Originally Posted by revjimk:
OK, since you asked, I'll tell you how this relative newcomer feels. I see that the guys who've been around sprint cars for a long time love the "big cars", seems like a very nostalgic thing
To me, they're bigger, heavier cars with 360 engines. I don't see the point
Sorry....
The lure of SC cars, for me at least, has a few points as outlined below:
1). With the length of the races usually being 100 laps the strategy necessary to succeed becomes more important than other forms of USAC racing. Now you have to strategize about tire wear for a much longer period of time, you have to strategize about considerable fuel load changes causing considerable handling change, you have to strategize about considerable track changes through the course of the race for a much longer period causing different lines being faster at different points in the race. There are more but these stand out as the additional challenges this type of racing necessitates.
2). Again, with the race length endurance and stamina enter into the equation. It's one thing to have the stamina to handle 30 laps in a sprint car, but it's another to do the same for 100 laps. To be able to have the endurance to think as clearly on the 95th lap as you did on the 25th lap without just wishing it was over so you could get out of the car and rest is, again, another additional challenge these cars present.
3). SC racing presents, to me, the perfect combination of sprint car racing and long races. While I believe races are won in the pits it's the preparation and planning done before the race that is key. Once the car is on the track it's up to the driver to complete the task. If you have to pit you're usually out of the running for the win (although not all the time). One of the things I don't like about NASCAR and INDY Car racing is that much of the strategy revolves around the timing and quickness of pit stops. Call me a purist but I believe that races should be won on the race track, not in the pits with a faster pit stop. I was a fan of the original NASCAR truck series because they had scheduled pit stops, usually one per race, where the fuel/tires/adjustments were changed, then they went back to the track and raced for the win.
4). And, yes, I'm still a fan of the tradition and prestige these cars represent. I can still remember a time when, to be champion, you had to be versed on the dirt as well as the pavement. But, then again, I'm more of a beer and pretzels kind of guy versus the wine and cheese set.
So, there you have it. While I don't propose to speak for all SC fans I think most would agree with what I've said.
Tim Simmons