|
This thread has officially pissed me off. The answer for the problems lies in the threads, but no one is looking for them. There are a lot of teams that cannot afford to run a NATIONAL midget program. There are a lot of cars that are sitting in the shop because of the cost to run a NATIONAL series that would like to run in a series that is more economical. There are a lot of people (including myself) believe that a $10k spec motor would greatly help midget racing. Also, there are a lot of people who enjoy the performance of the current NATIONAL series.
The answer is for the people that enjoy the NATIONAL midget programs to continue to support those. One could look at the race at LaSalle and say that this model is broken, or one could look at the 40+ cars at last years Gold Crown and say that the model works well. The truth is somewhere in the middle. Without a doubt, the two biggest midget programs need to be on the same page. The people that can not afford to run a NATIONAL midget should run a series that they can. A series with a spec engine, a series with an intelligent weight rule, a series with a tire rule that everyone can live with.
The ASCS works well because they have a rule package that works for them. The WOO works well because they have a rule package that works for them. The ASCS guys do not sit around and complain that they cannot afford to run a 410 motor. IMCA modifieds works well because they have a rule package that works for them. Currently, there are a bazillion cars in Boone for the Super Nationals proving that the IMCA rules work. USMTS modifieds work because they have a rule package that works for them. On most nights, is a IMCA modifed comptitive with a USMTS modified? No. Does that mean that an IMCA show is less appealing than a USMTS show? No.
Many people will argue that the 360 Knoxville Nationals are a better show than the 410 Knoxville Nationals. Many drivers will find a ride in both events. Also, by having a strong regional series (the ASCS) it forces the national sereies (the WOO) to constantly evaluate thier rules and programs. Having a regional midget sereies will force the NATIONAL midget series to constantly improve.
Don has said several times that the current thinking in midget racing needs to change, and I agree with him. However, instead of changing the rules to where everyone confirms to Don's opinion. We need to have options. The days of all midgets being competive with a NATIONAL midget is the change that we need to make. We need to have the NATIONAL series (The WOO) and we need to have the regional series (The ASCS)
|