From a fan stand point, I would think the things a fan cares about is a competitive show,a reasonable price, getting what I paid for at a usable facility.

For some reason, over the last few years of reading the board, you will see people complain that a show only had 28-35 cars. If it is a good show, what does it matter? To me,I think a show over 32 cars starts becoming hard to sit through because of the spins and crashes. As always, there are exceptions.

As far as the nuts and bolts of a show, you have to determine what the fans expect to see. If I am a fan and I come to a USAC show and I am expecting what are supposed to be the premire Midget Division, then I would expect cars that where fast, in cars that are on the cutting edge and drivers on the ragged edge. My point to that is, if I show up and the National Series was now a Focus type of program or the IRS Series, then I would personally be disappointed with the show because that is not what I would expect. Not saying those shows aren't good in their own right, but not when I expect the USAC National Midgets. I guess if I was new and didn't know any better, I would be excited until I saw a USAC type of race.

Now, If I am going to a Focus Race or a T.Q. Race, I know what I am expecting to see and will be pleased when I see it. Even the All Star Sprints aren't the WoO. Even though they put on a great show.

As a fan, I really don't care about the particular Chassis,Motors,Tires,Rules etc... I want to see the show I paid for and,(To me this is the most important thing missing today)I want to see my favorite driver win. The reason I say this is missing is because I don't think many of todays fans really have much of a connection with the drivers. Only a small handfull get any type of applause(or even a round of Boos would be nice to hear) when the drivers are announced. You can be successful if you are loved and you can be successful when you are hated, but when no one cares you know your in trouble.

As far as being watered down; I agree for the most part. Too many choices and too many people who would have only been fans in the past are now racing in some sort of division. People who at one time did not feel safe to race, now are racing every weekend. Between themselves and their families, that may be 3-5 fans a week doing their own thing. That is great for parts companies, but not good for promotors and racers wanting to raise the purse.

That is why the Chili Bowl is so successful from a fan stand point. Many of these people who would be racing normally, have that week off from racing and come to see the happening. Some also rent cars and participate and that is why the car counts are up so much.

Me personally, I hate the Hoosier rule, but I like today's midget. I'm not going to go on as to why, but I think the sport is very competitive today and I think in many ways it is easier to go race.

As far as it being too expensive to compete, many of the people complaining that midget racing needs to be cheaper feel that Govt. bailouts are a joke and they shouldn't pay for others healthcare. Kind of depends on where on the sliding scale you fall. I see a guy running Micros complaining he can't run a midget(No offense, just an example) and I think, "Well it's better than the guy watching and wanting to be you."

As far as the $10,000 V.W. Motors being the hey day of midget racing, I remember when those motors came out and people where up in arms and said the sport was over. There is no way it could survive with those costs. Today I know of many people buying great,competitive used motors for $10,000. Motors that could win shows in Powri, Badger and even USAC.(With the right driver)

Midget racing has always been this way(I realized I just said "This is how it's always been") In the 70's and early '80's you had Offy only clubs,Sesco Chevy II clubs, 126ci VW only clubs, 133ci only VW only clubs and so on. Midget Racing has always had many factions. Kind of the nature of the people involved.

I am not saying it's easy, I'm not saying there aren't many other ways to go about it and I am not saying that it can't be better, but for those who want to do it and those who want to watch it you had better do it today, because tommorrow is never promised.