My dos centavos re.: the future of supers from primarily a FAN’s perspective: 1)minimize the rules and provide CHOICES when it comes to critical components. Not necessarily “spec. parts” but association- approved parts: tires, wheels, mufflers, shocks, fuel systems, etc. That way, it’s not going to be a bunch of Hoosier-shod Chevy crate engines, but a package where a builder has some latitude in how to con- struct his/her hot rod. Remember: the average fan doesn’t care about the technology; it’s the COMPE- TITION, damn it! (Why short-track racing is so much better than F1 or Indy). Horizontal, $10,000 Penske shocks systems may make the car faster, but I’d rather see 20 cars on the track with good old mono-tube Konis or Bilsteins than a handful of state-of-the-art Hawk-suspension rocketships. 2)Talk to other successful tracks (Oswego with their non-wing supers, nearby Can-Am Speedway with their dirt program) about how they’re surviving in these tough times. Apply and adapt as necessary. 3)Work with other super-mod. sanctioning bodies (yeah, this is the most-controversial part) to either develop a unified set of rules, or just have a “hands-off” policy where visiting cars from other parts of the country can qualify and compete in a heat race, and then if they lap the field, give them a weight or gear penalty (as I suggested before, running higher gears certainly seems cheaper and easier than restrictors). But don’t just automatically close the back gate to them ‘cuz they have a hydraulic wing or rear- or four wheel-drive or IRF or a 460 CI super-charged cast iron or aluminum motor. . (Also, competing associations should work together to avoid scheduling shows on the same weekend whenever possible; the old California-Colorado Conundrum, for example). 4)For track owners/promoters, get local sponsors to underwrite the ticket prices for “special shows” such as for the supers. After all, Body Shop Owner Sid Fernandez so loved the supers at El Cajon that he sponsored the annual stop there so that the track could sell tickets at the same price as for the regular weekly stock car program. Irwindale has long held “Pipe Trades Night”, “Dodge Dealers Night”, etc. Great publicity for the sponsor and a chance to introduce them and their personnel to All-American Short-Track Racing. Remember: the average teen making minimum wage really can’t afford a $25 ticket for himself and his girlfriend plus concessions, and they ARE the future, but you gotta’ get ‘em in the front gate first. 5)And speaking of “the future”, start creating an engine rules package that allows for “tuner car” powerplants. Ladies and gentlemen, V-8’s will be going away on the street in our lifetime, due to emissions and mileage concerns. And if a kid can get 850HP out of a Subaru flat-four on the street, why not let them put that in a rolling race chassis? Remember: a high % of young people consider “The Big 3” to sell grandma and grandpa cars. And since pure race cars such as super-modifieds have so little relevance to street vehicles, at least 4- and 6-cylinder “import” (most made here) engines would be something a young motor-head could relate to. TO REPEAT: OFFIES WERE STATE OF THE ART FOR DECADES AND THEY WERE 4-CYLINDERS! What’s old should be new again. … Whether or not the ’13 Harvest Classic was the last appearance for left coast supers or not, I’m glad I was there and I can only hope the Powers Who Be work TOGETHER to put some life (meaning increased car count and multi-track appearances) into this stagnant series. Good luck, one and all.
Posted on: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 17:00:04 +0000
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