Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

just read that Chad Layton won night 1 of the National Open. I know he is PA Posse......but am I correct in assuming that he's not even one of your "best" up there. I know Rahmer, Hodnett, especially Lucas Wolfe, Leppo, Shepard, and other are highly touted by Posse fans.......but I've never really heard many say much about Layton on here. When people get to bashin....Layton not much mentioned. When Posse fans get to braggin......Layton not much mentioned. I'm just sayin when even PA fans think of a local beating the Outlaws.......would they think of Layton first or the top 3?

So anyhow......no matter.......It's really cool to see an underdog win a big race over such a good field. What is it about this race? It's just notorious for underdogs takin the win. Great for racing. Congrats Chad Layton.

BTW Schatz from 21st to 4th? WOW! Again......against such a good field.....thats a heck of an accomplishment as well. BTW I have a question. The WoO are runnin this 2 day show at the Grove.....why don't they follow or precede it over about a 10 day span with races at Selinsgrove, Port Royal, Lincoln, and maybe even Lernerville (among other tracks as well). What fees are WoO charging - I mean how high is the sanctioning fee? could it possibly be the reason why?. Just seems a shame to only run 2 races at just one track in an area with such a rich crop of drivers and race tracks. Doesn't seem like good scheduling. I think anytime they go through PA they should run at least 4 or 5 different tracks through there. JMO.

How much would could a wouldchuck chuck if a 
wouldchuck could chuck would

Good questions.

Chad is very capable of winning every night out. Your right, they just don't talk much about him. He has a couple of victories in the family owned u1 through the years. His real shot came when Lee Stauffer asked him to drive the Apple 12 before they folded up. Chad learned some good things through Lee. They had a decent year together in 06. Little over a month ago Chad was asked to drive the 25 formally driven by Dewease. Chad is also one of the winningest drivers in 358's around here.

Congrats to Chad!

As for the Outlaws. I don't know what the Sanctioning Fee is nowadays either put I'd have to say that's the key. Lincoln packs the house without them, week in week out. Big money shows or not, it's packed. Port did run the Outlaws before the Open I believe twice and maybe on a Sunday once after as well. I'd have to say by this time of the year everyone's vaction is burnt up and the Natty Open is a lot of fans last race for the year. This area is very saturated with racing. I don't think the crowd would be there this time of the year even if the tracks wanted to sign them anyway.

Way to go Chad!

Congratulations from Iowa here.

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It costs about $80,000+ for the sanctioning fee and purse. Then throw in some advertising and other various expenses. Its not a cheap show by any means.

Congrats to Pete and Chad. Pete is a heck of a guy.

it just seems like more and more we will only be seeing WoO shows at the same big tracks they run now. There will always be Eldora, The Grove, Knoxville, and others. And then in 2nd tier you have your Eagle's, Princeton, Ohio shows, I-55. I guess what I'm really trying to say is that you won't see Outlaws runnin in places where not only they could......but SHOULD. I would like to see them hit up some new tracks....at least a few every year. But if you got to shell out 100k+.....then the big shows will stay right where they are........and I don't see how that could help racing. They should have a swing up through Texas, then Oklahoma, into Kansas, and then Nebraska. maybe even Missouri too, if done right you could run about 9 races in around 13 night. I would like the WoO to run in my region more. Can't do shows in OKlahoma without havin shows nearby. Thats why you could a houstin track- naw wait here goes. bottom line is for this to happen they can't charge their normal outrageous prices.

night 1: Houston area track

night 2: Cowtown or Devil's Bowl

night 3: TMS Dirt Track

night4 : night off

Night 5 : Oklahoma City, OK

Night 6: Wichita, KS

Night 7 - off

Night 8 - Dodge City

Night 9 - Dodge City

Night 10 - Greenwood or Eagle, NB

Night 11 off

Night 12 : US 36 Cameron

Night 13: I-55 in Pevely

Night 14: Lakeside in Kansas City

damn a few twists and turns aside and that is thought worthy. 11 races in 14 days, Super Speedweek! If any of ya'll know someone connceted to DIRT's front office please have em get on here and tell why this wouldn't work. Fees would have to be lowered.......but it is an entire area that want and need 410's again. JMHO.

How much would could a wouldchuck chuck if a 
wouldchuck could chuck would

thanks for your repliances. it is food dor thought. I'll grub it down later.

How much would could a wouldchuck chuck if a 
wouldchuck could chuck would

There is already concern about "over-saturation" of WoO events. The series has to protect tracks who run sanctioned events.

What really neds to happen is for the various tracks who don't have WoO events to get together and form a non-conflicting schedule of races leading up to or after the WoO event at a particular track. That could be a way of attracting some good race teams from beyond without having much of the high cost of a WoO race. The WoO racers wouldn't be able to attend but that doesn't mean there aren't good racers out there that would help draw a decent crowd at a fraction of the cost.

Layton is a rising star here in PA, but he frequently got himself in trouble the last few years with some controversial crashes. Ever see the BRR term "Laytonized?" that is where it comes from. LOL

As was mentioned earlier int the thread, Chad was a dominant driver in the 358 Sprints, especially at Selinsgrove. Layton won three titles in a row at Selinsgrove, with near double digit feature wins every season. Last year, Layton got in the Apple No. 12 and won five times in the Lincoln 410s in his first year as a regular at the track.

The first year Chad went 410, he drove the family owned No. U1 to an upset $10,000 win in Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway's Octoberfest.

Layton winning last night may be somewhat of a surprise, but T.J. Stutts finishing second at an Outlaw race is much more of a shock.

As for why the WoO don't run the other tracks here in PA, I think it is a case of the other tracks either can't afford to pay the cost of an Outlaw show anymore or just don't see the need to gamble when they are usually filled each week. It would be neat to see the Outlaws come back to Lincoln or Selinsgrove (has not been an Outlaw race there since the Todd Shaffer Victory Lane declaration about there only being one number 11 at Selinsgrove in 1991).

The Outlaws run Grandview every year because that is a place with enough seating to pay the costs of an Outlaw show, but Grandview is a total dustbowl. Thanks for keeping your post classy, OKC.

With Terre Haute in limbo I would like to see Haubstadt pick up a second WoO date as well as Bloomington getting a date again. Helfrich already hosts a bunch of good paying wingless events so the sanctioning fees for a second race may be an issue there. However at the last WoO race there in April the fan turnout was great! After attending the NST event last year at B-town, as long as Kinser is still racing you know the stands will be packed. Both tracks at one time had two WoO dates per season.

While I'm thinking about the opinion that the WoO's racing has been slacking off in recent years and how they need the bullring's to help keep the action alive, another track that has not hosted a WoO race and very little 410 sprint car events for a long time is I-30. We can always dream I guess I mean before this year would you have ever thought they would come back to "The Ditch"!?

The National Open Preliminary Night as of recent has been a nice surprise:

Jason Solwold last year, Mark Smith in '04 and the field getting Layton-ized last night. Get that Preliminary under your belt and hopefully a full blown A Feature win will follow soon to get the name in the WoO record with those elite men who have.

WoO supporter, but nice job by the host competition.

We takes the 50 large out of PA tonight though.

Not a Layton fan, would of liked to have seen Stutts win it. That would have been an awesome story. Still to run 2nd and pass some good cars along the way (Layton didn't pass a car all night, not to diminish anything, he still was fast enough to keep the car 1st, but just a fact) Stutts did an awesome job. Regardless though, the big money is likely to head back to Fargo, ND tonight.

In Layton's defense he did pass Madsen back a few times after slide jobs. Again, good showing by the home team but I think you may be right about the big money heading west tonight.

Phil Taylor

home-theater-systems-advice.com

One of the other things I wanted to mention in my original post in this thread is that the trend in PA (other than Williams Grove) may be toward running big money races that are unsanctioned. Look what Port Royal did this year They ran an unsanctioned race paying $30,000 to win and a grand to start. All that money that would have went toward the Outlaw sanctioning fee could be put in the purse instead.

Port was absolutely packed for that race, biggest crowd I have seen there in several years. Sean Michael winning $30,000 in a super low-dollar car is probably the best story of the year in PA racing. I think some of the tracks also realized they don't need the Outlaws to draw big crowds here in PA. The PA Speedweek shows draw crowds every bit as large -- or larger -- than Outlaw shows in the area. The exception to that rule, of course, is the National Open.

I'm from the West Coast, and even I know Chad Layton is bad ass! Here is an interview I did with Chad in the beginning of the '06 season. Congrats buddy!!!

----------------------------------------------------------

by Gary Costa

Wide Open With Chad Layton

We the fans thank you Chad for granting us this interview!

Layton: Gary, it's my pleasure to do this interview, thank you for the opportunity!

I've gotta jump right into this deal Chad. You seem very intense and focused, would you agree? I'm talking in a positive way of course.

Layton: I have been called many things before, intense was never one of them.... I take racing very seriously. People may see that as intense, focused or whatever, but I am there to do one thing. No games, strictly business.

Often you mention your father in post race interviews. Explain how he has been such a big influence on you career...

Layton: My father has been involved for many years in automobile racing. He was involved in auto crossing in the 70's, then moved to road racing and was a former SCCA National Champ at a few of the tracks in the 80's: Summit Point, Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio were some of the tracks we traveled too. My brother also did a few years of the SCCA racing, but found himself in 1997 buying a sprint car and it all began there for me and my dad both, I would say. We attended many sprint car and dirt track races over the years so we were familiar with them. But for some reason being around one in our own garage got us all hooked. We put my deal together in 1998, a 358 limited sprint car, and my dad was all for it!

Some pressure will be off your family next season. You're the hired gun for Bob Stewart's Apple Motorsports #12.

Layton: The financial pressure yes, but the expectancy of the Apple Motorsports #12 and the productivity of myself will keep them on edge I'm sure.

With you mashing the gas and "Lethal" Lee Stauffer turning the screws, I have a hunch that you guys will be fast out of the box for the 2006 season. What's your take?

Layton: We ended the 2005 season on a strong note, we learned a great deal from one another in a very short period of time. I expect it to only get better.

Let's talk 358 racing. A lot of those guys are really talented, but don't have the bucks to jump up to the 410s.

Layton: There is a long list of talented 358 drivers, sometimes they go unnoticed due to the national popularity of the 410's. Unfair as hell, but ultimately money is the deciding factor in what we do, as it is in all racing.

Speaking of talented. You have won 358 Championships in 2001, 2002, and 2003 at Selinsgrove Speedway. Also in 2002 and 2004 you were the 358 Champion at Williams Grove Speedway as well.

Layton: We sure put together some spectacular years. The group of guys we had, our team, it was special! They helped make all of that happen. Everything seemed to fall into place for us, and if it didn't they made it seem as if it did.

In 2002, you racked up an astonishing 18, 358 wins and proceeded to pick up a 410 win for good measure!

Layton: 2002 was one of those years that you just don't have to often. I can remember winning races with flat tires, broken motors, damaged wings the usual stuff that goes wrong, the racing gods just looked after us a little more that year I guess. The 410 win was the icing on the cake though, that was a sweet deal.

In your opinion, what makes you so successful in such a tough division?

Layton: No matter what the night seems to hold early on, you always have to be optimistic. Run the thing as hard as you can and stay focused with one thing in mind - if that one thing seems to be slipping away, look to the next best thing don't give up!

After running the 410, and toss in today's technology, when you run the 358, does it "feel" like the wing is still "unhooking" the car?

Layton: The two cars are different but I wouldn't say that one feels unhooked compared to the other.

Do you remember a few years back when you spun twice, had to start at the back both times, and you still managed to win the deal! My friend..... That's bad-ass!

Layton: That was a crazy night! The track was so slick, and we had a real fast car. After the 2nd spin, I knew we were fast, but thought there was no way we would be able to catch the leaders! Then there was 15 down and 10 to go, we romped our way back to the front running 3rd. With one to go, we took the lead coming off of turn 4 for the checker! It was one of those nights where we just couldn't seem to do any wrong. I made some costly mistakes, but the car was able to make up for them 10 times over. It was an indescribable night of dominance, how hooked up she was!

If you could choose a joint, which one is the funnest to run at with the 358 bolted in and why?

Layton: 358 or 410 I like racing at all of the tracks here in our area. I have had a great deal of success on the bigger tracks and probably prefer them, but I equally enjoy the smaller ones too. Anytime you can strap into a sprint car it's fun no matter what track your at!

July 8, 2005 Williams Grove Speedway. You are the first driver ever to win a 410 and 358 feature the same night. It was also your first career Grove win!

Layton: That was a big night for me. We were racing the 410's at the Grove for a while and it seemed as if we were never going to get our first win there, what a night for it to come on.

You then picked up another 358 win the following night, July 9th, at LincolnSpeedway after starting 12th! This was one exciting race, take us through the last lap.

Layton: Coming down for the white flag I didn't really think I had too good of a chance. But I managed to get a strong run through 1, and seemed to close a bit on the leaders going down the backstretch! Once we reached turn 3, the 2nd place runner dove to the bottom and I hauled her in on the top, and we both actually passed the leader!!! We met coming off of 4 wheel to wheel for the checker, it was a close one.

Let's kick up the horsepower! We've touched on some of your 358 accomplishments. But we can't overlook what you've accomplished in the 410's. For running them for such a relatively short time, you have done pretty well. For instance, you won the Selinsgrove track championship in 2003.

Layton: The 2003 Selinsgrove point series was decided on a 6 race deal, and we were fortunate enough to have come out on top. It was a big unexpected surprise to all of us. Rahmer, Hodnett, and all the big boys were there so we definitely earned it. Looking back on it now it's hard to believe, because at that point, we still didn't compete in a full season of 410 racing, and we were way under-experienced. Running there on a weekly basis with the 358 paid off.

What are you looking forward to in regards to the 2006 season?

Layton: We are fixing to have a strong year! The shop preparations are all being handled by Lee, and seem to be going rather well and as planned. I am looking forward to racing the 3 night a week schedule that we are planning. We ran 2 last year, and cut back to 1 due to finances, so that was a bummer.

What kind of mindset does a professional sprint car driver like yourself have to maintain?

Layton: Just to try and stay focused on the goals and tasks at hand. Staying focused is the key.

And as a professional sprint car driver, when you see that guy in the top-spot and you're in 2nd, what are some of the things you're thinking about, especially if you're running him down!

Layton: It is an overwhelming feeling, and is hard to describe. You just want to catch him, get your car in front of him. Make it so they cant pass you back, there is so much, it really depends on the situation.

You have earned a reputation as a driver that takes no shit when out on the race track. What's your opinion on that?

Layton: Well, I race people with the same respect I would like to be raced with. It don't take long to figure out who you can and can't race with.

No doubt you have heard the term "Laytonized", what do you think that means?

Layton: Not really sure what the "Laytonized" thing ever really meant, but I would imagine it has something to do with the no bullshit on track attitude we adopted.

In ending, you're a helluva shoe right now. And I can't wait to see you get after it next year. Thank you again for your time, and of course I wish you and your family the best.

Layton: Gary, again thank you for the opportunity!

Be sure to follow Chad and the Apple Motorsports team at www.ChadLayton.com

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