TRACKS: Bloomington Speedway Open Practice Results
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
April 29, 2001
BLOOMINGTON, IN - More than 60 race cars rolled off of their trailers Friday night to test their machines and the red clay oval of Bloomington Speedway Friday evening. Mike Miles had the track very well prepared; and all of the competitors had multiple opportunities to test their cars under typical racing conditions. While the event paid no points and no prize money, the practice should give those participating in the practice an edge in getting their season started.
The open practice was truly that. The variety of cars was certainly up. For open wheel fans there were sprinters, midgets, mini sprints, Kenyon midgets, and a UMRA TQ midget. For stock car fans there were a late model, modifieds, super stocks, and bombers.
The midget racers were probably under the most pressure to get their cars sorted out. Midget drivers seldom get the opportunity to compete at Bloomington Speedway; and they are scheduled to compete on May 11. Steve Arnold lives in Seymour and is an engineer for Cummins in Columbus; but he has been racing midgets for 15 years and would not miss an opportunity to compete at Bloomington Speedway.
Jason Setser has run a couple of times this season with the performance being less than he would like and less than both he and the car are capable of doing. During the off season they switched the car to front coil-overs; and they just haven't been able to figure out their setup yet. The car was better at practice last night; and they should be ready the next time they unload at Bloomington Speedway.
Dan Roberts of Indianapolis raced TQ midgets for several years; and finally decided that he should turn the driving chores over to his son, Eric. After a season in TQ's he bought a midget for him to race. This season, Eric also has a sprint car to run. He turned in credible performances in both machines; and, if he can keep his performance at that level, he should be a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year assuming that the elder Roberts can restrain his urge to get back into the cockpit.
The most interesting class may well have been the bombers. Matt Bex and Bubba Woods had their cars painted and shined like Winston Cup cars. And, Matt McDonald was in attendance with the first 57 chevy based stock car I've seen in more than 20 years.
As he promised at the car show, Steve Bowlen was there with his super stock after taking off 18 years. He may be a little rusty; but he had a good time. And, all four wheels were aimed in the same direction when he loaded the machine back onto the trailer. This was a bad night after 18 years off.
The dress rehearsal is over. The show begins May 4 at Bloomington Speedway. Be there and bring your friends
Text provided by Tim McKinney
Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot photos and racing art, please visit The Racing Image Galleries and The Visions of Speed Art Gallery .