The speedway officials had their annual meeting January 18.
All staff are expected to return. Some of the discussion:
- we will continue to have a work area--with some improvements. This area will only be
available for B-Main and Feature races
- "no throttle" - will be no hot lapping when pushed off until given the flag or signal to do so
- rough driving will NOT be tolerated at all
- all races are points races. Only exception is USAC races for the sprints, the KISS race, and
when the sprints run with the National Midgets. Support classes when running with the
USAC races will be points
- there will be NO provisional and NO promoter's option
- UMP Street Stocks will allow Camaro's this year.
- Driver's intentionally driving over the mound in the infield will be disqualified
There are approximately 4 special races that details continue to be worked out and may be added

to the schedule.

Sounds like the "no throttle" idea is similar to what Bloomington does.

One thing I have always had trouble understanding is the need for a no throttle rule like that. To me, the simple solution is to not let your officials stand out on the track while there are cars being pushed off. Is it really necessary to stand out in the middle of the track? It makes about as much sense as standing in the middle of the interstate. I guess in my opinion, common sense would tell me that I wouldn't have any need to be out on the track. If you need to tell drivers to line up, I think the flagman can handle that. Maybe one way radios would be an investment worth making in the interest of safety. I can't say I'm surprised to see that rule added since Leroy was the one who stood out in the middle of the track more than anybody else. I get that they don't want anybody running into a car being pushed off, but I would just tell cars to stay to the inside once they have been started. Most of the drivers I have seen are aware of where cars are being pushed off, but you don't always know where an official may be standing.

I'm curious to see what the "specials" are. The schedule is basically what I expected. Pretty weak on specials, but plenty of sprint cars and regular shows. I know sprint cars are the main attraction at GC, but I like to see something else every now and then.

I heard they were looking at bringing in a winged show. Probably not a bad idea to mix it up for one weekend.

I'm just glad there's still a Gas City Speedway around to have a schedule!:checkered:

PJ,

Truer words have never been spoken.:applaud:

Totally agree with that. I'll be there at least once this year.

I missed only 3 sprint car races there in 2008.I hope to make just about that many again this year.:thumb

Hopefully the Sprintweek date works into our travels this year.