Lets see, Too many reasons to get em all.

1 is the track itself which will suprise many but its true and many compliment it on its preperation.

OK, So every-time you hit the track its flatfooted 10,000rpm racing. Not just hotlaps and the first few heats. Even the average well prepped track slows throughout the night where max RPM's are not the norm.

2. Location and time zone.
3 85% or more of indianas sprint racing are people with decent motors probably 750-800 horsepower 7-25 grand motors depending on how old, number of rebuilds, how fresh etc. They are solid against the other 85%
Which leads to
4. Big money, Bigger teams, With the 35-55 grand motors 800-920 hp motors that also just happen to have a big torque advantage on heavy tracks. Some of these teams often won't bring the car out for less than 3 grand So if a track puts up $$$ and they're running, smaller teams know where they'll be.

5. Support your local track, Often towing a couple hundred miles NEGATES any gains in the purse and well, Teams know where the better financed teams will be. The goal is winning, your chances are greatly improved running at home or away from where the top teams and drivers will be.

6. High paying shows also tend to draw much better say March-April and Sept-Oct. when fewer tracks are running.

7. Sprintweek has become more of a spectical, A doable racing vacation for teams to see how good they can match up, finish or do against the top teams and a local hot shoe does have a chance.

8. Two races had a racing to honor meaning behind it Hewitt and Soudrette. LPS had Paragon off which helped. Hoosier Sprint Nationals? Sounds like something that should be held Nov 1st Nothing else racing and FOR ALL THE MARBLES

9. Who wasn't there that could have won? Half a dozen, A dozen? Some at Bellville, some at 360 nationals. A handful at LBurg or Waynesfield.

10. Sounds like you still got a heck of a show. Last time I visited they had 15 cars, The time before was 40 cars. I think timing in some cases can be EVERYTHING as far as car counts.

11 Haubstadt looked to have a great crowd seeing vid of the parade lap and 20+ heavy hitters. I call that a Success!

I may be wrong on a couple of these points, Certainly not all.
Edit.
I seen complaints and whining for over a month right up until race time. Why did Burg schedule against Waynesfield, Why did Haubstadt schedule against Burg. Car counts will be thin, Im staying home.

From the person who was home not by choice. I'd of probably picked the local to visit and would have been happy 15 or 50. SITTING HOME SUCKS!
Chuck