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THE INFIELD
By Paul Pittman
"Teams, Themes and Expectations"
Stevens Point, WI: Wow, it’s really been three months since my last
column? Hard to believe but in defense, and though it may sound like
just an excuse, I have been very busy. Those close to me know it and
know what is going on so I will not bother the rest of you with the
details. Enough said there.
Hey, opening day 2006 and time for new teams, schemes and
expectations. I’ll address each individually for the sake of
simplicity.
• Teams: While many of the loyal were on hand, there were a few teams
returning after spending a year or two in other endeavors. First,
welcome back to Dave Enders and Todd King. Dave has formally announced
that 2006 will be his farewell season and has elected to run most of the
IRA series shows in 2006. Of course, finances will ultimately dictate
just how many shows are run, but never the less, it was good to see Dave
and crew back in the pit area and there was a certain feeling of
relaxation around the 51E. Maybe it was just me (or it could have been
gas). Todd also had a certain positive feeling when talking to him.
Almost a home coming of sorts. The former Rookie of the Year has had his
ups and downs, but one thing you can never say is that Todd gives up.
That, with the fact that he knows how to relate to the media and keep
them informed, along with his very capable talents behind the wheel
should make him one to watch once he focuses. Also on hand Saturday
night were Tim Haddy, Robie Pribnow, Todd Lehr and Alex Blisner. These
guys have the desire, all they need are the breaks. I can’t speak for
anyone else, but I’ll be watching these guys in the future. Why?
Because although some guys take advantage of certain shows just to try
and cash in or make an appearance for the sake of argument, to try and
make a show and to work your butts off to be ready for the opener on a
half mile shows qualities that are above and beyond simply racing just
to say “I’m a race car driver”. There are a thousand guys out
there like that. Noticeably absent was last year’s Rookie of the Year,
Billy Balog. Since the 2005 season ended, Billy and his father have
bought out the Coleman racing operation and have run a 360 already this
season at Cedar Lake. No real clue as to their intentions so it’s hard
to speculate any further, so I won’t. Time will tell that story. There
was some speculation as to Joe Roe’s retirement, and for the life of
me, I do not know why. Joe made it quite clear that last year was his
last full year. No he did not rule out a ride once in a while,
especially for special shows, but for now, don’t expect to see the #61
in the pits any time too soon. In fact, Robbie Zorn is now helping out
Scott Cowman on Mike Reinke’s 02. As a quick refresher, Robbie was
instrumental in helping to develop Scott’s Velocity Wings which donned
a full third of the IRA field on Saturday. Other new teams included
Scott Young in the #1H. Scott’s influence on this team was obvious.
Yeah, Scott has his work cut out for him but the point is, that work
will be much easier having the potent equipment behind them that they
do. That much was obvious during the first part of the A Main. Watching
Scott keep Craig Dollansky at bay was hard to describe. Watching Scott
get caught in the catch fence was even harder to describe. In over 30
years of being involved in this sport, I have never seen a car stop that
fast a full speed. Afterward, I talked to Scott personally to see if he
was ok. Scott gave me that trademark grin and simply stated, “better
than the car.” All I can say is, there is no substitute for quality
safety equipment. Be warned. If this team gets the financial backing
they are looking for, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
• The Schemes this year are interesting and sharp. Last year, it
seemed the color white was the thing to have. This year, black seems to
be the tone. Travis Whitney and Scott Young both have sharp paint
schemes based on the color. In addition Scott Biertzer’s primary car
is quite a bit darker. (OK, Snively Whiplash, it’s not black but a
dark navy blue.) But it’s still dark! K.J. Skelton’s sleeker look is
primarily due to the change of sponsorships, but I like it. Of course,
may cars still maintained their older schemes but their were some minor
changes. Ty Bartz is sporting more yellow, but a more balanced
combination with the traditional purple. Kim Mock showed up with a
throwback to something looking like Sammy Swindell’s old Channel Lock
car (only not quite as bright) but Kim did finally put to rest many of
the rumors from last year. Same sponsors and support, just more focused
and with Robby Punzell back in the shop, Kim showed everyone that he has
the spring back in his step. Kim also shared that he has a couple other
looks for 2006. Sounds to me like he plans on keeping everyone guessing
in 06. Nothing wrong with that! By far though, the most interesting
scheme was Ryan Irwins “Bull’s Eye”. The side “pod” look was a
throwback look to the 70’s which some of us could appreciate and it
would appear that Ryan and company seem to be picking up the torch laid
down by Fred Ebler in coming up with new and unique schemes. Again,
there is nothing wrong with that at all. I have always said that the
only thing limiting us is our imagination. Looks like the limits are a
lot broader in that camp.
• The expectations of most are, of course, to win! Why else would you
race? Some have bigger aspirations as well. Championships and moving up
the ladder. That all comes with time. In talking with Scotty Neitzel on
Saturday, he was very realistic and candid, basically stating that he
has been blessed with good luck and a great team the past two years and
that can change at any time. Well, we all know how that goes, but I
admire the fact that Scotty is focused even still and not letting his
guard down. Many at this point simply take a lot of things for granted,
thinking they either have things covered or worse, they are above and
beyond the mistakes and bad luck. Bad attitude that usually gets one in
trouble. While it may be hard to believe or even conceive, the 2W team
is even more focused than before. They are unified and experienced. A
very, very, dangerous combination, if of course you are competing
against them. I guess the only thing else I have to say is on a personal
level here and, once again, I am sure I will catch some flak for it but,
as many of you know, I don’t much care and worse yet, am used to it.
It is very easy to fall into a feeling that because you have been
busting your butt all night, come feature time, you can slow down and
take your time. There are a few that play the mind game and do not want
to be the first one in line but damn it, the fans pay to see a race and
they do not want to sit in the cold wondering why no one is ready to
race after being called and everything trackside is waiting on them.
There is no excuse for it. Now I know that Steve was doing his best to
try and get guys rounded up. The problem is that he needs the help of
the teams. Ultimately, it is up to the teams to get their car up to
staging. Maybe my expectations are too high? From a fan point of view
though, I don’t think it’s asking too much for teams to have their
cars in staging for the feature at midnight when you have been sitting
in the stands with the wind blowing and temperatures in the low 40s and
cooler. Before you start bitching at me for this guys, remember, they
are the reason you are able to enjoy races like this. This isn’t just
aimed at the IRA (gentlemen, please take notice) but at everyone in the
pit area. I am challenging all teams competing to look at their time
management skills and start making sure they are ready to go when
prompted. Face it, from a PR standpoint, it sucks to have to try and
explain where your cars are when they have already been called long ago
to join the party. There are several ways to keep this from happening.
Penalties ranging from loss of positions to fines have been threatened,
but until it’s enforced, it’s all just talk. So there, am I
expecting too much?
Well, there you go. Sorry to leave a little bit of a negative taste
in your mouth at the end there, but as I have said before, if the shoe
fits wear it. If you take offense to it and want to get mad at me for
saying it, then you had better be one of the ones sitting in staging at
the end of the previous race waiting for everyone else. But then, hey,
if that was the case, one would think that you’d be pissed too. It
will be a few weeks before I get to another IRA show because of other
commitments so, if you want to throw your complaints my way, you can
send them to me at paul@arppix.com. (Yeah, thanks to spammers, I have
had to change it). SO until then, go fast and turn left!
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Paul Pittman
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