TRACKS: Bloomington Grandstand Admission Reduced to $8 July 28
26 July 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
(Bloomington, Ind.)--Bloomington Speedway will host three classes of stock cars on July 28, 2000. And all of this competition will be on display for the fans at a cost of only $8. Stock car competition has come a long way over the past few years; and they put on their best shows at Bloomington Speedway.
O'Neal Wood Products Open Wheel Modifieds
Open wheel modifieds started several years ago as a way to go racing on budget. The initial participants were often green as grass in their knowledge of the equipment they were racing and usually inexperienced in the cockpit as well. Engine claim rules, suspension requirements, tire rules, rear end requirements, etc. were all designed to keep the cost of competition low and to keep the competition even. Safety was the only thing not compromised by these rules.
This class has now come of age. The cars are much more professionally built; and, admittedly, they now cost a little more. But, they are still affordable. Engine claim rules don't come into play much any more; but tire rules and chassis limitations make dumping a lot of money into a motor pretty much of a waste. Some still do it; but it doesn't do them much good.
The big change in modifieds has occurred in the cockpit. Some of those who got their start in modifieds have stayed in them. As their skills have increased, so has the level and quality of competition. Other drivers, like Allen Barr and Kerry Norris, have switched from sprint cars and other classes to run modifieds. For most of them it is simply a matter of economics. They could no longer afford to compete against the high dollar teams in their particular class; and they still wanted to race. Their experience and skill show in modifieds just as it did in the classes they left. With only modest sponsorship help, a good modified team can actually make money.
For all of these reasons, modified races have become some of the most competitive events we hold.
TIRE & WHEEL CENTER SUPER STOCKS
Until this season, the Tire & Wheel Center Super Stocks were called "street stocks". The cars never were "stock"; however, in the beginning, they were much less all out racers than they are today. In the beginning, the class was populated primarily by Camaros and Firebirds into which a roll cage had been welded.
Today, the successful Super Stocks are pretty much late models with a little less motor and a stock front clip. Here too the cost of fielding a car has increased; but the rules have, for the most part, kept cost from reaching the stratosphere.
Here too the quality of the drivers has increased in much the same way that it did in modifieds.
The change of the class name from "Street Stocks" to "Super Stocks" probably seems, to some, to be an overnight change in name only. However, it is actually a change in the status of the class that is long overdue. These cars ceased to be "street stocks" long ago.
BOMBERS
The July 28 appearance will be the second appearance of the year for the Bombers on the famous Bloomington Speedway red clay. These cars are the least sophisticated of those that will be in competition on July 28. The competition will probably be a little more "rough and tumble" than in the modifieds and super stocks; however the enthusiasm of the drivers will likely be even greater than in the other classes.
While these race cars are pretty basic, they sometimes show amazing ingenuity. Many remember the old black Cadillac Seville that Bruce Turner campaigned for several years. Bruce was a good driver and an exceptional mechanic. The old black #47 probably one half to three quarters of the races in which it competed. It was eventually legislated into the "Street Stock" class; but it fun to watch; and it was often exciting to watch the race for second place.
The Bombers can be expected to show up in force; and they are certain to put on an exciting show.
MODIFIED OWNER & MECHANIC'S RACE
As an added attraction on July 28, the guys who pay the bills and do the work will get their moment in the sun - actually the moonlight. The regular drivers will not be permitted to compete in this class even though they may own and wrench their own cars. However, that doesn't mean that there might not be a "ringer" or two. For instance, Dave Norris might decide to take Kerry's car into the event. He was a sprint and midget driver of considerable renown in his younger days. Regardless of who wins, this will certainly be a great race to watch.
Grandstand Admission for this special event will be only $8 and pit admission will be $20. The grandstand will open at 5:30 PM while the pit gate will open at 4:30 PM. Hot laps will begin at 6:30 PM and racing will begin at 7:30 PM. Coolers are allowed (no glass is allowed)
Text provided by Bloomington Speedway
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