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Hello racers!

I would like to address those of us that are trying to race in this economy. First of all one has to admit that we are crazy, nuts or bonkers! We can’t afford anything else but somehow we can afford racing. Being involved in racing is my only vice. I have managed this addiction for about 40 years now!

My message to the people that race is to look out for each other. Senseless actions on the tracks have already cost many people large sums of money … needlessly! Our sport needs all the competitors it can get. We can’t afford to crash anyone out of racing. If you see someone over their head in their driving style, help them out.

I saw a rookie driver run into almost every car in a feature the other night. He had done the same thing in the heat. His car was pushing so bad he shredded the right front tire before the end of the 8 lap heat. In the feature his un-tethered rookie enthusiasm caused the near total destruction of two cars that were innocent bystanders.

Listen close this is directed at the guy or gal that is out of control when the green flag drops. You are NOT supposed to run into the other cars. They do that at the fairgrounds around mid summer. You are supposed to pass cars cleanly. This means no demo derby stuff. If your car pushes badly (won’t turn and the tires are squealing real loud) then you are entering the corner faster then you and your car are capable of. If your car is bad loose (the back end wants to head toward the wall) then you are entering the corner faster then you and your car are capable of. Slow down until you get the hang of this stuff.

Honestly folks, it is not fun having your ride packed up regardless what class it is.

Back in the day we learned to behave pretty quickly. Some old, tired, grouchy guy would educate the newbie’s. The lessons were usually intense. This season with money hard to come by the lessons will tend to get intense once again.

So if you are a racer and you don’t understand the concept yet, here are a few ground rules:
•    You can’t win if you don’t finish!
•    If you are being passed and the car passing you is up to the middle of your door you do not pinch them into the      wall or the infield. 
•    If you are passing someone and you are not up to the middle of their door don’t expect them to give you anything.
•    DO NOT hit the other cars on purpose. If this is what you do best see the fairground comment above.
•    Regardless of what you think you have heard if video games are your only experience in circle track racing … you DO NOT have any experience in circle track racing.
•    Even if you are hitting the other cars accidentally, if you continue to do that, eventually someone is going to address the issue. It will not be a good night!
•    Everyone races for the pleasure derived by it. Not just you.
•    Learn to drive with respect and you will be respected.

Let’s enjoy racing. Accidents will happen because we run on the edge. Use a little common sense and some of the senseless crashing won’t happen.