I feel like I've been a broken record...
Friday's have kind of become like the "News 'n Notes" portion of the program here. During the off-season, the end of the week seems to be a good time to compile a little list of news, press release-type stuff and different observations on racing from here to Daytona Beach. It just seems to work — if not for you hardy readers, than for me. It's also presented an opportunity to update you on the weather each week, which, as you know, has been a lot of snow.
And I hate to be a broken record here and all, but, well, it is snowing (again, again) as I write this...
* I've been critical of some of Steve Perry's dealings in the past, something he's happy to not let me forget whenever he sees me. But one thing can't be mistaken — this guy just wants short-track racing to succeed.
Now, in addition to his "Mainely Motorsports" gig — which allows him to trumpet local racing (albeit, a bit biased toward the PASS side of things) — he's teaming up with Pluffybilt Racing Tractors to sponsor the PASS Sportsman division in 2008.
Wait a minute. Racing tractors? Racing tractors as title sponsor? Surely, I never thought I'd live to see the day.
* We've got a logo.
Repeat: We've got a logo.
* A couple of thoughts on this ACT-RT Raceparts fiasco.
It's important to remember that Torco Race Fuels deserves none of the blame in this deal. Look, teams can still get the stuff from other places if they so choose — and they've been encouraged to do so by ACT management.
The real issue here comes in the policing of altered fuels in ACT. ACT wanted a way to test and monitor gasoline for illegal additives, etc., in its races — something Rob Tower of RT promised to do. ACT thought they had their gasoline issues wrapped up, but instead, the can has just been opened wide with the failure of Tower to deliver.
And, worst of all for ACT, in making the announcement in January to sign with RT, they were essentially telling the world, "We have a problem, and we know it. This is how we're going to fix it." Of course, now they still have the problem — and the whole world knows it, too.
That can't be good.
* For what it's worth: Wiscasset Raceway's new owner Doug White is offering a total championship purse of more than $80,000 this season — including $10,000 to the Super Late Model champion. He's also putting up more than $16,000 in purses during each regular Saturday night show, with the SLM winner getting $1,200.
Finishing 2nd in the Super Late Model standings nets a team $6,000 — just $1,500 off what the PASS North Series champ claims.
* It's the stuff of legend, folks.
Alexa Rodriguez gets snatched by a hawk during a tour at Fenway Park. Who says there are no curses?
* Talked to Cassius Clark, who was driving through North Carolina on Friday en route to the PASS South Series event at Dillon (S.C.) Motor Speedway.
Problem was, the race was rained out.
As if it weren't bad enough for Clark, who made the expensive drive to N.C. for nothing, how about the Richard Moody Racing team of Ben Rowe? They all flew down on Thursday in preparation for the event.
It's bad timing, for certain, but it's supposed to be equally bad weather all weekend there.
3 comments:
I'm not so sure if I was an ACT team using a fuel additive that I feel like I'm out of the woods yet.
The series spent $6000 - $8000 on shock dyno, what's to say they won't somehow do their own fuel testing?
Tom Curley isn't the type to let issues sit around and furment. If he feels there is an issue with the fuel some teams are using, I’m pretty sure sooner rather than later he’ll put an end to it.
The question is who really wants to test him?
I can think of several drivers who tried and ended up with long vacations (as in years) for their troubles.
I don't think it's a question of whether or not ACT has good intentions, Andy.
The issue is now that they're back to square one in trying to combat it. That's not a good situation to be in -- if you're running a race series or launching a business to sell widgets. Once you think you've cleared a hurdle, you'd like to be past it -- for good.
And, racers being racers, they'll test anyone and anything. That there's a problem with fuel already tells us that.
TB
I guess I'm not so certain they are back to square one. To say that is to assume the ACT series won't be testing fuel in ‘08, and I'm not sure that's the case. Also consider that up to now fuel additives have been a "grey area" and have not been expressly prohibited by the rules as far as I know.
If we are to assume ACT has a problem with fuel (additives) because they attempted monitor what teams were using, does that mean if a track or series doesn't take a step like that they don't have the same issues? That would seem to contradict your premise that "racers are racers and will test anyone".
I also think it does make a difference as to who is enforcing the rules and how they are doing it. You don’t hear about tire soaking on the ACT tour, and I think a big reason why is what has happened to previous offenders.
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