The famed covered grandstand at Eldora will be empty this weekend but someone will still claim a victory at the historic track
Even there were no fans in the stands and the race didn’t run on its traditional date, Takuma Sato still won his second Indianapolis 500 last month. Even though the race this past weekend may not have had the same electric energy provided by always enthusiastic spectators that are normally on hand at Monza, Pierre Gasly still will go down as the winner of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix. Kevin Harvick can add a Southern 500 victory at Darlington to his list of NASCAR accomplishments even though there were only a limited number of spectators who were allowed to see it in person.
Those drivers will always remember what was accomplished on those days even if the atmosphere was not exactly the same as has been the case in years gone by. Those races and those places are still historic even without the fans.
This weekend Dirt Late Model racers will head to what many consider that form of the sport’s most historic venue on the same weekend that they would have been heading there had there not been a pandemic to occur. But, unfortunately, the passionate fans who typically ring Ohio’s Eldora Speedway will not be in attendance. And furthermore, the event will not carry its traditional name.
The World 100, which would have gone off this weekend had it not been for restrictions resulting from the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, will not run in its usual form in 2020. Instead, the Tony Stewart-owned track will play host to an invitational event known as the Intercontinental Classic which will offer up $10,000-to-win features on Thursday and Friday nights then a $50,000-to-win main event on Saturday evening.
A total of 44 drivers received an invitation to compete in the makeshift races that will be aired live on a subscription basis by FloRacing.com. Another four racers were voted into the event by fans who participated in an online poll.
No, it won’t be the same. There won’t be as many cars in the pit area. There won’t be a wildly cheering crowd to be heard when the winner emerges from his car in the stage-like victory lane. There won’t be a prestigious Globe Trophy handed to the winner.
But just like those drivers named in the opening paragraph of this piece, the winners this weekend will still be able to claim that they have won at “The Big E”.
I, as much as anyone, wish we were about to take in the World 100 this weekend. Unfortunately, that isn’t going to happen. However, I am glad there is something to watch. It absolutely beats how things were back in March and April when there was nothing going on.
So, no, this isn’t what we all would like for it to be. But at the same time, it is still a great field of cars assembled at one of auto racing’s most historic venues.
It’s not the same Eldora … but it is.
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