What's most amazing about Kyle Larson isn't necessarily his total list of accomplishments up to this point (don't get me wrong, it's a pretty damn good list) but his ability to pick stuff up so quick. He's been able to go from zero to really good on three different types of race cars, on both types of track surfaces and various track sizes. It's hard to imagine what his potential might be.

Jerry

I believe Kyle is the first to win in all three USAC divisions in 2011

Talking all forms of USAC?
The competition is definately way harder to beat NOW! You had butler, vogler, Elliot and a few others that were always up front but todays fields are 20 cars that have and can win at any time.

Not saying Larson is definately better than those of the past. Im saying the field is better than say late 80s till 2000

Randy,

I HATE the format and everyone around me was confused by the stoppage. I have been to every race since 1965 and this was the smallest crowd I have ever seen. I know of several people that stayed away because of the format. I hate to see another tradition go by the wayside. I expressed my displeasure to Bob Sargent and you may do so by calling Track Enterprises at (217)764-3200.
I am by no means bashing Mr. Sargent, I just would like to see a return to the classic, traditional 100 miler.
I also asked Bob about the possibility of his return to promotion at THAT. He stated that he is working on it, but that was as far as it went. THAT is badly in need of a stabilizing force.

---------- Post added at 03:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:07 PM ----------

One comment I have about DuQuoin, that does not pertain to the race, is that there seemed to be more of a willingness to accommodate fans by transporting them to and from the parking areas. First time ever that we were transported from the gate to the grandstand and back to the parking lot after the race. I don't recall seeing the trams taking people back to the parking lot after the races before. A nice touch!

You are correct - competition of the field is every bit as good now if not better than when Jeff ran. Not saying that Larson I'd better, but last night was special
Posted via Mobile Device

Although the track was better than I've seen recently there, there is still room for improvement. The race was totally awesome the first 25 laps until it took rubber then it was just ok. I wish they would try not packing it so hard with the big trucks.I think there would be less chance of rubber down. Can you imagine a 100 laps of what we saw in the first 25? That would start to pack the stands again. To all those that didn't go, the track prep/surface was much better this year at Springfield and Du Quoin so if I were you I would make plans for these next year! They both had cushions through TT's and Du Quoin for much of the race. It's so cool to see these cars on the miles when there's a high groove you don't want to miss it. Watching Larson back it in to turn one was a thing of beauty! Can't wait for next year.

It was exciting to witness Kyle take to the Magic Mile like he owned it. The battle back in the back was worth the price of admission alone. A big thanks to Bob Sargent and crew along with Mother Nature to have a great surface to race on.

I agree with Ronmil that this was the smallest crowd I can remember at DuQuoin in all of the years I have been going. The weather was perfect with overcast during the day which helped keep the track racey. If you are counting votes, RacinBabe and I vote to ditch the 51/49 and let's go racing for 100. The halfway stop really didn't do much in my opinion.

I agree about getting away from the mid race stop

I agree that it was an unusually small crowd

I do think that the 50% chance of rain forecast didn't help

But I'll tell you, USAC has got to figure out a way to get that car count up.
Mid twenties for Springfield and DuQuoin is getting DANGEROUSLY low in my opinion

I personally hate the 1/2 way stop. Silver Crown cars are designed to go the distance, and this is what makes them unique and what brought me to this series in the first place. Changing the format of the race where you have a red stop at lap 51 turns this into 2 sprint car races -- where the 1st half is a heat race to determine your starting position, and the 2nd half is the feature. The only one that benefits is the tire companies. At DuQuoin this year, even the tire companies didn't make out. What's the point?

I agree with SC90's post completely

I liked it more when it meant something........... There is a lot that goes into running 100 miles without a stop.

It's called "race driving"