Kevin, I appreciate your statement. I was very fortunate to have the opportunities that I did and the success that I was able to achieve in this very grueling and competitive sport.

Kirk, I know you typically play devils advocate on topics and I agree with quite a few of the points you bring up but can you really see it from the driver/owners point of view? You say that not just anybody can show up and run against the top tier USAC teams? I'm sorry but if I'm going to spend the money to race that night then I deserve to be out there just as much as anyone. If I'm not good enough to make the feature I think I should deserve more then 10 laps total to prove it. I'm sorry but if I'm going to take the chance to run with these guys and support USAC, then send me home with some reprieve for my efforts.

From what I can see though it looks like people could give a crap less if anyone but the USAC "stars" are their or not. Maybe one day you will get your wish and have a dedicated 20 cars that only show up to USAC races. Your shows will get over quick and you will get to see the best of the best. I know!! Have pre-entries only! First 20 received are the ones that get to race!

Kevin, there are no drivers in this business that I have more respect for than you. I wish that your goal could be achieved but I seriously doubt USAC is going to give a flying fudge if low budget teams show up. This will make people like dshort36 happy though since we should be playing the nickle slots anyways.

I hate coming off sounding bitter about this but come on, things need to be looked. I've paid my dues and ran my laps and watched my family spend almost every last penny we had to be a part of this sport we love.