Originally Posted by openwheelfan1
We were fortunate enough to attend both the WoO show and the USAC show Wednesday and Thursday night at the THAT. it was our first trip to THAT in 15 years or more. There have been a few responses and such to posts about both shows and the crowd each night etc. The following are MY observations and thoughts and are NOT intended to incite or "stir the pot"!;
1.) The crowd for the WoO show on Wed. was strong. There were a few empty seats in the covered grandstand, but not many, the open bleachers were almost full, and the infield had a very good crowd. Around us (we sat in the covered grandstand) there were a lot of people that said they attend only one or two sprint car races/year. When I asked why they chose this race, some said "because all the stars were gonna be here" while some others said " it's the World of Outlaws...they're the best aren't they?". I found the responses interesting.
2.) The crowd for the USAC show was IMO poor. The infield was virtually empty, and it was pick your seat in both the covered grandstand and bleachers at 7:00 PM. The crowd was mostly "hard core" race fans and demographically, decidedly older than the crowd at the WoO show the previous evening.
3.) Unfortunately, the track conditions for the two nights were opposite what each organization looks for. Again, my opinion!! I thought the track Thursday night was pretty dry and while the USAC drivers put on a GREAT show, a better track could have made for an awesome event. The track for the WoO show, which was reworked 3 times to try to smooth it out, was pretty wet and choppy and mostly one lane all night. Donny Schatz, as noted in another post, dominated all night, and passing throughout the field was at a minimum.
4.) The sound system at THAT sucks. It wasn't worth a darn 15 years ago, and still isn't. You can ALMOST hear the announcer when the cars aren't running...when they are, forget it.
5.) I was surprised at the depth and strength of the field for the WoO event...38 cars signed in, 36 competed. I was disappointed in the field for the USAC race. 22 cars signed in, 21 raced. Considering Indiana is considered the stronghold of non-wing racing, I wonder why only 22 cars showed up?
6.) There was a video board just to the W of the control tower. During the WoO race, the video board was used to show heat race lineups, lap count, lap times and final results. During downtimes, the STP logo was displayed. During the USAC show, the same video board showed a continuous loop of Honda commercials...period. Hmmm.
7.) Lastly....and AGAIN, I stress this is MY OPINION....non-wing sprint car cars and drivers on a half mile are like watching a ballet on a high wire. ALWAYS on the edge of disaster. In contrast, the WoO cars are MUCH more locked down, but they also averaged 15 mph faster at THAT, so the reaction times are significantly reduced. Saying the driver of one type of car is better or worse than a driver of the other is doing a disservice to both. Both are masters of their chosen craft, and carry their man parts around with wheel barrows!
Steve
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