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-   -   Ballou vs Stewart (https://www.indianaopenwheel.com/showthread.php?t=106356)

Charles Nungester 9/24/18 12:33 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chase Hightower (Post 502505)
Calling Ballou "one of the best ever" is kind of ridiculous in my opinion. The best ever drove and won on every type of track surface and condition. I liked his hammer down style when he came on the scene, and still has at certain tracks. But, he sure can't run dry slick, use patience, and isn't what I'd call "smooth" by any stretch. He definitely isn't bigger than Eldora, or the races that happen there, or the people that show up to watch the racing there, and will come with or without Robert. I'm pretty certain The Big E will survive without Ballou. Simple, if all you want to do is cry, complain, call out people, and don't run worth a sh*it at certain joints, then stay home. I liked the racing fine, and that's probably the best Silver Crown race I've seen. Ballou wouldn't know, he wasn't in it. Hopefully he enjoyed watching as much as I did.
Except he has won at every type of track and surface and won a USAC championship, Is in double digits in USAC wins, Has won Eldora several times, I've even seen him come from the tail to top three before breaking there.

There are dozens of track champions, Multi time champions etc that raced tons of USAC sprint races and have ZERO or single digit USAC Wins. It's a different level, and to beat em at your home track is a major accomplishment, To beat em not at your home track, Nearly impossible.

I think he's a hell of a racer, Generally a good guy and means well.
I've said a dozen times I hate his bashing tracks and promoters, It's not good for the sport. Everyone else was on the same track. They also had the choice not to race.

Second year in a row he "Called out Smoke" on track conditions. Last year I agreed, It was dustbowl with no cushion that probably got drivers hurt until it eventually blew off. This year I don't. It was classic Eldora, He who runs highest, wins.

7horse 9/24/18 12:37 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by tamati (Post 502507)
I guess winning a usac sprint championship does not make you one of the best, Then I don't know what does.
And second most wins in a season ever, and sweeping the eastern storm

Chase Hightower 9/24/18 12:58 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
To me, it's simple. It's not whether I agree, or you agree with me on how good he is? It's about the fact of crying and complaining. I look at it like this. Eldora or any other race track in the country is owned by someone. That is their facility to run and operate how they see fit. Ballou has complained about several surfaces, not only Eldora. That is also his right to do. However Tony owns that track, it's his stage, his game, his preparation. Any driver, owner, or fan, (individually) is a small part of what occurs there. If you're that unhappy with it, then comment or accuse an owner, track, promoter, or track prep of attempting to get someone killed.... Then sit your a*s at home. I don't care if Ballou or any other driver doesn't go to race at any facility, for any reason they deem necessary. And I agree that he is a good driver, one I love watching where he can ramrod a car and make banzai passes. But, no in my opinion, winning 1 USAC championship doesn't make you one of the "best ever." Like I end several of my posts with, we're all entitled to our opinions. Mine sure doesn't make me correct.

Charles Nungester 9/24/18 1:11 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Didn't Tony get in a fight with a promoter in Austrailia or something?
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsp...122-1a0jf.html

Two hard heads, This one is.

wildman92 9/24/18 1:29 PM
As Kenny Chesney and my good friend Rick (I love Dirt track racing) say, can’t we all just get along?

Cage Faraday 9/24/18 1:41 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by cleatziff (Post 502438)
Another part
I must say this is disappointing, Eldora is the hub of ALL dirt racing and I've always been a Stewart fan going back to the 90's. I hope in a few days things will cool off and things can get worked out, but I'm siding with Ballou on this. I like slick tracks, but if the professionals are saying their is an issue, it may behoove Eldora/Stewart to be more customer service oriented. Having said that I havent liked the rules they implemented in recent years and if his attitude stays sucky towards Ballou and those who agree with him, I have no issue NEVER going to Eldora ever again. Lots of tracks in this country and Eldora can be replaced, just like any business or track. Don't need BS attitude from promoter either.:7:

Cage Faraday 9/24/18 1:56 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by tamati (Post 502507)
I guess winning a usac sprint championship does not make you one of the best, Then I don't know what does.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 55fan (Post 502508)
I simply prefer the smaller tracks. I don't like seeing anyone getting hurt or killed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles Nungester (Post 502512)
Except he has won at every type of track and surface and won a USAC championship, Is in double digits in USAC wins, Has won Eldora several times, I've even seen him come from the tail to top three before breaking there.

There are dozens of track champions, Multi time champions etc that raced tons of USAC sprint races and have ZERO or single digit USAC Wins. It's a different level, and to beat em at your home track is a major accomplishment, To beat em not at your home track, Nearly impossible.

I think he's a hell of a racer, Generally a good guy and means well.
I've said a dozen times I hate his bashing tracks and promoters, It's not good for the sport. Everyone else was on the same track. They also had the choice not to race.

Second year in a row he "Called out Smoke" on track conditions. Last year I agreed, It was dustbowl with no cushion that probably got drivers hurt until it eventually blew off. This year I don't. It was classic Eldora, He who runs highest, wins.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7horse (Post 502515)
And second most wins in a season ever, and sweeping the eastern storm
Exactly. From my perspective, at home on the couch in Georgia watching high lights on youtube the racing looked good, but the lack of or nearness of the cushion to the wall seemed treacherous and I wasn't surprised when it grabbed a few guys. But since I wasn't there racing I can't say if the track was good or not. My argument would be that Smoke would be wise to try and be more attentive to what racers say, even if he doesn't agree with them, without posting on social media not to ever come back. To say the track could not have been better just isn't true. Did it look pretty good? Yes. But what would it hurt to be more diplomatic instead insulted and knee jerky with his response.

Cage Faraday 9/24/18 2:28 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
1 Attachment(s)
Updates: Ballou follows up posts with mature response.

GYATK94 9/24/18 2:38 PM
.

stoney 9/24/18 2:39 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by wildman92 (Post 502522)
as kenny chesney and my good friend rick (i love dirt track racing) say, can’t we all just get along?
no !

mr g 9/24/18 2:51 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
White Flag

Charles Nungester 9/24/18 3:20 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
I always thought Ballou's comments were meant to try to improve racing or the racing surface. However at times Im in disagreement as to how he seen it. I was never out there driving on it like he was. So that is what it is.

LIke I said this time, Eldora was it's old self, By the sprint and Champ main it was on the wall with nary a cushion at all and a times drivers bouncing the right rear off it. Vogler would say that I run on the wall because it hurts much less when you hit it.

Tracks are always on the bad end of either fans or racers or both. This show went to 1am without much down time at all. If it was me, I would have ripped the top 15ft and lightly watered after hot laps. ANyone else willing stay till 2-230?

Im with others in saying without it being a multi day show, It's too many classes for one night. Hold a All Stars and USAC sprint show on sunday and ditch the All Stars on Sat Get this show done by 11pm with time for a little track work.

Oh well, Im a net jockey, been around it for decades even worked on several cars. But Sat Night was Classic Eldora. After I griped about the past two years, Last year being a dust bowl and the year before going to 3am
This was classic ride the rim and even three wide. It never was better than that.

CRA91 9/24/18 4:02 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Robert should be thankful that the track was dry slick, when he got into the back straight away wall and his car spun to the left he was lucky there was no traction and was able to spin around.

Back in the day when the track was good and fast that same spin whould've resulted in him flipping his arse off and surely more damage to his car and possibley himself. Seen it happen many times there.

I'm saying this from the perspective of a crew chief for many years and have enjoyed the greatest of high's of winning there and the lows of watching someone I admired take one bad crash that chould've been very serious,but thankfully wasn't. The cars ran right on the wall just like they were at the 4 Crown. And i sure don't recall anyone complaining then. I guess if you don't like the way something is done at a certain track you don't go race there.

ronmil 9/24/18 4:51 PM
The racing was excellent all evening with the Silver Crown feature the best of the lot. Dust was not that bad and was virtually nonexistent until he Winged cars had made their appearance.
The Winged cars are compelling to watch with their blistering speed, but the side by side racing is better with the wingless cars.
Left the track a little after midnight and was able to make use of my expensive motel room in Greenville for a few hours. I further contributed to the Greenville economy at the car wash near the motel. Great wash job for eight bucks and an attendant even towel dried the car at the finale!
I noticed the Four Crown is a week later next year. That will help as we always miss a great grandsons birthday party every year. The parents wouldn’t listen to my request to alter his birth certificate! 😁

7horse 9/24/18 4:57 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by GYATK94 (Post 502527)
It’s fair to say Smoke could be attentive to what racers say, but in this instance you’re suggesting he pay attention to what a single racer says, not the plural form. From what I’ve been seeing Ballou has been alone in his negative feedback. Even Bayston, the individual who suffered a terrifying crash, commented that it was some of the most fun he’d had in a midget and had no qualms with the surface.

Ballou is an excellent racer, and I’ve tried to be a fan of his, but he makes it incredibly difficult to do so, in my opinion. It’s one thing to attempt to talk to the right people about fixing a track surface, it’s another to go out on twitter and bash tracks continually. Maybe he’s tried talking to folks involved with track prep before and they didn’t listen, but if that’s the case I still don’t agree with his response.

He’ll also do things like broadcast his financial woes if beaten. He made some childish remark after Courtney beat him at Terre Haute this year about Sunshine’s car being much quicker than his.

He’s a fantastic racer, and I’d agree he’s one of the greats. Seems to be good with young fans. Just struggle to get behind him with actions like this. I’ve seen him go at people who come at him online by implying they’re just being internet tough guys behind the screen, and so these twitter rants and rages he goes on must require a great amount of hypocrisy and a lack of self awareness.

Hope guys like Sunshine just keep going out on whatever track they get and winning. And if they do have any issues with the track handling them like an adult. Wonder what reasons Ballou will offer when KTJ, Windom, and Courtney blow by him on the USAC win list.
Hmmm which one of those drivers own their own car? Oh nevermind they just show up walk around trying to promote Nos Energy drink jump in the car and drive it and let everyone else do all the work on it and they are in a different car every year

brady 9/24/18 5:07 PM
Ktj owns all his equipment and is just flying Hoffman colors for sponsorship. Oh and he works on it as well. Last time I checked nos didn’t sponsor him either.

Rhody 9/24/18 5:29 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7horse (Post 502542)
Hmmm which one of those drivers own their own car? Oh nevermind they just show up walk around trying to promote Nos Energy drink jump in the car and drive it and let everyone else do all the work on it and they are in a different car every year
Yep, and some drivers have owned every car they have ever driven, bought every tire for those cars, bought every part that has been torn up by some kid with more money than brains, and bit their tongue in public. Sour grapes are sour grapes, no matter the back story, and they never make the speaker look good.

GYATK94 9/24/18 5:32 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7horse (Post 502542)
Hmmm which one of those drivers own their own car? Oh nevermind they just show up walk around trying to promote Nos Energy drink jump in the car and drive it and let everyone else do all the work on it and they are in a different car every year
You must not know how much effort Sunshine put in to helping out the Clausons before he was a driver. Tim has spoken glowingly about his work ethic that earned him a chance behind the wheel. Now he’s taking advantage of a wonderful opportunity and piling up wins. Wonder why Ballou doesn’t get a shot in the cars with big name sponsors on the side? Surely owners and sponsors are fans of his public twitter actions.

Though credit is due for the recent post on Twitter he made to apologize.

trannyman 9/24/18 5:59 PM
If the track was like it was for the truck race,I can see the frustration.The track for the trucks is hard,smooth,slick.It was such a disappointment when seen that for the first time.Question would be,if the goal and "perfect"track is hard,smooth,and slick...why not just go pavement and be done with it?

BrentTFunk 9/24/18 6:01 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cage Faraday (Post 502525)
Exactly. From my perspective, at home on the couch in Georgia watching high lights on youtube the racing looked good, but the lack of or nearness of the cushion to the wall seemed treacherous and I wasn't surprised when it grabbed a few guys. But since I wasn't there racing I can't say if the track was good or not. My argument would be that Smoke would be wise to try and be more attentive to what racers say, even if he doesn't agree with them, without posting on social media not to ever come back. To say the track could not have been better just isn't true. Did it look pretty good? Yes. But what would it hurt to be more diplomatic instead insulted and knee jerky with his response.
For years I have seen people complain about Eldora about no one running high anymore, then we get it and one person complains, and that is considered the gospel by some. Jack Hewitt always said the closer you run to the wall, the less it hurts when you hit it.
Robert has run good at Eldora before when it was dry, and when it was rough. I think his later comments paint a better picture of who he is. I have been to every 4 crown, except the first one, and can honestly say that is the best track I have ever seen there. Robert is the only person who I have seen or spoken to who said anything negative about the track.
As for Tony's comments, Pretty tame compared to what Earl would have said or done. After facing more scrutiny than any other track, they really nailed it. Then get criticized and told the are going to kill somebody in what I am sure has been a tough time for everyone after the death of Greg Hodnett. I really can't blame him for being upset. I have done a little track prep, and I can honestly say I don't know how they could have done anything better.

Maybe the real lesson here is to stay off twitter until you think about what you want to say. I think of a couple of people other than Robert or Tony could also learn that lesson. 3 big races this week, so I am looking forward to Kokomo, Gas City and Lawrenceburg.

GYATK94 9/24/18 6:07 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrentTFunk (Post 502551)
For years I have seen people complain about Eldora about no one running high anymore, then we get it and one person complains, and that is considered the gospel by some. Jack Hewitt always said the closer you run to the wall, the less it hurts when you hit it.
Robert has run good at Eldora before when it was dry, and when it was rough. I think his later comments paint a better picture of who he is. I have been to every 4 crown, except the first one, and can honestly say that is the best track I have ever seen there. Robert is the only person who I have seen or spoken to who said anything negative about the track.
As for Tony's comments, Pretty tame compared to what Earl would have said or done. After facing more scrutiny than any other track, they really nailed it. Then get criticized and told the are going to kill somebody in what I am sure has been a tough time for everyone after the death of Greg Hodnett. I really can't blame him for being upset. I have done a little track prep, and I can honestly say I don't know how they could have done anything better.

Maybe the real lesson here is to stay off twitter until you think about what you want to say. I think of a couple of people other than Robert or Tony could also learn that lesson. 3 big races this week, so I am looking forward to Kokomo, Gas City and Lawrenceburg.
I like the positivity at the end there! As he said, let’s not forget we have an excellent USAC triple header on deck!

jim goerge 9/24/18 6:10 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
I"m still waiting for my refund from Smoke for the great DUST OUT Its hard to make the next event at the track when you live 5 hours away and its a event you could give a sh#t less about. I know Tony don"t miss me and we"re even cuz I don"t miss his track either :7:

BrentTFunk 9/24/18 6:14 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by 7horse (Post 502542)
Hmmm which one of those drivers own their own car? Oh nevermind they just show up walk around trying to promote Nos Energy drink jump in the car and drive it and let everyone else do all the work on it and they are in a different car every year
Yeah you have to hate drivers and teams who produce on the track, and conduct them selves well enough to bring in a good sponsor. I have seen everyone who NOS has associated with,work hard, and make sacrifices. Just as Robert has done. I remember one time a very good driver, who shall remain nameless, had moved into a good ride. Someone told me, he is only good because he gets the best rides. My reply was, or does he get those rides because he is good? They all work hard and make sacrifices.

Slider20 9/24/18 6:15 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by brady (Post 502545)
Ktj owns all his equipment and is just flying Hoffman colors for sponsorship. Oh and he works on it as well. Last time I checked nos didn’t sponsor him either.
I think you meant KT.

BrentTFunk 9/24/18 6:17 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by jim goerge (Post 502553)
I"m still waiting for my refund from Smoke for the great DUST OUT Its hard to make the next event at the track when you live 5 hours away and its a event you could give a sh#t less about. I know Tony don"t miss me and we"re even cuz I don"t miss his track either :7:
Nothing wrong with the track the other night. Probably close to a hundred drivers raced, and only one complained. The racing was great. Hope to see you this weekend

7horse 9/24/18 6:39 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by brady (Post 502545)
Ktj owns all his equipment and is just flying Hoffman colors for sponsorship. Oh and he works on it as well. Last time I checked nos didn’t sponsor him either.
"Kevin Thomas Jr. will be behind the wheel as Mean Green Cleaner and Degreaser return to Hoffman Racing for its sixth season as sponsor of the USAC Nationals Sprint Car Series operation."

Sounds like he owns all the equipment

Kinser11 9/24/18 7:00 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles Nungester (Post 502519)
Didn't Tony get in a fight with a promoter in Austrailia or something?
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/motorsp...122-1a0jf.html

Two hard heads, This one is.
I thought this is how Tony would prefer, someone dissatisfied, with his track prep should react. Or is this just how he acts, when he does not like track conditions?

,

Chase Hightower 9/24/18 7:03 PM
No matter what, I’m glad he apologized for some things he said. I’m not very good at turning the filter on either. But, I don’t feel he was right. No matter the track prep, busting your a*s at Eldora is never a good thing. Same as Belleville, Winchester, Salem or any of the miles and other places. That’s what makes those places what they are. When you win at those kinds of places you really accomplished something, no matter your name. It is what it is. Respect him for the apology though, and will be glad to watch him wheel a car anytime.

captrat 9/24/18 7:20 PM
The idea that dirt tracks are by nature must be dusty is nonsense. Yes, on a hot, breezy day race and even sometimes a night race there is only so much you can do. This dust thing is something that fans have unfortunately came think is normal. I saw my first race at Eldora in 1967 and I can assure you no one was wearing goggles or bandanas over their face. Specifically at Eldora this problem had been exacerbated by the lack of quality surface material, big soft tires, reconfigured track, and yes a lack of track prep or prep that tries to satisfy a multitude of car types. I always extol the virtues of Sprint cars on dirt to non fans. If I taken a newbie to the 4 Crown where they could write their name in the dust on their seat they would never attend another dirt race. Also, what current sports fan would sit through an 7 hour event. We are victimizing ourselves and our sport by enduring such nonsense.

gtownplowboy 9/24/18 8:38 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Well , I have been going to Eldora since the early seventies.There has always been some dust. My opinion is that that the issues with dust as we have it now started with some bad dirt being put on the track and then they built the suites. I think that the suites block a lot of the air that used to "ventilate" the dust somewhat.Just one guys opinion here. Time always has a way of making things better than they actually were. peace

nitrofunny 9/24/18 9:23 PM
Man I can’t wait to wear my Ballou shirts to The Big E!

Cage Faraday 9/24/18 9:25 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by GYATK94 (Post 502527)
It’s fair to say Smoke could be attentive to what racers say, but in this instance you’re suggesting he pay attention to what a single racer says, not the plural form. From what I’ve been seeing Ballou has been alone in his negative feedback. Even Bayston, the individual who suffered a terrifying crash, commented that it was some of the most fun he’d had in a midget and had no qualms with the surface.

Ballou is an excellent racer, and I’ve tried to be a fan of his, but he makes it incredibly difficult to do so, in my opinion. It’s one thing to attempt to talk to the right people about fixing a track surface, it’s another to go out on twitter and bash tracks continually. Maybe he’s tried talking to folks involved with track prep before and they didn’t listen, but if that’s the case I still don’t agree with his response.

He’ll also do things like broadcast his financial woes if beaten. He made some childish remark after Courtney beat him at Terre Haute this year about Sunshine’s car being much quicker than his.

He’s a fantastic racer, and I’d agree he’s one of the greats. Seems to be good with young fans. Just struggle to get behind him with actions like this. I’ve seen him go at people who come at him online by implying they’re just being internet tough guys behind the screen, and so these twitter rants and rages he goes on must require a great amount of hypocrisy and a lack of self awareness.

Hope guys like Sunshine just keep going out on whatever track they get and winning. And if they do have any issues with the track handling them like an adult. Wonder what reasons Ballou will offer when KTJ, Windom, and Courtney blow by him on the USAC win list.
Plural or Singular it never hurts to attempt a little diplomacy, especially on social media. In reality these 2 guys probably shouldn't be talking anyway, both can be volatile and reactionary. I've made an a$$ of myself more than once on social media as you know, so these days I've adopted a policy of hanging back. If I don't have something positive to say or some helpful insight I just pass on by. As I get older I like social media less and less, far too easy in the heat of a moment to spout off.

Bradleyracing86 9/24/18 10:07 PM
Just think before the internet people’s opinions were kept in check.

A whale only gets harpooned when it comes up to blow...

Some guys do a lot of blowing on social media👍

Charles Nungester 9/24/18 10:40 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by nitrofunny (Post 502581)
Man I can’t wait to wear my Ballou shirts to The Big E!

Made a post, Smoke made me TOAST.
Just referring to some shirts he's had before. Went on Vacation, returned on Probation.

Chief Wahoo 9/24/18 11:15 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles Nungester (Post 502589)
Made a post, Smoke made me TOAST.
Just referring to some shirts he's had before. Went on Vacation, returned on Probation.
Gimme a cushion, or I’ll tweet about track condition. :5:

TKRacing 9/25/18 7:03 AM
What is up with this 7horse guy?
KTJ owns the 69 stuff and the 63 stuff. My understanding is it’s merely sponsorship from Dooling and Hoffman. I also know that KT works on his own stuff.
Sunshine earned his way with Clauson by working his butt off and learning the other side of the business from Tim and BC and also I believe owned his own 23 sprint car a few years back.

Good drivers and professionalism bring in sponsors. Why hate on them for making it?

SPRINTCAR 9/25/18 3:28 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Just get rid of the Allstars and I will still pay the $30 Gen. Admission. They took up a lot of time. I was there for the USAC show.

revjimk 9/25/18 5:32 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
How about Allstars & WoO co-sponsor on Friday nite? I know, not likely, but it would leave more time for pure wingless USAC action on Saturday....

KokomoJoe 9/26/18 12:10 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by revjimk (Post 502643)
How about Allstars & WoO co-sponsor on Friday nite? I know, not likely, but it would leave more time for pure wingless USAC action on Saturday....
Most of the All-Star guys on Saturday ran with the WoO guys Friday. Not sure what kind of differences between them that would have them have to change over if they want to run both. Maybe enough that has to happen overnight/next day?

Did not see any WoO regulars that ran with All-Stars so looks to be one-way.

KokomoJoe 9/26/18 12:13 PM
Re: Ballou vs Stewart
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by SPRINTCAR (Post 502635)
Just get rid of the Allstars and I will still pay the $30 Gen. Admission. They took up a lot of time. I was there for the USAC show.
Won't happen --> Tony Stewart owns the All-Stars

The WoO and All-Stars just kicked up a lot of dust and might have contributed to the fast deterioration of the track surface.

The WoO race was a good one -- Blaney almost got Marks on final lap. All-Stars were more spread out.


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