Saturday, USAC La Crosse 27mpg, Looks like a go for CLS...

Stan Meissner photo, USAC Midgets, May 16, 2008

Saturday morning May 17. I went to the La Crosse Fairgrounds half mile last night for my first visit to the track and my first pavement race in quite a few years. The Ranger did it's job and I got a good report when I checked the mileage, 27mpg on the way down. I suspect the trip back might have been more in the 24.5 mpg range like I normally get because I pushed it and it was rainy/breezy. My brother-in-law did a tuneup on it a few months ago and I kept the speed at 65mph on the way down. It seems to have a low gear in it and the 4 cylinder is underpowered. I kept the windows rolled most of the way up and used the vent to reduce drag and keep my tires inflated properly. Overall I am pleased with the result.

It's after 10am and I'm charging my batteries for tonight's trip to CLS. The weather looks good although a chance of the dreaded "R" word has creeped into the forecast. Last night the start of the Midget Feature was briefly delayed by a light shower but they were able to run the entire race after a brief delay. The rains finally did come with about 10 laps to go in the Mid American Stock Car Feature. Overall it was a good show at a nice facility. It took me 2:35 to drive home to Forest Lake with a quick stop at the rest area just before Rochester.

I broke down my camera during the rain delay and decided not to shoot the Features. There were other photographers in and I was kind of out of my element at an unfamiliar place so it wasn't essential that I shoot the entire program. When the race was over I tried to get the Ranger out of the infield so I could beat the caravan of USAC haulers but I didn't quite make it. Consequently, I had to sit there half way up the banking and watch about 30 tractor trailer rigs go by. That was kind of interesting, the fuel has got to be tough on these guys. The crowd wasn't as good as it could have been, probably because it's Stock Car country and this was the first Midget show in decades. I hear reports that all of racing is suffering from short fields and soft crowds but haven't personally experienced that yet.

Like I said in a recent blog entry, I have never put up big numbers. I think the most shows I did in a season was about 40 one year. Normally it's more in the 25-30 range and in spite of the high fuel costs I'll be able to do that again this year. I estimated $4 per gallon when I wrote my schedule so as long as we stay around that range I'll be able to get all the shows in. We lost a month of the season but that didn't save much money, I spent what would have been my racing budget taking family out to dinner and doing other things.

I got a 100% commitment for the Cedar Lake Firecracker, nine adults and three grandkids. I'm looking forward to it.

Well, better get busy with that lawn so I can go to CLS.

Thursday, getting ready for La Crosse, controvery on the "40"...

I'm getting ready for La Crosse tomorrow and will be taking off work a couple hours early to head down there. The usual stuff, charge all the batteries and make sure I've got everything I'll need. I don't want to forget anything because it's the opposite direction so I can't swing by the house on the way like I do when I'm heading to a track up north.

I'm about to make some personal comments. This is not the opinion of the Midwest Racing Connection or the Cedar Lake Speedway. Anybody who surfs the websites and is familiar with 20/20 knows all the controversy over on that board. It has gotten so bad that I won't post there anymore unless it's racing related information about an upcoming show.

Cedar Lake was the victim of an unfortunate incident involving a sponsor pulling out at the last minute during the awards banquet. More specifically I understand that it was a DTRA points fund sponsor that didn't come through at the last minute. The whole thing escalated into a fiasco on the 20/20 board and was allowed by the board's moderators to get way out of hand. Cedar is under the microscope because they dared to be different and made some changes that were unpopular here in this area that is dominated by the monopoly that I will refer to as the "big W." Again, I won't go into the details other than to say the situation on that board is out of control and is a detriment to racing.

My opinion is that given the circumstances I think Cedar Lake should take a serious look at transitioning away from the classes run by the "big W" for their weekly racing. Perhaps a more affordable Late Model (and I understand they're doing this with some unique motor rules), a limited Sprint Car class, Pure Stocks, Ford Focus Midgets, even Legends Cars on dirt would be an option. This transition couldn't be done overnight but over a period of several seasons. I think the "big W" business model of towing a $300 to win Super Stock 300 miles just to chase national points is outdated. I think the strength of each individual track is going to be the competitors who live nearby if they are committed to a weekly show. Cedar still has the advantage of a great facility (better than anything nearby), huge special events and a large population center. Racers are fickle, give it a little time and some of these other tracks will screw up and guys will get angry about that. In spite of the chatter on 20/20 we won't really know what the fields are going to look like until this Saturday night. The Shawano Rumble is this weekend but only a few of the better funded teams travel to the invitationals. Many drivers (and this is true of all tracks) only run at their home track. This is where the addition of some classes unique to CLS might be a good idea.

Some tracks around the country have taken the emphasis off the weekly racing and run special events. This might be another option for them, specials with groups like WDRL, IRA, USMTS, WoO, Badger Midgets, USAC, big open shows like the USA Nationals. Novelty events like the School Bus night, NASCAR nights, that sort of thing. Have a band after the races and they've got the camping, make a weekend out of it. Of course it's always easy to be an armchair promoter and think of ways to risk somebody else's money. It's going to be a tough market this year and I think we'll see that when things get up and running in earnest. CLS has been under the microscope but people are edgy and it won't take much for these other tracks to upset them.

A little more on 20/20. It's just a hobby board, not a business and the website is not maintained by the person who runs the board. All revenue and advertising rights to go Delphi, it's simply a subscription service that anybody can join much like Myspace or Facebook only in this case it's a discussion forum. So who appointed them as the final authority on racing in the upper Midwest and a place that can in effect make or break a track or series? Furthermore, what fan of auto racing would allow the slander and attacks that we see directed towards tracks or types of racing that do not fit their personal preferences?

Some might think that as someone who has their own board that I'm saying this because I'm jealous of 20/20's success. If anyone thinks that they're missing the point. I have no desire whatsoever to be everything to everyone from eastern Wisconsin to Montana. I've got better things to do with my time than baby sitting something that big. I think when it grows to the point where you can't manage it changes need to be made to get the thing under control.

Operating a board the way it should be run requires frequent moderation and responsible decisions that are going to benefit all of racing. No responsible racing board should allow a sanction, series or their favorite track blind them to what's being said on the board. A board with that much success should have a team of moderators committed to the betterment of the sport and not to a personal agenda. In other words, the "big W" shouldn't be allowed to get so big that it blocks your view and you can't see slanderous posts. Too busy? I'm sorry but you built it, they came and now it's your responsibility to manage it properly.

So that's my opinion. If you're going to set yourself up as the "go to" discussion forum for dirt track racing in the upper Midwest then manage it in a responsible unbiased manner.

So that's my opinion.

Wednesday May 14, busy place tonight

Not much time to type, just jotting a few things down while checking email. I've got to get out in the yard and see if it's still soggy. If not I can pick up some sticks so I'll be able to cut it on Saturday between races. Yard maintenance is a hassle when one is attempting to go to races. You can tell our yards from the neighbors who spend all weekend pruning theirs. Weeds, dandelions, and the grass is half way to our knees most of the summer.

I listened to another installment of the dirtnation podcast today. They said that Billy Moyer dropped off whatever touring groups he was following to run closer to home. I'm sure we'll see him up here because we're located within his part of the country. Nevertheless, this is getting to be a disturbing trend but it's easy to understand why these owners can't keep up with the fuel bills. Same thing happening in the WoO Sprints and a lot of problems with the weather.

People in racing sure use the word "awesome" a lot. It's probably the most overused word in the racer's vocabulary. Everything is awesome but it can't all be that awesome can it? I'll try not to follow the crowd and reserve my use of the word for special occasions. If I can restrain myself and do that it would be....well, for lack of a better word...AWESOME!!!

I could say a lot but not much else on my mind except getting outside for a while. Somebody told me that 37 USAC Midgets were preregistered for La Crosse. That would be an AWESOME show. Dang, there I go again...

See ya!

Tuesday May 13...I can't do it all, Deb's Doula services

Tuesday May 13 and the preliminary forecast for Friday night at La Crosse calls for 20% chance of showers during the day, high of 67 and a mostly cloudy night with a low of 46. I'll take the chance of driving to a race track at 20% provided that it doesn't go up much. La Crosse is a paved track so I'm thinking that a few sprinkles during the day isn't an issue. So far it's looking like a go but I'll have my cell phone with me so I can change course if necessary.

Saturday calls for a slight chance of showers during the day with a high of 62, mostly cloudy Saturday night and a low of 42. Do you think they'll finally get one in the books at Cedar Lake? I sure hope so. I'm planning on being there if they are able to race. I don't have as many weekly shows on my schedule as some years as I'm trying to get to more Sprint races. If I can afford the gas I'll chase them down to Arlington and Jackson whenever possible. I grew up watching open wheel cars on the half mile at Twin City so I've got a soft spot for that type of racing. I'll still be getting out to CLS for all the specials and a few weekly shows. The whole family will be my guest for the Firecracker so we're looking forward to that as well.

I see they are adding a Thursday night race at CLS. I went to the WoO Sprints and got up for work the next morning many times. I've done that a couple times for the Nascar nights as well. I've got a 5:15 wakeup call and my vanpool leaves too early to be getting home that late. If I add any races and have to do accounting work on a minimum of sleep it's going to have to be something big. No offense to CLS as I understand they have to do this but it doesn't work for me at this time.

Support your local racing, I hear that theme a lot on the 40. I'm a Sprint Car fan surrounded by Late Models, Modifieds, Midwest Modifieds, Super Stocks and Street Stocks from eastern Wisconsin all the way to Montana. Those classes are fun to watch but I'm not going to lose sleep to support something I'm not passionate about. Besides, you know how hostile the local fans are about the few Sprint shows we have around here. If they had their way there wouldn't be any Sprint Car dates so they certainly aren't doing anything to support MY FAVORITE RACING. I should lose sleep, pay extra for gas and parking to support THEIR FAVORITE RACING when all they can do is badmouth mine? I think not. If I happen to catch the support classes at a special I'll enjoy them but I have no desire to follow all types of racing.

I can't can't be everything to everyone, it's just not practical for me anymore. Don't get me wrong, they're all good people and they enjoy what they're doing but let somebody who eats, sleeps and breathes Mods and Super Stocks support the Thursday shows. I'll save my vacation time and money for the stuff I enjoy like the USAC Midgets at La Crosse this Friday. Some of the other papers have a bunch of writers but I'm the only exclusive dirt writer for MRC. Obviously I can't do it all and I wouldn't even want to try. Writing about something I'm not passionate about is akin to having to work a part time job after I've been at the office all day. It ain't happening.

My wife is a Doula. For those of you who aren't familiar with it she's a birthing coach. She's certified and has a client who is overdue so she's waiting for the call. I'll be posting more information about her services on my website. She works primarily here around Forest Lake and the surrounding communities. She's very good at it so if you know anyone who's looking for a Doula Debbie is the one you want.

Monday, thoughts turn to racing...

Ah, finally some racing. Nothing lifts the mood like seeing a great Sprint Car race. I have seen a lot of races and I know a good one when I see it. Jackson was one of the good ones. The one thing that really impressed me was Brooke Tatnell's drive and determination. You could sure see why he's a champion and the work ethic he brings to the entire team. I had no idea how stout the Olsen #34, formerly the yellow #18 driven last year by Tony Hargrave was. Tony had some good runs in the car and has a lot of experience but you can't compare a weekend racer to a WoO driver and Australian Sprint Car champion. Not only did Brooke hustle the car on the track but he took the lead in thrashing on the car during a red flag. They had to make repairs to the fence which gave the team time to replace the entire front axle assembly but they still had to hustle. It was so fun to watch that I wanted to put my camera down and run for wrenches to help the cause.

Here's my picture of the day:



Left to right, me, Lyric "the Beebes" Peterson, Owen "Owenowski" Zimmerman, Debbie "the non-race-fan wife" Meissner and Lucia "Loose Eye" Meissner.

I've got a commitment from three of my four kids and their spouses to join us at Cedar Lake for the Firecracker. We're still waiting to hear from Owenowski's parents then all three of the grandkids will be there. My oldest daughter, Owen's mom, and her husband are environmentalists but she used to wear a Sammy Swindell shirt when she was a kid so I have a hunch she'll be there. It should be a fun night, the grandkids hear me talking about races and see them on television but I'm sure they can't visualize what it's like. And the fireworks going off right in front of them, I'm sure they'll think that's pretty awesome.

I'm mulling over whether to go to the Red Cedar Rumble or the WDRL race with Sprints at Spencer in July. If Jon McCorkell is successful in adding a Thursday night Sprint race at Jackson that will be the clincher. The tough part will probably be finding a place to spend the night. That's too far to pull my camper with the old Ranger. Getting a motel room would be the way to go but if I end up traveling alone it's going to be pricey. Let's see, I'd have to stay down there Thursday and Friday night, drive to Brainerd on Saturday and I could drive home from North Central after the races. The problem is that the Ranger doesn't have air or cruise so if it's 95-100 degrees that will take the wind right out of my sails. I'll be exhausted by the time I get to the tracks. The old truck seems to run alright but it's exhausting to drive when it's that hot, especially if there's a headwind. It's an underpowered 4 cylinder with a 5 speed and you really have to keep your foot in the gas when it's windy. Pulling a camper any further than 50 miles would be out of the question with that thing. Used to be a time I would suck it up and do it but I'm gonna' be 60 years old in a few years and I don't have that kind of stamina anymore. We'll just see what happens and decide from there. Maybe the wife won't need the Olds that weekend. It would be easier to drive than the truck and gets better mileage but I'll have a hard time wrestling it away from her.

I'm up to three races for the season. To a lot of people that isn't much but I looked at the last few years and that's about what I've usually got in by this time of the year. Early in the season I only go to the opener and a couple of Sprint specials until the weather warms up a little bit more. I've never felt a need to put up big numbers of races for the season anyways. I don't have anything to prove, I just do as much or little as I feel like doing. Some years more, some years a little less.

I like the Sprints and open motor Late Model shows but don't go to that much weekly racing. This Friday it's USAC Midgets on pavement so my first four races of the year will be three Midget races and one Sprint race. This has been so fun that I'm adjusting my schedule to add more of the type of races that I enjoy. I'm getting where I prefer a specials schedule over weekly racing. There is usually a special every week somewhere nearby or something going on that's a little bit different than the steady diet of same old same old classes. I'd get bored if my lunch bucket held peanut butter sandwiches every day for 25 years. Same with my racing, 25 years of every track running the lame old lineup of limited Late Models, Supers, Streets, Mods and now Midwest Mods gets, for lack of a better term...boring. I need to step back and take a break from the politics and monotonous lineups.

Sunday and almost all is well...

I say almost because Cedar Lake where I was planning on going and all the rest of the Saturday night tracks fell victim to rain. You've got to feel bad for these tracks that are getting beat up by this lousy weather pattern. It seems too like every time I pickup a paper or watch news I'm seeing where people are being injured or killed by severe storms and tornadoes. You'd think it would have to mellow out pretty soon.

The good news is that a bunch of frustrated fans finally got to see some racing on Friday night. Myself included, it was my first outdoor race of the season. Hopefully I won't have to go another month and a half until the next one.

I got the chance to try out my new lens for the first time outdoors. Jackson is a tough track to shoot with the black dirt but I thought the night stuff turned out great. The nice thing about this lens is that it's got outstanding sharpness and it was my goal to improve that aspect of my work this season. Besides the sharper lens I made a resolve to not post unless the photo has good clarity. Quality over quantity, even if I only get 25 good shots I want them to be the best that they can be.

Here's a sample from last Friday night, click on the image for a larger version:



You will probably notice as the season progresses that I am not posting to the message boards announcing my photos after each event. It's getting to where (and I have been guilty of this too) the boards are cluttered with people promoting photos and products rather than sharing information. I need to back off and decided to only post racing related news and information on the message boards.

I find that by using the blog I can get my thoughts across without getting into the time wasting p*ssing matches about every non-racing subject imaginable. Like I said, I realize that I have been guilty of this in the past so that's why I'm making an effort to limit my participation on the message boards. If I can get people into the habit of checking this blog periodically they'll know what races I've been to and when I'm putting up pictures. Primarily my photography is geared towards the publications and I'm not out there competing for sales. If someone wants a photo there is contact information on the gallery and I'm going to charge the going rate just like everyone else.

My personal thought for the day after witnessing one of the best Sprint Car races I've seen in a long time at Jackson. Sprint Car racing, especially on a big fast half mile, is an extreme sport and it should be marketed that way. I think maybe we should branch out from the traditional way the sport is presented and target the young kids that enjoy extreme action sports. It puzzles me how any young person could like the entry Stock Car classes more than Sprints. Maybe it's because that's the type of racing they're involved in, I don't know. I suppose lives out in the middle of nowhere and never sees anything else...

Anyways, I'll never figure that out so no sense trying.

Next weekend I plan on heading down to La Crosse for the Midgets on the big half mile paved track. They tell me that it's closer to a 5/8 and Midgets on a track like that are twitchy and downright scary at times. USAC pavement Midgets is the series where guys like Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and JJ Yeley got noticed.

Have a good one. I'll post some more during the week.

Taking inventory on Wednesday

The non-race-fan family sure has been working on me so far this spring. Tell me, how am I supposed to go to the races on a Saturday afternoon when these two are hanging on my leg begging me to stay?



I haven't figured that one out yet. I'm going to try to get the wife, kids and grandkids out to Cedar Lake for the Firecracker. Probably the only way I'm gonna' be able to do that is pay everybody's admission and gas to and from the track. If that's what it takes it will be worth every penny of it. My three grandkids have never been to a race and they'll love those fireworks. With any kind of luck that crazy guy will run an old junker into a motorhome. The kids would love that.

I listened to the lastest Dirtnation podcast today. I like that show. A recurring theme seems to be cars not traveling if there's too high of a percent of rain but I didn't hear how the crowds were. It's going to be a challenging year. I plan on writing about that a little in my next MRC column but I don't want to dwell on it. After all, racing is recreation, it's what we do to escape the challenges life throws at us. Negative thoughts ought to be off limits at the track.

Today I found out that I got two more photos in Dirt Late Model. I'm curious to see which ones they used. I'll have to send them some more when racing gets underway. I'd like to add some open motor Late Model races to my schedule. I'm looking at that WDRL show in Spencer but it's the same time as the Red Cedar Rumble. That's much closer to home but the Sprints will be on the card at Spencer and Jackson is considering adding a show the night before. I'm on vacation that week and Saturday is the Kouba Memorial. Depending on the travel cost I could possibly make three nights in a row. The way this coming Saturday is shaping up I might end up not spending as much as I had planned. Weather might be a factor again this weekend. I'm set to go at Knoxville but their rain chance is 50% so if they cancel we'll head back home and make another attempt at the Cedar Lake opener.

I've got some planning to do on my schedule. Deer Creek has become a possibility for a couple shows as well. I'll have to dig out the ol' rubber nose and glasses disguise if I go there after I caused a stir.

My goal is to post business only on the message boards. You know, announce photos and articles, post specific information about races. I really have to make an effort to do that.

I'm tired of typing so I'll post another day.