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I haven't read most of the posts on the second page of this thread because they are mostly people bickering back and forth because they don't like someone else's positions. I don't have time for that.
BUT, USAC drivers competing for the national title will be able to compete in only one of the "Illinois Sprint Week" races, that being is schedule in June. Only one of those tracks --Granite City -- have a USAC-sanctioned event.
Maybe Don used the wrong phrase. Maybe he should have said it is not "driver" friendly since it restricts their ability to work on nights that USAC is not racing.
And, yes, this is exactly like the USAC, and AAA before it, from the golden era which prevented its drivers from competing in non-sanctioned events, or "outlawed," if a driver expected to continue racing with USAC and ultimately make it to the Indianapolis 500. Many people don't remember that Steve Kinser was given a three-race suspension from USAC in late summer of 1977 for running a non-USAC race. About the same time, Dick Gaines was hurt and Karl Kinser needed a driver. The rest, as they say, is history.
USAC in that era was highly successful and retained its top drivers. The only way to see Pancho Carter, Gary Bettenhausen, or A.J. Foyt race was to attend a USAC event. You wouldn't see them racing at Gas City on Friday night, nor Bloomington, nor Haubstadt.
Maybe we should go back to that system, if the law allowed it.
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