Couple of observations from the temporarily renamed (for one night only) Section "A" at Gas 'em up City:
+Heard some early grumbling about black dry slicky following hot laps and qualies. In fairness, I have to say that there was a fairly brisk wind blowing from the time we arrived which, along with a welcome now and then sun shining down (sick of rain), doesn't do a lot for keeping a racing surface moist and tacky. Further, after they shut 'er down for half an hour or so to recondition, I thought the track was great as evidenced by some terrific racing. But, that's just me. Not being a GC regular, I don't know how the track usually is or what the competitors thought.
+I've said it before and will say it again. I'd sure like for someone to put Steve Buckwalter in a sprinter so we could watch him all summer in his midget and in sprints. What easterners have long known....this guy is good....he is very good. Maybe if I hit the Lotto......
+Don't know what happened to BC's ride (#39). FQ, he started sixth, picked them off one by one up to 2nd where with ten or so to go it looked like we might be in for a Buckwalter/Clauson shootout. Looked to me like the car was not picking up fuel in the turns. Maybe something jarred asunder when he caught a buried turn marker tire causing a major jolt. Hung on for sixth. They'll know he's there all week.
+Enjoyed talking with Kyle Robbins and his dad. First time chance for me to do that this season. Urged them to hit The 'Burg, especially for ISW. Even more would be better yet. He had a nice run, making the feature, and grabbing a top ten finish.
+Great time visiting with friends I don't get to see a lot. Wanted to say "howdy" to Dyno Don and Denise but they left way early. Too many classes, someone said, was the reason.
After being told the night before by my Willie's Sports Cafe friends that I was "cool for a guy my age" it was deflating to be told by DannyB, Hoover, Bob C. and others that I am "old for a guy my age".
I gotta start hanging out at Willie's more.
+Seems to me that you can pretty much just go ahead and cut the check when Jon Stanbrough draws the pole. That's not a dig BTW, it's a compliment. He's just that good. Tough enough to stay ahead of the guy when he starts behind you (as told to me by Billy Puterbaugh at The 'Burg recently). One of the all-time greats on dirt IMO.
+Thanks to Dave Rudisell for the ride up and back and to Bob and Monica C. for letting us squeeze in with them.
+I'll defer now to IOW's silver fingered orator, Jerry Shaw, for a more cogent and complete report. I'll just say that I had a hell of a good time, enjoyed some great racing with some really special friends. I'm glad I went. I may just do this again sometime
Apparently we will have to continue to suffer with the likes of Aero, ASQ, Brent T. Funk, Little Rube, etc.