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The program is starting two hours earlier than normal for several reasons. The number one reason is to be able get all three complete shows in and get the fans and racers out at a reasonable time. Many of them have long tows to get back home.
There are other factors that went into that decision as well:
1. There is a curfew that no one ever wants to come close to again.
2. Two sprint car divisions that require all cars to be pushed for starts and red flags. (We have added additional push trucks for this show to address that issue.)
3. An issue with the setting sun that absolutely blinds drivers going down the backstretch for about 45 minutes. (We plan to have all of the preliminary races completed before that occurs and will use that safety break for the sun to set to: do any needed track prep before the A-mains begin; take care of the required sponsor obligations; heat race trophy presentations; driver interviews and photo opportunities for the media; etc. This will also allow the crews to get the cars ready for the A-Mains. Once the sun sets, we will see three A-mains.
4. There has been a recurring issue with water in the tunnel that reappeared at the Tony Hulman Classic a couple of weeks ago. There are usually over 1000 people in the infield. Should that be an issue again, short 5-10 minute breaks for fan crossover to and from the infield are required between series events.
5. The Action Track is a 75 foot wide by 1/2 mile long track. That is nearly twice as wide and twice as long as most other short tracks in the Tri-State area. That means there is nearly four times as much track to deal with when addiing water to reduce dust or doing any wheel packing. That will obviously take a little more time than a quarter mile track.
The MSCS show was postponed due to rain and added to this program. I for one am glad they are willing to make adjustments in their normal schedule to accommodate both programs and get everyone out at a reasonable time. The promoters do not own this track, they only have promotional rights to the six special events at THAT, so many things (like water in the tunnel) are out of their control.
It wasn't that long ago we were all signing petitions hoping we would be able to continue to watch racing at the Action Track instead of it becoming a shopping center. Let's focus on what is important here. The weather forecast looks great for Saturday and we will be able to watch two divisions of non wing sprint car races and a late model series race all in one night at Terre Haute.
Thanks to Mike King, Brian Dorsett, Davy Hamilton & Chris Novotney along with dozens of volunteers who put in countless hours to make this a reality. They have stepped up to the plate in a big way that many of you are not aware of, not only in racing, but in giving back to the community. Thanks also to the three sanctioning bodies that are working together to put this show on. I don't know about the rest of you, but I am looking forward to another night at the Action Track.
Joe Chambers,
Official Push Trucks - Coordinator,
Terre Haute Action Track Push Truck Director,
SCORA Race Director
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