Why then do we (fans, competiters,etc) seem to want to bring this down every year. Take a look around and see what tracks are gone. I have been going to races for 50 years and you know, this year seem to be a breakout year for Delaware. More cars then ever in a bad economy. How many tracks can say that? Don't get me wrong, I know there are always issues that crop up. What I get tired of is competitors and fans taking public shots like they do at the track. If they don't run well or are caught up in incidents, it's the tracks fault it seems. I realize there are some more agressive drivers out there. Always has been the case. Maybe the drivers now need to police themselves
somewhat.
I just dont' want to see a good thing go bad. When I see drivers that don't show up because of "issues", I think they don't care. What happens when the fans say "I don't really care either" and stop coming out. None of us want to see that happen.
Again, look again at what we have at Delaware. How many tracks can make it go weekly, successfully, with arguably the toughest, deepest most competitive fields anywhere.
Agreed on all counts, and I even know the article in question that you're talking about...I beleive it brought up the message board issue in particular. I'll see if I can find it and maybe post it up for discussion.
What we have to remember however, is the nature of message boards. One of the things that impresss me most about Delaware management is that they seem to have a really good grasp on the message board thing, and are not quick to get on there and start defending themselves. They know that a couple-three loud guys can make a small problem seem like an epidemic.
FACT: Late models in particular have always had the best car counts at the beginning of the year. 2 reasons: A) Damaged cars and the money runs out - guys realize that the operating expenses to run a LM week to week were more than they thought it would be. and B) Delaware competitors are the best at what they do, and as a result of that, tend to travel more. When summer kicks in and places like Sauble start having invitationals and such, some guys will make the choice to do more travelling. Sometimes that choice can be pinned on goings on at the home track, but sometimes its just that guys are just not so concerned with home track points, and travel simply because that's what they have fun doing.
What I find really funny is that, in past years, the LM count was down below where most people wanted it to be. There were nights when we only had 14-16 cars and 24 was just a pipe dream. This season, we burst out of the gate with 30+ (wow) cars, and now that we're down to 24-26, we're acting like we're having a car count problem. Its a matter of "you can please some of the people some of the time..."etc.
As far as the guys that haven't shown...I'll reserve judgment. Hooker's last day at Delaware ended because of a blown motor, not rough driving. Verhoeven's reportedly not running for points anyway, and Clarke/Spicer are splitting their time between us and Oscaar. Weirsma's probably on a budget. Rankin may have decided to join the Limited Lates at Sunset...which is his home track anyway. (Look at the video from last Sat nite's Sunset LLM feature - The Incredible Hulk is right there, and not looking too shabby either.)
Yes...there's been mishaps and some rookie mistakes that should probably be being looked at a little closer. I'm the first to say that the 5 car has certainly had a bad year for getting caught up in other guy's messes...and perhaps some of his outrage is justified. The 10 car can't seem to catch a break either, and he's sitting a solid 3rd in the points. It's not all roses for sure.
But hey, its still shaping up to be the best season we've had in a VERY long time, and I find myself getting excited when I know the LMs are on the card.
But for now...its time to catch some Vintage Mod racing tomorrow night. Its always a high point of the season for me. I heard the coupes were running 3 wide for the lead at Cayuga last weekend, so I'm looking for them to put on a hell of a show on the half mile. The Super Stocks are on the bill and they'll be a show all their own just like they always are, and the Powerade Modifieds will be there too. Rumor has it they may have been able to wrangle a couple of mod invaders for tomorrow night, but we won't know that for sure till they come thru the gate.
And one more aside - If you like old photos, make sure you grab a copy of the program tomorrow night. We did a spread that comes with a little bit of a history lesson and a bunch of old coupe photos. Get em' while they're hot.
See ya's at the track!
shadowracer. I kirk hooker will be at delaware friday july24 hopefully I can win a race before the end of season .P.s. Jeff at Delaware is doing a great job..SEE U AT THE RACES. Thanks .Kirk Hooker 38
shadowracer. I kirk hooker will be at delaware friday july24 hopefully I can win a race before the end of season .P.s. Jeff at Delaware is doing a great job..SEE U AT THE RACES. Thanks .Kirk Hooker 38
Kirk...you gotta win one sooner or later. The crowd loves your style! When the rolled out for the feature, everyone noticed right off the hop that the 38 car was missing.
Signed...a huge fan.
Thanks. Next time you are in delaware come down to the pits I would like to meet you. P.S. THANKS AGAIN. Kirk Hooker 38
Will do. See ya next Friday.