Feedback and questions from a first-timer

[rb]

Last night I attended my first dirt track event at Clary's and only my third racing event total. The other two were asphalt. Not that anyone cares, but I figured I'd pass along some thoughts based on the perspective of an absolute beginner. :)

1) GREAT action. While I still enjoy the asphalt racing (mainly the super late models), I think the action in the corners is much better on dirt.

2) Speaking of dirt, I wasn't quite expecting to get covered head to toe in red dust while watching the late models. :) I'm not complaining really- just not expecting that amount of dust. I was up pretty high in the stands. I had it in my mouth on the way home. So, while not complaining about getting dirty, there was so much dust that I couldn't quite enjoy the late model even event as much as I wanted to. I had a hard time keeping my eyes open and on the action taking place behind the leaders. I thought the person here that suggested goggles was joking. Now I know better. :)

3) I know I'm new to this, and I'm seeing posts indicating that the track kept things running right along, but do the tracks around here usually run until close to midnight? I'm not sure I understand why they start so late, especially Saturday races. Why not start at 6pm and wrap up around 10? I know I'd be able to make more races. It would also be easier for me to introduce even more new fans to the sport. Do they have earlier start times later in the season?

4) Are other tracks in the area similar to Clary's as far as the facilities go and the number of fans in attendance?

5) I didn't get to meet anyone from this forum, thought that was largely my fault. I left Raleigh around 6 so I got there right when things were getting busy. I sat on the tower side. I'm guessing the stands across the track are restricted to the folks in the pits?

6) Great track announcer.

The event at Clary's was excellent. I'm glad folks are out there in the trenches providing this type of entertainment. I never would have expected it. I guess part of the problem is that folks living in larger cities don't get the exposure to the sport because tracks have to be far enough out of town due to the noise.

:Kool:

[jhofficial]

Last night I attended my first dirt track event at Clary's and only my third racing event total. The other two were asphalt. Not that anyone cares, but I figured I'd pass along some thoughts based on the perspective of an absolute beginner. :)

1) GREAT action. While I still enjoy the asphalt racing (mainly the super late models), I think the action in the corners is much better on dirt.

2) Speaking of dirt, I wasn't quite expecting to get covered head to toe in red dust while watching the late models. :) I'm not complaining really- just not expecting that amount of dust. I was up pretty high in the stands. I had it in my mouth on the way home. So, while not complaining about getting dirty, there was so much dust that I couldn't quite enjoy the late model even event as much as I wanted to. I had a hard time keeping my eyes open and on the action taking place behind the leaders. I thought the person here that suggested goggles was joking. Now I know better. :)

3) I know I'm new to this, and I'm seeing posts indicating that the track kept things running right along, but do the tracks around here usually run until close to midnight? I'm not sure I understand why they start so late, especially Saturday races. Why not start at 6pm and wrap up around 10? I know I'd be able to make more races. It would also be easier for me to introduce even more new fans to the sport. Do they have earlier start times later in the season?

4) Are other tracks in the area similar to Clary's as far as the facilities go and the number of fans in attendance?

5) I didn't get to meet anyone from this forum, thought that was largely my fault. I left Raleigh around 6 so I got there right when things were getting busy. I sat on the tower side. I'm guessing the stands across the track are restricted to the folks in the pits?

6) Great track announcer.

The event at Clary's was excellent. I'm glad folks are out there in the trenches providing this type of entertainment. I never would have expected it. I guess part of the problem is that folks living in larger cities don't get the exposure to the sport because tracks have to be far enough out of town due to the noise.

:Kool:


Thanks for the great post. Glad you had a good time and hope you will be back every week lol. As for the dust an goggles, when you go to a dirt race always have them with ya. You may need them or you may not. Last night was a little more dusty than ussuall, but it helped keep the track compacted. There was a track that run untill last year a little ways down the road that was worse than last night; EVERYNIGHT. But everyone including myself loved the racing at Wayne County, so sometimes dust is a inconvinance, but it also can lead to some good racing.

As for the time frame. I can understand alot of folks have a ways to ride and it can lead to some late nights. But if you thought it was dusty in the SLM race last night, if you start any earlier this time of year with that sun beaming down then even the 4cys would have been throwing dust. Its kinda a catch 22. So to me if things can keep moving and get out by 1130 every sat night with all the differant classes and action, I will be pleased.

As for the announcer he's just a fan that has been turned loose with a mic and is having a blast

[brickmaker]

[quote=rbee;84029]Last night I attended my first dirt track event at Clary's and only my third racing event total. The other two were asphalt. Not that anyone cares, but I figured I'd pass along some thoughts based on the perspective of an absolute beginner. :)


6) Great track announcer.


now i'm sure bricktester won't be able to carve jh's head on a brick!
just kidding! we agree - clary's is very lucky to have such a great announcer!

[w1ck3d0n3l0st]

I like clary's alot.Might be back down there some more this year.The only thing i didn't like was the prices on everything at the food stand's.Most of the other dirt tracks food is alot cheaper.JMO But clarys was awesome last night and Jh is a good announcer.

[shotgun]

Clarys is a dusty place man, but they have a fast track. CLR really dont throw up so much dirt the only time they throw up a lil dust is when latemodels,sprints,or midgets are there.

[dolphingurl]

coming to clary's and brining home the dirt and the dust is just what i love about it.it is just awesome and makes you respect the love for dirt racing even that much more.

[RaceJunkie]

I look forward to my shower after a dirt race..:cool_shades:

[77v8stock]

I get a kick out of watching the red river that occurs in the shower after a dirt event. My wife on the other hand is not too entertained by the red clay in the house. You Gotta Love It

[L8models]

I like getting home,in the shower, and seeing how long it takes before my wash cloth doesn't have a red tint to it.

[rb]

I get a kick out of watching the red river that occurs in the shower after a dirt event. My wife on the other hand is not too entertained by the red clay in the house. You Gotta Love It

My wife thinks I've lost my mind with my newfound love of racing. We have a couple of young kids so it's pretty hard to break away by myself for a night of racing. I've been thinking of a good way to introduce her to the sport other than watching pretty boring Nascar on TV. I think the dirt racing is out! She would *not* like what I experienced last night. :slap:

I just got the car washed. My next step is to find some goggles for the next trip. :16Evil:

[RaceJunkie]

My wife thinks I've lost my mind with my newfound love of racing. We have a couple of young kids so it's pretty hard to break away by myself for a night of racing. I've been thinking of a good way to introduce her to the sport other than watching pretty boring Nascar on TV. I think the dirt racing is out! She would *not* like what I experienced last night. :slap:

I just got the car washed. My next step is to find some goggles for the next trip. :16Evil:

I warned you about them goggles but NOOOOO! You did not want to listen...:1219:

Glad you had fun, you have have to take her at least once, when she sees them supers come around she will love it or hate it...:pen0z:

[jhofficial]

My wife thinks I've lost my mind with my newfound love of racing. We have a couple of young kids so it's pretty hard to break away by myself for a night of racing. I've been thinking of a good way to introduce her to the sport other than watching pretty boring Nascar on TV. I think the dirt racing is out! She would *not* like what I experienced last night. :slap:

I just got the car washed. My next step is to find some goggles for the next trip. :16Evil:

Iam gonna tell you how to win her over. Heres the directions and I dont just ussually give these away for free. First get her to watch nascar on tv on sunday afternoons, try to make it like family time and slowly she will gain some interest. Next step and dont wait to long before she gets bored with that stuff, trust me its real easy to get bored watching that lol. But oncce shes interested take her out to a couple of local asphalt tracks. She will love it at first when she compares it to the stuff on tv and finally when shes almost hooked(but once again dont wait to long, remmber boredem lol) The last step drop the heavy bomb on her and bring her to CLARYS and she will be hooked when we turn those monsters loose!!!!!:laying20laughing:

[w1ck3d0n3l0st]

LOL Jh only you can give the ways of hookin someone to dirt ,

[rb]

That's pretty good JH. :smiley_880:

Actually, now that I think about it, that's how I got hooked for the most part. I had never watched a complete Nascar race prior to this year. I watched bits of races back in the 90's when a friend of mine couldn't do anything other than watch. I liked it then, but didn't spend much time to learn much about it. Also, I've never been much into cars.

This year, I got hooked on the Daytona 500 for some reason. Who knows? I started reading more about it online, watching other Nascar races, and decided that I would investigate "local" tracks. Went to a few asphalt tracks, liked what I saw even more than watching Nascar on TV, then heard of this dirt racing stuff. I'm already planning for the WoO finals at Lowes in November. I'm hoping the WoO late models put on a good show. But, maybe since it's the premiere league they won't? WoO spint car races sure look entertaining!

[w1ck3d0n3l0st]

the WoO latemodels put on a heck of a show you can sometimes catch a hour long race on speed channel on sundays about mid day.

[jhofficial]

That's pretty good JH. :smiley_880:

Actually, now that I think about it, that's how I got hooked for the most part. I had never watched a complete Nascar race prior to this year. I watched bits of races back in the 90's when a friend of mine couldn't do anything other than watch. I liked it then, but didn't spend much time to learn much about it. Also, I've never been much into cars.

This year, I got hooked on the Daytona 500 for some reason. Who knows? I started reading more about it online, watching other Nascar races, and decided that I would investigate "local" tracks. Went to a few asphalt tracks, liked what I saw even more than watching Nascar on TV, then heard of this dirt racing stuff. I'm already planning for the WoO finals at Lowes in November. I'm hoping the WoO late models put on a good show. But, maybe since it's the premiere league they won't? WoO spint car races sure look entertaining!

Iam already looking for rooms for Nov 1st 2nd an 3rd. That show will be off the hook. Any chance you get to see a WOO or Lucas Oil SLM show go. I cant belive Iam telling you all this good information here, its taking money out of Clary's pocket lol. But you know what? I know that after you travel a little bit and see what the others have to offer you are gonna be right back out with us at clary's each weekend!!!!!

Hey Walt I could sell DIRT to a Arab in the middle of a desert. Actually dirt racing sells its self. All you have to do is reach out to the masses

[RaceJunkie]

That's pretty good JH. :smiley_880:

WoO spint car races sure look entertaining!

The ARDC midgets will be at County Line this month a little smaller than the sprints but they are fast around that track..

[tas]

They will be in town July 14, they always put on a good show.

[rb]

Man, you guys are loaded with info. I'm going to get into trouble with all these races to go to.

Don't worry JH- you're not taking $ out of Clary's hands. I'm going to do what I can to get to the WoO finals no matter what you would have said! :Wicked:

I'm curious. The sprint races sure look awesome on TV. Why aren't there more sprint car races in this area? It seems like the WoO's focus on the midwest. Am I reading that wrong?

[gb81racing]

There is an ASCS sprint car race at Fayetteville motor speedway on July 14 but i wouldnt recomend making the trip unless you didnt care about seeing the super late models cause they will not be running that weekend. IMOA i race in a support division but i like all classes and watch all of them buti wouldnt make the trip unless the SLM were racing.

[CSC76]

Keep Supporting The Local Tracks. They Need All The Help They Can Get Whether It Be Asphalt Or Dirt. Ive Got To Be At A Track Somewhere On Saturday Night Dirt Or Asphalt.

[Marcia Reed]

Glad you enjoyed your trip to the "Ring of Fire".......it was pretty dusty Saturday night, but I have been to tracks with way more dust.......and if you are wiling to give it a couple of weeks, I can assure you it will only get better(less dust)......as for pit admission, anyone can come in the pits, all you have to do is be willing to pay a higher admission price.....and I think just about everyone I nkow is gonna be at Lowe's in November, myself included......Thanks for taking the time to come and check out the best little bull ring in NC and I hope you'll be back and we get the chance to meet you....

[rb]

Glad you enjoyed your trip to the "Ring of Fire".......it was pretty dusty Saturday night, but I have been to tracks with way more dust.......and if you are wiling to give it a couple of weeks, I can assure you it will only get better(less dust)......as for pit admission, anyone can come in the pits, all you have to do is be willing to pay a higher admission price.....and I think just about everyone I nkow is gonna be at Lowe's in November, myself included......Thanks for taking the time to come and check out the best little bull ring in NC and I hope you'll be back and we get the chance to meet you....

Thanks Marcia- I'll definitely be back... with goggles just in case. I guess the pits would be worth checking out even though I'd have no idea what I'd be looking at. :smile:

[Marcia Reed]

Thanks Marcia- I'll definitely be back... with goggles just in case. I guess the pits would be worth checking out even though I'd have no idea what I'd be looking at. :smile:

Yeah, ALWAYS bring some type of safety glasses or goggles to ANY dirt track...LOL......and the pits are worth the extra 10 bucks(even for a "newbie")We won't be there this weekend, we will be on vacation, but we will be back the following week and if you are there, please be sure if you come to the pits to stop by the 89 pits and introduce yourself.....:thumb:

[Lucky13]

Hey rbee, just get up with me. I will show you how to really enjoy the races at Clarys. To answer your ? about the sprints, they haul ass. They have 800 horsepower and only weight about 1100lbs. I first time I saw them was at Knoxville Iowa and DAMN they were moving. I took my brother up to Williams Grove Pa. and he like to have fell out of the bleachers. They can do wheel stands all the way down the straight aways. Also they are bigger in the mid-west than here. Go see them if you get the chance.

[rb]

Hey rbee, just get up with me. I will show you how to really enjoy the races at Clarys. To answer your ? about the sprints, they haul ass. They have 800 horsepower and only weight about 1100lbs. I first time I saw them was at Knoxville Iowa and DAMN they were moving. I took my brother up to Williams Grove Pa. and he like to have fell out of the bleachers. They can do wheel stands all the way down the straight aways. Also they are bigger in the mid-west than here. Go see them if you get the chance.

I caught some WoO sprint racing on ESPN2 Sunday morning. Those things are out of control.

I'll try to let you know the next time I head out to Clary's. It might be this weekend. :smile: There's a lot I need to learn about racing. I *almost* made the trip up to South Boston tonight to catch their 200 lap "Bailey's" race. I'm just too damned tired to make that drive. :smile: