Quote:
Originally Posted by Jerry Shaw
I'm not making fun of the fact that there's a midget series in Illinois, like this one. It's great that there is, it's been a long time coming. I'm just suspicious of the timing of it. Here we are, two days removed from the Gold Crown Nationals. One of the best events all year. But one that POWRI ADDED an event to their schedule, right across town from Pontoon Beach, on the night of their finale. I don't think anybody with an open mind believes that this wasn't done to try to take away from Kevin Gundaker's event. Luckily, they weren't successful in doing so. Now, on the first weekday following that event, they announce Illinois Midget Week, either during or immediately preceding Indiana Midget Week? Again, who believes this wasn't done to steal the thunder of that event. A series that is most of these Indiana tracks second biggest race they have all year. And not everybody can go to races for two weeks straight, like a lot of us can. So this will cost those Indiana Midget Week tracks a few fans. And those casual fans make up quite a few people who are in the stands, on any given night. Why would one of these IMW tracks want to schedule a POWRI event, when POWRI's peeing contest with USAC may cost them some revenue?
And how can there be an Illinois Midget Week that doesn't include Tri-City Speedway? That may be the best track for midgets I've ever been to.
Now, don't get me wrong, this isn't a "POWRI bad, USAC good" post, because there are cases that they do the same damn thing. The Belleville Midget Nationals, for instance. And that's wrong, too. These organizations and tracks are going to have to start working together, instead of trying to hurt these marquee events or we're going to all be in trouble. Fans, tracks, drivers, everybody. Especially in challenging times, with $4 gas and economic uncertainty.
Jerry
|
Like I said before Jerry,blame it all on me. I am the one that has been pestering POWRi about an Illinois midget week. I go to many of their shows,and the fan in me that likes to go to a lot of races,I asked about an Illinois Midget week,by e-mailing POWRi. Kenny Brown got in touch with me,and we talked on the phone a awhile ago. He asked me for ideas,and we discussed them.
Trying to look at the big picture for the traveling fan that has to travel long distances,and the fact that a guy like Michael Pickens is willing to travel a long distance to race with POWRi the weekend before Midget Week,(as he has the last couple years) we thought that the week before Indiana Midget Week would be a good choice for a couple extra races for far away travelers such as Pickens, before heading over to Indiana for Midget week,assuming they (USAC) were going to have the schedule they have had the last few years.
I looked at it that way,as in the past I WAS the traveling fan,the guy from Maine that would travel a long ways from home, and try to get to as many races as I could in a short period of time.I live out here now,and they could run it whenever they wanted to,and I'll go watch it. I wasnt just thinking of me,however,I was thinking of others that travel long distances to go watch a lot of races in a short amount of time. I'm glad you mentioned the $4.00 a gallon gasoline. That also was part of the equation for the traveling fan,including myself.Once a person comes out here for the 2 weeks,the traveling isnt really that big between the 2 states.If a person had to come out here 2 different times of the season,it would be that much more expensive,and you might as well count out the fans that come from around the world and be able to come to both then.
There is no conspiracy on the timing of this. I have known for a few weeks when and where Illinois Midget week was going to be.Wanting to find out when I could share the news with people from as far away as Australia and New Zealand,so they can make travel plans months in advance,I inquired with Kenny Brown (whom I just met in person Saturday for the first time) and he told me I could spread the word and the dates.I just announced it here and a few other places with POWRi's ok.No conspiracy whatsoever. Just done early for the traveling fan that has to plan his vacation early,and also early enough for the fan that travels Internationally as well. I've done both in the past,both traveling long distances in the States,and traveled Internationally to Australia. Its nice to be able to have your plans made months in advance.