Every once in a while, I get these random thoughts in my head when it comes to the world of short track racing. These are short enough to where I don't feel I can expound any further in a full-length column.
So...here we go...
Track Ringmasters
NASCAR Hall of Fame broadcaster Ken Squier told me in an interview that every track announcer should go to a circus and pay careful attention to the ringmaster. The ringmaster is the one who guides their audience through the show, providing an introduction that makes you eager to see the act that is about to perform. They also help entertain the fans in between acts and more. Some announcers need to think that way while they are announcing at the track. If you went to a circus and had a boring, monotone ringmaster...will that circus be a memorable experience? Help give the fans a reason to come back next weekend.
Earning Your Rides and Victories
A few weeks ago, Caden Kvapil won the ASA STARS National Tour race at Hickory Motor Speedway. He comes from a good pedigree where his father, Travis, was the 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion and gave Toyota their first win in one of NASCAR's top three series. Caden, in my opinion, definitely deserved that victory and should gain the respect of teams, fans, media, and more. Travis brought his boys, Carson and Caden, up well, especially when you see them in the pits at a short track, full of grease, dirt, etc., from thrashing on the car. They are blue-collar workers. I remember seeing Caden quickly changing a shock at the Milwaukee Mile when he was like 13-14 years old. Travis comes from that old school that you need to learn to build what you ride and learn how to make that car work.
If you watch videos of Kyle and Brexton Busch, you will see Kyle taking the same path. To me, this is the best way to earn your ride...and respect.
Hear Me Out...A Salad Bar!!!
As we all get older, things we did when we were younger catch up to us later in life. Many of us are saying in our heads, “Should have eaten healthier or should have exercised more.” We all know that a racetrack doesn't have the best things for our daily dietary needs. OK...maybe if they serve chicken strips...right? I always wonder if a track tried an open salad bar, would it be a big seller? Just a thought.
Oh yeah...on the exercise side...going 100 yards on your electric scooter in the pits doesn't help you lose weight. It's all about the steps. Note to self...next time I go to Disney World, check out prices for scooter rentals.
Just Because...
Final thought...just because NASCAR does it, you don't need it in your short track weekly racing or series. Do you really need a chase format for all your divisions? Does a traveling series need stage breaks on top of their competition cautions (which I support because it saves on bringing expensive pit crews)? Whatever they are doing to gain television ratings, let them do it...please don't copy it. Thank you.