Modified Fan Finding a New Love For Sprint Cars
Story By: DANNY SERRANO / BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY GM
Photos By: PETE MACDONALD / RACERSGUIDE.COM
Bridgeport NJ.- November 10, 2016- “Big Track Classic?” What the hell are we talking about? Who would have thought? I guess I’ll just cut to the point here. I’ve never been a big fan of sprint car racing. Growing up at Flemington, I was in MODIFIED Country, USA. Sprint cars were an oddity. You know, they’d come in every now and again and you’d watch them race and then they’d go back to Pennsylvania most likely.
Now, I will say I’ve always liked the way sprint cars looked (mean fast), of course loved the way they smelled (methanol breathing), and lastly the speed that they carry around a race track. I’ve been to Williams Grove for sprint cars probably 15 or so times(a couple of National Opens more recently). I’ve seen ‘em at Lincoln several times, Port Royal a handful, Selinsgrove a handful, and some other ‘Modified’ tracks over the years.
I talked about the necessity of a Big Block and the value that they bring to this region of dirt track racing, I’m sure someone else(maybe a Mike Mallett or Dean Reynolds), could offer the same argument in favor of sprint car racing. Growing up we’d always yell at the sprint cars, “Go back over the river or stay west of the Delaware”. I don’t think that theory holds true anymore, at least not for me – at least not right now.
Let’s see you have the mighty 410’s, traveling 360’s, PA-based 358’s, 305’s, and we can’t forget about the SS Sprints for you Silver Spring lovers (which I actually was believe it or not). 410’s? Not for me, not quite. They may have the names but I truly believe they offer the least amount of passing. Only a handful of guys have been on top over the past 25 or so years. Locally, I guess you have Rahmer, Krietz, Dewease, Hodnett, Kauffman and few others. Well, 3.5 of those guys are gone. Traveling guys like Swindell, Kinser, Haudenschild, and Blaney are all but gone too. As the musical group “LMFAO” puts it, it’s all about…”Schatz-Schatz-Schatz-Schatz-Schatz-Schatz” anymore.
Most recently I watched the 410’s at Fulton during Super DIRT Week. My review was as follows – grade=F. Sorry but it wasn’t good. Visited Charlotte this year for the World Finals. My 2 cents – Friday=B+, while Saturday=D. Then the 360’s come to Bridgeport and ‘Wow’ did they impress me as both shows I’d give them an A or A-.
The URC Sprint Club was once on top as they drew in the high 30 car count range wherever they roamed. Then, just a few short years ago that number went down into the teens! They’ve just completed their second full season under new ownership/management and they seem to have their act together. While not where they want to be quite yet, they are certainly moving in the right direction. Probably the same can be said for the local 305 gang. Almost identical counts for them just like the 360’s over the past few years.
Anyway, this past weekend was certainly one to remember. I had my doubts, I won’t lie. I don’t even know where I would pin point those doubts other than just ‘would this show work as a whole?’ Well, the show WORKED right here in Big Block territory(especially going against Georgetown & Susky). The racing was down-right intense! I think the drivers and teams were impressed and I know the fans were as well. I saw so many ‘Modified’ fans in the stands that were pleased with the first ever ‘Big Track Classic.’ Of course, there are always things both sides can do to better the show for everyone involved and we are already talking about those things for 2017.
There are still things I don’t like about sprint cars – lol, the handicapping, the cone, single file restarts, ect. Now, not all of those pertain to all sprint cars. Some don’t use a cone, some don’t go single file, and there are many forms of handicapping and inverting out there that tracks/sanctions use.
One of the things that we talked about that sprint cars bring to the table that’s pretty neat is their ability to close the gap between themselves and the car ahead. If a driver loses 10 car lengths in one turn they can make that up with in a lap in most circumstances where other divisions, it may take several laps if at all to make it up. Also when sprints get into lapped traffic, that’s when it gets really exciting!!!
I guess what I’m trying to say is that the ‘Anti-Sprint mentality’ in me has lessened quite a bit especially at Bridgeport. Our surface is second to none and maybe that’s why I enjoy the 305’s and now the 360’s on the 5/8 oval. The micro sprints already won me over a few years ago now it’s transcending to the ‘big cars’. I’m excited about the 2nd Annual Big Track Classic Weekend already! Now, let’s get on to Wild Card Weekend and watch some ‘mud turtle racing’ as you sprint car fans call us….hahahaha.
