COMMENTARY-A Few Random Thoughts

There really isn't an overall theme here, just a few thoughts I wanted to share on a cold Monday.

-Plans have been announced for a new ASCS Midget division utilizing a spec 2.4 litre Chevy ECOtech four cylinder. For 2009 the series will run mostly in Oklahoma as well as by a group out of Sacramento, California.

Does the race world need another midget series? This will be an interesting story to watch develop.

-The IndyCar Series recently announced cancellation of their Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix. Clearly, this is a case of addition by subtraction.

-Don Droud Jr. and Gary Wright will team up to drive cars for Indiana car owner Bernie Stuebgen at the Chili Bowl. Droud drove a single entry for Stuebgen during last year's race. A third car is entered, but no driver information has been posted.

Droud ran for Stuebgen last year, and had it not been for some bad luck, could have qualified for the championship feature. I hate that they're using Toyota power, but they'll be a fun team to watch.

-Butler County Motorplex released their 2009 schedule including a single sprint car show on September 11th. It's unclear who is sanctioning the race, but they are utilizing ASCS rules. The theme of the event is a tribute to 9/11 with $2001 going to the sprint winner and $911 to the modified winner.

I can certainly see paying tribute but I'm not sure how I feel about using September 11th as a theme.

-Junction Motor Speedway also released their tentative 2009 schedule. They have listed an "open wheel event" for May 22nd, and again for June 26th. In addition they'll run their annual Cornhusker Midget Challenge on July 28-29.

It's unknown if the May event will have ASCS sanctioning, but I would look for that June 26th date to be moved up a week to Friday, June 19th with NCRA sanctioning.

-Over the years USAC has done a lot of things that defy logic and they're doing so once again in 2009.

On July 31st the USAC National Sprint Car Series is scheduled to run at the Iowa Speedway. That same Friday is the first night of the Belleville Midget Nationals-a show that's sanctioned by the USAC National Midget Series.

That could put some drivers and teams in a tough spot. Why does USAC insist on scheduling against itself? Brilliant!

-Gearheads take notice! This isn't race related, but the Hot Rod Super Nationals are coming to Lincoln in late May. You can read more about it here.