From the Announcer
DIRT TRACK RACING VALHALLA
Posted On Mar. 12, 2007
Nowhere in sports is there more variation in the playing field as there is in Dirt Track Auto Racing. From harrowing half miles down to slam-bang 1/5 mile bullrings, there is something for everyone, with excitement being the common factor throughout. Those of us in the Midwest are lucky to be in the middle of dirt track Valhalla, where a racer or fan can frequent tracks of completely different sizes and designs three or four nights a week. This diversity not only allows drivers to develop and expand their racing skills by experiencing a wide range of track styles, conditions, and competition, but lets those racers who might only race once a week find a track that suits their style and desires. Most drivers have their own preferences in tracks, be it high banks-vs-flat tracks, or tacky-vs-dry. Every promoter also has their own ideas on track preparation, and your chances of changing them are pretty slim. That's why it's great to have so many choices. Ive found that racers and fans don't mind driving a few extra miles to attend a track that they are comfortable with and that leaves them with a smile on their face at the end of the night. From both the driving and the spectating angle, I have always loved a tacky, fast track. Wide open, three wide, and puckered up tight is the way to go for me. I honestly believe that there is no such thing as too fast. The faster I could go, the more fun I had. If you don't want to go that fast, feel free to back off the loud pedal and get out of my way. On the flip side I know many talented racers who would like to race on dry slicks every time if they could. The challenge of throttle control and trying to make a pass on a single groove track is what they enjoy. There is no wrong answer to the question. The beauty is that we have a choice. The variety and sheer number of tracks we enjoy in the Midwest allow those choices while also allowing others to expand their horizons by getting a taste of many different tracks and develop into what I believe are some of the most talented drivers in the nation.
A couple weeks ago, I got a fantastic piece of racing research from Donald Knouse of Cavour, South Dakota. Mr. Knouse has assembled complete feature winner and championship history's of both Park Jefferson Speedway and Interstate Speedway. Included were everyone to ever win a feature at either track along with all-time win totals for each division and every champion ever crowned. For an announcer like me, this is a piece of gold. I kept pretty good records on Interstate and Park Jeff for the years I worked there, but this is beyond a doubt the most complete piece of research on our Sioux City area tracks that I have ever seen. Thank you Mr. Knouse, this is priceless. It was also fun to see that I'm tied with Danny Lasoski, Kyle Berck, Terry McCarl, Al Zeitner, Jerry Richert, Jr, and Kelly Shryock on Park Jefferson's all-time wins list. Oh my, how stats can lie!
I wrote last month on the incompetent and irresponsible job that Omaha Nation Racing did in promoting Blackbird Bend Speedway last season, including not purchasing any competitor or pit insurance. In some good news for the fans of the track, Jerry Pospisil, who managed race night activities for the tribe last year, has taken over as the tracks promoter for 2009. Despite the fact that the tribe continues to refuse to provide proper insurance coverage, Mr. Pospisil has assured racers that he will personally pay to provide a legitimate competitor insurance plan for racers and crew members. Hats off for doing the right thing. Racers should remember not to take anything for granted when going to a track and make sure that a valid policy is in place and a copy of it available for viewing if requested. This goes not only for Blackbird Bend, but for any track in the nation. The vast majority of promoters and track owners are responsible and take care of their people, but racers are ultimately the final checkpoint in making sure that proper coverage is provided.
The spring specials are right around the corner and I can't wait for the 2009 season to get underway. With all of the turmoil and hand wringing going on in our country there is always a place to forget everything and have fun for a few hours each week. That place is your local racetrack, the best value in family entertainment around.
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