2017 Joe & Nick MemorialJun 8, 2017 by Victoria Beaver
The Markham Cousins Keep Family Tradition Alive At Sycamore Raceway
The Markham Cousins Keep Family Tradition Alive At Sycamore Raceway
Sycamore Raceway and the Joe & Nick Memorial are steeped in family tradition. This week, a pair of cousins will keep that trend alive.
The Joe and Nick Memorial was started because of family.
Sycamore Raceway in Maple Park, IL, was founded because of family.
And racing is known for its family relationships; just look at all the Juniors and Seniors that we know and love. In the Chicago area racing community, the name Markham is heard often. Maybe that's because there's currently six of them racing, including cousins Reno and Roger Markham, who will both be behind the wheel on Saturday, June 10, in the Joe and Nick Memorial at Sycamore Raceway.
Watch the Joe and Nick Memorial LIVE on FloRacing
Reno Markham is a 37-year-old super late model racer in the area who has racing in his genes. Instead of heritage, he races for the thrill of it all.
"It's an adrenaline rush; I like doing it for that," said the younger Markham cousin.
Roger Markham is also entered this weekend in the dirt late model division. So he won't be a direct competitor of his cousin. Roger once held the distinction of being the only Sycamore driver to win in every division at the track, but this has changed in recent years as the track has added more divisions.
"I've raced almost every division at Sycamore at one point," Roger said. "Back in the day when I first started, I started in the lowest division, won the championship, moved to the next one, won the championship."
Being from a racing family, the Markhams feel the weight of expectations to succeed on the track.
"Growing up, there was always this pressure that you had to be good or else there was something wrong with you," Roger said.
When it comes to racing against family, it's all part of the job. Sure, you try a little harder not to wreck them: That would lead to some awkward family dinners. In the end, the bragging rights of winning -- especially against family -- are just too high, and you have to race hard to get there.
Because of this, both Reno and Roger have a Nick and Joe Memorial win under their belts and are gearing up for more.
50W226 Old State Road, Maple Park, IL, 60151
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Sycamore Raceway in Maple Park, IL, was founded because of family.
And racing is known for its family relationships; just look at all the Juniors and Seniors that we know and love. In the Chicago area racing community, the name Markham is heard often. Maybe that's because there's currently six of them racing, including cousins Reno and Roger Markham, who will both be behind the wheel on Saturday, June 10, in the Joe and Nick Memorial at Sycamore Raceway.
Watch the Joe and Nick Memorial LIVE on FloRacing
Reno Markham is a 37-year-old super late model racer in the area who has racing in his genes. Instead of heritage, he races for the thrill of it all.
"It's an adrenaline rush; I like doing it for that," said the younger Markham cousin.
Roger Markham is also entered this weekend in the dirt late model division. So he won't be a direct competitor of his cousin. Roger once held the distinction of being the only Sycamore driver to win in every division at the track, but this has changed in recent years as the track has added more divisions.
"I've raced almost every division at Sycamore at one point," Roger said. "Back in the day when I first started, I started in the lowest division, won the championship, moved to the next one, won the championship."
Being from a racing family, the Markhams feel the weight of expectations to succeed on the track.
"Growing up, there was always this pressure that you had to be good or else there was something wrong with you," Roger said.
When it comes to racing against family, it's all part of the job. Sure, you try a little harder not to wreck them: That would lead to some awkward family dinners. In the end, the bragging rights of winning -- especially against family -- are just too high, and you have to race hard to get there.
Because of this, both Reno and Roger have a Nick and Joe Memorial win under their belts and are gearing up for more.
Joe & Nick Memorial Coverage
No Repeat Winners Yet In The Joe & Nick MemorialWhere To Watch
Sycamore Speedway50W226 Old State Road, Maple Park, IL, 60151
How To Watch
ON TV: Now available on Roku and Apple TV 4 -- download the FloSports app today!STREAMING: Available only onFloRacing. A yearly FloPRO subscription provides access to ALL FloSports sites.
SIGN UP HERE