Midwest Connection (Offline)
#4
9/4/09 1:31 AM
cmakin - thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it.
billwill7 - I would have gone to Macon, but had to work Wednesday. DuQuoin - no.
Next racing for me due to work schedule - Morgan County, Illinois on Friday and Putnamville, Indiana on Saturday (maybe).
Have a good day...see you at the races
Rich - Arnold, Missouri
Midwest Connection (Offline)
#7
9/4/09 12:13 PM
SUPERDUKE - dirt track racing is what it is, on the short tracks and 1 miles in recent times, this you know. There were four of us whom were shooting photos at the Bettenhausen 100, and discussing that very same issue as you stated in your post. It is like any dirt racing anywhere in the US - including the Syracuse Mile where I am originally from, and any short track open wheel racing as well throughout the US - some track prep is better than others. And, like you, I have been to many open wheel short track dirt races through out the US and this style of preparing the dirt tracks as many do today like the Springfield Mile, seems to be the way it is, with a few exceptions here and there.
The drivers and teams that race the open wheelers I am sure have their opinions as well. And I am sure there are many differences of opinions amongst all the open wheelers, about track prep. It would be an interesting topic of discussion I am sure.
I have photos of the Syracuse mile back in the 60's where the dirt clogs are as big as basketball's and some even bigger, and the ruts, birms, holes in the turns, etc. That is just the way it was - years ago. Many race drivers that are reading this post on the IOW page, and have raced at Syracuse, will remember these good ole' days.
Go to Fulton Speedway in New York and you walk out of ther looking like a raccoon. Don't get me wrong I still like going to Fulton, but I always bring goggles and a bandana to put across myface - it is what it is.
I am not here to critcize or bash anyone on there views, and I apologize if it seems that way.
I just post photos and info for all to see and stay connected to the open wheel racing scene wherever I am at.
Have a good day...see you at the races - Morgan County Speedway, Illinois on Friday and LPS, Indiana on Saturday
Rich - Arnold, Missouri
Midwest Connection (Offline)
#9
9/4/09 4:53 PM
SUPERDUKE - I do understand what you are saying. At this years Hoosier 100 I heard many comments about open wheel dirt track racing in general as well as Silver Crown racing.
Some of things I heard people say: (JMO - I don't have answers for)
There were comments made to me about the 'manicured tracks now a days.'
A comment was made as to race tracks and there 'golf course appearance.'
Yes, the tires were an issue as well.
Why are 'car counts down.'
And, yes, 'the follow the leader racing.'
All I can say is this, whenever I have a 'point' that needs to be addressed, in my opinion that is, I take it to the source. I have called USAC a number of times on specific racing issues. One of those being the dropping of the USAC Silver Crown cars at Gateway Intl. Speedway, Illinois. I am sure there are USAC Silver Crown drivers that have raced at Gateway Intl. Speedway, and also on the IOW site that can enlighten us all on the decision to stop running there and other racing issues. I also asked about a USAC Supermodified racing program on the asphalt short tracks. Hey, what can I say, I call and express my thoughts, that is all you can do.
Asking the race teams and drivers is one of the best source's for answers to questions that are racing related.
As long as open wheel and Silver Crown racing is around, I will be there as much as I can. And, I hope to see you there as well.
Have a good day...see you at the races
Rich
