[jdull99]

Originally Posted by racefan20 If they did that in midgets there would be no series

People would fill the gap. Escply now that 20year old race engines may become popular again!

[Frank Reiner]

Originally Posted by jdull99 People would fill the gap. Especially now that 20year old race engines may become popular again!

The dominant engines 20 years ago were the W9RP Mopars (such as Mr. Day is using so well), Dugan headed Fontanas, and a few Ford and Chevy headed versions on various blocks. Then, a certain large auto manufacturer (whose name starts with "T"), which has had an ongoing presence in international motorsport, elected to spin off a cylinder head from one of the NASCAR divisions, and to throw their financial weight behind development of a Midget engine. That financial heft also went behind the promotion of that engine, making it available to certain selected teams/drivers. By so doing, they created a "gotta have" urge among many car owners that had the effect of putting the heretofore dominant engines in the shadows.
The most accomplished teams and drivers will always run up front; whatever hardware that they are using gets excellent product placement.
Those "20-year old engines" did not degrade; they simply became less visible.

[kendirt]

Originally Posted by Frank Reiner The dominant engines 20 years ago were the W9RP Mopars (such as Mr. Day is using so well), Dugan headed Fontanas, and a few Ford and Chevy headed versions on various blocks. Then, a certain large auto manufacturer (whose name starts with "T"), which has had an ongoing presence in international motorsport, elected to spin off a cylinder head from one of the NASCAR divisions, and to throw their financial weight behind development of a Midget engine. That financial heft also went behind the promotion of that engine, making it available to certain selected teams/drivers. By so doing, they created a "gotta have" urge among many car owners that had the effect of putting the heretofore dominant engines in the shadows. The most accomplished teams and drivers will always run up front; whatever hardware that they are using gets excellent product placement. Those "20-year old engines" did not degrade; they simply became less visible.

Yeah and it would get ugly if TRD money didn't prop up the whole series.

[jdull99]

Does anyone know if smthn happened to JJ in midget Q? I saw from the results (on Hoseheads.com) he was well off the pace in Saturday evening Q. After noticing the Friday practice results (which I saw on TJslideways.com); JJ was ranked 12th, and I was hoping for a better Turkey Night raceday for him.

[badcoupe]

I think he blew up during qualifying

[WinglessLovers]

Originally Posted by kendirt Yeah, he's super badass for threatening to beat up a teenager then not following through with it.

I take this as sarcasm and Gaspar is 19 which makes him an adult. If you are going to make stupid moves on the race track you should expect consequences for your actions. From my understanding Yeley was headed toward Gaspar's trailer but was intercepted by quite a few people. Don't use age as an excuse to not confront someone about their actions. Race cars are dangerous and people should be careful how they drive them. This is not a video game where you hit restart, people can get hurt or killed because of your actions. This is real life, not a game!!


Bruce Eckel

[Rhody]

If a 40 year old man wanted to get in my 19 yo face, I would say "bring it old man!" I have been pulled out of the car by the chin bar of my helmet before, when I was 20 years old and 140 lbs. It made me think that driving in 3 car lengths too deep was a bad decision. I didn't cry or call my mommy. U knew that when I signed my pit pass I said that I was a big boy and I was responsible for my actions.

[Midget98]

Originally Posted by racefan20 If they did that in midgets there would be no series

Yes there would be. It just wouldn't be a series filled with daddy's money paying Keith Kunz to do everything.

[B99]

Originally Posted by Midget98 Yes there would be. It just wouldn't be a series filled with daddy's money paying Keith Kunz to do everything.

You mean like it is now?

[Frank Reiner]

Originally Posted by racefan20 If they did that in midgets there would be no series

Originally Posted by kendirt Yeah and it would get ugly if TRD money didn't prop up the whole series.

Originally Posted by Midget98 Yes there would be. It just wouldn't be a series filled with daddy's money paying Keith Kunz to do everything.

Originally Posted by B99 You mean like it is now?

There is a certain poignancy to the sentiment that runs thru these quotes; a sentiment that seems to be trying to express the idea that the disparity between the "mega-haves" and even the medium rich (let alone the just-getting-by crowd) has become so great that the desire to go racing has been quite noticeably reduced.
In the Northern California area that has since 1939 supported the Bay Cities Racing Association (BCRA), until about 2013 regularly drew 30-40 cars for dirt shows, and 20+ for pavement. This past season there were 8 dirt races scheduled, of which 2 were rained out. The car counts were 14, 15, 9, 15, 16, 9. The highest counts were combined with USAC.
There are 25-30 car owners who in 2012 fielded then competitive cars, who will not even talk about coming out today. The introduction of cars capitalized at $60,000 to $80,000. has had the effect of pushing 60% of the field into the garage, and locking the door.