Innocence Lost

   I want to start this off by saying it is NOT directed at anyone in particular. There was NOT a certain instance that brought this about. It is something I have been gathering information on for a long time and from numerous conversations with drivers and fans alike. Now that we are through with that portion of our program let me start on to the next. I have been a quite naive person most of my life as people close to me have always told me but it's not naivety to me, it's that I can see the wrong in people and always believe they can be better or think that they really are good in ways we can't see right away. Basically, I believe in the goodness in everyone. I tend to live in a rose-colored world.
   I was on a trip last year and the subject of cheating in racing came up. Not NASCAR racing but my beloved short track racing. I know there is cheating in NASCAR. I'm naive, not a fool, but when I ardently starting defending the sanctity of short track racing and declaring that there is not but maybe two or three drivers that maybe blur the lines a little is when I was set straight on some things and was when my heart became broken. There is something to racing to me that, even with fights, dirty fingernails and grease was wholesome and honest. I can't explain to you why, it just was. Maybe it was as American as apple pie for me or maybe it's the families I've seen but it had an innocence to me. Something I believed in, something I loved. The drivers have always been as normal and human to me as anyone else but I had more faith in them than anyone else.
   As I learned that different drivers had done one thing or another to their cars to win I began to say "no they wouldn't" and yet I was heartbreakingly proven wrong each and every time. The question in my mind that I still to this day ask is "What kind of win is it if you had to cheat to do it?". I mean did you accomplish anything? You didn't win fair and square. You weren't a good sport. You just beat another man who could have been running by the rules and could have needed that money for something. Mind you, this is about the drivers at the track, I could care less what they do in their personal lives off the track. People do right and wrong all the time. I don't judge anyone's life. I'm only writing about the portion that is involved at the race track.
   Tire prep is an example of something that is illegal at most tracks but is widely used. I know there are tire sniffers at most tracks but talking with some people recently I learned that there is a tire prep that they sell that will not be detected by a sniffer and when talking to a man who I respect his opinion in everything racing about what kind of difference it really will make he informed me that it makes about three tenths of a second difference. That can mean a world of difference in racing. And that's just the tire prep. What about the other things they can do to take a few more tenths of a second off? Those tenths of a second start to add up. What about that guy who didn't prep his tires though? What does he get for doing things right and by the book? Beat unfairly, that's what he gets.
   I have asked another driver last year when it was brought up that he was cheating if he actually was cheating. His response? "As far as I know there is nothing illegal on this car.". What kind of statement is "as far as I know"? I do believe though that he isn't illegal but then again I thought no one ever was before either. It's too easy now to do little things to your car or even big things and not get caught. I know a guy you can send a motor to right now and he can do things to your motor where no one will EVER be able to tell. He lives prettty far North so you better have plenty of money for shipping and for the actual work he does. There are some people who can afford this but then there are some who can't. So if you do illegally tweak your motor and beat some driver who can't afford to, did you actually win a race? You just had more money. That didn't mean you were the better driver.
   Cheating in racing has become high-tech and more expensive also. I have learned lately about GPS traction control. Racetronics sells one and it's not cheap, well to me it's not. I have heard certain drivers in short track racing around here and not around here run this in their race cars. How much are some of these drivers willing to pay just to collect a trophy? How much is it worth to you? I do not for one second believe all drivers are cheating and the ones I know or have knowledge of running by blurring the lines or running illegally will NEVER be blown out of the water by me. I come from the old school where we don't rat out others. It's their decision how they run not mine so it's not for me to tell anyone what is going on in someone else's pit.
   Speaking of blurring the lines, I know that drivers are always looking for those little loopholes in the rulebook. I have no problem with this. If it's not specifically in the rulebook then by all means go for it. See how far you can stretch things until it can't be stretched anymore. Then when it becomes a problem at the track and they change the rules you'll have to search for that grey area in some other part of the rule book. Believe me, most of who is doing what on the track is common knowledge by everyone and they all know who's doing it and they're telling everyone else and if you don't think that then you are more naive than I was. If you are running illegally, I promise, everyone already knows.
   So, what are you really getting if you have to cheat to get the win? It can't be for the money. Most drivers spend that before they even get in the gate. It can't be the trophy. You can get those anywhere. What is it?! Is it really a win?! I've lost some innocence through my past few years of learning more of the behind the scenes racing activities. I have also gained a lot more insight into a different part of this world and it's a little darker and I'm happy to wade through it and still love it. Like I said, I don't give two poops what a driver does in their personal life, I'm only talking about the part of their lives they are sharing with ALL of us on the Saturday nights they come to entertain us. I actually have had my eyes opened and I'm going to be better for it somehow. Or at the very least, less naive. The drivers that I do believe run by the rules, I will keep defending no matter what and the ones I know aren't, I won't say anything because like I said, it's not for me to tell their business. That's their's. I will just always have to wonder at the different tracks I go to if the winners actually won fairly or is this another case of who cheated better? My opinion is this, I am no longer going to care. I am just going for a good race and a good time. Visit your local track and you'll find the same.

The Beginning is Upon Us...dun dun dun...

     Well, It is time once again to say "And So It Begins". Racing season is here for local tracks and we the fans couldn't be happier. At least for now because by the middle of the season there will be some of those who will be burnt out already and to those I say "suck it up buttercup". With the way the economy is right at the moment which is not great, it could be a deterent but I believe it won't be totally. Gas prices are enough to make a grown man cry and this will be our number one issue but I believe whole-heartedly in the love race fans have for racing. Not a whole lot can stop these people. I don't know about most people but the racing offseason is the longest, most drug out part of the whole year.
    What do you do in the offseason? Well, you can twiddle your thumbs, learn origami, take up knitting, whatever you feel like. Nothing will compare to that first moment you step out of your vehicle and plant your feet firmly onto race track territory and get a good whiff of racing fuel, (don't sniff too hard though) and tire prep, (yeah, let's pretend like no one does that) and the sweet, heavenly smell of wet clay. Are you as excited as I am yet? Well, if you are, welcome to my world, and if you're not, you better get to catching up with the rest of us or get left behind. The glorious sounds of screeching, banging, and shrieking and that's just the drivers yelling at one another. New feuds will be forged this season and old feuds will be either left behind (not likely) or brought back, to the fans' delight. Say what you want, the racing is the best part, but a really good feud or two is great for the racing business. This is when most drivers will get their fans.
   If you can drive a race car like no one's business you'll get a lot of respect and fans from that but you get into a feud with another driver and your popularity will soar like my weight during a weekend cupcake bender. Cupcakes and racing, two of the most awesome things ever. At least racing doesn't make me hate myself afterwards though. I heart you racing. Bring on the temper tantrums, the sheet metal, the tire prep (yeah, pretend again it ain't happening), and the flinging of dirt, I'm ready! So you should too and why is that?..... BECAUSE I SAID SO! Now come out and support your local tracks and bring your friends with you, whether imaginary or real they are all welcome. See you there!

But I Like My Rose Colored Glasses (I See Better)

   I have to say I am a person who will tell you exactly what I think, no holds barred, but I also know when to hold my tongue in certain situations. I think I have held my tongue so long in a lot of recent situations that I'm surprised I haven't bitten it off. I am a very opinionated person who is often outspoken and those who really know me know this WELL. Most times like I said, I can keep it bottled up because my grandma taught me better and it does no service to the situation to say something. My problem recently is the fact that there are people in this world who can find nothing better than to find fault with your work or do nothing but try to tear down any and every thing you do. They can find fault even if you gave them a million dollars on a gold platter.
   It seems these people convince themselves that they are right in what they do and do not use the filter between their mouth and brain. Wait, let me correct that. Between their brain and fingers. Most people have taken to the numerous uses of multimedia to air grievances, or to start general confusion. It's very easy to hide yourself behind a computer or smartphone and say things that someone normally wouldn't say in person. I have a hard time with this. If it serves no purpose other than to create problems why say anything at all? I have been told all my life that I can be naive when it comes to other people or I tend to look at the world through rose-colored glasses because I an eternal optimist and think every person I meet has nothing but goodness in them. So, when I finally see different I am disappointed and have to hear "I told you so's" from everyone else. What I really want to know is how come people can be so miserable in their life that everything they write or say is so negative? Why do they go through life so unhappy with everyone and especially people who are trying to do something really good with their life? I thought what I was doing was something fun and something I think can help out a lot of other people with but there is always someone around every corner who tries at every post or picture or whatever to say something negative.
   I guess my trouble is that I don't understand these people because they are my polar opposite. I like
 people happy and love to see people successful. I'm not a jealous or spiteful person. I'm also not, depending on the state of my coffee intake, a miserable person. Too little or no coffee makes me an unhappy girl. Maybe, these people have no coffee in their lives or no friends or no soul. Who knows? Everyone has a different story to tell. Some people choose to let these things bring them down and in turn take it out on everyone else and then there's the others who just can't let life pull at them no matter what and can't be brought down. Choosing how to look at life is all dependent on who you are and what kind of person you are. I know I choose to look at the bright side more times than should be allowed by law but, well, I don't choose to be any other way. For those who choose the opposite, I feel for you. I really do. Just don't try to bring me and everyone else with you. I know we're all different but I think I'll keep these rose colored glasses a while longer.


                                                     Till Later,
                                                    Rose Colored Glasses wearing,
                                                      Sporty Housewife

Cairo to Moutrie, Football is Returning

   Life is slowly returning to South Georgia in the form of football. I went to Cairo Thursday to a passing league game and got to check out the upcoming talent for the year. Then, it was on to Colquitt County for a passing league game and I got to watch teams from as far away as Indiana try out their talent for the year and I have to say that in South Georgia, it will be extremely competitive. It always is, but this year looks to be a difficult climb for any one team to stay on top without being knocked off the next week.

   I recently had an interview with Coach Rance Gillespie, the head coach at Valdosta High School. He always seems so composed and makes it hard for me to believe he is in charge of one of the most prestigious high school programs in not only the state but in the country. He shows no signs of pressure and is calm, cool, and collected. Just what a head coach should be. After losing 3 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense they are creating new team leaders to step up and take on those roles. When asked who his player to watch would be, he replied, "Football is the ultimate team sport, you have 11 offensive guys and 11 defensive guys and several different people that are playing a huge part of your special teams. So, to pick out one guy is really hard. I think we have several guys that will contribute and play a huge part in our football team."

   With Camden and Brunswick coming into division 1-6A, coach Gillespie thinks this will make a great region even better. They are two quality football teams that will provide for good football each and every week. With Valdosta High School being such a high profile program scouts are sure to come and check out these players and whether the players sign with a Division 1 college depends largely on what these players do on the field and put on the camera. It's up to each player to do his part and put everything they have on the field. Coach Gillespie when asked whether he prefers a run game or passing game said, "I like a balanced offense, we want to be a good, hard-nosed physical football team. At the same time we do want to have the ability to throw the ball around and we want to be able to make other teams defend more than one thing."

   His goal for the season is to be the premiere football program in the nation. It's what he says they strive for each and every year and what they'll strive for this year. With a tough schedule ahead they will have their work cut out for them and especially one game that is one of the biggest rivalries around called the Winersville Classic. It means a lot to a lot of people and to each one it means something different. For Coach Gillespie it's something he hopes every one in the community enjoys by bringing two really good football teams together. The atmosphere, he says, is second to none. I have to say last years game was one of the best high school games I had ever seen. Starting a new season has meant new players in new spots and even new staff on the coaching side. They are beginning again just like every other team in the state but I'm sure after watching their passing league games last Thursday they will definitely be a force to be reckoned with this season. I'm sure they are ready and willing for all comers. I'm excited, just like all other football fans, to see what this season brings us.

     

Oh Yes, Needmore

    Remember a while back when I said I needed more Needmore? Well, guess what I got more of, besides bills and shoes? Yep, I got some Needmore in my life. I went to the practice on Saturday last week and was suprised to see so many cars show up when other tracks were running. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and since it was just a practice most drivers were pretty laid back with an exception of some who are just extremely serious no matter what they're doing but it's what makes them good drivers. Fans showed up for support and brought out kids, wives, and some brought their favorite beverages.
   Late models, limiteds, hobby class, superstreet, Enduro, and mini stock came out for the first time on dirt since the closing last year. I thought it was a good crowd for a practice but when the following Saturday came I was not suprised but suprised. Understand that? Me either. It was like the racing flood gates had opened and we were about to be drowned. It was lovely. Haulers, trucks, trailers, beverages, all showed up to support the race track. They came from everywhere and kept showing up all the way until time for hot laps. I know these people. We get along well since I'm late for everything too. So many cars, so many people, so many smiles. I got to see just about everything that night.
   The families, drivers, and pit crews were so friendly. The racing was what I was there for and I was more than happy to let the mud and dirt sling which was a good thing since, when I left I looked like a dirt monster. Never seen one? Find me after a race. I was shaking my head at one point in the night when a car caught on fire and the driver kept right on driving like it was nothing. I loved it! A big pile up in the hobby division had most of the drivers just put the car back on the track and race like nothing had happened. I was so excited by the time the racing was over I was ready for another race but when I realized the races were over I was sadly disappointed also when I realized there wasn't a Waffle House anywhere near there. Every track should have a Waffle House next to it. It should be a law. On my next bid for president of the United States I'll use that as my platform.

                                                                             Until then,
                                                                           Sporty Housewife, El Sportster

The Bucket List

   I think everyone has things in their life they have always dreamed of doing and places they have always dreamed of going. I have quite a few things I want to do and places I want to go. It's called a bucket list. I have a couple of seperate bucket lists that vary from college football games and stadiums I want to go to, to driving Route 66 and a girls weekend in Vegas. One of my lists involves a list of short tracks and races I want to visit and watch a race at. Here's my list. See if any of your favorites are on there. We could be psychic twins.

6. HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY



Located in Hagerstown, Maryland, the 1/2 mile, clay oval is home to some of the fastest dirt racing in the country. it's home to the annual Octoberfest 350. Running big block modifieds, super late models, 410 sprint cars, and small block modifieds. The purses for the 410 sprints and small block modifieds is $10,000.

5. Las Vegas Motor Speedway (dirt track)



One of the most obvious reasons is it's in Vegas baby! Another list! New clay was brought in to the 1/2 mile track before the beginning of the season. LVMS runs some of my favorite cars, like, World of Outlaw Sprints, late models, IMCA modifieds, legends cars, bandoleros,super late models, the list is endless. Ahhhh, Vegas, we will be together one day.

4. Quicktrip Center

 

Who hasn't heard of the Chili Bowl? The 1/4 mile clay oval is located indoors at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Chili Bowl is a race that features midgets and is run over a period of five days and involves one of the biggest trade shows in the country. Well over 200 entries are received every year by the track.

3. Knoxville Raceway



This track started out as a horse racing track on the Marion County Fairgrounds in Knoxville, Iowa. It's one of the largest facilities in Iowa behind the major college football stadiums and seats over 24,000. The two BIG races are the Knoxville Nationals for sprints and one for late models. The late model race has a three day purse of $246,410! Now the purse for the sprint race is over $1,000,000. I think I just fainted. Legendary names can call themselves winners at this historic race like Steve Kinser (one of my favorites), Donny Schatz, Sammy Swindell and Mark Kinser.

2. Charlotte Motor Speedway dirt track

I have actually been to this track but never saw a race there. Meaning I did a drive by while drooling at the track. One race in particular, and anyone who knows me knows this, is the one I want to go to. Say it with me, " World of Outlaws World Finals". I tremble a little when I say that. I get so excited! It will be ran this year from November 1-3. I happen to absolutely love the World of Outlaws and I love Charlotte. It's a perfect combination. It's an extremely fast 4/10 mile track. With the top late model drivers in the country showing up to win.

1. Eldora Speedway



What can I say about this track? It's my dream. It haunts my sleep. It calls me. This track is a dirt fans' dream. Located in Rossburg, Ohio, this 1/2 mile track is owned by none other than Tony Stewart and hosts THE premier dirt races in the country. I will order the Prelude on t.v. every year and wait to see what magic awaits me. The Prelude to the Dream, The Dream, Kings Royal, and World 100 are the biggest races the track hosts and happen to be the biggest in the country. I absolutely, positively, without a doubt, want to go to this track BAD. Eldora is a dirt mecca. I need a fairy godmother to magically whisk me away to my dirt fairyland. Ever seen a grown woman cry? This would be my undoing. Until then, I'll be haunted by dirt and Kings Royals and World 100s.
                 
                                                      Till later,
                                                       The Sportster

A Dirty Perspective

     I think I should start this blog out by saying something about my blog Need More Needmore. It seems it brought about quite a bit of opinions. I did mention in the post that everything I wrote was just gossip and hearsay and not to be taken as fact. Next time, I think I'll put a disclaimer in BIG, bold writing so that there isn't any misconception as to if it's fact or not. I really did enjoy all the opinions though. It let me know that someone is reading my ramblings and not just me. Now on to the subject at hand. My dirty perspective. Has you raising your eyebrows huh? Let me just tell you about that.

     I should start by saying I LOVE DIRT TRACK RACING! There is nothing like cars, fans, dirt-slinging, tempers, and families together at a track. I have rather fond memories of one of my favorite dirt races at Volusia Speedway and getting attacked by dirt clumps the size of a baby's head, but getting to see Tony Stewart sling dirt made it all worth it. I personally have never drove a dirt car, actually I have never driven any kind of race car unless speeding down the interstate in my car counts. I can hit that gas pedal so hard Kyle Busch would be jealous. Watching the drivers on the tracks makes me always wonder. "How are you people keeping that car so stable on something as unstable as wet dirt?". I know the whole talk about tires and car setup. But it has to take serious skill to keep a car on a track when the ground is going to move underneath you. Dirt, I imagine, is constantly moving along with the tires. I have also walked across a track that has been wet down and almost busted my rear end, but to imagine the race cars driving on it and it looks like it's staying in it's groove boggles me. 

     Before you start with the science of it I know, I know. Setup and tires have a lot to do with it but don't drivers have the most to do with it? They essentially control every aspect of that car and how it drives. I can see gloved hands through the drivers' side and it looks like a mad man is in control, the way their hands are moving side to side so quickly. I was at a race track last night and paid close attention to these little details. As I was watching, my eyes scanned to the pits and the haulers, trucks, and equipment I saw. Just how much money does it take to run these things to the track? I couldn't imagine. Gas, tools, and parts have got to be setting these drivers and owners back a good bit of money. I know the amount for the purses at the track can't begin to cover the costs. Unless you happen to be Don O'Neal and win $100,000 at The Dream, but for most of the driving community I think it's a much smaller purse if you get paid what you're promised at all. 

     It seems to be a really expensive way of life. One that I wish more people would get involved in. I do know people that can race on a shoestring budget also. It still costs something though. They may not be up in the front of the pack but they are doing what they love and they always come back for more. Are the purses at the track enough to even cover a quarter of the costs? I think it really doesn't matter to some drivers because I think they would drive for five cents to get out there on the track with the wheel in their hands and say they outran the rest of the pack. I can understand that. But is the cost of racing worth the time, labor, and parts it costs to do it? My answer, and I'm not a driver, is it has to be! If it wasn't, would drivers do it? No. Simply put. You also have to look at it from the perspective of the track owners and promoters. It isn't chump change they're handing out at these tracks. They also have to pay workers, gas for the water trucks, food for the concessions, and small things like your tickets and  bracelets you get for pit passes. It can't be cheap. 

     What happens if you don't get a good car count or a big group of fans to come in the pits or sit in the stands? These questions are making my nerves bad, I couldn't imagine what it does to the owner. Not to mention what they have to deal with in relation to bad attitudes, fights, and general complainers. I say to always speak your mind but you and I both know those people who will always find something negative to say about anything. There is a lot that goes into these tracks, time-wise and money-wise. With that being said, I want to run a track. Just a small dream I've always had. Unless I win the powerball I think I'll just keep dreaming. But the question I have is, "Can there be some kind of common ground between drivers and owners to offset costs between them both?".

    My answer is that it all comes down to fans. Nothing can be done without them. We need them in the stands, in the pits, and at the concessions. We need their time, their enthusiasm, and most importantly their money. It's the only thing that can help both sides of this coin. Just imagine, a track that has full stands and so many people in the pits you can't take a step without bumping into someone. If I can walk in a pit and have to actually walk around people, I know that track has got a good thing that night. How can we get more people to the tracks? This is pretty tricky. This only my opinion mind you, I am in no way a track owner or driver and DO NOT know all the details involved. I can only give what I think would be helpful suggestions. Do with it what you will. I am only an avid fan and general attention payer. With the economy the way it is, not everyone can get to a track every weekend. But getting the word out with some advertising, nothing huge, some discounted prices every so often, a few big races sprinkled in, and more community backing are only some of the things we can do. I say all of us who are at the tracks should get the word out to people who may not necessarily go to a track and get them interested to go. One time and I'm sure they'll be hooked. My perspective on dirt is this, it's a hell of a good time, but it takes all of us to keep things going. Get the word out, scream it at your neighbor, put it on a billboard, sky write it. Whatever it takes. Let's make this season the best for all involved.

                                                     Till the next track,

                                                    The Sporty Housewife