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

     A tangent on another thread made me wonder about something. For the sake of arguement (and who doesn't like to argue on an internet message board forum?)..... Suppose someone did shorten the straights on Wiilliams Grove and make it something more like a 4/10 mile track? How would that affect the racing action? Would it change who would or wouldn't compete there? How would racers react? Would it lower the cost to race there? Would it be safer? How would fans react?

1) I think the racing would be closer and more action packed like we see at BAPS and Lincoln on a routine basis.

2) If the purse stayed the same, those competing there now would probably still compete there plus I think they'd pick up a few cars (guys Like Jim Siegel and Alan Krimes come to mind).

3) The racers I think for the most part would be open minded about it but we really wouldn't get sn answer to that question until a few races are ran.

4) It would definitely be easier on engines so I'd say it would lower the cost. I think it would lower the cost to be competitive which is very important. No longer would you need an ass kicking motor tuned to kill mode to be fast there.

5) I think it would be a bit safer but Williams Grove has already done a great job of addressing a lot of the safety concerns over the offseason. I've heard that some changes to the bridge have been discussed. Hopefully that happens soon.

6) The fans would be the ones bitching the most which is nothing new. I do think a lot of them would change their tune once they saw the improved fields and more competitive racing. 

FYI, I'm probably wrong about everything but that's just my opinion as a fan who attends every week. I'd be all for it if they decided to do it. 

It would be ok. The only thing I see about shortening it would be which banking would you use? I think if both turns were like 3-4 , it wouldn't be good , too flat. If both ends were like 1-2, I'd think that would be best . Keeping both turns the same as now but shortening the straights, I don't think that would be the best either.

Agree with all points. The only question is how the racers and fans would react initially because this is central PA and for over half a century the mindset has been "bigger is better". I mean people here argue over which track between Port, WG and Selinsgrove is actually the biggest and/or fastest like that's the most important thing. 

A

Why not reconfigure Indy to match say Las Vegas?

Ask NASCAR how cookie cutter tracks have worked out. 

I agree BAPS is a 'perfectly' configured track for 410's (as is Lake Perris, CA), but the variety is what is nice. Sharon was changed as was Lernerville, for better? worse? 

The unique aspects of three of the iconic tracks (Eldora, Knoxville & WG) of 410 racing may contribute to the iconic status. No need to mess with it. The rules packages and plethora of division in addition to other participant and spectator options have eroded the foundation of the sport. Frankly all sports are struggling in comparisons to their golden era.  

Could not agree more.....the lore for me over the years at Williams Grove is the overall atmosphere. I have been to over 60 dirt tracks throughout the country and WG is still one of my all time favorites.....from the moment I drive up to the joint. I have seen some great races there over the years and some snoozers as well, just like any track. I just feel forunate that I live close enough to tracks like Williams Grove, Lincoln, Port Royal and BAPS. All are unique and all have been willing to reinvest $$$ back into the facilities. I would be proud to take a "first timer" to any of them.......

I don't disagree with your points but the cookie cutter track problem in NASCAR is a problem because the racing wasn't good.  Each track needs some of its own character.

fixxer's point was that maybe changing the layout slightly would help attract some other racers and keep the ones there able to continue on.  The question is, how do you tweak it a little without losing the special flavor that is WG?

If the racing is good, people will accept the changes.  Race fans will bitch regardless of the situation.

I've only been to WG a handful of times as I live in the Midwest.  Enjoyed my time there but I'm more used to short tracks - 1/3, 3/8 or 4/10 of a mile.  WG seems like a drapstrip with corners to me.  Challenging and I saw some great racing.

I don't disagree, however the issue is the viability of the track as a business. Right now it isn't very viable going forward as a weekly track. If you only have two classes and those two classes have less than 20 cars each several times during the season then something is wrong. Especially when tracks in the next state are bringing in significantly more cars (also with two different sprint classes) and paying less to win, and for the championship. You don't need to look much further than the pits, and the stands at a regular show at the grove to realize something needs to change.