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February 24, 2007 at
11:41:23 AM
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01/02/2007
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5252
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Reply to:
Posted By: cshu on February 24 2007 at 11:19:47 AM
I guess since my name was included on this list, I could share my feelings about this. It may sound stupid, but I feel like the main reason I have been given some opportunities is from getting my ass to Indy, working hard at it, and racing with the best in the business three nights a week. The past couple years I have been giving some great opportunities, although we struggled with a new car, driving the famous Hazen #57 was very cool. Eric Barnhill, AJ Felker, Jim Massey, and now the Yeley/Dooling team have all given me good opportunities and I thank them for that. With that being said, I dont really think USAC, or the fact that I competed in a USAC event had anything to do with these guys giving me a shot..
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Do you remember the night at Hollywood hills speedway over in N.M. where you were running on the top at that joint? I've been over there, in fact I took pictures of it under construction and after and I've seen a few races there. What a track, that's what more casino's aught to do with their Money. Anyway, I heard about how you ran that track and said to myself, If he can run that track up top like that, he's going to be a good one.. I was right. Good luck-Kenny - aka, BIGFISH!
Half the lies they tell about me aren't true.
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February 24, 2007 at
11:58:14 AM
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11/30/2004
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I don't think there's ever been a magic carpet to ANY of those top-flight National rides for anybody. The guys who find themselves as the favorites for the championship, in great rides, are guys like Tracy Hines, Dave Darland, and Levi Jones. I'm sorry, but I don't know anybody who deserves great rides over those guys. If you can consistently beat guys like that, rides will open.
I really don't think there can be a "magic carpet" from CRA to the National series rides, but I'd like to see more guys get a shot at competitive rides in Indiana. Then again, who is a proven, consistent winner out there who hasn't gotten a chance? Remember, that kid who swept two divisions at Manzanita is still looking for a ride outside of his dirt champ car.
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February 24, 2007 at
05:49:37 PM
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12/22/2004
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444
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White towel has been tossed...you guys win...your points well made and accurate.
Just three small notes and I'm done:
1. Once again, I was trying to be positive about the subject at hand.
2. I never intended to suggest that running locally under USAC gave anyone a "magic carpet" to Indy, or handed them a ride on a silver platter. Re-read my posts...I said it "helped". I also explained that these guys earned their rides.
3. My list does include pre-USAC/CRA accounts. I was simply talking about the presence of the USAC brand here in So Cal since I've been a fan...which includes Western divisions, USAC Thunder, etc.
By no means did I want to stir up any arguments...Lord knows you all are the scholars on the subject.
Doug Bushey
Passionate Fan / Announcer / Media & Public Relations
Agent
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February 25, 2007 at
02:56:22 AM
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Don't surrender ;)
Too many negative posts about sprint car racing lately and there already has been 3 races so far with CRA.
CRA/USAC is not perfect, and might not be as good as SCRA or CRA, but it's what we got and it's not that bad.
In theory, having the few changes this year are not that bad, having radios to speed the program up, and Hans Devices to save drivers life. It's debatable for subjects, but its intent is to save life's.
Is CRA racing the road to NASCAR or INDY or could it be? Most likely not. But you never know. You never know where the next superstar will come from. I would say the road to higher levels is more likely from shifter karts, than from sprint cars, ( I knew 3 drivers from So Cal who made it strictly on talent and not $ to the Indy 500 from Shifter Karts), but than again Jay Drake and Cory Kruseman came from dirt karts.
Actually, I forgot Josh Wise, he is a CRA guy, and he is likely a future NASCAR star. You just never know where the next F1, Nascar or Indy Car star will come from. The Cream will always rise to the top.
And finally, there is absolutely nothing wrong if you just race CRA your whole career like someone like Rip or Deano or like what COry is doing now. It is IMHO the premier dirt series in the country for the following reasons- the best format, it races on the best prepared tracks during the year, has good competition if not the best (Other organisations may have arguments they have better depth of talent and equipment, I won't argue), some of the best facilities, and 2 of the biggest and best races sprint car races of the year Oval Nationals and Manzy Western.
WIth CRA you can race 9 months out of the year, have a regular family life and job, and live in good weather, and race sprint cars on some of the best prepared tracks, you tell me what could be better?
(I know, a better purse $4k to win without those damn radios and a 25 entry fee) & smaller engine bill but nobody said racing was cheap or fair
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February 26, 2007 at
09:14:08 AM
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I have kept myself from chiming in because I do not agree with all your pissing and moaning, but here Is why I see no one in USAC/CRA getting the national rides.
PAVEMENT. I know it is a bad word on this board, but without it you cannot win any USAC National series.
Can some great USAC/CRA drivers run on pavement? Probably but until they show what they can do they will be relegated to running Sprint Week or races on the west coast.
I have lived in California 23 years Indianapolis 8 years and back in California 2 years and I have won a USAC Midget championship as a crew chief, I still think California has some great drivers now and some unbelievable in the past......but until there is some pavement involved in California I don't see anyone in California getting those rides without money.
Sorry but that is my opinion.
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February 26, 2007 at
05:21:38 PM
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08/18/2005
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It seems like everyone is ignoring the 800 pound gorilla in the room.
Ever since NASCAR took off and the ride buying system started, it has trickled down into USAC. MANY of the top teams/cars come with a price, regardless of your talent. Since some rich dads can't afford ARCA/Busch/Etc, USAC is a cheap alternative. For about 100k a year your kid can learn from the best and market himself or herself to the NASCAR guys. It's a heck of alot cheaper than 25-40k per Busch race.
"Progressing to the next level" and "National Recognition" has little to do with what series you run and a heck of a lot more to do with how much $$$ you bring with you. I'm not saying it's good or bad, it just is.
BStJ
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