Springfield Observations
 

Been a long weekend , made Bloomington, Springfield and Lincoln Park. Springfield was what I waited for.

Track was fun to watch in the morning, overcast and wet. Sun came out and it became a typical mile.Brian Tyler was hooked up. When he ook the lead so early, I knew it was over. The Toyota engine and American Racers are a potent combo.6R was ready.

Also hats off to Shelby Miles on winning the Mod feature. He worked to win this one.

Also , when driven right,dirt champ cars are poetry in motion. Here are a few sots.

29 Bud Kaeding in hot laps
A group going into 1
14 Donnie Beechler in quals

Re: Springfield Observations
 

I believe Tyler was on Hoosiers.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Interesting about Hoosier. Isn't Brian's wife's family own/run American Racer?

Re: Springfield Observations
 

I think Team 6R was all on American Racers

Re: Springfield Observations
 

I can assure you that Brian was on American Racers !!!!
:22:

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Tyler was on American Racers. The track was extremely fast in hot laps and time trials. Some were barely lifting going into one. Tracy Hines' quick time was incredible. I thought for sure he was goin to the wall in turn one but somehow it stuck. 29.2 in hot laps was the fastest I've ever seen it. I also noticed how they didn't pack the cushion, only watered it, in an attempt to actually try to have one for the race. Unfortunately the sun came out during driver intros and ruined it. There was good racing in the race but hot laps and time trials were worth the price of admission. I'm still thinking about it today! Thanks to Jason McCord for an obvious change in philosophy on track conditions. When there is a high groove early it makes for a wider rubber groove later and they could run anywhere on the straights. They just need to not pack it so tight and they'll have it. Donnie Beechler rearranged his roll cage in a hard end over end flip coming off four late in the race. Thank God he was ok. Over all this was my best post race buzz from there in many years.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

http://www.usacracing.com/silvercrow...s_sc/4876.html

Tim Wolffrum aka Cowboy

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Hate to be such a killjoy, but I'm not real optimistic about the long-term future of Silver Crown racing at Springfield. Only 27 cars on hand--and a few of those were woefully uncompetitive. They drew a decent grandstand crowd, but looking around, it looked like the median age of the fans was about 70. Where are those folks going to be in ten years? Likely among the ranks of the "dead, fed, or fled." Plus I'm sure State officials have to be a bit concerned about the safety of fairgoers in light of the Beechler deal yesterday. What if they have a similar deal down on the turn 1 end, by the canival rides?

I know folks on here probably want to figuratively burn me at the stake for suggesting such heresy, but maybe it's time to turn the page on the Silver Crown cars at the Mile. Brian Tyler won 10k yesterday. How many modifieds could they draw for $10,000 to win?

Look, I'm just as much of a purist as anyone else on here. I hope the champ cars never leave the Illinois State Fair. But I think the State has to look at the whole picture, and it's just not too rosy of a picture right now.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

I too,,thought the days racing was pretty good overall.

My concern is,,,if you went over to the east and got an overall look at the grandstands and people in them,,as I did,,, the crowd count had to be very very low. The weather did look somewhat questionable very early in the morning/day for people possibly traveling quite a ways,,,which could be somewhat a factor.
I can not imagine anyone from a promoter point of view made any money on this particular race,,,other than everyone will chime in,, "The back gate/pit passes pays for the purse".
Not sure what the asnswer is to getting the crowds of yesteryear in the stands other than blue collar jobs back in the good ol,,,U S of A,,,and I sure dont see that happening in the very near future,,as sad as it is,,,to say.
If you cant get the die hard sprint car,, Champ car fan to show up at a race with this history I dont think the 'vibe' is there for filling the stands anywhere.

Just my 2 cents.

BC

Re: Springfield Observations
 

To, Illinoise.Couldn't disagree with you more pal. Theyv'e been racing there for a 100 years and it will continue. Beechler never came close to the fence if you even saw it. I have it on tape. The fairgoers have been safe for a 100 yrs. of racing there. It's more dangerous to go to the concert in bad weather. You maybe didn't see how awesome it was in hot laps and time trials. I thought they made a big step in the right direction this year. The modifieds suck compared to the champ cars. They can't even run the high groove when it's there. They already used to have a big modified/latemodel race and it didn't draw so they quit trying it. What makes you think that would work again? I'll bet you're a wing fan too. The crowd was better than I expected considering the weather forecast and radar looked horrible. I know several people who didn't go because of that. The crowd has always been older yet there are always enough to keep it going. 27 cars was fine. Get off here and go piss on someonelse's parade! I know you wanted it to suck so you could tell everyone why but too bad for you, it didn't. I think its time to turn the page of history on you. They don't need your $25 next year.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Brian was on American Racers.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by ThrowbackRacingTeam:
It's more dangerous to go to the concert in bad weather.

Dude that was uncalled for.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by racefan20:
Dude that was uncalled for.

Agreed "LOW" blow

Re: Springfield Observations
 

I too, was actually encouraged yesterday. I admit, I was always one of the first ones to complain about track prep at the mile in the past few years. I thought it was a lot better this year, not perfect, but better. I also don't see how the safety of the fairgoers is in any way an issue. The announcer said that Beechler was the first car upside down since 2003. I haven't seen one even close to leaving the ballpark since the 80's, and that was a midget. Attendance definitely leaves some room for improvement. I think it could be solved with some creative advertising, or at least some advertising. I never heard one commercial on the radio or saw one on TV. I didn't see a billboard or banner or flyer about the race anywhere. With a little TLC, this race could be a big event again. It seems like people have been trying to write the obituary for the Silver Crown and the miles for many years. The fact remains that it is still a great series, and too see them run on the miles is just cool beyond words. My $.02

Re: Springfield Observations
 

I had to miss because of a wedding, otherwise I'm always at this race - and I know some other STL folks who got scared off by the morning radar.

It would be cool if local tracks could form some kind of partnership with Track Enterprises toward promotion... some kind of modified qualifier series or something to get more mods back to the miles in Illinois.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by SpfldMile:
It seems like people have been trying to write the obituary for the Silver Crown and the miles for many years.

You're right, Gary. Silver Crown racing on the mile dirt tracks is kind of like Zsa Zsa Gabor. Every couple of years or so you hear that the end is near and that a priest has been called in to read her her last rights. And that subject goes away until the next time the last rights are to be read. If it weren't for Bob Sargent though, who knows? For several years now, it seems like he's the only one that seems to have the will to keep putting these events on. Bundling this one with two POWRI Midget events seems like an idea that worked. For fans in that area and drivers trying to cut down on travel expenses, alike.

Jerry

I have felt in the past that USAC doesn't do enough to promote their races. But I have to give them credit on Springfield. Dick Jordan took Tanner Swanson and I to Springfield Wed. We did 2 phone interviews before we left, then did 2 TV interviews, 2 newspaper, and 1 radio. Then we did another TV interview in Decatur on the way home. I know one of the news interviews was being sent to Champaign. They had tried for another newspaper in Decatur but wanted nothing to do with writing an article for the race.
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Re: Springfield Observations
 

i will never attend another silver crown on the miles as long as the run the twin fifty format.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by ThrowbackRacingTeam:
You maybe didn't see how awesome it was in hot laps and time trials.

Actually, we WERE there for hot laps. And yes, it was decent in hot laps. Too bad they used it up by running that extra practice session. But I think most folks know and accept that a Silver Crown race on a mile will never have the same quality of racing that we see on bullrings.

I know you wanted it to suck so you could tell everyone why but too bad for you, it didn't.[/QUOTE]

Sorry, but you could not be more wrong. I love the champ cars on the mile. I love that the race gets a little bit of mainstream credibility by being run during the State Fair. There's just an extra substance to a race that has a souvenier program with a form letter from the Governor. (in spite of how folks might feel about the office holder at the time.) And it's not every day you can see a butter cow after the race.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

I was talking with the Donnie Beechler the other day, he said wouldnt it be nice if it was like the old days when the dirt points counted for champ car points now that would be neat, I went to my first fair race in 1966 and have went every year since, a couple off for living out of state. But there is nothing better than champ cars on the mile. Some years they will flip, track will be awful and one lane, but then there are years with Al Unser in the Johnny lighting spl. running the cushion and only a roll bar. Or Poncho Carter flapping his arms down the front stright to keep the blood flowing in them. And Chuck Gurney smoking everyone. Champ Cars on the mile is like poetry in motion. JMO older than most of you on here and still going to races :)

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Thanks for sharing that Jerry...good info fans need to know

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Springfield was excellent as miles go, and the sun did a lot more damage then the practice did. Years ago we'd get up to an hour of open practice.

As for the Champ Dirt Cars running with Indy, I had that discussion with Tony George when the IRL was forming. I was shooting a TQ race in Osgood Indiana, that Ed Carpenter was racing at. He asked my opinion on what I thought of the IRL. I said it was a great idea, but if you want americans in your series, make the dirt miles count toward your title. That way he could get every american driver he ever wanted.
Too bad he didn't do it.

As for you naysayers on here about the dirt / Indy deal , just remember the excitement in the open wheel ranks when it started. The local guys thought they had a chace to run the 500. You had guys like, Kinser , Hewitt, Kite , and Brian Tyler running. The hopes and aspirations were dashed when the engine lease program started.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by racephoto1:
As for the Champ Dirt Cars running with Indy, I had that discussion with Tony George when the IRL was forming. That way he could get every american driver he ever wanted.
Too bad he didn't do it.
The hopes and aspirations were dashed when the engine lease program started.

It's really too bad that greed has to ruin everything! You won't see it come back again like it was.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

I love champ cars on a mile. The problem is when was the last dirt mile built? That unfortunately says alot about interest in these races. I think it is a shame, But these historic places and races are becoming a thing of the past. As for adding the dirt miles to indy cars, while I think it would be neat. I went to Indy when Hewitt and Kinser raced in the 500, and I bought 4 tickets for $25. I wish it created more interest,but it didn't. Heck on any given race night there are 100 fans on this site waiting for updates instead of going to the sprint and midget shows. Are these people going to fill any seats? I doubt it. With that said I hope Duqouin is a home run for cars, promoter, and fans. I would like to go but I am going to Sun Prarie on Sat. I can handle the 6 hour drive to Kokomo for Sun easier than the 8 hour drive to Duquoin followed by 7 hour drive home. I must be getting old.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Fortunately, for me, Sun Prairie is about halfway between my place in Minnesota & Duquoin. Makes a great break in a LOOONG Drive!

steiny :32:

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by coondog:
I have felt in the past that USAC doesn't do enough to promote their races. But I have to give them credit on Springfield. Dick Jordan took Tanner Swanson and I to Springfield Wed. We did 2 phone interviews before we left, then did 2 TV interviews, 2 newspaper, and 1 radio. Then we did another TV interview in Decatur on the way home. I know one of the news interviews was being sent to Champaign. They had tried for another newspaper in Decatur but wanted nothing to do with writing an article for the race.
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Hats off to USAC and Jerry and Tanner for their efforts to promote this race. I have lived in Springfield for over 30 years and this is the first time I remember having seen any pre-race publicity on our local TV station. It was actually a fairly long segment. Although the reporter focused on Jerry and Tanner being tied for the points, Jerry, great person that he is, mentioned that Levi and other excellent competitors would be there. All in all, I thought it was an excellent piece.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by dirtnonwingfan:
Hats off to USAC and Jerry and Tanner for their efforts to promote this race. I have lived in Springfield for over 30 years and this is the first time I remember having seen any pre-race publicity on our local TV station. It was actually a fairly long segment. Although the reporter focused on Jerry and Tanner being tied for the points, Jerry, great person that he is, mentioned that Levi and other excellent competitors would be there. All in all, I thought it was an excellent piece.

I do not know Tanner but know that Jerry is good for the sport not only as a driver but an all around good guy.

Jerry #66j
stida.com

Re: Springfield Observations
 

to me there is nothing more awesome than champ cars on the mile... im 22 years old and have only missed 3 years at duquoin, one of the years I was at boot camp, another was deployed... i love springfield too!!!!

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by BrentTFunk:
I love champ cars on a mile. The problem is when was the last dirt mile built? That unfortunately says alot about interest in these races. I think it is a shame, But these historic places and races are becoming a thing of the past.

Tony Stewart could have a mile track. Earl cut one out years ago, but I don't know if it's on part of the property Tony bought. ARCA stocks, Champ Cars, Big Block Mods, AMA Bikes all could be raced. Just being hopeful. :16

Re: Springfield Observations
 

I believe that the Baltes family still owns the property that the mile dirt track sets on.

It would be a long shot for a mile dirt track to be built from scratch these days. The mile tracks aren't appreciated like they once were. In the AD-HD dominated society that we now live in the shorter dirt tracks appeal to a larger segment of those who enjoy the rough and tumble aspect of the shorter tracks. The finesse, car control, tire management, unique driver skill and shear speed of the miles is largely wasted on those who want to see the boys and girls mix it up and clack wheels, et cetera, on the bull rings.

That, and the added track prep costs and added property size requirements all work against any miles being built anytime soon. I just want to see the ones we have preserved and raced on, but if some things don't change somewhat we may not be watching Silver Crown cars on these hallowed racetracks and that would make me very sad.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by ISF:
In the AD-HD dominated society that we now live in the shorter dirt tracks appeal to a larger segment of those who enjoy the rough and tumble aspect of the shorter tracks. The finesse, car control, tire management, unique driver skill and shear speed of the miles is largely wasted on those who want to see the boys and girls mix it up and clack wheels, et cetera, on the bull rings.

I like bullrings, but I absolutely don't want to see racers "clack wheels", as I know what that can lead to in open wheel cars. And I don't think fans' preference for shorter tracks qualifies as a "disorder."

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Hey Funkster, Monday is a holiday after DuQuoin. Go to DuQuoin and take a leisurely ride home Monday morning. You have NO EXCUSE not to go to Duquoin now.:D

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by racephoto1:
Hey Funkster, Monday is a holiday after DuQuoin. Go to DuQuoin and take a leisurely ride home Monday morning. You have NO EXCUSE not to go to Duquoin now.:D

As much as I like the champ cars, It is very hard to pass on a show at Kokomo. Last year the Labor Day race was about as good as I saw all year. The 8 minute drive home is a bonus.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by SPRINTCAR:
Tony Stewart could have a mile track. Earl cut one out years ago, but I don't know if it's on part of the property Tony bought. ARCA stocks, Champ Cars, Big Block Mods, AMA Bikes all could be raced. Just being hopeful. :16

I think if it could have been sucessfull, Earl would have finished it.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

tyler was on american race tire. had 50 laps left in it!

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by illiNOISE:
I like bullrings, but I absolutely don't want to see racers "clack wheels", as I know what that can lead to in open wheel cars. And I don't think fans' preference for shorter tracks qualifies as a "disorder."

Sorry, didn't mean to make ya' mad. LOL. My use of the AD-HD thing is meant as a figure of speach only meant to represent the shorter attention span and the higher degree of close action desired by younger audiences. In addition, what consitutes enjoyable race viewing is obviously in the eye of the beholder. That having been said, I find a higher percentage of the younger fans of all forms of auto racing to be more entertained by the much more manic action on the shorter tracks. For years one of NASCAR's hottest tickets were Bristol.

The appreciation for the finesse and the need for smooth and calculated driving maybe isn't as enjoyable as it once was. But, then again, maybe I'm wrong.

Your wrong. I am a younger fan than most of you and I must say there is nothing finer in motorsports than to see those beautiful cars on a mile for a hundred circuts. The only thing I can rail against is this 49 51 lap bs. Just call them twin fifties offer extra cash for the front runners to go to the tail just don't try to pass it off as a hundred miler. That's like saying it's a girl even though it's pre op. Also if you want to draw in younger fans cheer or jeer every now and then show some passion for this awe inspiring sport. Sorry I'll shut up and wait for updates.
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Re: Springfield Observations
 

Originally Posted by ISF:
Sorry, didn't mean to make ya' mad. LOL. My use of the AD-HD thing is meant as a figure of speach only meant to represent the shorter attention span and the higher degree of close action desired by younger audiences. In addition, what consitutes enjoyable race viewing is obviously in the eye of the beholder. That having been said, I find a higher percentage of the younger fans of all forms of auto racing to be more entertained by the much more manic action on the shorter tracks. For years one of NASCAR's hottest tickets were Bristol.

The appreciation for the finesse and the need for smooth and calculated driving maybe isn't as enjoyable as it once was. But, then again, maybe I'm wrong.

I just think you're way off base with this assessment, Ken. The type of racing that takes place on tracks from bullring size up to the half mile ones have been the choice of Indiana race fans for generations. It doesn't have anything to do with AD-HD or a lack of attention span. It has more to do with the fact that we have more choices here and race fans tend to vote with their feet. And in this state, so many sprint and midget races at smaller races are packed, yet we can barely generate enough interest in the Hoosier Hundred to even keep that event alive. Myself, my father and even his father have preferred the races that are in an intimate enough setting that allows you to see every second or every lap of every race. And if you don't think there's not well thought out strategy that goes on in this genre of racing, even though it may appear to be total chaos to the untrained eye, then you're just not used to watching racing at such a frenetic pace. And I don't mean that in a bad way, it's just something you have to get used to to really take in and appreciate. At the beginning of each season, it takes me a couple of races to get myself reoriented.

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Back before USAC tried it's first of many unsuccessful suicide attempts
(removing the dirt from the champ car trail) the dirt miles were all SRO. The races mattered more to the casual fan because they could see someone who ran Indy , race on dirt. Also the fans knew if you were to win the title you had to race on dirt.

As for me there is no more beautiful sight in racing then a Champ dirt car on a mile. Poetry in motion.

Yeah , I know Kokomo is eight minutes away, but I wouldn't pass up a chance to see this at Duquoin.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/...248be85c_z.jpg
IMG_4799 copy by uncloose1, on Flickr
But this is just my opinion. Duquoin 2010

Re: Springfield Observations
 

Beautiful shot there, Chris!:9: