2009 Wish List

A new year with a new race season on the horizon. It's a safe bet that 2009 will be a challenging year for motorsports at every level. With that in mind, I present my Wish List for 2009 starting with...

Local tracks working together
Whether it's perception or reality, the state of the nation's economy is destroying consumer confidence. People aren't spending money at the drop of a hat and that includes trips to the races.

It's important for tracks to work together, or at the very least not cut each other's throats when it comes to scheduling. There simply aren't enough fans or money to go around if there isn't a little community cooperation.

If tracks can avoid conflicts, the fans won't have to choose, the tracks can maximize their profits from larger crowds and everybody wins.

Remember-It's entertainment
Look no further than Terry McCarl's Back Row Challenge at the Southern Iowa Speedway as proof that fans want great racing and entertainment.

During last year's Back Row Challenge, they had a foot race between drivers on the front stretch. The crowd loved it! How much planning was necessary for that to be fun? Throughout the night the gave away beads and t-shirts between races, and people went crazy.

Keeping the fans entertained and having a good time even during breaks in the racing is essential to putting on a great show.

A new track champion at Eagle Raceway
This isn't a dig at Mike Boston. He's dominated Eagle the last few seasons and should be commended for it. However, in 2009 I'd like to see a new driver atop the standings at season's end.

A new Knoxville Nationals Champ
See the comments above. Nothing against Donny Schatz, but I'd like to see a driver win their first ever Nationals Championship in 2009. There are a number of drivers who seem to be in the running, hopefully one of them will take the honors in August.

No Rain outs
No explanation necessary.

More midgets
I don't anticipate we'll see another midget show at Eagle any time soon, and that's too bad. Hopefully other tracks may pick up show dates so we can enjoy another week of midget racing in the Cornhusker state leading up to the Belleville Midget Nationals.

No injuries
Above all, everyone has a safe and fun 2009 season with minimal damage to equipment and no hurt drivers.