kgould

They will be racing in Houston next weekend.

Ok y'all got me into this conversation. I would recommend HMP to not bring anymore classes into the racing program until they have solidified the current competitive classes. From a spectators viewpoint, the current classes on asphalt are not easily distinguishable. I would suggest HMP work on building a core group of brands "classes" before any thought of expanding the program. An outlaw car shouldn't look like a modified, a street stock shouldn't look like a late model, and a truck should look like a truck. Yes, some will be upset because not everyone's car will fit the rules. However, in the long run its better for the competitors and spectators. We recently traveled to Elko Minnesota and watched a race at Elko Speedway. I have to admit they have got it figured out. The stands twice the capacity of HMP were full, the racing program had three classes, a great intermission event, and lastly the concessions had great food, cold beverages. The classes consisted of a beginner class, a street stock style class, and a late model class. The racers ran qualifying and two features. The fans got their money's worth and the racers got their track time.

Racing is a dangerous sport; period. Yes, there has been a huge amount of safety innovations in recent years but racing will always have a high risk of something going wrong. If you have ever been to Perris auto speedway you know the catch fence is extremely high. I personally never thought a car could clear the fence but Austin Williams did it a few years ago. No matter the safety enhancement in racing you will always have a failure. People in general need to use good common sense attending the races. This goes for racers and fans alike. How many times have you been to the track under green flag conditions and walked down from the stands, along the catch fence, to go to the concessions? Most people have but this is not the smartest thing to perform. Spectators need to understand they go to a race then the probability of mistake is high. The recent events are unfortunate but those hurt need to be accountable for putting themselves in a risky environment in the first place. My soapbox for the day.