Thoughts on the Eagle RaceSaver Sprint Meeting

I wanted to, but was unable to attend the RaceSaver meeting this past weekend, but Eagle Raceway did a good job of summarizing the events, enough for me to draw an opinion.


- Surprised to see the 360’s running restricted motors not being able to run for track points. I totally understand regional/national IMCA points, but I think that participation may be improved if they could run for a title. On the other hand, there would be a lot of red faces if a restricted 360 won the track title.


- The purse structure is a lot more egalitarian, and I like that. I’ve argued for this before, and I think it will help reduce some of the mid-season broke grumbles.


- Here’s one thing that surprised me...in light of our recent presidential election, I noticed that some of the more vocal people in favor of limited government, and vehemently against various “redistribution” plans seem to have no problem demanding that “The Man,” in this case the promoter of a certain track should be forking out more of his money for their hobby. Capitalism for the racer’s wallet...socialism for the promoter’s? Regardless of one's political views, the contradiction is obvious.


Now, it’s been that way forever in all forms of racing, but don’t discount the role of self-interest in the demise of the 360’s at Eagle, and CART, IMCA, and IndyCAR (well, not yet), etc. etc.


- To the point above, the racer and promoter are in two different situations, at least when the track is privately owned. If you can’t afford to race, you don’t go. If the owner can’t pay the bills, there’s no track. The racer has more flexibility. Oh, and if you have to race to pay the bills to get the car going...that’s your problem, not the track’s.


- Eagle’s running a two-day IMCA RaceSaver Nationals at the end of the season, my guess is it replaces the Nebraska Cup. (Update: Eagle Raceway has the Nebraska Cup - for 360 sprints - on schedule for 9/8/13.) If you can tie this in pre- or post- Boone Supernationals, and if just 10% of the alleged 600 RaceSaver sprints show up, you could have a back-gate bonanza. My preference would be for the week after Knoxville, prior to football season, if possible. (RaceSaver Nationals are tentatively scheduled for 8/31 and 9/1 2013, likely replacing the Labor Day Shootout)


- I do like the fact that Eagle stated the sprints will be the ‘featured class.’ I think it’s good to establish the pecking order of this class, and leave no doubt as to where they are going forward.


“Where was Roger before?!?!” He was there for seven seasons. OK, six and a half since after July, the 360’s were a ‘dead class rolling.’ If it can’t work after that time, when does it work? The point of diminishing returns had been met. The biggest killer was the economy, and if Roger was able to bring back the jobs and credit that supported this expensive class all these years, he would be president. He’s not. He’s a business owner of a racetrack. That’s all.