This installment of Broadsliding The Ovals will take on a different look from what I’ve written in the past, just my own way of stating facts, and opinion of how I see it these days.

Much is going on in local and national racing and how fans are getting the blunt of it, cost factors, inconsistent track conditions, lack of promotion, or should I SAY NO PROMOTERS like years ago, poor marketing ideas, lack of what fans want to see, and the list goes on. I hate to sound negative but these are some of the facts or what ills racing in general whether it be dirt or NASCAR.

While some of the racing this year has improved such as in dirt racing with USAC, WoO, and your local tracks. I’ve also viewed some pretty good winged 410 racing this year, better then I thought I would, is it due to the harder sidewall Goodyear tires maybe - or maybe there are other variables coming into play, like more balance that a lot of teams have caught up. I know there are still a lot of high buck teams out there, but even these teams are having trouble because of the cost factors. Believe me if this trend continues it will be the ruination of winged 410 racing as we know it today. An example of this happens quite often when you see teams run with different traveling organizations and they can’t continue the pace, so they drop off for a while, run at various tracks or with other sanctioning groups to recoup there losses or to make necessary money they need to be able to race weekly or even a few times here and there. Just maybe its time to look at other alternatives in presenting quality racing, higher car counts and find positive ways to lower racers costs.

Sure our economy has something to do with it, but this was going to happen no matter what, as the foresight wasn’t there even though they knew it was coming.

I love sprint car racing and would love to see it return to what it was long ago, not what it has become.

Just maybe its time to make changes that will benefit all those involved including the fans. Why, not share track preparation information, so we may see a consistent track weekly or close to it, or budget track money to resurface a track yearly or every other year, this will enable fans to view a good show. Or why not alternate weeks at a local track so that you will see a great show and a larger car count providing more of your favorite drivers to appear. Guess what promoters or track owners everyone will make money and your fans will return to see good racing. Unfortunately there are only a handful of good promoters or event organizers today, this is sad but true.

I understand more changes are on the way, well that may be good but hopefully not the way the tire rule was implemented. Consult teams first & often for their input, don’t rush into anything, sure we need better racing to keep our product viable and exciting to attract crowds, sponsors, or even TV. But we also need creativity to put more excitement into the shows themselves not outside entertainment like NASCAR is doing, sure it’s great but not the way its being done. More is on my mind but I will save that for a later date as news develops from the sprint car world with the annual meeting coming at Knoxville in August.

Oval News & Notes

Recent visits to the shows of the eastern tour of USAC suggest that fans want more of the non-wing variety, so it would be wise tracks to think of scheduling a race for next year.

Knoxville is just around the corner fans, hope you can make it this year as there maybe some surprises I hope. If we have a repeat winner again, it could be the worst thing for sprint car racing and Knoxville on their 50th Anniversary which may reduce crowd size in future years.
If you haven’t visited Sharon Speedway please make it there sometime, just to see the facility and convenience for fans.

Tough year for many drivers, is it the tire or other factors - I’d like to know wouldn’t you?

Visit the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame if your going to Knoxville, a lot of good racing films will be shown in the new 2nd floor theatre,along with daily seminars and more.

What is good for the growth of the sport and our fan base is what has to be considered nothing else.

And on a personal note, I have many plans coming your way from RFD to provide more tours, a new website, more valuable discounts, giveaway prizes, and more, so please follow my activities, which are designed only to benefit you.

Thanks fans, see you at Knoxville, Bob Altman