I think the another reason for a small crowd was nascar racing on tv. The casual fan can sit at home watch it, and get live updates from Eldora and Haubtadt. As for the track, I sat near duel,and it was dusty, but the track never took rubber. I will take dust over rubber. I am afraid if they would have watered it may have gotten rough in 3 and 4. Remember last years opener and everyone complained about that.