The Pace Lap - July 15, 2011

Some quick hits:

Pursestrings stay loose: Roger Hadan announced at Eagle's pit meeting last week he would maintain the current Sprint Division purse structure for the rest of the season - an increase over last year's purse - despite the car count not meeting the 25-car average at the season's mid-point. The move will cost Eagle an additional $10,000 by the end of the year. We'll see if the generosity extends into 2012, especially since the news was greeted with shrugs.

Stirring sh*t: Did I start something? In a one-off line in my last editorial, I mentioned that the best plan for the Eagle 360 sprint division may have been to throw out the rulebook altogether. I still think that any discussion other than waiting for the economy to turn around must include a discussion of rules that are not conforming to ASCS. This could be a radical overhaul, revisiting the "COS" wing adapter, or engine rules, or some kind of "bolt on" solution, etc. I'm not privy to any inside knowledge, but don't be surprised to hear the phrase "we tried your way" in 2012.

305's? Eh. I'm lukewarm to it, but not against them. But as an Eagle support show? Why would you bring in a 305 series show to run with a separate 360 show? Why wouldn't your touring/special show be the premier class? That doesn't make any sense. Long term though...?

One for you, two for me: I don't like selective enforcement of the rules, even if it's some attempt to right a wrong. In other words: if one guy gets a flat tire and you send him out, then send them all out. I've read (and seen) attempts to right some sort of wrong by ruling overly heavy or not enforcing a rule. Don't do that. You can get the pound of flesh in a better way. As they say, "the road to Hell is paved with good intentions."

Maybe it's not the other guy's fault: If everyone on the track is wrecking YOU, maybe THEY aren't the problem. Perhaps you're putting yourself into the position to be wrecked. Sometimes it takes a little soul-searching. Years ago we thought everyone was trying to take our car out. Turns out, the driver was putting himself in a position to be taken out. What's the common denominator? Just sayin'....

Quit knockin' the Tow Crew: It makes me sick to see drivers ripping into the tow crews at any racetrack. Granted, some look like the proverbial monkey copulating with a football, but most a hard working, paid little (if any), and are there because they want to be. They are not there to tear up your stuff. See above and maybe you won't have to get a visit from them so often. 

Circle Track Couture:  I haven't bought a racing t-shirt in 4 years. Blasphemy!

Picture this: The market has kind of dried up, and as the cars get beat up the demand gets lower. I've started to "shoot for myself" and not be so worried about how the picture crops out, etc. but anything I shoot is still for sale if you like it.