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

So, if I go and walk through the IRA pits is Balog the only person that is going to have a freightliner hauler?   Are the 29 other guys still showing up with open trailers?   While the IRA drivers may not have the same resources as the WOO drivers, they are far from running on a shoe string budget. 

The IRA is a 410 series. On any given night you have the chance of anyone showing up. In the past Kaeding, Haefertepe, Haudenschild, Lasoski, Tatnell, Dollansky, Henderson, Madsen, McCarl and others have dropped in. I might have a problem if this were a low budget 305 or 360 series, but they bill themselves as an outlaw series. Plenty of guys still race for a living cherry picking local 360 races. Running a 410 anywhere against anyone is not cherry picking IMO. The guys that didnt race because Balog had it on his schedule, went where? Knoxville? That makes no sense at all.

I'm pretty sure he is talking about fans staying home. While the top 6 to 8 ira teams have good stuff, only 2 to 3 seem to have a good budget. Those are the ones bolting on new rubber most of the time. balog has the whole package . he is the most talanted driver with a good team and what seems to be a good budget.

Correct, my intent on the post was to point out I lost 2 travel buddies to these races, solely because they knew the outcome before leaving. While sitting in the stands before hot laps, I was talking to the group around me, and they had nothing but good to say about Balog, but pointed out that they would be watching his schedule as well when it came to the further races. I guess after watching someone dominate over the course of almost a decade... and its not Bills fault, the excitement kind of wears off. Last year when it was wide open.... there was a noticeable differance in attendance and anticipation every week. I think Sinclair said on winged nation, every single show was a profit, but one.

Unfortunately, occasionally I waste my time on a thread subject like this.  Facts are optional on this board.  Some of you would be shocked to know that nine teams made 100% of the NSL races last year.  Balog did a great job finishing fourth and getting two wins.  He would also be shocked to know what a high budget he has.  Knowing how short he was on motor at times last year, it was awesome to see him make 100% of the shows!  IRA events are awesome and he only makes the program and the racers around him better...good luck to his team wherever they choose to race...as a fan, I feel fortunate to see him ply his craft...

If this post isn't results, stories or something c
constructive, it isn't me! 
@BillWMedia
www.OpenWheel101.com

I understand your post 100%.  When I heard Balog was racing local more than last year, I, too, started looking at the long drives I have to some tracks. It will definately play into some races if I go or not.  Last year was great, huge diversity, enough, in fact, that Bill Rose won the championship without a win.  It is just more anticipitory when you know ANYONE has a chance.  This is a testament to Bill Balog's talent, not a slam.  I love watching him drive, I just wish he wasn't as good as he is, lol.  In Hockey, people hate the Blackhawks because they have dominated 3 out of the last seven years.  People hate the Packers for winning a lot and the Patriots because they win all the time.  People HATED Jeff Gordon for the same reason, and Jimmy Johnson, well just because they hate cheaters.  It is to be expected when you win all the time.  Every one else just needs to step it up a bit.  It is what it is....... 

A+ stuff right here.  Thanks Bill!

Guys who own Gibson SGs are alright in my book.  Musics loss sprint car racing's gain.

Stan Meissner

You must be a Democrat. Because he wins so much, he should go somewhere else, or take his equipment and give some of his "high dollar" operation to other teams so they can compete better. The guy makes himself into one of the best in the Midwest in the last few years, and you think he should go elsewhere. Don't go because you might get your "feelings" hurt. The last I heard every racer goes out to win, not to please you or anyone else. I for one enjoy seeing all of the travelers show up to race against the locals at any track. It makes them ALL better. One more thing, why not bring some money to some of the lesser teams. Then they will have a chance at beating him. SHEESH! go watch some exciting PGA action.

What a stupid post.  If you want to see close racing with slow cars and below  average drivers just go watch the Dirt Devils at Oshkosh. The local IRA shows need all the speed and talent they can get.  When Balog has a tough field of cars and drivers he's got a chance at a top 5 and maybe a win here and there.  Last time when MCCarl and Tatnell and Dobmeir and some other travelers showed up at Dodge, Balog started like 10th and finished like 8th.  TMac left him in his dust.   

if Balog dominates these local races with just the regulars,  good and he should.  That's why I want Kertcher to come back because he can beat Balog. 

Maddog--people hate the Packers because of their cheesehead fans, not because they win!       

(Sorry-had to say it LOL) 

I went to WoO races when Steve Kinser was winning EVERYTHING in site and i mean EVERYTHING. Traveled 3-4 hours away on occasions knowing damn well who was going to win. Still went. Why?????

Because it was my preferred choice of entertainment. I would of preferred not knowing the likely outcome in advance but in the end, it was what it was and I still enjoy the thrill and excitment sprint car racing provides.

To stay away only hurts the sport we are all wanting to see stay afloat.

Lol.   it's the fans not the overly hyped team who can'r beat good teams unless they get calls at home .  

Exactly the reason I HATE the Bears.  It sure isn't because they are winners......Back at ya Buddy

We had a similar situation a few years ago in Pa. Pat Cannon was winning damn near every 358 race everywhere he went and there were a lot of people who thought that he needed to move up to the 410's because what he was doing in the 358's was unfair. I completely disagreed. As long as someone plays by the rules and does things the right way, they have every right to be there. He was just that much better than everyone else. That isn't his fault. He's was just doing his job and trying to win. As far as Balog is concerned, to me it's the same deal. It's his equipment and his money. As long as he plays by the rules, he has the right to tow anywhere and race against anyone he wants. If there are certain fans who don't want to see it, I guess they'll just have to find something else to do. The fact is, when There's a guy such as Balog in the IRA, Cannon in the 358's in Pa or Schatz dominating the Outlaw tour like he did last year, it just makes everyone else better because they all work their asses off to try and beat him. Maybe it isn't "fair" for someone to be that good but life in general isn't fair so cry me a river....

Help the lower budget teams. Hell buy them a tire, you should see what some of the guys are using just to be out there. Instead of all the complaining bring a RR over to one of there trailers. some of the smaller teams can't afford new rubber ever night like the 17b, 5j, 35, 94, 64, 79, 2w.. Every little bit counts, and a guarentee you it would be greatly appreciated.