This site's future

After four seasons worth of "general" racing coverage, I've decided that it's time for a change.

You may have noticed I've quit posting results. Some tracks post nothing for days and even with transponders at some places, information is incorrect or slow coming. Sometimes drivers names are spelled wrong, sponsors names are incorrect.... No, it's not everyone in every case, but I would say it happens often enough to become an annoyance. Maybe I'm too picky.

I've lamented before about all the technological advancements such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace (if anyone's there), and the near ubiquity of text messaging being underutilized, and the halfway attempts are essentially worse than not doing it at all. Again, not everyone at every time.

The problem is, the downturns in the economy have forced many tracks to do more with less and one thing I've seen a LOT less of is advertising and press releases, despite all these new tools. Frankly, I don't have the desire to hunt the basics like results and upcoming event down and edit it like I used to, and to be honest - it wasn't what people were reading on the site anyway.

So, I'm going to focus the new site on two things: editorials and photos. There will be regular updates, news from tracks, and race recaps - but different in that they'll be from my point of view.

Writing my own pieces are probably the part I do best. So, the updates will be frequent, in many cases shorter, covering a variety of subjects, from interviews to thoughts on the food at the concession stand. Given my racing background I think the best way to start is with what I have a genuine interest in: dirt racing at the top level specifically sprints, modifieds and late models. Those classes will be the focus of this site in 2010, and races featuring those classes will dictate my schedule next year.

One of the other things I'm wanting to do is take my photography to the next level. After some feedback from professional sports photographers, one comment is that I need to focus more on the human element. To do that I need to specialize a bit...I also need to spend time off the track, and thus missing some classes. Speaking of photography, I need to improve order fulfillment dramatically. But I also believe in editing images and not dumping the entire memory card online. To do that I need to spend more time working on images and less on editing press releases and such. Therefore it will be my best work, fully edited and available to order online in 2010. Click and buy, from the printer straight to you - ASAP. And possibly, I'll include gift items in that as well.

So does that mean "Heartland Race NEWS" isn't so much that - if it only covers certain classes? Maybe, but a name change is likely anyway. In fact I've already purchased the domain name I plan to relaunch under. I'll announce it soon, continue posting here until it's ready and cross post between the two sites shortly after the release.

It's been an enjoyable four seasons and I think this new approach will keep me going for several more.

Jason

My Issue with the "Entry Level"

Here's my beef with so-called "low budget, entry level" racing.

For the sake of discussion I'll define that as a point where a car could be purchased with disposable income, or MINIMAL sponsorship by the overwhelming majority of people of median US Household income - if they wanted to.

My issue: there's no incentive to move up. One of the issues mentioned frequently by promoters is that the "high budget" classes aren't replenishing their ranks. People aren't raising their own game to the next level - at least not in classes that are SO easy to get into.

Here's the problem: they're not given any incentive to. Remember when the hornet/tuner/sport compact first broke onto the scene around here? Hell, for your old compact and $800, you could have that "racing experience" under the lights and in front of the fans.

It was supposed to be fun. A chance to go out and do the same thing the "big boys" did, if only just to be there. In fact, so nobody would take it too seriously, a fan from the stands could come down with a wad of money and buy that car.

Of course, sanctioning bodies had to get in to collect license fees, with some of the tax doled back as "point funds," and crowning "champions." All of a sudden people took what was supposed to be fun, and entry level...seriously. People were now building up motors, arguing over claims, taking each other out, fighting in the pits because whatever took place on the track cost them points.

Remember the first year of compacts at Eagle in 2006? An attempted car claim resulted in a...kerfuffle...and a promoter in the back of a police cruiser.

Entry level. Racin' for fun.

Uh huh. Sure.

If you want to replenish your numbers, quit rewarding your support class teams for not moving up. Give them incentive to move! So...why not give the sportmod champion an A-Mod motor and whatever it takes to get racing (I didn't say instant win) in the next level? Push the teams to move ahead and support your classes that drive FRONT GATE numbers.

Or, if you have to, give disincentive. IMCA will already not let anyone licensed in a higher division to run the compacts. Here's another: don't let drivers languish in that division. Now, maybe some people could never afford a hobby stock, sport mod, etc. Fine. Let 'em run.

But...I'd make it a little less attractive to remain.

Say, after a driver scores a lifetime total of I don't know...1500 IMCA points, they're no longer eligible for track titles, season end awards, regional, or national championships of any kind. You can let them race any night they want. Heck, give 'em a point average and line 'em up like usual, but set a limit. Or, for any driver over 18 - they can race only three seasons before having to move up, with the same limits as I just mentioned.

There should be no "multi-time champ" in ANY class deemed as "entry" level.

Why this? Because, as even IMCA says...it's, well...entry level.  I don't like people using the entry-level argument when trying to defend the class without admitting that entry level should be just that. And yes, I'm beating the term into the ground in the hopes that every time you hear it you cringe. Once you've "entered" it's time to move on. In the end, it will improve the overall quality of the show.

Now there are other issues. One, the compacts are so cheap it's tough to sell the used car and have any money to move up. A Hobby Stocker could sell off a decent car and have a fair chunk toward a modified for example. Two: I've heard from many people that the front wheel drive experience is too different from the rear wheel drive world outside. But this can be overcome by the determined racer.

The problem lies in the fact promoters allow that steady back gate money to plod its way in each week.

But if promoters are truly worried about replenishing their premier classes, they need to think further ahead and offer other incentives besides just upping the purse. It's time to create a culture of incentive and achievement, not just one of participation.

2010 Thoughts, Pt. IV

This should be the last part of what's become a rather lengthy series.

Of course, Eagle's schedule generated the most firestorm on the message boards. And, on cue, the inevitable class warfare began...fueled by a single - and in my opinion, legitimate - issue raised by a sprint car driver. Other comments, reinforcing that statement followed, with the expected rebuttal of "without (fill in the non-sprint class), you'd have no sprint cars, etc. etc., etc."

Well, if I were to tell you what I've heard, from those with close connection, about sprint cars and their importance at Eagle, egos will make sure that the pro-sprints wouldn't believe me and the anti-sprint (or pro-fenders, if that's what makes you happy) wouldn't believe what they heard. Let's just say, the sprint class is important at Eagle and Eagle is important to the sprints.

But if it doesn't sustain itself it won't matter one way or the other (that's my take). Each class is important, but in some cases for very different reasons.

If you can get past the class warfare outer shell, the real issue is the length of program. I've said it subtly before, but I'll be blatant now. I don't like the addition of a fifth class.

In the Eagle thread, the Rest of the Dirt's Ron Meyer coined the term "hard sit," being that no matter when you start there's going to be a lot of butt time before the show's over. IF the 10:30 goal is met, a 6:30 start still means 4 hours in the seat...frankly that's too much show. Die hards will tell you they love it - but that's only if they like what's out there. I've said it before, I don't like five classes. I don't like four.

But, it's not my track and I don't pay the bills.

Moving on...

- When the unsubstantiated argument comes out on the message board, you know the thread no longer will produce anything useful. You know what I mean, opinion expressed as fact. The aforementioned class warfare debate is a good example. "Most of the fans are there to see (fill in your favorite)" is a great one. Got numbers? Back it up. I get sick of that.

- Anyone who tells you sprint racing is dying needs to look at the 2010 ASCS Midwest Schedule. At the time, I counted 21(!) shows outside of the 360 Nationals at Knoxville. That's more than a season's worth of weekly racing at most tracks. Rumors of the demise are greatly exaggerated.

- Anyone else notice scarcely a mention of the fact the Outlaws aren't on Eagle's schedule?

I'll have a 2010 Wish List, and some changes I'm making in 2010 as well.

'10 Schedules Released

Several tracks/sanctions have released their schedules. Check 'em out:
I-80 Speedway: http://neracewaypark.com/I80Speedway/schedule.php

Eagle Raceway (along with a lively discussion):
http://www.dirtdrivers.com/messageboard/messagedetail.asp?trackid=1&distype=1&gid=&mmid=&mid=243615&pmid=243615

ASCS Midwest (via Oval Operations):
http://www.ovaloperations.com/2009/12/16/2010-tentative-ascs-midwest-schedul
e/

Butler County Motorplex

http://www.dirtdrivers.com/messageboard/messagedetail.asp?trackid=4&mid=243830&pmid=243830

And I thought I got too close to the action...

Check out this photographer from an NHRA drag race. Pics are from the London
Daily Mail.

http://tinyurl.com/yeg9w9h

If my wife saw that and the car didn't kill me...she would.

2009 JMS Awards Banquet Recap

From Jessica Goldfuss, Junction Motor Speedway

With the completion of the 2009 racing season at Junction Motor Speedway,
honors and awards were presented for the many JMS drivers on December 12,
2009. The York Holiday Inn Convention Center held the banquet where there
was wonderful food provided by Angela Spencer, Banquet Manger; Zach Oseurm;
Crystal McKillip, Applebee's General Manger; Debbie Dumpert, Banquet
Self-Coordinator; Rhonda and Rich Baines, bartending; with the Holiday Inn
Banquet staff cooking and catering. Favorably, Holiday Inn also provided
hotel rooms for the points Champions of each division. Beautiful flowers
were the centerpiece of each table, provided by Debbie Dumpert, which
represented the memory of Barb Nunnenkamp, Manager of JMS in the time of
2003 to 2008.

There were many door prizes given out throughout the night which were
sponsored and donated from many area businesses. Action Images, owned by
Photographer, Jerry Jacobs, created the JMS driver cards that were placed on
every table. Each card had information about the Points Champions in each
division. Pictures at the banquet were taken by Jon Pedersen, the official
JMS Photographer. Trophies and plaques were provided by NASCAR, Inc. and
Crossroads Awards in York, Nebraska.

Special guests that were in attendance were NAPA owners from Sutton,
Nebraska; Randy, Kathy, and Micah Veleba for Sutton Auto Supply. They were
also in representation of other NAPA businesses that sponsored the NASCAR
Stock Car and NASCAR Hobby Stocks divisions. Those stores included; Action
Auto Supply in Geneva, Action Auto Supply in Hebron, Action Auto Supply in
Fairbury, Beck's Auto Parts in Edgar, Rasmussen NAPA in York, and the NAPA
Distribution Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

General Motors and GM Performance Parts were represented by Jim Miller, the
Wholesale Parts District Manager of Kansas City, KS and Grant Lindsey of
Dallas, TX. They were proud sponsors of the NASCAR Late Models for the 2009
season and handed out $4,500 in contingency awards for crate engine feature
winners and other crate late model engine participants at Junction Motor
Speedway. Winners of these contingency awards were, Bill Leighton Jr- $500,
Matt Buller- $900, Tom Svoboda- $400, Andrew Kosiski - $700, Clint Benson
-$400, Mike Wallace- $300, Lester Siebert - $200, Ray Baughn - $200, Andy
Wilkinson -$200, Al Humphrey- $100, Randy Hall -$400, and Mike Svagera-
$100.

The awards presentation began with the Four Cylinder Division which the
Track Owner, Delmar Friesen, honored each driver who was top ten in point's
standings. Beginning with tenth place was Jarrod Aspegren, Lance Hiebner
(9), Sheldon Sandall (8), Charles Wergin (7), Bill Wiarda (6), Chad Carlson
(5), Josh Aspegren (4), and Rodney Nosker (3). Runner-up was the 2009 Rookie
of the Year- Mallet Meyer, with Cale Wiarda from Aurora, Nebraska, driving
the 15w receiving the 2009 4 Cylinder Points Championship.

In the 2-Man Cruiser Division, Pat Hersh and Mike Whitten were 10th, Tim
Hessheimer SR and Tim Hessheimer JR (9), Jordan Inderlied and Jake Hedden
(8), Tyler Mark, Scott Nuttelman /Brandon Ahlquist (7), Ken and Drew Barry
(6), John Miller and Greg Ekeler (5), Brent Kassik and John Miller (4),
Allen Zimmerman and Ethan Vogler (3) and also took the 2009 Rookie of the
Year Award. Receiving second place in the Cruiser division was Greg Kenley
and Jeremiah Harris with 358 points. Achieving their second Points Champion
Title for this division was Vic and Josh Jacobitz from Nelson, Nebraska,
driving the 69J cruiser.

The NASCAR Hobby Stocks had awards handed out by Randy, Kathy, and Micah
Veleba who represented the NAPA Sponsorship of the division. In tenth place
was Andy Sole- $118.45, Brandon Wergin- $125.82 (9), Tom Dunker-$133.20 (8),
Andy Lovegrove- $144.26 (7), Shane Schneider- $155.33 (6), Zach Reicks-
$195.09 (5) Brian Klein- $234.84 (4) and also the 2009 NASCAR Hobby Stock
Rookie of the Year. Rocky Zimmerman took third in points with $295.91, and
Brent Kassik placed Runner-up in the division with 684 points and was
awarded $328.28. Jason Wilkinson, driving the number 27, attained the Points
Championship with 700 points and with the amount of $506.57 in the combined
JMS Points Money and NASCAR Contingencies.

The NASCAR Stock Cars also sponsored by NAPA Stores for 2009 presented these
drivers for the top ten in points: Ernie Reiss- $129.05 (10), Cory Dumpert-
$140.66 (9), Brent Drohman- $152.28 (8), Herbert Slough -$219.71 (7), Ronald
Veleba- $262.14 (6), Brant Beam- $310.38 (5), Jason Van Winkle -$333.61 (4),
Justin Mohler- $376.04 (3); receiving Rookie of the Year for 2009 and also
Runner-up was Kyle Dumpert, being paid $412.66. Taking the Points
Championship and a total of $825.32 was also the Hobby Stocks Champion,
Jason Wilkinson, driving the number 52 Stock Car from Neligh, Nebraska.

The NASCAR Modifieds were sponsored by Steele Rubber Products from Denver,
North Carolina. There wasn't, however, a representative from Steele in
attendance at the banquet. Finishing tenth in points at Junction Motor
Speedway in this division was Brett Behrends-$143.89, Kyle Vanover- $211.44
(9), Daniel Neeman-$229.00 (8), Shane Stutzman- $305.33 (7), Dean Wilkinson-
$331.66 (6), Jon Thompson- $366.77 (5), Andy Wilkinson - $401.88 (4), Scott
Styskal- $528.22 (3), and Robert (Buzz) Wilson achieving second place in
points with earnings of $745.77. Winning the 2009 Championship in the NASCAR
Modified division was Brandon Blochlinger from Concordia, KS, who received a
total of $1,491.54 in NASCAR Contingency and the JMS Points Fund.

Finally, the NASCAR Late Models by GM Performance Parts were awarded for top
ten in points. Ryan Pedersen from Sutton, Nebraska was awarded Rookie of the
Year in this Division. Micah Veleba was granted $393.96 for tenth place in
points, Randy Hall - $461.55 (9), Andy Wilkinson - $529.13 (8), Tom Svoboda
- $655.51 (7), Donald Gimpel - $731.89 (6), Lester Siebert- $817.03 (5),
Andrew Kosiski - $1002.23 (4), Matt Buller - $1428.60 (3), and Mike Wallace
- $2246.19 for Runner- Up in the Premier Division. Winning his second
consecutive championship title with JMS and also finishing fourth in the
Nation in NASCAR points was Bill Leighton, JR with earnings of $3,492.38 in
the JMS Points Fund and NASCAR Contingencies.

In conjunction with the NASCAR Late Models division, several drivers were
awarded for being top 500 in the Nation. From highest to lowest was 4th-
Bill Leighton, 10th- Matt Buller, 14th- Mike Wallace, 17th- Lester Siebert,
18th- Andrew Kosiski, 70th- Tom Svoboda, 172nd- Randy Hall (also receiving a
State Rookie Award), 228th- Andy Wilkinson, 232nd- Donald Gimpel, 452nd-
Micah Veleba, and 485th- Mike Svagera.

Junction Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series provided a
total of $21,913.60 in all four NASCAR classes for the points fund
distribution.

In conclusion the Junction Motor Speedway Staff was acknowledged for their
efforts in making 2009 a successful season. In attendance at the banquet
were track owners Delmar and Ardenna Friesen who were also honored for a
Crystal Bowl Trophy from Schweitzer's Custom Engraving in Milford, Nebraska
for having attained their Fifth Season at the end of 2008. Mike Chapin was
recognized with duties of line-ups and back gate security; Jason Friesen
with scheduling; Crystal Friesen with points, scoring, records, and stats;
Brad Nunnenkamp as the Director of Competition; Jon Pedersen working the
gift shop, website, and pictures; Cathy Pedersen with the gift shop; Jessica
Goldfuss- JMS Office Manager and Scoring; Julie Robinson with Concessions
management and as groundskeeper, Linda and Danielle Carroll in Concessions,
and Vanee Holtmeier with front gate admission. Wayne Dake announced at
Junction Motor Speedway weekly and was the Emcee for the evening. Also in
attendance with him was his wife, Jan Dake who helps with various tasks at
the track. These dedicated individuals are among 55 or so JMS employees.

To finalize the evening Delmar inducted his 2010 schedule to the racing
audience and announced the changes and additions to the year. Because the
schedule is still brand new and tentative, it is possible that there may be
more changes and additions in the upcoming months. Additions to the track
are B-Mods as well as changes of 4 Cylinders running on the big track
instead of the small track. The NASCAR Late Models will also be running
every Saturday night including the nights when SLMR Late Models come to
Junction Motor Speedway.

On behalf of Junction Motor Speedway, and Track Owner and Promoter, Delmar
Friesen, thanks to all drivers, crews, employees, families, and friends who
attended the 2009 banquet. In addition, we appreciate all drivers who
support and race at our track and we look forward to seeing everyone in the
2010 racing season!

2010 Thoughts Pt. III

My original plan was to talk more about support classes and new series, but the release of the World of Outlaws 2010 schedule changed that.

-Unless changes are made, for the first time in 26 seasons, Eagle Raceway will not be hosting the World of Outlaws sprint cars. For that period, the Eagle Nationals were the track's showcase event, and one of the top stops on the tour, especially in the 90's and early 2000's. In that period, the WoO would make two stops annually. But now, with costs rising and ticket sales slowing the once premier show has become a burden to the promoters. Traditionally a two-day program, the show dwindled to a single-day, co-promoted venture. This season's cold, wet and troublesome program, with both support class races being called, and the feature being a single lane, bottom of the race track contest that looked more like an F1 parade, was a coincidentally sad back story to how far the show had regressed. 2009 marked the first year in as many as I can remember when a full field of 24 didn't take the green flag. Other races in recent years have been marked by rubber-down, single lane enduros where he with the most tire remaining won.

I can tell you that from my period working for Eagle that the World of Outlaws stops were often make or break for the season. At times, crowds were tremendous. It was the biggest show of the year and in most cases, the most financially rewarding. But, toward the end of my tenure (2005), it was an albatross around Craig Cormack's neck. I can remember trashing thousands of WoO tickets afterwards. Not pretty.

Not all was bad. Not even most of it. Perhaps some of the greatest races I've watched out at Eagle occurred during the WoO's run. Haudenschild's September Sweep, Schatz's eighth-row to first record run...there were some awesome shows. Even uneventful races still had all the pomp and circumstance to make it worthwhile. Plenty of stories abound about drivers partying with the locals afterward, WoO staff socializing with the Eagle crew - it was a festive atmosphere that usually complimented the bullring excitement, but survived any level of show on the track.

To be fair, 2009 saw the tightest points battle in series history. Also, word is that WoO, to reduce travel expenses, asked tracks to pony up for multi-day shows, and the 2010 sked reflects this.Totally understandable.

According to someone close to the track's management, the word was that Eagle would be allowed a one-day show, but Roger chose not to. All history aside, to borrow from Doug Wolfgang, "today you're a hero, tomorrow you're zero." It seems from Eagle's perspective, there have been too many zeros (and sub-zeros) to make up for all that history.

That said, while I understand the reasons, I hate to see the WoO go. I've made several friends in the Outlaws, and had a blast being part of the new organization when Cormack was the VP of Race Operations with the series. I think the series is trying to move forward. The switch to Goodyear tires will ultimately be wise in my opinion. I think it will help make it more competitive. I also think the WoO care about putting on a better race program. They're one of the most efficient in the business. But it's hard to sell a $30-40 ticket these days at a dirt track.

And, in many places the WoO is THE show, with huge crowds. I think at Eagle times have changed. With the addition of new classes, and the drop-off in numbers and competitiveness in the sprints, I think the general crowd has moved away from its sprint-centric past and diversified. I still believe that the crowd is mostly sprint, but the numbers are far fewer than before. With that comes less interest, less die-hards, and less friends of them to come out for the big event. I also believe that the interest in the event dwindled with the advent of Baseball and Hockey, and the near exclusivity of a Nebraska Football ticket. The WoO aren't one of the "big shows" around Lincoln anymore.

Perhaps most of all, I think that the average fan has gravitated to endless, mindnumbing what-did-Jimmie-eat-for-lunch coverage of Na...Nas....Nasss....(I can't say it)....NASCAR for their racing fix, and that a short drive to Kansas Speedway for the annual Sprint Cup show (with its expensive ticket packages) now supplants the dirt track as the "vacation race," and the local scene means little to them.

In 2010, Junction Motor Speedway will do the same as it did with the USAC Midgets and pick up Eagle's forsaken WoO show. A change of scene might do everyone some good, but trying to pull enough fans to make it pay off, being 60 miles from the half-million population base that couldn't sustain the show at Eagle (or I-80) will be a challenge. You can't just jam this with back-gate support classes and hope to make money. However, a creative effort could make this a success. 

Ostensibly, Eagle's summer showcase event will be a two-day Lucas Oil ASCS National 360 Sprint event with Tony Bruce Jr. going all Terry McCarl with driving/owning/promoting duties. As far as racing goes, if the Nebraska Cup, the ASCS Specials at I-80 and BCM are any indication, race wise it should be a humdinger. Will it pull in best of times-Outlaw crowds? Probably not - but it doesn't have to. A 3-4000 ticket show will be plenty. There could be more fan interest as the locals will go toe-to-toe with the touring stars at what should be a much easier on the wallet ticket price. As Roger Hadan showed with his Labor Day giveaway and Ed Kosiski showed with the Late Model/Sprint combo and Nitro Circus show this season, it doesn't require the Outlaws to hit a revenue home-run anymore. 

Part IV coming soon