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Topic: Balog really is IRA's Northpole Nightmare Email this topic to a friend | Subscribe to this TopicReport this Topic to Moderator
Page 1 of 2   of  35 replies
Sprinter44
April 28, 2016 at 08:24:53 AM
Joined: 07/03/2013
Posts: 136
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After what was a great season for the IRA, with car counts, attendance and excitement raised... and the closest points battle in recent memory... Balog decides to bring his NSL winning, national level operation back to the IRA for the majority of their events, and take funds away from blue collar teams trying week to week to stay in the game. 2 of the usual guys who drive with our group skipped Beaver Dam just because Balog had it on his schedule, and I cant imagine they were the only ones. I respect his accomplishments, and cheered for him in NSL... but he just deflated any momentum the IRA was rebuilding once he left, and the guys who work 50+ hours a week to put a car on the track can all fight for 2nd. After a great season, which brought 20+ differant winners and a last nights points battle.... its back to hardly justifying travelling an amount of distance to watch him beat up on the small teams again.




Stroker_Race
April 28, 2016 at 08:36:46 AM
Joined: 01/11/2013
Posts: 394
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Posted By: Sprinter44 on April 28 2016 at 08:24:53 AM

After what was a great season for the IRA, with car counts, attendance and excitement raised... and the closest points battle in recent memory... Balog decides to bring his NSL winning, national level operation back to the IRA for the majority of their events, and take funds away from blue collar teams trying week to week to stay in the game. 2 of the usual guys who drive with our group skipped Beaver Dam just because Balog had it on his schedule, and I cant imagine they were the only ones. I respect his accomplishments, and cheered for him in NSL... but he just deflated any momentum the IRA was rebuilding once he left, and the guys who work 50+ hours a week to put a car on the track can all fight for 2nd. After a great season, which brought 20+ differant winners and a last nights points battle.... its back to hardly justifying travelling an amount of distance to watch him beat up on the small teams again.



Are you serious???  You started a thread to bash and blame Balog for a problem you aren't even sure exists in the IRA?  The only way for any team to get better is run with the competition which is what Balog is.  Do you think the All-Star guys are crying beause Kraig Kinser and Madsen are going to run some of their shows now?  It is what it is bud.  This is another fine example of the ol "Life aint fair" attitudes that most people have today.  I suppose you want participation awards for everyone that shows up at an IRA race also?  My gosh, go race, have fun and good luck.



Sprinter44
April 28, 2016 at 08:50:57 AM
Joined: 07/03/2013
Posts: 136
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Yes, I am serious. As a fan, I will not go to near as many races as I did last year if he is there. nothing personal against him, I have his shirts. Last year it was wide open, the racing was exciting and I made the trip just to see who would bring home the win. If Balog is on the schedule, I'll save the trip... the outcome is a given. As far as the All Stars, Posse and groups like that... those are higher budget teams in which some race for a living. The IRA is the working mans 410 class, which do a great job with what they have, and bring in 30 cars weekly. If you think after the year they had last year, that Balog showing around consistantly is good for the series, i cant see it. Like I said, I already lost 2 of my group last week because they didnt want to drive 4 hours round trip to see Balog win again... and thats exactly what happened. Imo, you have the budget, equipment and talent.... go pick on someone your own size.




Nickules
April 28, 2016 at 09:16:24 AM
Joined: 08/05/2015
Posts: 1133
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Posted By: Sprinter44 on April 28 2016 at 08:50:57 AM

Yes, I am serious. As a fan, I will not go to near as many races as I did last year if he is there. nothing personal against him, I have his shirts. Last year it was wide open, the racing was exciting and I made the trip just to see who would bring home the win. If Balog is on the schedule, I'll save the trip... the outcome is a given. As far as the All Stars, Posse and groups like that... those are higher budget teams in which some race for a living. The IRA is the working mans 410 class, which do a great job with what they have, and bring in 30 cars weekly. If you think after the year they had last year, that Balog showing around consistantly is good for the series, i cant see it. Like I said, I already lost 2 of my group last week because they didnt want to drive 4 hours round trip to see Balog win again... and thats exactly what happened. Imo, you have the budget, equipment and talent.... go pick on someone your own size.



I hear you (sort of...well, maybe).  I think you're a bit off base however.  One, Balog's not running the IRA total schedule. He is hitting a number of IRA shows, but he is running/hitting lots of other shows too (NSL, WoO, etc.).  My guess is with most of NSL shows at Jackson is the impetus for him (and some other drivers) not running the full NSL schedule.  2. You mention above other drivers work 50+ hours per week.  How do you know Balog doesn't?  Just something to consider.  He definitely has a higher budget than most IRA guys (which I agree is the "working man's" regional series - and a great one at that), but remember he's also a car owner too.  He's got to figure out from a logistic and more importantly fiscal standpint on how to maximize his earnings, profit, etc.  He's a "working man" too with a family.  I don't think this is as extreme a case as say a TSR or KKR car running the IRA with a hired gun.  I don't think the IRA points battle will suffer if he doesn't run the full schedule.  



Keyboard Jockey
April 28, 2016 at 09:25:29 AM
Joined: 04/16/2014
Posts: 430
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Posted By: Stroker_Race on April 28 2016 at 08:36:46 AM

Are you serious???  You started a thread to bash and blame Balog for a problem you aren't even sure exists in the IRA?  The only way for any team to get better is run with the competition which is what Balog is.  Do you think the All-Star guys are crying beause Kraig Kinser and Madsen are going to run some of their shows now?  It is what it is bud.  This is another fine example of the ol "Life aint fair" attitudes that most people have today.  I suppose you want participation awards for everyone that shows up at an IRA race also?  My gosh, go race, have fun and good luck.



Adding to Kinser and Madsen, Bill Rose spent several years on the WoO tour before he came to race the IRA and win the championship... He is a hardworking guy also, so which side do you fall on with him? 

life aint fair, get over it. If someone wants to beat Balog in the IRA they need to work harder, simple as that. 



Sprinter44
April 28, 2016 at 09:47:28 AM
Joined: 07/03/2013
Posts: 136
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From what I understand, Balog has a big money car owner. i cant speak to his personel life though, so he may work outside of racing as well. I guess it was all a bit harsh, and I dont mean to bash him, because I do enjoy watching him in NSL... me and a few other people were just a bit disapointed to see almost a full IRA schedule on his FB. The talk around me in the stands was pretty much mutual, love the guy but It steals allot of the thunder when it comes to anticipation to race weekend. We were just spoiled last year. I agree financially it makes sense... If you can sweep 4 IRA races a month and bank that $10,000 to fund travelling, its a win for that team, but I still think its a loss for the fans and drivers that can use that purse to continue their season.

Ahh as far as Rose goes, man was he a great fit with the IRA. He had comparable equipment, and after a conversation with him... I was shocked to learn how limited a budget he was on as well. That he never won an IRA is amazing, just consistant as could be. that series will really miss him this year, but I give him credit for running some tougher weekends elsewhere.




SamHerring14
April 28, 2016 at 10:11:51 AM
Joined: 05/23/2014
Posts: 297
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So there are races close to his home and he shouldn't be allowed to go? It's not his fault he's better than the rest of the IRA. This post sounds pretty un american- that a guy should stay home because he is good! This should motivate guys to want to beat him and not stay away 



Sprinter44
April 28, 2016 at 10:35:35 AM
Joined: 07/03/2013
Posts: 136
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No, he has just a right to be there as anyone else. It's pretty much a garuntee he is walking away with $2500 everytime he shows up... so he's smart if anything. My point is, it is not good business for the IRA. It will hurt them on all levels, especially fans not willing to travel to see a one man show.And I am definately not saying he should stay home, maybe Penn weekends or All Star races? No one seems to be close to challenging him, and aside from that, wouldnt he get better running against equal teams somewhere else? He's too good for the IRA, average with NSL and way off from WOO.



Imkingalec
April 28, 2016 at 11:36:46 AM
Joined: 03/30/2016
Posts: 29
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Reply to:
Posted By: Stroker_Race on April 28 2016 at 08:36:46 AM

Are you serious???  You started a thread to bash and blame Balog for a problem you aren't even sure exists in the IRA?  The only way for any team to get better is run with the competition which is what Balog is.  Do you think the All-Star guys are crying beause Kraig Kinser and Madsen are going to run some of their shows now?  It is what it is bud.  This is another fine example of the ol "Life aint fair" attitudes that most people have today.  I suppose you want participation awards for everyone that shows up at an IRA race also?  My gosh, go race, have fun and good luck.



I disagree if you took a look at balog schedule hes spending most of his time traveling and Ira races when there isn't a woo/nsl race close.  you should be happy that he's the only talented driver out there that has shown his dominance outside the Ira.  You also gotta remember balog has a family and doesn't wants to spend time with them too and I'm assuming balog isn't running the nsl fully because it's basically all knoxville and Jackson and it's obvious Knoxville he hasn't liked Knoxville.  




Imkingalec
April 28, 2016 at 12:23:30 PM
Joined: 03/30/2016
Posts: 29
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Posted By: Sprinter44 on April 28 2016 at 10:35:35 AM

No, he has just a right to be there as anyone else. It's pretty much a garuntee he is walking away with $2500 everytime he shows up... so he's smart if anything. My point is, it is not good business for the IRA. It will hurt them on all levels, especially fans not willing to travel to see a one man show.And I am definately not saying he should stay home, maybe Penn weekends or All Star races? No one seems to be close to challenging him, and aside from that, wouldnt he get better running against equal teams somewhere else? He's too good for the IRA, average with NSL and way off from WOO.



The woo and the nsl are basically the same series with equipment and talent it's just the nsl series is only Midwest based so teams can stay closer to home you are just delusional when it comes to it balog can run with the outlaws too you just never have seen it because last year he raced basically all nsl and a few woo/Ira you and just watch this year since he's running about 25ish races with the woo you'll see a few top-5 and maybe some wins you never know and since he has always been a sthrong at qualifying thatll set him up real good



vande77
April 28, 2016 at 01:04:11 PM
Joined: 01/20/2005
Posts: 2079
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so.....you're saying all of us that lived in the 1980's shouldn't have hit a single WoO show becuase we all knew who was going to win?  Kinser (most of the time, including 25 of 26 to end 1987 as I recall), Sammy (when Steve didn't win) or Wolfie (when he raced with them)

By that logic, people shouldn't go to any races as the foregone conclusion is that if it's a WoO show that Schatz is going to win, if it's an NSL or Knoxville show that Lasoski is going to win, if it's a Huset's show that McCarl is going to win and if it's a PA Posse show that Hodnett is going to win (they are the cars to beat IMO).  But yet people still go and a lot of times just to see that one car get beat (that's how it was in the 80's, the crowds increased when Steve won so much because people wanted to be in attendance those nights someone else won so they could say they were there when XXXX beat Kinser....



Sprinter44
April 28, 2016 at 01:11:50 PM
Joined: 07/03/2013
Posts: 136
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Eh i dont know... i dont have the info to back up this statement, but outside 1-3 last cars last year (Lasoski, Brown and McCarl) I dont think the NSL is WOO caliber competion. Anyone can have a good night, but generally speaking, I dont think NSL could give WOO regulars a consistant run for their money. As far as Balog running well with WOO, I agree... 2 years ago he was strong against them running in Wisconsin... where there are the 12 WOO regulars and the other 10-12 are IRA and/or northern 410's at Cedar Lake, but anywhere else... he is not a contender with WOO. I hope i am wrong, but I give him a few top 10's.... maybe on the 3/8 and smaller bullrings, and nowhere near the front on the big tracks. jmo




Sprinter44
April 28, 2016 at 01:17:39 PM
Joined: 07/03/2013
Posts: 136
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Posted By: vande77 on April 28 2016 at 01:04:11 PM

so.....you're saying all of us that lived in the 1980's shouldn't have hit a single WoO show becuase we all knew who was going to win?  Kinser (most of the time, including 25 of 26 to end 1987 as I recall), Sammy (when Steve didn't win) or Wolfie (when he raced with them)

By that logic, people shouldn't go to any races as the foregone conclusion is that if it's a WoO show that Schatz is going to win, if it's an NSL or Knoxville show that Lasoski is going to win, if it's a Huset's show that McCarl is going to win and if it's a PA Posse show that Hodnett is going to win (they are the cars to beat IMO).  But yet people still go and a lot of times just to see that one car get beat (that's how it was in the 80's, the crowds increased when Steve won so much because people wanted to be in attendance those nights someone else won so they could say they were there when XXXX beat Kinser....



Absolutely people should still go.... but not all will. I am sure with the Schatz domination, not as many people travel long distance to watch shows that are basically predictable. I will attend as many as I can, but I will not travel 4 hours to Antigo to watch the IRA if Balog is running... just isnt worth the drive knowing the outcome. Last year I made all of them outside the way northern stuff, every week was a surprise, didnt want to miss it! 20+ differant winners, thats awesome for any series.



egras
April 28, 2016 at 01:49:04 PM
Joined: 08/16/2009
Posts: 3913
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Posted By: Sprinter44 on April 28 2016 at 08:24:53 AM

After what was a great season for the IRA, with car counts, attendance and excitement raised... and the closest points battle in recent memory... Balog decides to bring his NSL winning, national level operation back to the IRA for the majority of their events, and take funds away from blue collar teams trying week to week to stay in the game. 2 of the usual guys who drive with our group skipped Beaver Dam just because Balog had it on his schedule, and I cant imagine they were the only ones. I respect his accomplishments, and cheered for him in NSL... but he just deflated any momentum the IRA was rebuilding once he left, and the guys who work 50+ hours a week to put a car on the track can all fight for 2nd. After a great season, which brought 20+ differant winners and a last nights points battle.... its back to hardly justifying travelling an amount of distance to watch him beat up on the small teams again.



I'm sure Burger King could use all of the money that McDonalds takes from it.  I would bet Chevy isn't crazy with all of the sales Ford is taking either. 

Your point?  I don't think you had one since you completely contradicted your statement later on by saying " I agree financially it makes sense... If you can sweep 4 IRA races a month and bank that $10,000 to fund travelling"

 

I don't think he is trying to piss people off--just making a smart business decision.

 

That being said, I don't like watching the same person dominate either.  But don't blame him or expect him to bow out for everyone else's sake. 

 



Nickules
April 28, 2016 at 01:57:11 PM
Joined: 08/05/2015
Posts: 1133
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Posted By: Sprinter44 on April 28 2016 at 01:11:50 PM

Eh i dont know... i dont have the info to back up this statement, but outside 1-3 last cars last year (Lasoski, Brown and McCarl) I dont think the NSL is WOO caliber competion. Anyone can have a good night, but generally speaking, I dont think NSL could give WOO regulars a consistant run for their money. As far as Balog running well with WOO, I agree... 2 years ago he was strong against them running in Wisconsin... where there are the 12 WOO regulars and the other 10-12 are IRA and/or northern 410's at Cedar Lake, but anywhere else... he is not a contender with WOO. I hope i am wrong, but I give him a few top 10's.... maybe on the 3/8 and smaller bullrings, and nowhere near the front on the big tracks. jmo



You know who finished above Brownie (granted was a "down year" for him) and TMac in NSL points? Balog. Also finished with third highest wins after Lasoski (who crushed) and TMac. Throw in Tim Kaeding and Ian Madsen and thats a pretty stout group. Not WoO stout but last year it might've been second toughest "traveling" series after WoO and ahead of All Stars. 




Sprinter44
April 28, 2016 at 03:59:40 PM
Joined: 07/03/2013
Posts: 136
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Posted By: Nickules on April 28 2016 at 01:57:11 PM

You know who finished above Brownie (granted was a "down year" for him) and TMac in NSL points? Balog. Also finished with third highest wins after Lasoski (who crushed) and TMac. Throw in Tim Kaeding and Ian Madsen and thats a pretty stout group. Not WoO stout but last year it might've been second toughest "traveling" series after WoO and ahead of All Stars. 



Agreed. As far as last year, I would put NSL right behind WOO as well, in front of All Stars. Oh I am not questioning Balogs talent in the least, he is more than capable, just saying he at this point is not WOO caliber consistantly. I guess my main gripe was still it steals allot of the thunder that IRA built from last year. Makes travelling every week to watch, a bit harder decision if he will be running. I guess I did skip Luxbourg last year figuring he would walk away with it, and 10 laps in Martin chased him down and passed him twice but again... its not often someone challenges him once he is out front.



thirteen
April 28, 2016 at 04:01:14 PM
Joined: 12/05/2008
Posts: 131
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Posted By: Nickules on April 28 2016 at 01:57:11 PM

You know who finished above Brownie (granted was a "down year" for him) and TMac in NSL points? Balog. Also finished with third highest wins after Lasoski (who crushed) and TMac. Throw in Tim Kaeding and Ian Madsen and thats a pretty stout group. Not WoO stout but last year it might've been second toughest "traveling" series after WoO and ahead of All Stars. 



I would point out that only 4 drivers competed in all 28 NSL events last year, Balog finished in 4th of the 4. TMac, Brown, Dobs, Zomer, Clauson, etc did not compete in all 28 events.  Not to take anything away from Balog, but had all those guys run all 28 races - he almost certainly would not have finished as high in the point standings. There were a few guys with 2 wins just like Balog, but competed in fewer shows.



veteranracer
April 28, 2016 at 04:03:02 PM
Joined: 12/28/2005
Posts: 121
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Boy it would be great knowing your gonna win before ya go to the track !!  (sarcasm) Come on.. its Sprint Car racin'.. Anything can happen..wink




Nickules
April 28, 2016 at 07:12:57 PM
Joined: 08/05/2015
Posts: 1133
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Posted By: thirteen on April 28 2016 at 04:01:14 PM

I would point out that only 4 drivers competed in all 28 NSL events last year, Balog finished in 4th of the 4. TMac, Brown, Dobs, Zomer, Clauson, etc did not compete in all 28 events.  Not to take anything away from Balog, but had all those guys run all 28 races - he almost certainly would not have finished as high in the point standings. There were a few guys with 2 wins just like Balog, but competed in fewer shows.



True and good point. TMac and Brown raced in 27 of 28 and 26 of 28 races respectively so it's not like they only did half the shows. Balog also had a win and got a flat on the last lap which was one of TMac's wins. Not saying he's better then those drivers but he more then held his own with some heavy hitters is all. Had any of those listed run a full season he most likely would've finished lower but 2 NSL wins and fourth in points is pretty respective for a supposed "IRA only guy."



Dzus Button
April 28, 2016 at 07:22:49 PM
Joined: 03/22/2015
Posts: 57
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Posted By: thirteen on April 28 2016 at 04:01:14 PM

I would point out that only 4 drivers competed in all 28 NSL events last year, Balog finished in 4th of the 4. TMac, Brown, Dobs, Zomer, Clauson, etc did not compete in all 28 events.  Not to take anything away from Balog, but had all those guys run all 28 races - he almost certainly would not have finished as high in the point standings. There were a few guys with 2 wins just like Balog, but competed in fewer shows.



Actually, you're wrong.  Balog beat McCarl fair and square.  The only reason for the 1 less feature for mcCarl was the FRC.  It was NSL show up points only.  Terry got show up points but didn't run the show.  Balog ran the feature.  They both made equal points that night but Bill got credit for one extra feature.  And as for Clauson, he missed one night for the Indy 500 and Henderson subbed.  Looking at the gap between balog and Clauson, it wouldn't have mattered there either if Clauson ran that night so really Bill was 4th out of 6.  And if he didn't blow that tire at Jackson, he might have been 3rd out of 6 and one more Winn for Bill and one less for McCarl





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