The 2014 race season has drawn to a close and there are plenty of things to be thankful for if you are a fan, racer, or anyone else involved in the sport. Here are some of the top things racing people should be thankful for.
1. Plenty of places to race. There were plenty of places to race, especially toward the end of the 2014 season. One track came back from the dead (I-75 Raceway, formerly Murphy Speedway) and another staved off death (Cleveland Speedway). By September, there were 8 dirt tracks open just in East Tennessee. That is the most tracks that have been open in thos area since the early 2000’s.
The grand opening of I-75 Raceway
2. Lots of special events. There were no shortage of special events in this area in 2014. Though a few were cancelled because of weather, race fans could find something different to see each week. It was a real treat to see the caliber of drivers that were here in March for the two NDRL events at Smoky Mountain Speedway.
Close racing at the NDRL race.
3. Good racing. There was some really good racing this year in the area, overall. One complaint from folks outside the area is they think our racing is too one-grooved and not very exciting. That could not be said for much of 2014. Sure, there were a few snoozers. But everywhere gets that from time to time. This had to be one of the better years of racing, in some time, for this area.
4. Great crowds. The promoters in this area have to be thankful for the great crowds in 2014. Three tracks saw some of the biggest attendance they have ever seen for a single event. Many other events were well attended. One wonders if #3 and #4 are directly related in some way.
The crowded grandstands at Smoky Mountain Speedway’s Lucas Oil race.
5. People of the sport. Everyone that loves racing should be thankful for the people of this sport. Whether it be the racers themselves, the track workers, crew members, or anyone else, the show cannot go on without these people. Most of them put in many hours to do what they and we love. A good number of them get little to no money for doing what they do, but come back each week to do it again. Those folks deserve our thanks.
And thank you, the readers of Inside Dirt Racing. We are nearing our one-year anniversary of our site. It has been a great year for us and we look forward to many more. The response has been tremendous. Richard Allen and myself are thankful for each one of you. And thank you to our wonderful sponsors who have helped us out this first year.
