Originally Posted by Racer12:
So with the new asphalt did we get a NTR? How fast in MPH?
Bob
The track was only repaved through turns three and four. Helberg's quick lap was about a full second slower than Gerster's track record at 13.5 seconds. I would say that that had more to do with the frigid temperatures more than the new pavement did.
Most importantly, the new pavement produced side-by-side racing through turns three and four that I have never really seen there before. Cars could get a run going into three, run side-by-side through the entire corner, and complete the pass. It was a great investment with the repaving because it produced an entertaining race. Heck, the stock cars put on a spectacular race too!
Originally Posted by DAD:
So you don't have to have a lot of cars to have a good race. All you need is a few really good drivers.
Honest Dad himself
Your fortune cookie logic does prove to be correct sometimes however if I was to play Bingo I would prefer to use as many cards as possible.
I love attending races at Salem. It's a really special place with a tremendous amount of history. As already stated the new pavement in three and four produced great racing.
I understand and sympathize with the "wings suck USAC till I die" real race fans for not supporting sprint car races at Salem. As for any of them to have shown their presence at last night's race they would most definitely be in the confession booth this morning down at the Westboro First Southern Holy Baptist Temple of USAC where real Angels don't wear wings confessing their sins for attending such a satanic event.
It's sad and tragic because I cannot think of a another pavement track in the world that produces the "OMG did you see that" moments that sprint cars do at Salem but without those four little magical letters present it's just subpar and not authentic.
It wasn't horrible like has been stated above. Racing in 3 & 4 was side by side in both divisions. I heard them say that the transition from the banking onto the front straight was tricky for the Sprint Cars.
All I know is that I'll go back.
TWO race tracks in this state make my heart jump into my throat Salem and Terre Haute. They are special places that I truly enjoy going to whenever I get the chance to.
