[Mud Packer]

Originally Posted by Dwight Clock First off, I agree with Ron about the track crews at some tracks being more efficient than others. And I agree that there is a perception that open reds extend shows when, in fact, more often than not, they don't. With that said I still don't see the need for crews to work on their cars multiple times during an event. Most USAC sprint car and midget features are 30 laps. That is 7 1/2 miles at places such as Bloomington and Gas City, 15 miles at Terre Haute and Eldora. I think that limiting the open reds to 1 per race is a good idea. And there should be none before lap 10. After the 1 open red has been utilized there should be no others except, at the discretion of the race director, when there is a need for a fuel stop and then it should be for fuel only. If you think about it, allowing crews to make changes on their cars during an event actually penalizes those who have best figured out the set up for that race by allowing those who haven't an opportunity to make the required corrections.

:applaud::applaud::applaud:

[98arpy]

If their tanks are full at the start of the feature, say here at Eldora, how many laps can they do without refueling? Combination of green and yellow laps.
Or is the problem they are not full when they start the race?

[Dwight Clock]

Originally Posted by 98arpy If their tanks are full at the start of the feature, say here at Eldora, how many laps can they do without refueling? Combination of green and yellow laps. Or is the problem they are not full when they start the race?

Teams need to make an educated guess before the feature. It is common for the first few cars that are pushed off to do 8 to 10 slow laps before the green drops, even more at times. Add in anticipated caution laps and, IMO, teams should have enough fuel to do at least 50 laps green and caution combined.

[Danny Burton]

Originally Posted by Midget82 Hey Hoover... I may be able to take that "slightly used" airhorn off your hands. :emote20:

If ever sat next to John, which I have many times, you'll know he doesn't need an airhorn.:thumb:

And Mr. Frank Daigh said it for me.

I hope this leads to some TV time for USAC. Nice to see the series get a sponsor.

As to the red flags, it might be a penalty to the leader who is dusting the field but if that was happening wouldn't many fans be bored with a race being dominated by one car? If the other cars had a chance to fix their cars and make a good two or three car fight fans will remember that and want more the next time the midgets are in town.

[Dyno Don]

I got no problem with a driver running off and leaving the rest of the field. Sometimes the most exciting racing is watching a driver work lapped traffic.

Ever watch Eric Gordon work traffic at The Little 500, it is worth the price of admission.

[Charles Nungester]

Originally Posted by Hawker I work on a team and believe me, sometimes I have wanted one. But sometimes you don't! Like when your walking away with a race with a handfull of laps left...

Let me rephrase. I think the open red is a good rule. Probably allows more cars to finish a event and be competitive in it.


Chuck