BUDDIES BLOGS - Jim Clarke
Jim’s
Journey’s
By Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications
July
8, 2009
My
race chasing so far this year has come down to one word.
That word is “iffy”. When
my friends think about me joining them on a road trip, they always say
‘he’ll be there iffy isn’t working’.
When I think of going somewhere on my own, I always check the weather
first and usually every weekend, it’s been iffy.
Of course, depending on the venue, the same word could also apply to a
driver’s chance of winning a race...iffy doesn’t crash or
break.
Friday,
July 3rd: Kawartha
Speedway
As
I headed west on the 401 for my weekly trek to Kawartha Speedway, the weather
was bright and sunny – albeit windy. I
didn’t mind, because as a former boy scout I was prepared and had
packed a sweater. That said, the
closer I got to the track, I noticed a dark cloud hanging over the area.
I checked to make sure my cell phone was on, just in case I’d missed a
call. Once on the grounds, promoter
Derek Lynch asked if I had driven through any rain along the way.
I said that I hadn’t, but Cindy Kenyon – who comes to the track from
the
Despite
the lingering threat of showers, we still managed to get a full show in the
books – completing the 3 division show in less than 3 hours.
Kawartha
klips: Two new late model drivers
made an appearance Friday night – likely looking to get some track time for
Sunday, July 12th ACT Summer Sizzler.
Jonathan Urlin brought-out his #4 machine, while Bruce Rankin raced his
#55
Saturday,
July 4th: My living room
couch
I’d
planned on heading to Brockville Speedway Saturday night, where the Super
DIRTcar Sportsman Series was to be part of a regular show.
Something in the back of my mind told me I should check my answering
machine before I left work and headed to the track.
I didn’t think there was anything iffy about the weather
– but remember, I used to be a boy scout so I wanted to be prepared. A
call from my friend Craig Revelle earlier in the day said Friday’s rain had
left the track grounds saturated and it was too wet to race.
Plan
‘B’ involved watching the NASCAR race from Daytona and after a quick stop on
the way home for a fresh supply of Ruffles, I settled-in for the night.
Checking my ‘Clarke Motorsports Communications’ group on Facebook, I
saw that some of my friends – including DIRTcar racer Todd Stewart and his
family – had the same idea, right down to the potato chips.
Some
of the NASCAR TV coverage leaves a lot to be desired.
I applaud what TNT is trying to do with their Summer Series, but I wonder
if a pre-race show that goes on for almost 2 hours is really necessary?
Give us some details, show the race and let us go to bed.
Ask any short track promoter and they’ll tell you that the best show
lasts about 3 hours. Whether I’m
in the grandstands or in front of the television, I’ll admit my attention
starts to drift after about 3 hours. Luckily,
I’d programmed my VCR to tape the race and finished watching it Sunday morning
over a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios.
I
picked-up the coverage with about 40 laps remaining.
Just as he had been for most of the race, Tony Stewart was leading and
his crew was doing an amazing job of getting the #14 car on and off pit road.
Then, someone started talking about weather.
I had no idea the forecast was iffy but then thought back
to the extra-long pre-race show. Luckily,
there was no rain to shorten the race and Stewart was able to battle Kyle Busch
for the win.
At
the risk of offending the Kyle Busch fans, I have to wonder what he was
thinking. He tried to block Stewart
3 times before he finally got turned and caused a huge wreck.
I’ve heard all the talk about second place being the first loser but
this arrogant, egotistical kid made a selfish move at 200 miles an hour.
It not only tore-up a lot of good racing equipment, it could very well
have cost someone serious injury or their life.
I think someone needs to have a fatherly chat with young Kyle.
This
week: Thursday, July 9th
– Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series big block tour at Brockville Ontario
Speedway. Sunday, July 12th
– American-Canadian Tour Summer Sizzler 200 at Kawartha Speedway.
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