I agree with Chuy - he hits the nail on the head!!
I don't want to see a 51 lap parade to the 49 lap dash. Or 2 50 lap dashes. That takes away the chance of a NEW 100 mile race record. Also an "Overall" winner is just crap!
If you want more people in the stands, try some marketing... on both sides, USAC and Promoter. Doesn't USAC have a marketing dept anymore?? Track Enterprises could stand to step up a bit more too. How about some spots during Wind Tunnel on local cable channels. If people don't know, they can't show.
Adding modifieds to the program is okay, but it should be timed race. This way the show can stay on time.
The most important thing is keeping the show on time. Look at the almanac and look for what time the sun sets.... that way we don't have a sun safety issue.
OR how about moving the race back to the weekend after Labor day... run it Saturday afternoon... and then run the HUT 100 on Sunday afternoon.... now that would be back to TRADITION!