I am like I think most people were yesterday, disappointed by the lack of cars and crowd. It did turn into a hugely competitive and very entertaining race. I sure don't think it was the brightest idea in the world to move it to May, but I guess they had to accomodate the Whelan Modifieds on Labour Day. Maybe running it on Monday, might have been better, but I'm not sure if thats even possible with the nearby golf club. As far as turning it into dirt, I hope never!!! The dirt tracks do well around here because there isnt a lot of them running. Only 2 that are close to London. Another track would just hurt their car counts. The car counts really are bothering, but I also think it is a sign of the times. It wouldnt have mattered when you run it, the Flamboro cars will never show in big numbers. Last years 200 only had a couple of cars, even when not running right up agianst their schedule. Scott Lindsay had already stated he was not going to run, due in fact his car is not running very good. For Cole Powell, I'm not sure. Yes, he was there Friday night testing, but maybe there was too many things that had to be changed on the car, now that he is running the CRA Jegs tour in the U.S. Same for Brandon Watson, Jake Ott, etc. Maybe the GCR should be a stop on the CRA Jegs tour next year with weight breaks for the local cars, just like the old days of ASA. I think its the weekly car count that's bothersome. The economy is just bad. A lot of guys just dont have sponsors to support them. Even the APC Total car is only running selected events. Delaware is not the only track thats having car count issues. Its all the tracks in North america.
I agree that Delaware is NOT the only track with lower car counts. Poor economy, and lets face it.... Race car parts are not getting cheaper. It wasn't the best show Ive seen, but the finish was exciting, and there was a lot of great battles through the field. How many people will be complaining when the Whelen Mods are here, the place is packed, and you get one heck of a show?
I feel that blaming the economy is a bit of a copout...Many divisions and tracks are doing just fine car count-wise.
It seems that for whatever reason the Late Model division is dwindling right now, and I think it's up to those who make the rules to figure out a way to make it a viable division. If everyone just sits around and continues to blame the economy, the division will die out in many places.
we were there and I thought it was a great show. Sure the car count was low, but that's ok. It was a great show. Great racing, great weather, and a fantastic finish with Andrew and his team pulling out a thrilling win. Not once in a 200 lap race was I bored or did I feel like I spent to much to get in. I'd go again and I will. ;D
I agree, Kelly. Tommy, its not really a copout. My drivers like myself are the car owner, driver, crew chief, mechanice, fabricator.... When work is slow, the bills at home come first. Racing is second. A lot of guys are in the same boat.