[Mud Packer]

This past weekend was the start of a new era at both Eldora & THAT. With Roger Slack now in charge at Eldora, the racing surface was indeed so much better than in past years. The weather man also helped out with a mostly overcast day on Saturday and just enough moisture to help with track prep. I also enjoyed the fireworks and hope that Tony has found the right man for the difficult task of bring Eldora back to the stature that it once held. The show started on time and was well run throughout.

I also was impressed with the Sargent/O'Connor promoted race at the Action Track on Sunday. Despite the sunshine and extremely windy conditions, they proved that they can prepare a race surface that held up very well inspite of the conditions. For all of the folks who were against the modifieds returning, I for one didn't see a negative. When the modifieds were racing, the sprint car drivers and crews were able to complete their repairs/set up changes and be ready to go when the time came. The sprinters were ready for pushoff prior to the posted 6:00 PM start time and that allowed for a well run show with everyone able to watch some racing despite the cold weather and still be out and on the road home early. As mentioned in another post, the announcing crew at THAT did a great job of giving lineups before the races starts so the fans in the stands knew ahead of time who was running.

My personal opinion is that both tracks will need additional time to bring the track surfaces to desired level. However, 2012 has started off on a much more positive note than the USAC debacle at Eldora the past couple of years and last years Sumar Classic at THAT. Let's all continue to support both of these efforts in restoring these once great facilities back to the prominence they once held.