From the famous last words department: “enjoy your weekends. Believe it or not, I know I will.”
Well, Friday afternoon started off with a sick stomach and ended with a nice little case of food poisoning, such that I was sleeping in sweatpants and a sweatshirt under a comforter while outside temps were a balmy 90+ degrees only to be awakened around midnight with a 102 degree fever. Nice. So, I missed what people said was an exciting conclusion to the late model show, and it seemed to be well-received by the fans.
Fortunately it was short lived (the illness, not the late model show) and I felt better on Saturday - I was pretty weak and spent a lot of time sitting down. Photographically it was also a disaster...well not completely. Sometimes finding out what doesn’t work is as useful as finding out what does. But most important, 300 kids walked out with brand new bicycles and many more took home plenty of toys at Eagle.
-This week - not quite sure what’s up. May head to a vintage race in Belleville on Saturday or Sunday. Not sure what’s going on since the powers that be at Belleville have a zero PR or anything on their website.
But the lap and race record times are there! How USAC-ey...and that’s not a compliment.
Let’s keep the ol’ Piss & Vinegar express rolling.
-Car counts. Everyone wants ‘em, nobody’s got ‘em. The All-Stars are making an open plea for sprint cars for their Rising City and Belleville shows. May be a chance for a 360 team to pocket a little bit of 410 purse cash. A few Eagle regulars came home a little heavier in the pockets the last time the All-Stars were at Eagle.
By the way...where are the PROMOTERS in their efforts to get cars? Say it with me: pro-mote. If you want to know why Eagle had the car counts for the WoO shows back in the early 2000’s, it wasn’t the economy. It was staff getting on the phone and calling these people. Sometimes we had to throw them bones or use our hotel room vouchers or...whatever it took.
Pro-mot-ing.
-From the path of least resistance department, Adams County went to the dark side and added yet another class, Sport Mods! What a clever concept. About as original as a “Got ___?” slogan for your ads, and an idea as bland as store-brand sugar free powdered drink mix.
By the way, the next time I see someone use “Got Dirt?” I’ll punch...never mind. They can’t help their disability.
Look, it’s not about Sport Mods, it’s about thinking outside the box. Enough of the costs out of line business, too. It’s time for tracks to start demanding sanctioning bodies make rules to control the costs instead of watering down fields. I don’t begrudge them, but I’ve said it before: IMCA Modifieds were supposed to be an economy class. SportMods are just the result of IMCA failing to control costs.
-Beatrice threw down a bounty on Matt Fralin in the sport compacts after his five-fer. Will Eagle throw down if Denny Berghahn makes it five-for-five in the sport mods?
Eagle kicked out a 20 car sprint field last week, and I liked that they didn’t lump them into two 10-car heats. Here’s why: thin the fields out and prevent wrecks to an already fragile class. Same reason I would rather watch two 10-car B’s than a 20 car B. If costs are an issue, why run the risk of wrecks?
- Dear Jason: You’re always pissed off about something on your website. If you hate racing so much why do you go?
Good question. Maybe after 30 years I’m ready for....
- Jason
Friday, July 30, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
All Stars looking for cars
Received this via Mark Burch:
If you would be interested in racing with the All Stars next week please
call 217-722-8043 for more information. They are looking for additional
cars for Rising City NE and Bellville KS.
Friday, July 23, 2010
The Pace Lap - July 23, 2010
The Pace Lap - July 23, 2010
I’m in a grumpy mood. Must be the heat - but probably because I haven’t been to a race in two weeks.
- I get tired of the “Roger Hadan is trying to kill sprints” argument. If so, he’s sure taking his time doing it. Think about this: the A feature payout alone is $5500 a night. Lets say for the past 4 1/2 seasons he’s operated the track, he runs 14 shows per season. That’s just regular, weekly events. That’s no B features, no specials, so this is a lowball estimate.
But in that period alone, he’s spent at least $346,000 in purse money to kill the sprint cars. So, instead of acting out his diabolical plan and just killing the class immediately, he’s going to bleed it out to the tune of what will be by the end of the year, just south of half a million dollars.
Talk about taking the long way around the tree!
Now, do I think there are things that could be improved? Absolutely. Do I think that there’s a possibility that if nothing changes he just stops the bleeding? Maybe.
But to think he was looking to kill the class from day one is just stupid.
- When I see teams driving 2-3 hours to race for a purse that’s less than what some local tracks have paid in decades, it tells me that purse isn’t the whole problem with current sprint car counts.
- “You’re a grumpy ass!” Yeah, I know.
- Push trucks are some of the least recognized, but most valuable part of a sprint show, and they can help out at non-sprint events, too. When you want to ask who isn’t paid enough, it’s those guys.
- Seems now that nearly every track is giving away bicycles. Nothing wrong with that. But credit Rhonda, Bernie and Nick Bryan. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And this week is the annual Kid’s night bike giveaway at Eagle.
- I’ll be heading to the “Rumble in the Bullring” at Eagle tonight featuring NCRA Late Models with IMCA Modifieds and GOTRA Vintage cars. Should be a good show on the racetrack. Recent NCRA Late Model shows have had good car counts and I like a super late model show out there every so often.
With Beatrice and Butler County taking the night off, and $1000 to win, the IMCA Modified field could be stellar (as if it isn’t already).
While I like looking at the GOTRA cars, as a support show they don’t do much for me. Do they really race? It’s an honest question - their website still has rules saying that anyone getting out front needs to slow down. It’s an exhibition event in my book and that’s different than a support class.
Again, not wanting to burst bubbles, and I HOPE to be wrong, but attendance wise, Late Model specials at Eagle haven’t been special. The next Late Model show that’s an attendance home run at Eagle will be the first - or at least the first in several decades, and I’ve been there for all of them for the past 20 years. I hope fans make it out - the racing on the track has the potential to be terrific. Doesn’t have to pack the place - a good weekend crowd @$20/head will be just fine. I’m not wishing doom - I want specials to at least pay off. Then we get to keep having them!
- Knock the car count all you want, but the fact is, the sprint division at Eagle has been the most competitive it’s been since 2005.
- I’ve got my take on getting the sprints back on track coming soon. Obviously I don’t think it’s all about raising purses.
Until then, enjoy your weekends. Believe it or not, I know I will.
I’m in a grumpy mood. Must be the heat - but probably because I haven’t been to a race in two weeks.
- I get tired of the “Roger Hadan is trying to kill sprints” argument. If so, he’s sure taking his time doing it. Think about this: the A feature payout alone is $5500 a night. Lets say for the past 4 1/2 seasons he’s operated the track, he runs 14 shows per season. That’s just regular, weekly events. That’s no B features, no specials, so this is a lowball estimate.
But in that period alone, he’s spent at least $346,000 in purse money to kill the sprint cars. So, instead of acting out his diabolical plan and just killing the class immediately, he’s going to bleed it out to the tune of what will be by the end of the year, just south of half a million dollars.
Talk about taking the long way around the tree!
Now, do I think there are things that could be improved? Absolutely. Do I think that there’s a possibility that if nothing changes he just stops the bleeding? Maybe.
But to think he was looking to kill the class from day one is just stupid.
- When I see teams driving 2-3 hours to race for a purse that’s less than what some local tracks have paid in decades, it tells me that purse isn’t the whole problem with current sprint car counts.
- “You’re a grumpy ass!” Yeah, I know.
- Push trucks are some of the least recognized, but most valuable part of a sprint show, and they can help out at non-sprint events, too. When you want to ask who isn’t paid enough, it’s those guys.
- Seems now that nearly every track is giving away bicycles. Nothing wrong with that. But credit Rhonda, Bernie and Nick Bryan. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. And this week is the annual Kid’s night bike giveaway at Eagle.
- I’ll be heading to the “Rumble in the Bullring” at Eagle tonight featuring NCRA Late Models with IMCA Modifieds and GOTRA Vintage cars. Should be a good show on the racetrack. Recent NCRA Late Model shows have had good car counts and I like a super late model show out there every so often.
With Beatrice and Butler County taking the night off, and $1000 to win, the IMCA Modified field could be stellar (as if it isn’t already).
While I like looking at the GOTRA cars, as a support show they don’t do much for me. Do they really race? It’s an honest question - their website still has rules saying that anyone getting out front needs to slow down. It’s an exhibition event in my book and that’s different than a support class.
Again, not wanting to burst bubbles, and I HOPE to be wrong, but attendance wise, Late Model specials at Eagle haven’t been special. The next Late Model show that’s an attendance home run at Eagle will be the first - or at least the first in several decades, and I’ve been there for all of them for the past 20 years. I hope fans make it out - the racing on the track has the potential to be terrific. Doesn’t have to pack the place - a good weekend crowd @$20/head will be just fine. I’m not wishing doom - I want specials to at least pay off. Then we get to keep having them!
- Knock the car count all you want, but the fact is, the sprint division at Eagle has been the most competitive it’s been since 2005.
- I’ve got my take on getting the sprints back on track coming soon. Obviously I don’t think it’s all about raising purses.
Until then, enjoy your weekends. Believe it or not, I know I will.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
ASCS Midwest Regional Update 2010 - July 18, 2010
Wednesday July 21st
Crawford County Speedway
Denison, IA
$2,000 to win!
* Pits Open @ 4:00 * Racing @ 7:30
Crawford County Speedway
Denison, IA
$2,000 to win!
* Pits Open @ 4:00 * Racing @ 7:30
Friday July 23rd
I-90 Speedway
Hartford, SD
* Pits Open @ 4:00 * Racing @ 7:30
(All events are ASCS Midwest point events)
ASCS Midwest Region On-Deck:
August 5th * 6th * 7th
ASCS 360 Nationals - Knoxville Raceway - Knoxville, IA (Non Points Race)
For complete ASCS National schedule: www.ascsracing.com
For complete ASCS Midwest schedule: www.ascs360.com
Monday, July 19, 2010
Butler County Motorplex Need for Speed Week
2010 Butler County Motorplex NEED FOR SPEED WEEK
TICKET SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE ONLY ONLINE
MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY BOTH SHOWS ONLY $30
Rising City, Nebraska
Monday August 2
Poweri Midgets
SLMR - Super Late Model Racing Series
$300 to Win Hobby Stocks
7:30 Start Time - $30 Pit Pass - $20 Gen Admission
Wednesday August 4
All Star 410 Winged Sprints
$1000 to Win IMCA Modifieds (Not Local Point Night)
$200 to Win IMCA Compacts
7:30 Start Time - $30 Pit Pass - $20 Gen Admission
Friday - August 6
Regular Racing Night
RaceDayPrints IMCA Mods
IMCA Sport Mods
IMCA Hobbies
IMCA Compacts
8pm Start Time
More Info at www.butlercountmotorplex.com
TICKET SPECIAL NOW AVAILABLE ONLY ONLINE
MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY BOTH SHOWS ONLY $30
Rising City, Nebraska
Monday August 2
Poweri Midgets
SLMR - Super Late Model Racing Series
$300 to Win Hobby Stocks
7:30 Start Time - $30 Pit Pass - $20 Gen Admission
Wednesday August 4
All Star 410 Winged Sprints
$1000 to Win IMCA Modifieds (Not Local Point Night)
$200 to Win IMCA Compacts
7:30 Start Time - $30 Pit Pass - $20 Gen Admission
Friday - August 6
Regular Racing Night
RaceDayPrints IMCA Mods
IMCA Sport Mods
IMCA Hobbies
IMCA Compacts
8pm Start Time
More Info at www.butlercountmotorplex.com
What's up
Been slow on the updates. Busy, busy, busy outside of the racing world - in fact I took the past weekend off entirely, spending time with the wife and getting things done at home.
I'll be back in full swing this week however.
I also have an editorial coming up on the "Diminishing Car Counts" thread on Dirtdrivers.com.
I guess since my previous editorial was the starting point, I'll follow up. Right now, I'm just trying to organize my thoughts, but here's a hint of my take: parts and purse are just a small part of the issue.
And, I may have another editorial in the works.
Until then...
-
I'll be back in full swing this week however.
I also have an editorial coming up on the "Diminishing Car Counts" thread on Dirtdrivers.com.
I guess since my previous editorial was the starting point, I'll follow up. Right now, I'm just trying to organize my thoughts, but here's a hint of my take: parts and purse are just a small part of the issue.
And, I may have another editorial in the works.
Until then...
-
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
ASCS Midwest Regional Update 2010 - July 12, 2010
Friday July 16th
US36 Raceway
Cameron, MO
* Pits Open @ 4:00 * Racing @ 8:00
US36 Raceway
Cameron, MO
* Pits Open @ 4:00 * Racing @ 8:00
Wednesday July 21st
Crawford County Speedway
Denison, IA
$2,000 to win!
* Pits Open @ 4:00 * Racing @ 7:30
Friday July 23rd
I-90 Speedway
Hartford, SD
* Pits Open @ 4:00 * Racing @ 7:30
(All events are ASCS Midwest point events)
ASCS Midwest Region On-Deck:
August 5th * 6th * 7th
ASCS 360 Nationals - Knoxville Raceway - Knoxville, IA (Non Points Race)
For complete ASCS National schedule: www.ascsracing.com
For complete ASCS Midwest schedule: www.ascs360.com
Saturday, July 10, 2010
JMS July 1, 2010 Photos
Better late than never - photos from last week's ASCS show at Junction Motor Speedway.
JMS ASCS July 1, 2010 Photos
JMS ASCS July 1, 2010 Photos
Friday, July 09, 2010
Dog eat dog
It's a dog eat dog world out there, and there are fewer scraps than ever before.
Short track racing has grown into a back-gate fed monster and the car count, not the crowd is the lifeblood of survival.
There were some nasty rumors going on about cars from one track being encouraged not to race at other tracks. On the message boards people surmised that Eagle's donation to the Butler County Modified purse was in retaliation to an I-80 move to deny cars from the Eagle Nationals or deny cars for I-80's Midwest Tri-Fecta show.
Again, rumor and internet gossip. If anyone has more to it, I, and a LOT of others would like to know. In this example, I'd love to be wrong.
True or not, how much does this tit-for-tat do for racing as a whole? Two wrongs not making a right and all that business....
The much-ballyhooed Belleville 100 race failed to live up to the hype (like it or not, it's true), with only 28 cars taking (4 DNS) to the track on Saturday night,and the $10,000 winner’s share of the A feature was cut – albeit to a still respectable $7500 (addendum 7-20-10: I've been told the full purse was paid). Pictures from the event showed a less-than-half-full Belleville grandstand.
I felt some sympathy for promoter Wayne Dake, in that he had poured a lot of himself into that event, going as far as building a custom two-door Taurus in NASCAR trim just for the show. You can’t blame promotion on this one, it had been out there for a year. (addendum 7-20-10: I want to clarify, I'm not saying mistakes or bad decisions weren't made.)
The low car count was the stuff of discussion in the pits at Eagle amongst friends and people who’ve been around racing a LONG time, and on the Internet afterward. Rumors flew and I’m not going there – I’ll only comment on what I can see.
Tracks refused to give up their Modified program to accommodate. The NCRA scheduled a show against it. Teams took the points over pay and stayed home.
I feel that one issue is, in this economy, in this world where the back gate keeps tracks on life support, asking any track promoter to forego their workhorse class, in the time when crowds start to die off and many have weekend plans for a long holiday is asking too much.
The timing, while wanting to commemorate the anniversary is nice, the idea didn’t seem practical. Tying in with the midgets or a September show would've been a better idea.
As for the crowd, asking fans to lay down a Franklin (or two to three with travel and lodging) for three days of what are at best, semi-pro racers in an unknown quantity, in this economy is something that speaks for itself.
Hindsight's 20-20 of course, and it’s easy for me to snipe because I wasn’t there.
But I think it goes further.
I apologize to the history buffs and the nostalgic, but Belleville, in its current configuration is an anachronism. It's out of place in this world, having more in common with an auto maker's high-speed test track than a modern racetrack.
The once famous Belleville Midget Nationals is a shadow of itself, essentially turning into a multi-day midget show. The premier midget race is the Chili Bowl, and has been for a long time.
Belleville's reputation as a motor-hungry, follow the leader track keeps the shallow pocketed teams away. I know it would make purists upset, but the centennial anniversary should be the last year of the high banks, at least in its current configuration. Cut it down to a flat half-mile, or better yet a flat 3/8 mile and go on into the next century. I'm told it's a question of money.
Look, I've got a soft spot for 'retro': I've thought about building a street rod as a daily driver just so I could work on it myself, I miss Kodachrome, and I when I write longhand (retro in itself), I use a fountain pen. But the bell can't be unrung and facts are facts. Change or die. As if we didn't know already, Darwin proved that well before the automobile.
Having refused to gloss over the negative on this site, I expect the some harsh looks, dismissive comments and possible outright anger but this is what it is. If the facts are painful, don't take it out on me.
However, I'm not going to point fingers and call people out and shake my finger at anyone. I don't blame promoters for being aggressive and throwing proverbial fists. As we remain in this recess...I mean, depression, and stay with the back-gate mentality, putting car counts over fan counts, expect to see more of this – and possibly worse.
One can blame external factors all they want, but if those external factors have changed, they need to change the way they respond to it unless they're playing on the hopes that things will go back to the way they were.
Good luck with that.
Short track racing has grown into a back-gate fed monster and the car count, not the crowd is the lifeblood of survival.
There were some nasty rumors going on about cars from one track being encouraged not to race at other tracks. On the message boards people surmised that Eagle's donation to the Butler County Modified purse was in retaliation to an I-80 move to deny cars from the Eagle Nationals or deny cars for I-80's Midwest Tri-Fecta show.
Again, rumor and internet gossip. If anyone has more to it, I, and a LOT of others would like to know. In this example, I'd love to be wrong.
True or not, how much does this tit-for-tat do for racing as a whole? Two wrongs not making a right and all that business....
The much-ballyhooed Belleville 100 race failed to live up to the hype (like it or not, it's true), with only 28 cars taking (4 DNS) to the track on Saturday night,
I felt some sympathy for promoter Wayne Dake, in that he had poured a lot of himself into that event, going as far as building a custom two-door Taurus in NASCAR trim just for the show. You can’t blame promotion on this one, it had been out there for a year. (addendum 7-20-10: I want to clarify, I'm not saying mistakes or bad decisions weren't made.)
The low car count was the stuff of discussion in the pits at Eagle amongst friends and people who’ve been around racing a LONG time, and on the Internet afterward. Rumors flew and I’m not going there – I’ll only comment on what I can see.
Tracks refused to give up their Modified program to accommodate. The NCRA scheduled a show against it. Teams took the points over pay and stayed home.
I feel that one issue is, in this economy, in this world where the back gate keeps tracks on life support, asking any track promoter to forego their workhorse class, in the time when crowds start to die off and many have weekend plans for a long holiday is asking too much.
The timing, while wanting to commemorate the anniversary is nice, the idea didn’t seem practical. Tying in with the midgets or a September show would've been a better idea.
As for the crowd, asking fans to lay down a Franklin (or two to three with travel and lodging) for three days of what are at best, semi-pro racers in an unknown quantity, in this economy is something that speaks for itself.
Hindsight's 20-20 of course, and it’s easy for me to snipe because I wasn’t there.
But I think it goes further.
I apologize to the history buffs and the nostalgic, but Belleville, in its current configuration is an anachronism. It's out of place in this world, having more in common with an auto maker's high-speed test track than a modern racetrack.
The once famous Belleville Midget Nationals is a shadow of itself, essentially turning into a multi-day midget show. The premier midget race is the Chili Bowl, and has been for a long time.
Belleville's reputation as a motor-hungry, follow the leader track keeps the shallow pocketed teams away. I know it would make purists upset, but the centennial anniversary should be the last year of the high banks, at least in its current configuration. Cut it down to a flat half-mile, or better yet a flat 3/8 mile and go on into the next century. I'm told it's a question of money.
Look, I've got a soft spot for 'retro': I've thought about building a street rod as a daily driver just so I could work on it myself, I miss Kodachrome, and I when I write longhand (retro in itself), I use a fountain pen. But the bell can't be unrung and facts are facts. Change or die. As if we didn't know already, Darwin proved that well before the automobile.
Having refused to gloss over the negative on this site, I expect the some harsh looks, dismissive comments and possible outright anger but this is what it is. If the facts are painful, don't take it out on me.
However, I'm not going to point fingers and call people out and shake my finger at anyone. I don't blame promoters for being aggressive and throwing proverbial fists. As we remain in this recess...I mean, depression, and stay with the back-gate mentality, putting car counts over fan counts, expect to see more of this – and possibly worse.
One can blame external factors all they want, but if those external factors have changed, they need to change the way they respond to it unless they're playing on the hopes that things will go back to the way they were.
Good luck with that.
Thursday, July 08, 2010
This weekends ASCS Midwest / National action
Saturday July 10th
I-90 Speedway @ Hartford, SD
ASCS LUCAS OIL Sprint Car Series Presented by K&N Filters National Race
(Midwest Region points race also)
$6,000 To Win!
Gates Open @ 2:00pm * Pit Shack opens @ 5:00 * Racing @ 7:30PM
Any race teams looking for a place to park their rigs for the night, take
the 41st street exit off interstate 29 and go East to Louise Ave. (about 6
blocks) and then go North (about 4 blocks) to the HUGE empty parking lot
just South of the Home Depot.
Sunday July 11th
Boone County Speedway @ Albion, NE
ASCS Midwest Regional points race
$3,000 To Win!
Gates Open @ 2:00pm * Racing @ 6:30pm
All ASCS rules apply for these races. Mufflers not required.
I-90 Speedway @ Hartford, SD
ASCS LUCAS OIL Sprint Car Series Presented by K&N Filters National Race
(Midwest Region points race also)
$6,000 To Win!
Gates Open @ 2:00pm * Pit Shack opens @ 5:00 * Racing @ 7:30PM
Any race teams looking for a place to park their rigs for the night, take
the 41st street exit off interstate 29 and go East to Louise Ave. (about 6
blocks) and then go North (about 4 blocks) to the HUGE empty parking lot
just South of the Home Depot.
Sunday July 11th
Boone County Speedway @ Albion, NE
ASCS Midwest Regional points race
$3,000 To Win!
Gates Open @ 2:00pm * Racing @ 6:30pm
All ASCS rules apply for these races. Mufflers not required.
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
What's Up
I took full advantage of the long holiday weekend and did...nothing.
But I've got a few things coming up this week, including photos from JMS and
Eagle and some thoughts about each of those events. I'll also have some
thoughts about the races I didn't make it to:I-80's Midwest Tri-Fecta (nothing really to say) and
the Belleville 100.
This week or early next, I'm sneaking in a book review.
Jason
But I've got a few things coming up this week, including photos from JMS and
Eagle and some thoughts about each of those events. I'll also have some
thoughts about the races I didn't make it to:
the Belleville 100.
This week or early next, I'm sneaking in a book review.
Jason
Friday, July 02, 2010
Teen late model racer wants to be the guy to beat
From the Lincoln Journal Star
Jase Kaser wants no part of becoming too popular with his new neighbors.
Sorry, but the reaction the just-turned 18 Norris High graduate is looking for when he shows up to race his No. 15J late model has nothing to do with winning friends.
It's more about making them think, "Oh, crap, Kaser's here."
Granted, the Lincoln driver acknowledges in the same breath that it's "going to be a long time" before he achieves that goal. But he makes no bones about his intentions.
"I want to be the guy to beat," he said.
Read the rest here
Jase Kaser wants no part of becoming too popular with his new neighbors.
Sorry, but the reaction the just-turned 18 Norris High graduate is looking for when he shows up to race his No. 15J late model has nothing to do with winning friends.
It's more about making them think, "Oh, crap, Kaser's here."
Granted, the Lincoln driver acknowledges in the same breath that it's "going to be a long time" before he achieves that goal. But he makes no bones about his intentions.
"I want to be the guy to beat," he said.
Read the rest here
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