Just wanted to say thanks to Dave and his staff for the hospitality at Lawrenceburg. Had a great time and the BARC picnic and thanks to Dave for the $5 discount on the tickets.
1. The racing was super...loved the tnt format.
2. The rim riding that was going on in turn 3 and 4 reminded me of being at a mini Eldora.
3. The friendliness of the employees at lawrenceburg is second to none. I really think that starts at the top with Dave and works its way down. The employees give me the impression that they are proud to work there.
4. Coondog looked as smooth as I have ever seen him...great job Jerry
5. I sometimes wonder if we realize how lucky we are to watch Dave Darland race. He always seems to be there at the end and not a nicer guy around.
6. Was great to see alot of old friends
7. This isn't a knock on previous promoters....and I've never met Dave Rudisell...but I think lawrenceburg and we race fans are lucky to have him at the helm.
I agree great night. Love the format wish all tracks would go with this format. The only downer on the whole night for me was when I seen Blake Fitzpatrick rolling up to the line up shoot for his qualifer when they were giving the one to go. I still cannot believe that they did not throw the caution on and let him start the race. Here is a guy who came to support the event had bad luck worked to get his car back together made it just as the cars were taking the one to go flag and they didnt wave the start off. Plenty of time to throw the yellow light shove him off and give him a chance. Yor robbed the fans of watching one of the hottest guys put on a show. I see so many wasted yellow laps every night this is one time I would have liked to have seen a wasted yellow flag lap. I do not know who's call it was but I feel you messed this one up. Someone had to see him coming up the pit lane before the one to go was givin. I was sitting in the stands in four and he was ready to push when they were coming off two before the green even came out. Anyway great night of racing but that has bothered me all weekend. Congrats to Jerry and the whole Hoffman crew great job!
What about running this sprint bandit format for local shows? Especially with smaller car counts I think it could be exciting for the fans to see the sprints on the track more often and everybody battle for each position, not just transfer spots. However, more time on the track would result in more attrition. We ran a passing points system at the Mini-Magic Mile in Duquoin a couple of years ago in the mini-sprints and it was awesome. Any thoughts?
Originally Posted by Jim Gardner:
What about running this sprint bandit format for local shows? Especially with smaller car counts I think it could be exciting for the fans to see the sprints on the track more often and everybody battle for each position, not just transfer spots. However, more time on the track would result in more attrition. We ran a passing points system at the Mini-Magic Mile in Duquoin a couple of years ago in the mini-sprints and it was awesome. Any thoughts?
I liked the format. To me, this is one of the best ways to set the field. And if you looked at the end result...all the big name guys were right where they were supposed to be. How about Darland starting on the pole and NOT winning? That was different!
The only thing I see bad about this is the DOUBLE heats/qualifiers. I'm not sure a regular local show should or could do this every night. It puts a lot of laps on the track (which held up beautifully) but not every track is going to hold up this nicely. Also, the fuel and tire usage is double when doing double heats, and then there's still a B main. I like this passing points system, and I'm glad USAC debuted it at Lawrenceburg. I think the best way to do it for a local show is to run just ONE set of heats and use the passing points that way. Then run your B, and the A as usual.
Just my $.02.
Originally Posted by riskybrisky5:
I agree great night. Love the format wish all tracks would go with this format. The only downer on the whole night for me was when I seen Blake Fitzpatrick roled up to the line up shoot for his qualifer when they were giving the one to go. I still cannot believe that they did not throw the caution on and let him start the race. Here is a guy who came to support the event had bad luck worked to get his car back together made it just as the cars were taking the one to go flag and they didnt wave the start off. Plenty of time to throw the yellow light shove him off and give him a chance. Yor robbed the fans of watching one of the hottest guys put on a show. I see so many wasted yellow laps every night this is one time I would have liked to have seen a wasted yellow flag lap. I do not know who's call it was but I feel you messed this one up. Someone had to see him coming up the pit lane before the one to go was givin. I was sitting in the stands in four and he was ready to push when they were coming off two before the green even came out. Anyway great night of racing but that has bothered me all weekend. Congrats to Jerry and the whole Hoffman crew great job!
I agree with you 100% Kevin, on Blake. But as usual it was a USAC call,and they only wait on their regulars.
Too much racing for free ..... If you are going to add races at least pay a token amount to cover fuel costs. Heck in 1984 the heats paid 40 - 30 - 20 - 10. Just an observation .
