When DMT Motorsports announced at the end of 2009 that they would be folding up shop---like many other people, I was hesitant to believe it. I mean--seriously? You've locked up several championships--including a National title, secured countless feature wins with your drivers--Kevin Nuttleman, Steve Carlson and Emily Sue Steck...and just like that, with a snap of the fingers--you're done?

I was watching this whole situation unfold in the off season. There were times I wasn't convinced it was "over." What was Tim Jacobs going to do with these three La Crosse cars if no one bought them? Just let them sit? Maybe. But I wasn't sure.

It was late last year when former NASCAR Late Model driver, Mike Koeneke began to make plans to purchase one of the DMT cars. Initial thoughts were that he would be buying Kevin Nuttleman's car--rendering the 10-time track champion without a car available to perhaps return to the track. However, as it turned out--Koeneke bought the car that was piloted by Steve Carlson instead.

When that happened, I thought to myself--well, maybe Kevin will get to run a few races afterall in 2010. I mean, would Tim Jacobs really just let the cars sit if they went unsold? Does anyone ever really know what goes on in the mind of a car owner?

Then last week, Jeff Brown from the La Crosse Tribune wrote the swan song article about DMT--pretty much solidifying the stance of "done racing at La Crosse" for DMT Motorsports. Or did it? I still had my doubts and in the back of my head expected that Kevin Nuttleman would still don his helmet once again at La Crosse. I mean his car is still sitting in the race shop, right?

It wasn't until Saturday night at the banquet to honor the drivers from the 2009 season that reality was spelled out for everyone. Kevin Nuttleman delivered a very direct speech that officially announced his retirement, thanking almost everyone who's had a hand in his 30 years of racing. It sounded a few times like the big farm boy who understands "Big Picture Racing" better than most, was struggling to hold back some tears. And who could blame him? This was IT.

He had a lot of conviction in his words on Saturday night, which ended with a standing ovation from the crowd in attendance at the banquet. Kevin's talked "retirement" plenty of times in the past...but he's never really gone through with it...but then again, so has another #4 we've all followed through retirement and subsequent returns plenty of times.