This is the only race on the entire USAC schedule that is run on its original date and time and my most anticipated race of the year. I've been to all but two since 1981. I've read it's the second oldest, still running race, next to the Indy 500 in the United States. There is a special feeling you get when you approach that Fairgrounds and make the long walk in. The first sets of hot laps are worth twice the admission. I can't sleep the night before. My dad made a living playing in bands and wouldn't get home till 2 in the morning and I hadn't slept yet, but I would be up before him at 6 o'clock in the morning ready to go. I dream at night about it off and on all year. I'm not sure of why the obsession, but my dad had a way of influencing me on what was cool and historic. This year, I am taking my son for the first time and hope he feels all the same magic I have for all these years. My dad is going to try to go even though he can barely walk and I'm afraid it will be his last one. He'll have to take the elevator when we get there while I run up all those steps with my boy just like I always did when I was his age! The one day I get to be a kid again as I gaze across the track and the trees in the distance of turn three, wishing the day would never end.
I know when I walk in there Saturday, I will be missing my buddy, Randy Mortland. One of his favorite places in the world. He loved the big cars and the miles, and I guess I do to.
Nothing like a State Fair breakfast the morning of the Springfield race, for me, that was a corn dog and a lemonade. Then going in the grandstand and seeing all the cars.
Then the deep voice on the PA, "Hello Race Fans, the track is open for practice".
Hearing and seeing the first car chug off, pulling onto the track, is premium excitement.
Gail and I will be leaving at 9 our time this mornin'. Staying in Lincoln. Hoping the weather co-operates this weekend for the 4 races in 3 days. Hope to meet up with some IOW folks. Every1 be safe where ever ya may be traveling to see the races. Lloyd
The best track food in the world is across the street from the grandstands. Sad that I'll miss it this year. My dad took us there when Mario, AJ, Big Al and Bobby were standing right there on the front straight. And Andy Granitelli to boot! Have an awesome time.
Originally Posted by ThrowbackRacingTeam:
This is the only race on the entire USAC schedule that is run on its original date and time and my most anticipated race of the year. I've been to all but two since 1981. I've read it's the second oldest, still running race, next to the Indy 500 in the United States. There is a special feeling you get when you approach that Fairgrounds and make the long walk in. The first sets of hot laps are worth twice the admission. I can't sleep the night before. My dad made a living playing in bands and wouldn't get home till 2 in the morning and I hadn't slept yet, but I would be up before him at 6 o'clock in the morning ready to go. I dream at night about it off and on all year. I'm not sure of why the obsession, but my dad had a way of influencing me on what was cool and historic. This year, I am taking my son for the first time and hope he feels all the same magic I have for all these years. My dad is going to try to go even though he can barely walk and I'm afraid it will be his last one. He'll have to take the elevator when we get there while I run up all those steps with my boy just like I always did when I was his age! The one day I get to be a kid again as I gaze across the track and the trees in the distance of turn three, wishing the day would never end.
Mike,
Great post.
Wish I could make it this year but my deal to crew fell through & with Erik's wedding this past June, the Bookkeeper said NO!
I was talking to my Dad last night and he mentioned being at the last race on the Minnesota State Fair DIRT MILE in 1937. He took me to my first race at the MSF DIRT HALF mile in 1958 and my last at MSF on the TAR half in 1964. He didn't like pavement and didn't attend another Sprint Car race until Erik started racing in 2004. Erik & I are taking Dad & Austin (Erik's son) to Princeton Speedway tonight for the Earl & Ethel Kouba Memorial. This might be Dad's last hurrah, at 93 he's pretty much into his "Cool down laps". So many great memories.
I feel really sad for children whose parents weren't race fans!
Have fun & have a BEER for me!
