Richard: This past weekend brought about some very interesting happenings in the world of Dirt Late Model racing. The competition during the Show-me 100 weekend at Lucas Oil Speedway was outstanding from beginning to end with Scott Bloomquist eventually coming away with the $30,000 first prize from a race that many consider the first crown jewel event of the season.
However, another major story from the weekend in Wheatland, Missouri also revolved around Bloomquist. In a very strange turn of events, it was announced by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series just after hot laps on Friday night that the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame member would not be allowed to participate in time-trials after it was discovered that the crew member who had been sent to draw for the team’s qualifying position had attempted a sleight of hand trick that was meant to provide a favorable draw. But the trick was ultimately found out and the series took action.
Upon the revelation, I heard and read a number of reactions from fans, competitors, and media types. Those comments ranged from some saying the penalty of not being allowed to qualify was too harsh and that a fine would have been more appropriate all the way to the suggestion that Bloomquist and his team should have been sent home at that very moment.
As is always the case, the feelings each person has toward the driver in question are going to largely determine the feelings regarding any penalty that is doled out. And in this case with this particular driver, the emotions run high.
In my view, the Lucas Oil officials made a good call. Sending Bloomquist home would have been a bit severe but basically letting the team getting away with trying to cheat the system would not have been sufficient. And as series director Rick Schwaille explained, not being allowed to qualify and then being made to tag the tail of the third heat race would prevent Bloomquist from being ahead of others who played by the rules even if he had won his heat.
What are your views on the situation?
Scott Bloomquist had a big weekend at the Show-me 100 but it wasn’t without controversy
Michael: If what is being said about the situation is true, I think the move was an amateur stunt. I don’t know if they’ve done this in the past or were trying it this time just to see what they could get away with it for upcoming races. But something like this is what you see from weekly racers that are in racing just for a hobby, not from so-called professional racers.
I’m not naïve enough to believe that racers don’t try all kinds of tricks in an attempt to gain an advantage. Attempting to manipulate the pill draw is something I would think would be low on that list.
I suspect the series will make some upcoming changes to the draw system to prevent any trickery like this. I agree with their decisions on how they handled the situation.
Richard: Trying to gain an advantage in whatever way possible has always been and will always be a part of racing. And, getting caught by officials will also always be a part of racing as well.
In all sports there are varying degrees of penalties for different violations. For example, a football player lining up off-sides costs his team only five yards because it’s considered a relatively minor infraction but one that is indeed deserving of a penalty. A football player who commits a personal foul costs his team fifteen yards because that is a more serious offense.
To me, this was indeed an infraction that was deserving of a penalty but not one so severe that it called for an ejection from the premises.
You and I have both attended a number of drivers meetings in all types of racing series. At many of these “drivers” meetings there are rarely more than half of them actually in attendance. I think the various series need to start requiring driver attendance at these meetings and also only allowing none other than the driver or the team owner to participate in qualifying draws and the like. I believe that would prevent other attempts a such stunts.
Do you agree with that?
Michael: I do agree. It should be up to the driver or a team owner to draw the pill for the qualifying order. How many times have we seen a driver’s name on the pill draw list and the driver, team, and car isn’t on the grounds?! I don’t think manipulating the pill draw is a widespread problem in the major series, but it would eliminate some of the potential problems from it.
The folks calling for an ejection for the night or the weekend are probably fans that already dislike Bloomquist and would like nothing better than to see him removed from competition. Considering he went 2 for 3 during the weekend, it’s no wonder some fans were calling for that.
Mike Marlar will be racing close to home this weekend
Richard: Now, to change the direction of this conversation, this looks to be a huge weekend for east Tennessee. The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is coming to the region for two events. 411 Motor Speedway in Seymour, Tenn. will host its first ever national touring series race on Friday night with that series then moving up I-81 to Bulls Gap, Tenn. for a Saturday night showdown at the Volunteer Speedway.
And to further add to the potential “bigness” of the weekend, the Lucas Oil Series recently announced that the races they originally had scheduled for Friday and Saturday have been cancelled. That, of course, opens the door for some of those stars to possibly join in for these two $10,000-to-win shows.
Like every other racing event scheduled so far in 2018, the weather will no doubt be a determining factor. But otherwise, these races hold the promise for a couple of stellar fields and packed grandstands.
Michael: Unfortunately, the weather will be the focal point as the week moves along. Let’s hope things begin to look better as the week progresses.
I have talked to a few people on Lucas teams and it seems that many will take the weekend off to prepare for The Dream at Eldora Speedway next weekend. Some of the closer teams may opt to race this weekend with the World of Outlaws. Of course, these types of plans are rarely set in stone.
The last few World of Outlaws shows in this area have not fared well regarding attendance. As I mentioned in my latest Quick Six blog, I was curious to see if race fans in this area aren’t as interested in the series when neither Bloomquist nor Owens compete in these events or if other factors are at play. I was curious to see what attendance would be like before the Lucas cancellation. My theory may have to wait until next year. Myself, I enjoy the competition of either series regardless of who is racing. Too many fans focus on who isn’t there instead of who is there.
Brandon Overton will be among the WoO regulars competing this weekend
Richard: Excellent point regarding what people sometimes tend to focus on. I believe the 411 crowd will be huge simply because of the fact that neither national series has ever been to that track. And, Volunteer has not hosted the WoO Late Models in several years either so I think that race will also do well.
With the lack of experience some of the drivers and teams have on these two tracks, I think that sets up well for guys like Chris Madden and Mike Marlar who have raced so often in this area throughout their careers. But of course, there is a tremendous amount of talent on this tour so it isn’t like guys such as Brandon Sheppard, Shane Clanton, or Rick Eckert are going to be completely out to lunch.
One team I will be paying particular attention to this weekend is that of driver Brandon Overton. Many had high hopes for the Randy Weaver/Chip Stone organization coming into the season but inconsistency has plagued the No. 116. This crew could really use a couple of good runs this weekend racing close to home and it looks as if momentum may have swung in their favor after capturing a $10,000 win last weekend in Indiana.
What will you be paying attention to?
Michael: At 411, there are so many drivers that have little to no time on the track that I’ll be looking to see how quickly these drivers adapt to the unique track. At Volunteer, I’ll be looking to see if anyone can top Dale McDowell if he’s there. McDowell has won the last three super late model races at Volunteer.
