Originally Posted by revjimk:
I've only been following sprint cars 5 yrs., can't comment on the good ole days. In the last few years, Larson, Rico, Bacon, & Bell have won in winged cars. What primarily winged driver has won in wingless?
There hasn't been much crossover in the last 10 years. IMO, it has nothing to do with one car being harder to drive than another. They are talented racers and will figure it out with laps. Talent always rises to the top. You used to see it much more, but not these days. Its pretty much a money game for these drivers. A lot of them are under contracts and make salaries and race for a % of the nightly winnings for 60-100 race nights a year on a greater purse on a nightly basis than than non wing stuff.
The risk is greater than the reward for them.
The aforementioned drivers are still young and trying to make their way. Clearly they are all very talented and I would add Thorson to the mix as well.
I think Larson would race radio flyer wagons if he could and he would win at that. Rico has dabbled in the non wing stuff at Calistoga and has won 3 of the 4 races, I think. I have yet to see Bell in a non wing car. Bacon would prefer the wing and wants to put a deal together to run a full time wing deal, but its just not materialized so he runs the 69 to put food on the table weekly.
For the younger guys its about making it to the next level for others its about paying the bills.
To answer the initial question. Larson. The first time I saw him race I knew he was special. He has a moxy about him not many have and it shows. He reminds me of the guy that just retired. I remember watching him 30 years ago when he was age 13. You knew he was special right away.
