Originally Posted by 1121:
Even though I read this message board every day (except when I’m off racing), it’s not often I post here. Honestly, it’s not that often that I feel compelled to comment on anything that happens on here. But with the constant trashing of John Gurley and the ASCT, I’ve finally had enough.
For the purpose of full disclosure, I will say I’ve known John for over 25 years. And even though we haven’t spent a lot of time together in the last ten years, I still consider him a friend. And he doesn’t know I’m writing this
I’ve run with a lot of different organizations over the years. And every one has their own struggles starting out. I was amazed by the people that were trashing this group before they even ran their first race. Yes, John said a few things he shouldn’t of (such as stating that they would never run aluminum blocks), but that is the mistakes a new promoter will make. I think any veteran promoter will tell you to never say never.
John’s premise is sound. He is trying to bring a well paying traveling series to the budget racer. Will he succeed? Time will tell. There is room for this series. I stopped running dirt as much because I felt there just wasn’t anywhere a budget racer could even almost break even.
But don’t bash him for trying. Yes, if his check bounces or he ties your girlfriend to railroad tracks, by all means, scream it from the roof tops. But don’t trash him publically just because you don’t agree with a decision he made. Especially if you weren’t at the race. If you disagree with him, call him up (he has published his number on this board) or talk calmly to him at the track. He will listen.
In the interest of equal time, I have some suggestions for John.
1. If you are renting the track (and maybe even if your not), and I know this is easier said then done, don’t walk into the track grounds with out the purse in your pocket. Nothing will piss a racer off more then getting short changed at the pay window. But I will give you credit at Montpelier. At least you told the midgets before the feature. A lot better then finding out at the pay window. I’ve had that happen, it’s not fun.
2. Think about what you say before you say it. Think about what it will mean next week…… or next year. This also goes for what you write. But you are a lot better about this now then you were six months ago.
3. Allow the DT-3 the rest of the year. You might pick up some cars if they don’t have to buy a tire just to run with you. I know it would make a difference to me. Come up with an equivalent rule for the midgets.
I also think that there are some people that don’t like John or his series because Don Moore likes it. A few of you would say the earth was flat if Don said it was round………get over it!
But again, in the interest of equal time, here’s a couple for you Don. Please remember I really respect you as a car owner. You have had some of the best drivers in the business drive for you. Geoff Kiser is one of the best kept secrets in racing……. especially on pavement. And you have had more success using less money then 90% of the owners out there.
1. You don’t like Hoosier Tires. We all know. Complaining about them on a message board will get you no where.
2. Just because someone disagrees with you, it doesn’t mean they are off topic. Technically my whole post is off topic because this is supposed to be about results from Montpelier. But I feel it is relevant.
3. We all make grammar errors. I’m sure there are a few in here. This is a message board, not an English quiz. Please note that I have an Engineering degree from Purdue. I may not be able to spell, but I bet I could beat you on a calculus exam!
Don, this is constructive criticism and I hope you take it that way. I really do respect you.
All of you that made though this whole post, thank you and I welcome your comments
Tom Paterson
Sprint car owner and driver.
Tom this is a fair post and probably one of the best damn one's I have read in a long time on here. All very well put. Please everyone take notice and cool off. I'll see if I can get Harrold to put up a boxing ring for next sat. at the track. Ha! Ha!
Jeff Sweat