It's all about the $$$

Thank you to those who responded to my recent poll. Times are tough for fans and race teams, which in turn will impact the local tracks' bottomline. I'm glad to see most people will still be able to make it to the track this summer. I too will be cutting back on trips to Stafford and Thompson this year. I live about 20 minutes southwest of Hartford. That's 135 miles round trip to and from Thompson. I'll still make a few of the Thompson Thursday Night Thunders and the Mod 150's. We will just have to keep an eye on the gas prices. Traditionally, prices tend to peak around Memorial Day weekend. 

You're saving gas money this weekend as NASCAR's All-Star Weekend is underway. This is huge for all NASCAR fans. It's the one time a year when the purist and the modern fan get to enjoy racing for what it is. Racing! Take my Dad for example. He hates the green, white, checkered finishes. In that regard, my old man is very much a purist. That's okay, he took me to my first race, so we can over look the little things, I guess. I like the shootouts. It takes team mates, brothers, father-sons out of the equation. Every man for himself. No points. Four segments of flat out peddle to the metal, stand on it racing. 

So race fans of all ages and mindsets, sit back and enjoy this weekend for what it is and what it was meant to be; a bunch of guys screaming around the track for $$$! 

Pain at the Pump...and at the Track

With gas prices on the rise, many of our beloved weekend warriors have struggled making it to the local tracks over the last few years. Today, it may seem nearly impossible to get those late models fueled and on the track. Oil prices continue to sky rocket and with the summer driving season about to officially begin this weekend, there may be very little relief in sight.

I'd like to hear from you. Tell me and the rest of local racing community how rising costs and this weak economy will affect your trip to the local tracks. You don't have to be a car owner to gripe on this blog! I want to hear from owners, crew members and fans a like.