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

has it been viewed as a success by all involved? I thought it was good. 2 great nights of racing with the other full shows and super sprints. Not sure Lanny Edwards was happy as the stands were not near as full as he probably needs em to be. But man it was good racing - especially the features. So I'll weigh my personal pros and cons of the challenge.

that. As a fan it's just a hell of a great racing weekend with all those cars and classes. I like that every driver invited to the race gets prizes. The chassis and brodix spec head rewards are great. It's not JUST a top heavy race like many others around the nation. The things I'd like to hear opinions about are :

the point structure. I'm not opposed to it - but at the same time why not just give out invitations to the top 2 in points. Seems a good way to reward the consistent drivers. Is the format used this year (3 pt. for 1st, 2 pts. for 2nd, 1 for 3rd) just a shot at something different? not disagreeing with it - just wandering if its the best format to be used........

also there were 26 drivers that earned invitations. I can't remember exactly I think there were 22 that showed. why not check with the invited drivers to see if they are coming - and if they are not take the next highest in points? The present way makes it possible for half the field to not even show - which given Gary Wright's domination could be a possibility someday. I understand the contingency - but it seems the only way the entire field will attend is if one of the top 2 point getters ain't comin - to extend that invitation to the 3rd place driver. Only a suggestive idea..........

all things considered, great race. I like the point format for the actual race. The winner has to seriously earn it.......not just get lucky on heavy race tracks by startin 1st - finishing 1st - and then drawing 1st in the dash and finishing there - and winning from the pole. I've seen that happen many times with ascs and I hope at some point a sprint bandit style format can be feasible while still running as many support classes as they would without it. Aside from that - would have liked to see a driver win that motor who actually needs it and that doesn't get paid before he ever hits the track (top 5 in ascs all do). I know it sounds like complaining - not really tryin to - I guess I am just thinking maybe that challenge should be held at 2-4 different tracks every 2-4 years. Would that ever be a possibility? Oklahoma City would great for it for many different reasons - aside that its my home track it's a A+ dirt track facility and good track as well - not to mention smaller and may give more drivers more of a chance against Wright and the Johnsons. I-30 during STN might work as well.........has any other tracks hosting the Challenge ever been talked about?

anyhow only thoughts (not complaints).......wandering what others think as well................but the Wesmar Challenge was good racing that when added to the rest of the good racing down there - made for a hell of a weekend of racing.

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

I too thought that the Devil's Bowl weekend was fantastic. In fact I'm ordering copies from Speedway Photography.

I like the idea of the top 2 in points for each region. Even when Skip Wilson was leading the Gulf South Region they extended invitations to Brandon Berryman and Johnny Miller. The supposed reasoning behind that was that Skip hadn't won a feature yet this year. However, I noticed that someone else who was invited hadn't won a feature either but was 2nd in points. Skip only lost the championship by 10 points - mainly due to some really bad (or non-existent) officiating at the 2 races in the Houston area at the end of the season (other than the Mississippi race). I wasn't there - and I didn't hear this from Skip Wilson or crew but from other folks who were there.

Fri. I loved hearing drivers complain that you just couldn't pass on that track for the Wesmar Challenge. I didn't tell them that Gary Wright went from 15th to 2nd, wasn't it, in less than 12 laps on that track.

I'd like to thank the manufacturers who donated all of that equipment to the drivers - especially making sure that everyone got something for their trouble.

I like the idea of various tracks but logistically you have to figure out who is invited before the season is over and you'd have people towing long distances several times. I really felt sorry for the New York contingency. It was obvious that the guys used to driving the Bowl had an advantage. I guess Jack Dover and Kenny Adams fared better than any of the other "out-of-towners".

Just some thoughts and ramblings.

I'd also like to thank all of the drivers, car owners and crews for putting on great shows for us all year long.

... and yes - I really like the Sprint Bandit format. By the way - that is where they total the points from the heat races then line the cars up for the qualifying races inverted by points from the heat races. I'm glad they use that at the Short Track Nationals. Another thing I really enjoy at the STN is the Dash line up.... where the top 6 draw for starting position. The catch there is, however, that the one who draws doesn't get that starting spot - he has to give it to someone else. That is fun.

See y'all at the Short Track Nationals ...

OKC and carol, thank you for the good words. As with anything that you do for the first time you always learn a few things that we could do differently for the next time, and we will listen to any and all suggestions. As a matter of fact we are planning on sending out a letter of thanks to all competitors who competed in our challenge as well as asking for their input on how we can improve on it. I will be talking to quite a few at Little Rock next week as well.

Thank you again and we'll see you at Little Rock!!

Kelly it was a cool deal , I really enjoyed the format and ya had to earn it and GW did by being consistent , heard ya made a trip by where you all use to be in Dallas with the Blue Max deal, man could not live in or around Dallas to much traffic for me.

Yeah JD, not sure I could hack it myself!!

Yeah I didn't have anything planned for Saturday so myself, my son, and a buddy and his kid went by my old stomping grounds, the Blue Max headquarters. Man what a letdown that was!! What was once the home of 3 NHRA funny car championships and numerous WoO wins as well as the 1983 Knoxville Nationals with Sammy driving is now a Mexican body shop or as I told Carlon it was probably a chop shop.

It also blew me away that it was now a little Tokyo!! Chinese and Japanese restaurants everywhere as well as several "massage parlors!"

Man there were so many memories at that place

There's not very many from the northeast that are willing to make the long hall to texas, so I'm not sure you could ever get the full 26, even with a trickle down effect. Justin Barger got the mid-atlantic bid even though he didn't race the full mid-atlantic schedule and was 6th in points because you had to sign up to be invited. And then Barger didn't even make the trip anyway. There's a lot of regional 360 drivers that can not run every race and go for a championship because of a job or money constraints. The 1, 2, or 3 points system gives them a chance if the are consistently at the front of the pack when they do show up.

Just wanted to add my thanks to Bob, Kelly and everyone at WESMAR. It's great that you give back the way that you do.

I saw photos of the Blue Max visit on another board. All I can say is "How sad!!".

I am lucky enough to work at one of the best tracks 
anywhere.

WESMAR POINTS STRUCTURE IS ALL WRONG!

Passing points are great and appreciated by most racers. But in the end all racing is about winning. We all go to special shows and sometimes we transfer over those in front of us through a passing points process. But when "The Race" comes around (not qualifiers), the "Winner" of "The Race" is rewarded as "The Winner" of "The Race". I mean, where have you ever been (other than at this Wesmar Challange) that the guy/girl that won the race was told, oh yeah, you didn't really win because the guy that started last ran second so we are going to declare him the winner of the race. I understand the arguments being made that it is cumlative points, three events, highest average of the three races, etc.... But when has racing ever not been about winning. I can't think of anyone more deserving to win the Wesmar Challange than Gary Wright, but I also believe when one man wins 2 races and finishes 4th in the 3rd and another driver who didn't win a single event and has three bridesmaid slots is declared "The Winner" the structure is very very wrong. Not a slap at Wemar or those behind the Wesmar Challange, they are to be greatly applauded for all their hard work at making this an awesome event, I loved the racing and wont miss it if it happens every year. I just believe there is something special about winning that requires you to give more points than they did. I have a lot of seconds in racing and very few wins. Seems like there is something that makes it a lot harder to finish first than it is to finish second. Seems like if there is a little extra (points wise) for a win than one point for each position the guy running second might really try to get there. That's all. AND AGAIN, JUST MY OPINION, AND MAYBE THE OPINION OF SOME OTHERS.

ASCS AND WESMAR RULE!

I just mailed out the thank you letters and have also asked the drivers for their input as well.

Thanks

Dallas traffic sucks! I couldn't believe the drive from Mesquite to Arlington only took me 30 minutes though. Coulda done without the storms at Purcell at 1 am on the way back tho.

As for the point structure......I agree about the frist 2 segements, but at the same time I think they should line it up for the 3rd segment on pt. totals and the winner of segement #3 get the motor. But thats just an idea. I don't think guys from North Dakota and New York will continue to travel to Dallas, TX - Gary Wright's backyard - to get slaughtered by Gary Wright. Suprised Ramey didn't do better. I don't think it would be fair at all to annually hold the race at Devil's Bowl - for 2 reasons.......distance and Gary Wright. lol. So off the top of my head here are some tracks that could host the challenge. I do beleive it needs to be held at tracks that are ASCS friendly and draw good counts at ascs races - I think for the sake of the show most would agree. Actually I think different regions should more or less "host" the event (closer to their turf). Now I don't think the challenge should ever be far up to the northeast......but closer would be ok. Track facilities need to be taken into account too.......hence Oklahoma City

I-80 at Greenwood, Nebraska. with midwest and northern plains regions hosting.

I think State Fair Speedway in Oklahoma City would be great for reasons I mentioned in former post. Sooner Region hosting.

Devil's Bowl in Dallas.........Gulf South hosting.

The trick is - what tracks would host for the Rebel, Coastal, Southern, Patriot regions. ascs has historically been a midwest series that is spanning outwards now.......but most of your challenge drivers will always hail from the midwest.......so a neutral track is needed............I'm still in favor of 4 tracks hosting every 4 years.

I-30 in Little Rock during STN.......not a bad idea. Dodge City, Kansas not bad idea either - Rocky Mountain region hosting. so in a 4 year span........minus devils bowl

1. State Fair Speedway, OKC

2. I-80 at greenwood, nebraska

3. I-30 Little Rock during STN

4. to be determined..........I'm inclined to think it needs to be further east.......but not northeast. sorry I don't have many suggestions. I'll leave that for those who stomp up there. Maybe Virgina or Tennessee or somthin like that.

But I still say - it was a really good race. And honestly, I think Devil's Bowl may actually need it to continue to boost the ascs count for that race down there. I think it's the difference between 30 and close to 50. I think we could all come up with hundreds of ideas........and thats a good thing. although I'm startin to get conflicting ideas now...........which means a good time to get some TACOS.

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

The racing was great. Gary was consistent throughout the entire weekend and deserved to win the challenge. And if it's any consolation, if the rumors I heard turn out to be true, Gary will not be racing next year, so that will but a different spin on who could take top honors, one of the Johnson's, Ramey, a surprise driver...either way, I'm sure next years event will be just as exciting and entertaining as this years.

GO GARY GO!!!

Thats what was said the last 2 years. Especially last year. I'll believe it when I see it. How much money does he get to even show up now - 1200? 1500? He's probably trying to bump it up to 2000. lol.

Gary Wright is the best 360 driver in the nation - maybe best 360 driver ever - but I think more guys would have a shot if he did retire. that doesn't alone mean he should though. I'm just ready to see some better competetion......not just Gary Wright dominating for the most part. Granted it woulda been a lot closer had Jason and Wayne Johnson not had some really bad luck along the way. I'm just tired of seeing him win - but I'm not stupid about it. He makes ass kickin look easy out there - and the clinics he puts on are something to be appreciated.

But IMO Gary Wright doesn't hurt ascs at all - their schedule does. But for 15 years that series has done well. hopefully next seasons schedule will be better. more midwest races - less going out Civil War Battlefields in Virginia and PA and up to New York. Fans up there do not NEED ascs to go up there with their 5 drivers to see "best of the best" ........PA ain't that far away for any of em. lol. Even with more midwest ascs dates doesn;t mean I would see more...........but I think more midwest drivers would pursue the title. The 4 marqee(did i spell that right) drivers of ascs - Johnson, Johnson, Rilat, and Wright. 3 of the 4 are capable of runnin somewhere else at any time and the other (Wright) seems hellbent on more golfin and moto track and less racin (nothin wrong with that). That would leave Foster Landon - who I'll admit is entertaining - when challenging guys twice his size to fights. lol j/k. But in the future ascs will have to find ways to appeal to 7-10 race teams (or more) to run their National Tour. Going to the ends of the earth for 2 or 3k to win probably won;t get it done. But like I said......they already know that. I'm sure they'll have it all figured out as to what is best for their series. JMO.

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

Hey, there's a Devil's Bowl Speedway in Vermont. LOL.Neutral ground, even the Patriots don't run there.

Y'all brought up driving in Dallas and then I received this in the mail. If you're not in a competitive mood - stay off of the freeways. It's called survival. Ah - so much good PR for our fair city....

Driving in Dallas

Dallas has its own version of traffic rules... "Hold on and pray."

There is no such thing as a dangerous high-speed chase in Dallas . We all drive like that.

All directions start with, "Get on Beltline," which has no beginning and no end. (It REALLY DOESN'T!!!)

The morning rush hour is from 6 to 10. The evening rush hour is from 3 to 7. Friday's rush hour
starts Thursday morning.

If you actually stop at a yellow light, you will be rear-ended, cussed out and possibly shot.
When you are the first one on the starting line, count to five when the light turns green
before going to avoid crashing with all the drivers running the red light in cross-traffic.

(those stupid intersection cameras are playing hell with our driving – and bringing in a lot of revenue)

Construction on Central Expressway is a way of life and a permanent form of entertainment. We
had sooo much fun with that, we have added George Bush Freeway and the High Five to the mix and LBJ – I-635).

All unexplained sights are explained by the phrase, "Oh, we're in Fort Worth !"

If someone actually has his or her turn signal on, it is probably a factory defect. Car horns
are actually "Road Rage" indicators - and remember, it's legal to be armed in Texas ...

All old ladies with blue hair in a Mercedes have the right of way. Period. And remember, it's
legal to be armed in Texas ...

Inwood Road , Plano Road, NW Highway, East Grand, Garland Road , Marsh Lane , Josey Lane , 15th
Street , Preston Road all mysteriously change names as you cross intersections (these are only
a FEW examples). The perfect example is what is MOSTLY known as Plano Road . On the south end,
it is known as Lake Highlands Drive , cross Northwest Highway and it becomes Plano Road , go
about 8 miles and it is briefly Greenville Ave, Ave K, and Highway 5. It ends in Sherman ..

The North Dallas Tollway is our daily version of NASCAR. The minimum acceptable speed on the
Dallas North Toll Road is 85 mph. Anything less is considered downright sissy. It also ends in
Sherman .

If asking directions in Irving or SE Dallas , you must have knowledge of Spanish. If in
central Richardson or on Harry Hines, Mandarin Chinese will be your best bet. If you stop to
ask directions on Gaston or Live Oak, you better be armed... and remember, it's legal to be
armed in Texas .

The wrought iron on windows near Oak Cliff and Fair Park is not ornamental!!

A trip across town east to west will take a minimum of four hours, although many north/south
freeways have unposted minimum speeds of 75.

It is possible to be driving WEST in the NORTH-bound lane of EAST NORTHWEST Highway . Don't let
this confuse you. LBJ is called "The Death Trap" for two reasons: "death" and "trap."

If it's 100 degrees, Thanksgiving must be next weekend. If it's 10 degrees and
sleeting/snowing, the Fort Worth Stock Show is going on. If it has rained 6 inches in the last
hour, the Byron Nelson Golf Classic is in the second round (if it's Spring) - and it is the
Texas State Fair if it's Fall.

If you go to the Fair, pay the $8.00 to park INSIDE Fair Park . Parking elsewhere could cost up
to $2500 for damages, towing fees, parking tickets, etc. If some guy with a flag tries to get
you to park in his yard, run over him.

Any amusement parks, stadiums, arenas, racetracks, airports, etc., are conveniently located as
far away from EVERYTHING as possible so as to allow for ample parking on grassy areas.

Final Warning: Don't Mess With Texas Drivers ... remember, it's legal to be armed in Texas.

Yeah, that's what we keep hearing too...............lol. However when we loaded up the engine into Gary's trailer I told Gary since he was retiring I wanted first dibs on buying the engine back from him. In his Texas drawl he says "well now I've been having some discussions with some people." He just left it at that. So ya never know about ol GW!

Gary Wright is by far the best 360 driver that we have known and could of been the best 410 driver we would of ever known. GW has that natural talent to drive a sprint car. He sometimes uses stuff that others would throw away and still wins. I have seen him run tires for 3-4 races and win every race. He has run frames 100+ races and still won. He does more with less then anybody out there.

He has been saying he was quiting for at least the last 4 years. He will keep racing as long as he is winning and making money. It in his blood.

My Signature

Now I don't care who you are that is some funny stuff

Carol, I loved it when I went to Devils Bowl EVERY year during the Spring and Winter on my way home at night. I would drive in the middle lane and look in my rearview mirror and see headlights fast approaching in the fast lane. Lamborghini's, Eclipse, Macerates, you name it. Any kind of high-dollar sports car made you would see it at one time or another going no less than 90 mph. No wonder when you see crashes that they make sure they do a darn good job of it.

As far as the "Dream Weaver" retiring, I heard that all the way back as far as 2001. But as long as he keeps winning and bringing home $50,000 championships, I am sure he will keep doing what he is doing.

David Smith Jr.
www.oklahomatidbits.com

Yeah Ole Gary Wright did a good job of singing "Dream Weaver". I guess he likes driving Sprint Cars more than singing. LOL

just going to down there 3 or 4 times a year I could testify to all of that. and go on forever about it too. Funny enough however - it was beltline that got me friday night. We turned east at Gainesville and took 82 out to Sherman and linked with 75 goin south........should have just stayed on and linked with 635 as traffic jams had subsided by then.......but wasn't thinkin and got off on beltline anyway.....bad move on my part. I'd gotten privy to some good info that 35 was stacked up all the way to near denton..........but due to my laxadaisacalness all the time I made up I lost on beltline......o well. was late to the race but didn't miss any sprints (all that matters right there). But in the entire weekend of driving down there I dodged about 4 bullets literally. cars comin over all around - on top - on every side - and below me. crazy stuff drivin down there. Don't know why anyone would want to do for lengths of time.

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