AlkyMadness
07-26-2008, 03:33 AM
It really saddens me that this great racetrack sits closed. It is the closest dirt track to where I live and it is a fine facility.
Concerning the possibility that the track could be shortened: PLEASE DON'T DO IT!!!! The big tracks are becoming a vanishing breed and there isn't a sweeter sound than to hear super motors wound out on the long straights. 311 is the Daytona of Dirt and it would no longer deserve that moniker if it were cut down and neutered. You can go to 3/8 and 4/10 mile tracks all over the place. Is it a tricky animal to prep? YES, but what track isn't? Is the dirt going to be easier to prep if it's shortened? NO.
I recently went to Cherokee for only the second time since it was cut down and I still cringe every time I think about it. And, guess what, they still have many of the same problems they used to. Oh, and it hardly can be called the Place Your Mama Warned You About anymore.
Finally, I don't know if the people in that area deserve to even have it open again (or Fork Mountain).
Over the years, I've followed all of the threads for these to tracks closely and I have to wonder if there's something in the water on RT220 between Roanoke and Greensboro. Never in my life have I seen so much griping, complaining and childish back-stabbing as I've witnessed for these two tracks.
Don't begin to think that Bobby was the start of it. People complained viciously about Bob Andrews AND Jerry Friddle long before Bobby was ever heard of. Same goes for the previous owners of Oak Level. I can't help but believe that all of this hasn't helped run these tracks down and out of business.
Every track has issues. There's always going to be prep issues. It's always going to be too wet and heavy or too dry. There are always going to be people unhappy with tech calls. Does Eldora, or Knoxville, or Bulls Gap, or Hagerstown, or Florence, or KC (the list goes on) get it right every time? NO.
So, people, if these tracks re-open, please support them and try to put yourself in the promotors shoes and realize that they are doing the best they can and there is always room for improvement. And when there's a touring series in town, don't always assume that all the blame goes on the promotor. Many times it's the series officials making the calls.
Jerry brought us many great shows (Clash, Xtreme, Outlaws, remember the $20,000 to win). Bobby may not have brought the touring series, but the Carolina Super Series was usually pretty good. What do you have now? How far do you have to drive to see these shows now?
Let's hope it comes back (as a dirt half mile). I'll be there. And if you start attacking, be careful what you wish for, the alternative could be worse.
Concerning the possibility that the track could be shortened: PLEASE DON'T DO IT!!!! The big tracks are becoming a vanishing breed and there isn't a sweeter sound than to hear super motors wound out on the long straights. 311 is the Daytona of Dirt and it would no longer deserve that moniker if it were cut down and neutered. You can go to 3/8 and 4/10 mile tracks all over the place. Is it a tricky animal to prep? YES, but what track isn't? Is the dirt going to be easier to prep if it's shortened? NO.
I recently went to Cherokee for only the second time since it was cut down and I still cringe every time I think about it. And, guess what, they still have many of the same problems they used to. Oh, and it hardly can be called the Place Your Mama Warned You About anymore.
Finally, I don't know if the people in that area deserve to even have it open again (or Fork Mountain).
Over the years, I've followed all of the threads for these to tracks closely and I have to wonder if there's something in the water on RT220 between Roanoke and Greensboro. Never in my life have I seen so much griping, complaining and childish back-stabbing as I've witnessed for these two tracks.
Don't begin to think that Bobby was the start of it. People complained viciously about Bob Andrews AND Jerry Friddle long before Bobby was ever heard of. Same goes for the previous owners of Oak Level. I can't help but believe that all of this hasn't helped run these tracks down and out of business.
Every track has issues. There's always going to be prep issues. It's always going to be too wet and heavy or too dry. There are always going to be people unhappy with tech calls. Does Eldora, or Knoxville, or Bulls Gap, or Hagerstown, or Florence, or KC (the list goes on) get it right every time? NO.
So, people, if these tracks re-open, please support them and try to put yourself in the promotors shoes and realize that they are doing the best they can and there is always room for improvement. And when there's a touring series in town, don't always assume that all the blame goes on the promotor. Many times it's the series officials making the calls.
Jerry brought us many great shows (Clash, Xtreme, Outlaws, remember the $20,000 to win). Bobby may not have brought the touring series, but the Carolina Super Series was usually pretty good. What do you have now? How far do you have to drive to see these shows now?
Let's hope it comes back (as a dirt half mile). I'll be there. And if you start attacking, be careful what you wish for, the alternative could be worse.