no provisionals.** How is it fair for cottle to miss the usac show at brownstown becouse of owners points from last year. Missing the show droped him down to 10th in points from 3rd. He will spend all summer trying to catch the top teams from last year . Thay have to have 5 bad night missing a show (using their 4 provisionals)untill they are back on the same playing field. I dont know how often last years champion took provisionals, and I wonder if sombody could figure the points and remove the points earned with provisionals, we might end up with a different champion. From a fans standpoint, I spent over $100 to go to brownstown to watch my favorite driver miss the show(he had a bad night). It was still a good show I got my moneys worth. Racing is a gamble and somtimes you lose. If (insert your favorite traveling group if it usac,kiss,umra,amsa, or whoever)wants to support their top drivers and help offset the bad nights pay them show up / tow money equal to what last place pays that night. I think the WoO still does this. It might never make a difference who wins a championship, but we know it made a difference in who finished 2nd last year in usac.

Just my thoughts, and trust me im nobody lol.......Dale

From the USAC 2008 Rule Book:

1304 Provisional Starting Positions:
The National Sprint Car Series will include a maximum of two provisional starters in each feature event providing there are eligible entrants who accept this option.
The Western, USAC/CRA ad Regional Sprint Car Series will include a maximum of one provisional starter in each feature event providing there is an eligible entrant who accepts this option.
The following conditions apply to provisional starters:
1. The top 20 in Entrant points are eligible for a maximum of four provisional starts per season with the top Entrant in points, not qualifying for the feature, being the first recipient. If an eligible Entrant elects not to use a provisional, his/her position will be taken by the next highest in point standings.
2. For the Western and USAC/CRA Series the top 15 in Entrant points are eligible for a maximum of two provisional starts per season with the top Entrant in points, not qualifying for the feature, being the first recipient. If an eligible Entrant elects not to use a provisional, his/her position will be taken by the next highest in point standings.
3. Prior to June 1st, “Provisionals” will be based upon the seasons ending points from the previous season. After June 1st “Provisionals” will be based on the current point standings as posted prior to the event.
4. Starting positions, point allocations and additional eligibility requirements can be found in 5.4C, 5.10 and 9.10 C.

So for all those Cottle fans, he will be eligible for a provisional in PA if he needs one!

Rob Hoffman