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

I don't know if it's just me but I see a lot of people tossing this phrase around lately. Describing, mostly Posse guys and how they race at mostly Central PA tracks. I'm trying to figure out why it is such a bad thing for a driver to stay running the local tracks. I know I don't want to see all of our good drivers in Central PA go off on the road.

Historically we have always had big guys that spent their career racing at home and I don't know that it was ever seen in such a negative light. Brian Monteith, Fred Rahmer, Kreitz, etc all made successful careers out of racing in Central PA primarily. There are other drivers who have done the same in other areas as well (Dobmeier for instance does not travel outside the Midwest a ton, Kyle Hirst in CA, etc.).

A lot of people seem to act like a driver can't be good if he does not race "off the porch". I think sleeping in your own bed at night, racing 2-3 nights a week for good money, etc. isn't a bad thing. Without these porch dwelling drivers we wouldn't have the successful tracks and the huge fan following that Sprint Car racing has in Central PA so I don't think it's a bad thing, I think it's a great thing. 

From what I've seen, the problem with the "Porch" is when some of the very vocal Posse fans start claiming they are world beaters because they do well against travelers, specifically at one track. I don't think you see the same when Mid-West, Cali or Ohio guys pick-up wins. Their fans are happy and celebrate, but just not with the same exuberence. You guys should be proud of the Posse and their acomblishments. I know I enjoy when I see them at any race I get to, usually ethier Cali or NC.

Bingo---staying on the "porch" is not a negative towards the driver.  When a driver beats the traveling invaders, the driver is usually overjoyed and realizes what he has accomplished.  The porch comment comes from the idiots who then post all over message boards about how these drivers are.....as you say....."world beaters".  No.  They are capable of winning in their region and don't usually fare well outside of that region.  (usually) 

Never should there be disrespect to a driver for staying on the "porch."  The drivers don't usually spout off at the mouth because they understand the situation.  Lance DeWease does not need to come to Knoxville and prove anything to anyone.  But, at the same time, don't confuse him, and his team, with the likes of Schatz, Sweet, Gravel and even Larson.

+1

(I wish someone could add a "like" button to this forum. IOW has it)

Plus I can't imagine how tough of a grind it is to travel with the WoO. I know I wouldn't want to do it!

"The Porch and Possee go hand in hand They HATE each other as far as i can tell. Like the hatfield and mccoy's!!! I have sat beside good ones and bad, but boy are they all are loud and ALL HATE DON DON!!!!!