About Us
Hello everyone and welcome to the 'FINISH LINE PHOTOS' web site. As you have read, my name is Jim Ambruoso, better known to many race fans and drivers as JimmyA. I have been and still am employed by the Rockford Speedway for the past 48 years. However, four years of that time was spent away from the track while attending Western Illinois University. There I received my Bachelors Degree in Education, graduating in 1970. During my years at the speedway, I have seen and personally have met many great drivers, crew members, and race fans which I have treasured.
While too numerous to mention them all, many stand out to be most memorable, such as NASCAR greats Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace, Richard Petty, Buddy Baker and Travis Kvapil to name just a few. Equally as great are hundreds of local drivers in all divisions who have kept the famed Rockford Speedway alive with the finest short track racing in the Midwest all these years since 1948. Local drivers like Joe Shear, Larry O'Brian, Wayne Lensing, John Knaus, Ricky Bilderback, Jerry Gille, Tom Gille, and the list goes on and on. All of these drivers stand as milestones within the speedway's long history. Even crew members mainly and most notable was Chad Knaus, not to slight the many who continue to support their respective driver, also have made their mark.
Old war stories from the past to present are often shared with my friend Stan Burdick, who is very well known within the racing fraternity. Stan is the oldest employee at the speedway and I am proud to say I am the second oldest. We both are proud of our roots, and we'll continue to be a part of one of the finest short tracks in the nation.
Over the years I have done numerous jobs for the speedway. I started out selling popcorn and soft drinks in the stands as a youngster, to collecting tickets and even announced for a few years. Now I assist as announcer on an as needed basis, give the invocation prior to each race night, take race sponsors and race fans on pit tours, or whatever it takes to enhance our race program.
Now as the speedway's photographer for the past two years, I enjoy "capturing memorable moments in time" which depicts the racing action as well as the celebrations within victory lane, the excitement of race fans young and old alike and even racing mishaps which often occur. As you select a racing date from the events menu, "green flag icon" photos will take you through our weekly race program, showing you the racing action and family entertainment. Feel free to look around and review photos and contact me if you would like to purchase a photo for your personal photo album. See How to Order for photo prices and ordering information.
Finally, allow me to say thank you for visiting my web page and I hope one day soon to see you at the races.
JimmyA
-Finish Line Photos