What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

Hi all,

Writing a piece about the Smackdown and Kokomo Speedway and am curious to the general take on Kokomo and what makes it what it is. I've visited there a few times myself, but am curious what makes it special to you guys, the race fans, drivers and people inside this great sport.

If you have any cool stories or questions/comments, feel free to PM me as well.

Thanks!

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

There's something about the track's configuration, surface and prep that combine to make for some of the most exciting Sprint Car racing in the country, and it feels like it's all happening right in your lap.:31:
That, and the Grilled Pork Chop sandwiches... :6:

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

I was born and raised there! :) And the O'Conner's make it awesome!!!

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

It's the shape of the track, in relation to it's banking. And also, it has caretakers that know what the reputation of their track is and go to great lengths to groom their racing surface to continue to produce great racing events.

Jerry

To me, it's the way the races can be raced. I can't tell you how many times I watched BC run the wall all the way around and the next Lap run the infield tires while never losing momentum and always passing. Kokomo in my opinion is the holy grail of dirt track racing. A grass root family, running,preping, a grass root race track for the best grass root fans in the nation. It's simple #gyatk

I Agee w/ Jim and Susan.

Tradition: I'm 43 and like to say I've been going for 44 years. Mom and dad were already regulars w/ my older siblings before I was born. In fact my grandfather attended and worked on cars at Kokomo well before I was born. The longevity of it's history tied to being the Sunday night playground for some of the greatest drivers ever.

The track: When I heard it was being reconfigured I was against it... Until I watched a race on it. Fast, wide, multi lanes with walls! Rim ridin', 4 wheels in the fluff,diamond off 3, working the bottom, and sliders. And that's just one night, virtually every night. I wish I had the dates for you but 3 major pulse quickening racing moments stand out.
1. Chad Boespflug lap1 in a heat race, P3 (Smackdown 1?) gets a bite in turn 2 and wheelies through the gap into the lead down the backstretch. May have been ISW same year. 2. Kyle Larson/ Michael Pickens in a midget battle for 15 laps or so. Slider in 1, slider in 3, lap after lap. 3. 2013 Bob Darland Memorial. Wes Mac battling and ultimately beating my guy, DD, on the TOP!? It felt like Douglas v Tyson. Couldn't believe I witnessed it but couldn't be mad either. Was genuinely happy for the young gun. Nice kid too.

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

That 410 screaming out of 4,front wheels up and rear tires eatin dirt faster than I eat one of those porkchop sandwichs.You get your moneys worth the first two heats and the rest is free:6:

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

You'll all probably be butthurt by what I have to say and I'll also say I haven't been there but about a dozen times.

But what makes it special? NOTHING! but there is a difference. Hold that thought.

The facilities are nothing special, Granted it has a bar now. But concessions are par, Restrooms below par, Fencing below par. Seating Below par at least for bigger races and the track. Well I've seen multi lead passes, Wins from the tail and rim riding daredevil runs on about every track in the state and photo finishes to boot. I've seen complete stomp the field blow out's on Kokomo as many times as I've seen close racing or multi lead changes.

HOWEVER the difference IMHO is Reece O'Conner 80% and track shape 20% If it wasn't prepped the way it is. The racing wouldn't be the way it is. And that's CONSISTENT and he'll rip the track just enough to keep it that way for the feature without tearing the whole thing up and making it to where nothing comes in till halfway.

When he's got it right, THERE IS NO CLEAR GROOVE, Oh they'll be guys running the wall and guys running the bottom, But there's guys that will go in on the wall and come off the bottom or just the opposite. Go in low and grab the cushion off of two. And about every time Im there I see stuff that drivers make work but in the back of my minds thinking shouldn't be possible, So even if someone has the field covered, You still see good racing and four or five wide on a track you don't think it's possible.

So, Really, I'd just say it's constancy a good track surface and drivers who get it, just let it eat and make what they can make work vs setting up for a certain line.

Sunday Night also makes it special and they work to get it done at a decent hour.

So there is some differences and like I said, I've seen great racing at every track. But Sunday Nights. #GYATK

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

There are a few tracks you get close to and you can just feel it in the air. It's excitement and anticipation and history. You just know there's a really good chance your going to see some amazing race.

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

No reason for anybody to get "butthurt" Charles; you nailed it. The facilities and concessions may be nothing to write home about (except the Pork Chops) but that doesn't seem to matter when you can witness sprinters 3 and 4 wide all the way around the track swapping sliders and crossovers at both ends and simultaneous wheelstanding drag races on the front and back straights. In hotlaps. Then come the Heats, the B and the Feature, when things really get serious.

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

I didn't know how people would take what I see as the truth. I like all the tracks for various reasons but have seen as good as I've ever seen on all of them at some point. Kokomo is consistent seat of the pants racing, Wheelies, biking, bouncing off the wall are common place. and uncommon lines seem to be the norm.

I'm offended. I prefer the cheeseburger. LOL

Charles, good call about Reece and the teams track prep. It's an understood thing for me but an oversight in my post. Also, for a track that gets criticized often for no outside food or drink, they sure don't do a very good job keeping people late to make their money on concessions! :)

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

I've never been there although I believe it's racing heaven. I do know that when I finally make it there I'm going to get the same feeling as when I was at my beloved Flemington fairgrounds speedway as a kid and young adult. I've never felt anything like it before or since but I have a feeling Kokomo will do it.
Nonwing 410's are the ultimate dirt ride and most believe Kokomo is the ultimate dirt track. If a track like Kokomo doesn't take you back in time when sprints were king nothing will.

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

we are so lucky..live have been to about every race in the last 50 some years
every race is a smack down ...racing heaven..the O,conners have done a great job
only going to get better

I've never had the opportunity to run Kokomo, or even see it in person but I will take the advice from the most versatile and the most talented driver of my lifetime. It will always be special in my heart. Regardless

- owners who created a truly special event like Smackdown
- typically the only track in the state running on Sunday night, often many USAC drivers are in attendance, not the largest car count but quality
- track set up to provide racing on the bottom, top and in-between
- wisdom to not always rework the track, often perfect at feature time with minimal rework
- BC'S FAVORITE TRACK, NUFF SAID

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

because sprints no longer run winchester?

I have been going to kokomo since 1967.I usually make 40/50 races a year to all the tracks in Indiana.that being said kokomo consistently puts on the best show on dirt.the track prep is second to none, it is well lit, and run as effiecently as any track that I have ever been too.yes the amenities are not the best in the state, but I go for the racing.a usual show with 25/30 Sprint cars starts at 6pm and I am usually on the road by nine.as stated before there are usually more passes in the first two heats than all night at other tracks.the track is just made for Sprint cars and midgets.3,4,5 wide makes it all the better.ask about any car owner and they will tell you, making the show at kokomo is like making a USAC feature.the racing is that good.

Kokomo speedway is a great place to meet all the great racing fans and the racing is absolutely great. Our racing families love to going early to Kokomo and have lunch at Halfmoon And head to the track and talk to all the great racing families. It's a great racing environment and you will see that at every event at kokomo. Great racing families together and getting ready to see some great racing events. You will definitely see that at kokomo. Have fun and enjoy this year's smackdown it's going to be a great racing events. Thanks.

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

I live pretty far away myself & thoroughly enjoyed both Smackdowns I've attended. I can only tell you one thing, & its not the least bit original: Get Your ass to Kokomo!

Re: What Makes Kokomo so Special?
 

Even Mississippi Fred Mcdowell knew about it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdFo046j49c