Rainouts did play a big factor with some of the larger count shows, That is true, However the only time I thought there'd be more cars than there actually was was the Gaines Memorial
There are several factors going on, But number one I most likely as the Packer of Mud says. Most guys can run maybe once a weekend. I know several of them that are lucky to get out once or twice a month. Several are trying to get through the season with one motor and have scheduled out 20 or so races they intend to race.
Also however is there are a couple more teams every week that are getting ready but also sometimes a couple cars out for repairs or replacement. When Ted Hines took that ride at the opener, I knew without saying it would be several weeks before he'd be able to get a car back out.
I did point out it was the highest average last year in Indiana but there was a track in Ohio pulling more than any Indiana track and i said then that its both a good and bad thing, More racers racing. But lets face it. Many weeks there are as many as six tracks vying for the same pool of cars Add a USAC, MSCS, BOSS race and now also Atomic running wings. The Choices are many and considering it cost most teams without replacement cost over 500 to get too and on the track. Every team is going to take a hard look at "How far we got to haul, how much we're going to wear out etc" Really, Just think about it, Couple hundred to tow to track, Couple hundred in fuel for car. If your lucky you'll not lose at least one tire in a night. That loud pedal is very $$$ to press.
Im never upset with 15-20 cars but however it is also nice to see at least three full heats and a full feature Anyway as I said, Its usually great racing especially in the features and I've seen time and again low budget teams come from deep to top three.
Im a little more concerned with other classes like the Mods. Seems there are about ten tracks every saturday night running them.
Might have thrown hissys before about Mini Sprints but having them a few times a year is also a feeder in getting guys started and possibly finding the track to be the place they want to race when and if they move up. As i said before. A racer is a racer, If they're successful in one class, They are often competitive at the next level. They all start somewhere.
Mike said it above, The Economy isn't exactly peachy, The cost of everything grocery's, fuel, bills isn't going down and in many cases doubled in the last few years.
Guys want to run some laps, If their competitive at all, You'll make the show. Come to the Burg, We appreciate it always and its always a good show.
See you Saturday