[racefanadam]

I just want to say what a great job you racers have been doing lately for such low car counts. I really appreciate you guys sticking with Spartan and giving me and all the other fans something to look forward to every Friday night. I do wonder at times why places like Kalamazoo have such great car counts yet Spartan is lagging behind. I hope it's just a money thing but sometimes I wonder. Anyways keep up the good work everybody and we'll SEE YA next Friday.

[schinde]

Racefanadam,

I truly do not think it is the money issue, nor is it the track, the promoter or the management, as some seem to believe.

In example, I would say this. The mod class is always strong year to year, and this year we have about fifteen every night, if not more.

Now, let's take a look at this part of the mod class situation and car count.

#6, "the racin' hippie" Matt Schindewolf's ride: Had a distributor problem one night, a trans problem that kept me out for two weeks. Also, some rather serious back and neck issues that I will be having surgery for after this season that have kept me off the track a couple of times (actually, the doc's and family wanted me to have the stuff taken care of this season, I decided not to because I so wanted to run this year and got them to hold off until the off season) I am now currently medically grounded due to another issue, so not sure when I will be able to get back, hopefully will get a good word this week.

#88, Dick "Hobart" LaPratt. Left shoulder surgery has taken him out of the rest of the season, maybe he will be back at the very end if all goes well. Like me, he put it off until he could no longer do so.

#6, Perry 'lack o' diesel" Davenport: Devastating fire took his rides, motors and all parts, equipment, tools etc., this spring, just as he was getting ready. Had to really scramble to get a ride for the early part of the season, has now decided that he doesn't want to run on loaned equipment anymore and has gotten things almost back to ready for him to make his return to the track.

#49 "California John" Mamula: Took the early part of the season to get his new ride ready, then had some "new ride" bugs to get worked out, some work issues and all the rest. Now is ready to to run for the rest of the year. I would note how much mod racing means to John, as owner of All American Race Supply, not only has he put that business together to supply parts, etc., to all racers, but he also stepped up to become the sponsor for the mod class this year. That shows how much racing means to him.

#83, Maynard Bigelow: A rather nasty crash ended his season and ended his ride's life. Too bad, as Maynard is a good guy.

#1, Brian,"the Wild Child" Heeney: What can be said other than, "God Rest Ye, Brian, we miss ya".

#10: "Smokin'" Bud Perry: He has more on his plate than he and his family deserve at this point.

So, there are just seven mod's that are regulars that for one reason or another haven't been able to be there every week, not at all related to the money, the track, or track management. Doesn't take too many to have problems to make the counts go down, and to start up that rumor mill.

The most important thing that lies ahead for us all is to keep the faith, and for the fans to understand that we all want to be back, very badly, and will when it is possible. I know this has been the roughest year for me that I have had and it hurts to watch the mods on the track when I so want to be out there.

Thanks for your comments, it is a spirit lifter to read a post like yours and know that you will be there Friday,

have a good day,

schinde
_________________
Short track racing is more fun than a human being ought to be allowed to have!

[Lack o Diesel]

I'll be back shortly. I've got some work left to do but, I'll be back within a few weeks. Trying to start over and spend time with a family is tough. There is a lot of work to do between getting the car done and the garage back up and running. Actually took many steps toward that this weekend. I've finally got a full bank of lights, no more working till dark and getting out the flash lights. Also Dusty Carl blew up his motor last week at K-Zoo but if all goes right he'll be back out this week.


Perry Davenport
(Lack o Diesel) #6

[mioutdoorsman74]

Look again before you think tracks like Kalamazoo are getting great car counts! They are hurting also. In the stands and the pits. Yeah the BIG shows are drawing cars and crowds but look at the weeky point standings and anyone with a bit of experience can tell the car counts are down. I would safely say for each class....

Pure Stocks 12 cars average a night
Sportsmen 12-15 cars a night
Modifieds 10-12 cars a night
Outlaw Late Models 30-35 cars a night

And if you know about the late models I think the only reason they are as good as they are is because of the combining of the Super's and the Limited's. If i had to guess i would say the Pure's and the Sportsmen wont change much next year but i would guess the mods will be around 20-25 cars and the Late Models will be down to 20-25 cars also!

[lilhemi]

Matt & Perry - Thanks for posting this for our fan's & spectator's, this may help clear-up a lot of confusion.

To our fan's & spectator's: believe me- as a fan, sponsor, spectator, & car owner we want our cars on the track each & every week period. The "Team Dodge" cars support Spartan & Springport Speedways 110% to entertain our fan's, family's & friends.

Thank-you everyone for supporting our local short tracks.
Dave Howe / Beacon Sales Charlotte.
_________________
Proud sponsor of Spartan Speedway. Along with 12 short track cars: 1 super late, 1 sprint, 2 mods, 8 ponys, & 1 truck.

http://myspace.com/lilhemi64
Facebook - David Howe