Originally Posted by Kirk Spridgeon:
As you could see by my tweet today, it says a lot about our drivers and teams when we can only get that many to enter and help support the event.
I know the race does not pay as much, but it is also the first one, and it would be nice if Knoxville could have some support in this endeavor. Instead, they get 14 entries so far (which means no one wanted to save any money on the entry fee), and half of those are either winged regulars, won't be there, or will have different drivers for the race.
Oskaloosa is pretty much the same list.
I am embarrassed.
Spridge,
Lincoln Park drew mid 20's last Saturday night for a USAC show. 1/2 an hour from Indianapolis. What would make you think that Knoxville, IA,10+ or - hours away would draw a huge car count? Pay out is about the same and if the locals here in Indiana don't support shows here, I doubt they would haul that far away to race. Remember, this is a SUNDAY night show as well.
The economy isn't any better and the racers here can't seem to afford 3 nights per weekend in Indiana. Also, many folks have already used up much if not all of their vacation and free time during sprint week and midget week. It certainly doesn't surprise me.
Indiana is a hot bed for 410 traditional sprint car racing. How many other states even have non-wing races weekly? I guess I was more surprised that only 101 410 sprint cars are pre-registered on the wing side. That count is down somewhat from years past as well. USAC certainly isn't the drawing card it once was.