaughn and former NASCAR star and current winning short track racer Ken Schrader will conduct a major Facebook Live Announcement on Vaughn’s page from All Tech Raceway in Lake City, FL tomorrow night at 8 p.m. The announcement will concern the current economic state of dirt track racing.

Vaughn is stepping back on the stage of short track dirt racing after a seven year absence. In 2005, Vaughn founded Crate Racing USA and successfully ran the sanctioning body until he sold it in 2019. During his 15-year tenure running CRUSA, Vaughn frequently turned to his good friend Schrader for advice and guidance.

Vaughn and Schrader agree that the time is now to step back into the future with some changes in dirt short track racing that make sense economically for both the competitors and the dirt track owners/promoters.

“I invite everyone currently involved in dirt track racing, and also those that are thinking about being involved in dirt track racing, to tune in tomorrow night at 8 p.m.,” Vaughn said. “Ken Schrader and I will introduce something, maybe that is not necessarily new, but needed in dirt track racing across the country.”

Schrader was scheduled to be in Cartersville today to make the announcement with Vaughn, but Winter Storm Ferm laid down snow and ice between Schrader’s home in Missouri and Vaughn’s headquarters in Georgia. All Tech Raceway was chosen for the announcement because Schrader will be testing there tomorrow.

Schrader was finally able to begin his trip this afternoon and alter his route to Florida because of travel issues through Tennessee. Further details will be forthcoming after tomorrow night’s announcement.

08/13/2025

I haven't posted anything in awhile here on the Helm Communications page, so I thought I would share this you.

I took a week off of announcing to be honored for announcing. On Saturday, August 9, I was inducted into the Class of 2025 of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame!!!

It was special because I was able to share the moment with my wife Marcella, my best friend since our Freshman year at Webster High School in Webster, WI Curt Phelps, my boss at Crate Racin' USA for 16 years Mike Vaufhn who Inducted me into the Hall, and co-worker at CRUSA Tim Sims and his wife Lisa.

It's a great feeling to know that after I've passed on from this earth, my soul will be in Heaven, but my legacy in racing in live on in the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame.

I invite you to watch the Induction Ceremony at floracing.com

12/09/2024

I had an enjoyable weekend announcing the Showdown On The Coast for Hunt The Front TV at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, GA. One thing that makes this job enjoyable is working with the next generation of announcers. It was very enjoyable working with the GIS Announcer Mike Foreman. Keep up the good work my friend! ! As always, the HTF TV Producer Logan Gibson keeps us straight, and Videographer Richard "Flipper" Ford always gets the action!! Logan and Flipper were the whole TV crew last weekend, shooting on top of the grandstand in 30 degree weather, which feels sub zero in South Georgia!!!! In addition to manning a camera, Logan produced, directed, typed graphics, and switched shots in the elements. Thank you guys for making us sound and look good in the booth!!!! Also, special thanks to Wesley Womack and his better half Bobbie for keeping us up to speed with schedules and line ups!! I'm really looking forward to working with Hunt The Front in 2025!!!!

11/04/2024

After a day of rest, I wanted to get on here and thank Tommy Rowe Jr and Thomas Montgomery, my co-announcers in the huntthefront.tv broadcast booth last weekend at I-75 Raceway for the recognition of me being inducted into National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame Class of 2025. I had so much fun working with you guys, and I appreciate the shout out!!! I'm looking forward to teaming up with you both again on March 7-8 for the Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series points season opener at my home track!!!

10/21/2024

Helm Communications Owner Roby Helm has been inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame.

Welcome to the web home of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame (NDLMHoF). We would like to invite you to visit the NDLMHoF which is located on the grounds of Florence Speedway in Walton, Kentucky. The NDLMHoF was created to recognize and preserve the rich history of the sport of Dirt Late Mode...

09/24/2024

To my family members, look who I found!!! Besides getting the honor to announce a great Hunt The Front Super Dirt Series race last weekend at Thunderhill Raceway in Summertown, TN, I had the pleasure to reunite with my cousin Todd Padgett, who is the "Go To Guy" at the track. This past weekend, Todd was manning three smokers and kept me well fed all weekend!!! I just wanted to let the family know that Mit's first born is doing well!!!

09/05/2024

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗰𝗵… ⏳

With only 𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡 events left on the 2024 Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series calendar, the pressure has been turned up for our series competitors. Take a look at our remaining schedule and a few of the drivers who will be competing for the $𝟱𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 championship at season’s end. 💰

📍: Lavonia Speedway, Thunderhill Raceway Park, Talladega Short Track, & I-75 Raceway

📆: https://www.htfseries.com/schedules/
📊: https://www.htfseries.com/standings/