New Magic

The Eagle Nationals roll into town this weekend, the second year in a row the show has been promoted by Tony Bruce, Jr.'s TBJ Promotions and the second time it's been sanctioned by the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour. Last year's show was pretty impressive, with veteran Danny Wood striking one for the 50+ club winning on Friday and  Jason Johnson taking Saturday honors. Jack Dover's drive to the front was the compelling backstory after he suffered head injuries after a late race flip the night before.

Bill it however you want, it's not the same show as the heydays of the World of Outlaws. Back in the day, it was an experience on a different level and the World of Outlaws were the pinnacle of dirt track racing - at least for the deeply rooted sprint car community. The sight of "Uncle Ted's" boys brought awe to many a fan. I can still remember the shiver I'd always get when the first green flag dropped on a World of Outlaws hot lap session. The difference in speed was dramatic. There was just a certain "magic" in the air.

Now, I'm not "dissing" the ASCS series or teams. To use a phrase I've used before - it's not bad, it's just different.

The ASCS National Tour is definitely competitive, fast and their level is a noticeable notch higher than weekly shows or even most ASCS regional races. It is the pinnacle of the 360 CI Sprint class. The talent level, the equipment level, the experience of many of the drivers is equivalent to many of their 410-cubic-inch cousins.

While I was wowed by the speed difference once the Outlaws took to the track, the difference with the ASCS Nationals is a bit more subtle - but still quite noticeable. Quite frankly, it took me by surprise last year as a long-time sprint car follower.

I was impressed - impressed to the point that I don't think it's fair to use a baseball analogy and refer to this tour as a "Triple-A" league. The fact is, many of the drivers ran and won WoO shows on occasion or had full-time rides. Add to the fact WoO stars dip into ASCS racing - and are certainly no lock to win the show.

The potential for something big is there: TV is present, as the Versus network will be on hand for a taping. The banners and big rigs are here. Several car shows are scheduled for the incoming drivers and there is buzz in the local media. Last year's show drew rave reviews from the fans, even those lamenting the loss of the Outlaws.

It is growing. And, unlike the Outlaws (who still draw fans despite a less-than-full field showing at Belleville), it is sustainable. I can't begrudge Roger Hadan for finally giving up on the Outlaws. There were too many empty seats - really, even as far back as the mid 2000's, attendance was falling. Even last year's packed house wasn't enough to persuade Delmar Friesen to add stands to JMS and bring the tour back. But I'm not trying to bag on the Outlaws here.

Maybe it's not all the speed and pageantry of the "big timers" (yet) but, it gives a chance for the local teams to not only compete, but possibly WIN. Let's face it, even during the slumping car count days of recent, a top-ten finish by a local team was a hell of an accomplishment, often done with a rented/loaned/used 410 engine and sometimes their weekly 360 power plant. In many cases, finishing on the same lap was an honor itself and the privilege of being part of the four-abreast pace lap was certainly worthy of a pat on the back.

But now things are different. It won't be easy, but it's certainly not out of the possibility. You can honestly say straight-faced that someone like Mike Boston - winner of the past two Eagle features - has a shot to win this weekend. During last year's Friday flip-fest - seven in the A feature - the locals hung tough as their experience with the track paid off. One of the Eagle regulars commented to me on the following night: "you didn't see the locals flip." The thought of a local winning in the season's biggest race (at least in terms of national profile) makes for a great story, and I love a good story.

The bottom line is that maybe - like Nebraska's move to the Big Ten - this show feels more like the proper fit. Top to bottom, the field will be more competitive. It's tough to win as parity abounds. The car count will be well above the normal weekly show (my guess is 37-42 range on both nights). It should be a heck of a show, and...maybe the start of new magic.
-