Mike Swims of Woodstock, Ga., may have been one of the most important promoters in dirt track racing. Swims was born into the sport, working with his family at both the Dixie Speedway in Woodstock and the Rome Speedway since his teenage years. Swims served as Vice President and General Manager of both facilities, and was one of the founders of the Hav-A-Tampa dirt late model series in 1990. Swims was instrumental in lining up national television coverage of the series, bringing dirt track racing into a national spotlight. Swims also served as a consultant to the Lucas Oil Late Model series.

Under his guidance, both Dixie and Rome Speedways flourished, drawing competitors from all over the country for their annual “Shootout” dirt late model events.

Swims died in September of 2007 following a seven year long battle with cancer. He is a member of the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame.