Forum: Oklahomatidbits.com General Forum (go)
Moderators:  /  David Smith Jr

As someone who rates as no more than a fan, I have no idea how hard it is to drive a race car on dirt, but it looks like it would be plenty challenging. I hope the drivers of those cars understand that most of us sitting up there in the bleachers have a lot of respect for how hard it must be and only a few people, all of whom are out of touch with reality, sit up there thinking they could do better.

Having said that, I also hope the drivers, especially the newers ones, know that we respect someone that picks up seat time by tagging the back of the field. Personally, I think it's fun to watch a driver develop. In recent years, I remember some of those that were mentioned on another thread and it was impressive to me how quickly they went from running in the back to being able to run more competitively.

There is no disgrace at all in starting on the back of the field. The fans and more experienced drivers respect it, and everyone that owns any of the equipment respects it. Maybe pride isn't the thing that keeps some drivers from vacating a pole or front row position, but if it is, I just wanted to say that you don't have to think we're sitting up in the stands thinking any less of you if you do.

"I'd pay $15 to watch a sprint car sit still."

This is the way it used to work. First week you start at the back. Made sense, you got lapped two-three times. Next week you started on the pole with all these wolves behind you. You start thinking about all the work on the car, the bills that had to be paid, sacrifices made. Until you feel good enough to run with them which takes time, and it will come, if you're like I was, you can't wait to get out of thier way so you can concentrate on learning how to drive. Everyone has to get through it sometime. The kids who run the micros get this intimidation out of the way early.

There are a few who just drop in and go. If they're good, they're a natural, if they're not, they're stupid.

I only drove a few times by the way and never amounted to much on the track. My life just didn't have it in the cards.

Have to give a hand up to Clyde at I-44. When we started mini-sprints, we had a yellow ribbon on our car that stayed through-out the ROOKIE SEASON and started on the back for at least 3 weeks, if Clyde felt we were able, then he moved us up to our POINT AVERAGE position. I believe SFS should consider taking the same stance, regardless of how long it takes a driver to reach the point of being able to take his position

Sheila.

When I first started racing at SFS, I was made to start at the back by my GREAT friend, my Mentor, and Hero D.E. (Gene) Suggs. He absolutly would not allow me to start up front until I gained a little experience, car control, and learned track protocal. Suggs insisted I start on the back for my first full season at SFS.

I kinda, sorta, almost, think he knew what he was talking about.