I have to agree with most of the comments made here...Yes, the visability was understandably difficult, and frustrating, but that's just an invariable you have to deal with when you have an early evening start and the sun is still up. Watering only ensures more dust, but really, if you don't water, the track rubbers up and the racing suffers. The delays between the events were also understandable for track prep, and, when you advertise an 8PM feature start (allowing time for delays earlier in the program, and having none), you have to honor that. Some people might show up just before 8 and be upset if the feature had started. You simply have to do as advertised. Also, I was pleased the track decided to wait out the sunset after the big crash in turn 3. It was simply too difficult to see anything. Another delay I felt that was necessary, and completely justified.
Overall, I give the new promotion team a B+ for their efforts. They clearly put in a lot of effort. As Jerry said, the whole place had a new, yet traditional feel about it. Almost as if the place had been cleansed of it's demons. I really enjoyed the experience, and even though I would have loved to be at Kokomo, I am glad I went. Thanks to DHK for putting on a great event. I look forward to your next race.
As for the racing, the last five laps of that feature were indeed worth the price of admission for all. Hockett and Ballou's performances were incredible all day long, and the fact that the two most dynamic players of the heat races finished the night by trading slide jobs and racing hammer and tong (without touching each other even once) to the checkered made an incredible nightcap to a great day. Both drivers had huge smiles on their faces in victory lane and it made my heart warm to see that. It's always cool when friends race each other hard, respect each other enough to race clean, and then get out of their respective cars and backslap and smile about it. I wish Jesse could have won, but I am thrilled for my Rocklin homie Robert Ballou for his victory. He drove a great defensive race in the last two laps and never even had to really "block" to hold off the hard charging Rocket.
Great job to all involved. Highlights will be up by the middle of the week of this event, for those who want to relive it, made the choice to go to Kokomo instead, or just couldn't be there for whatever reason. I will let you all know when they are.
Dean Mills
www.millsvideoproductions.com