My SmackDown thoughts. I had no problem with the track prep all 3 nights. It had a top and bottom all 3 nights. The top was not clear to the wall, because the track had a real cushion. If the top was against the wall, I think it would have been more bottom dominate. It is not like the guys were just rolling the bottom, they were pitching the cars into turn one. Reminded me of how Bryan Clauson used to run there.
I thought the racing was good all 3 nights. Although the crowd was a little light on Thursday, as it usually is, I thought the crowd was real good on Saturday. I got there at 1:30, and it was already getting crowded. I thought the event had a great atmosphere, and felt this year it took it even a step further.
Congrats to Melinda Stanbrough for her, and everyone who helps her. The auction adds to the event, and the amount of money this event has raised is impressive.
Some favorite parts of the weekend include heat races with real inverts, and on track performance every time you were on the track determines your position. You don't see that at many big events outside of Knoxville. A juiced-up track, instead of one groove around the top where you have to slide someone to pass.
No support classes. This showed a big event really doesn't need them. Nothing against any class.
I think sometimes, especially when people live in a virtual world, people forget to have fun. I think this event is FUN. From the tailgating to a quality band after the races on Friday, this event is fun. I talked to a lot of people over 3 days, and didn't talk to anyone who wasn't having fun.
Felt bad for KTJ on Saturday, but thought he showed class in how he handled a huge disappointment.
This race to me is a bargain too. Got a 3 day ticket in January for $90. It included a reserved seat and a pit pass. Car count was great. Shows were efficiently run each night. Not exactly sure what needs fixed.
My favorite part of the weekend was seeing a Brayden Clark race his way into the main on Saturday. Far from a high dollar team, I was happy for their family operation.
Hope everyone had fun. I can't imagine ever missing this race. I know it tore me up the 2 times I was in the hospital, and missed.
Thanks to everyone involved. From the staff at Kokomo Speedway. USAC, who despite all the gloom and doomers predictions, continue to produce quality shows with the best car counts in years. Elliotts Custom Trailers, for getting involved and elevating this event to what it has become. I am already ready for next year. Still a lot of good racing left this year though.