PennDirt
09-27-2015, 05:39 PM
We take Specials for granted. We assume if one is promoted, cars and fans will come. We also have a habit of proportionally judging the value of the event on its car count. So when you see this poster advertising a two-day late model show it's no big deal.
http://i.imgur.com/N8oDKJQ.png
But what if this special is in Alaska? And what if this special is on an Island in Alaska? And what if this track that reopened in 2015 has no late models on its entire island? or even a road system for people in its handful of towns scattered about on the island to get to the track? Sounds pretty hopeless.
And imagine a two-day show that only had 4 DLMs and 10 stockers? Ooooh the internet crucifixion would be brutal, barbaric and bloody.
Yes, those four late model drivers. Let's talk about that part.
This special held at Kodiak Island Raceway was salvaged by dual efforts and much help from 'neighboring' track Twin Cities Raceway in Kenia, Alaska.
http://i.imgur.com/867sNWI.png
Kodiak Island Racing Association knew in advance that they would have to come up with a financial plan to entice drivers to make the long, expensive trip by ferry and even if they could fundraise enough money to defray the 1000 dollar round trip, who would actually take them up on the offer?
On the surface, any driver knew this was a losing proposition. There surely couldn't be enough gate money to pay for this trip. Even if the 13.20-per-foot ferry ride was free, there were many other associated cost.
On top of all things racing-related, the returning ferry didn't depart until Tuesday morning and wouldn't dock until Tuesday afternoon so there's two working days lost.
http://i.imgur.com/NopxG3l.png
So, while our forum existence revolves around handicapping formats for top-flight series and drivers, armchair promoting cash prize distributions and arguing over crown jewels, these four racers just went to a race. An improbable race, at that. Yes, there are other good stories in our sport. We just rarely discuss them. However, I don't think this story can be beat in terms of selflessness and dedication to the sport we love.
In my next post, I'll add a few links where you can read more about it, see a few pictures and some videos. 4M has links limits per post (not sure why)
http://i.imgur.com/N8oDKJQ.png
But what if this special is in Alaska? And what if this special is on an Island in Alaska? And what if this track that reopened in 2015 has no late models on its entire island? or even a road system for people in its handful of towns scattered about on the island to get to the track? Sounds pretty hopeless.
And imagine a two-day show that only had 4 DLMs and 10 stockers? Ooooh the internet crucifixion would be brutal, barbaric and bloody.
Yes, those four late model drivers. Let's talk about that part.
This special held at Kodiak Island Raceway was salvaged by dual efforts and much help from 'neighboring' track Twin Cities Raceway in Kenia, Alaska.
http://i.imgur.com/867sNWI.png
Kodiak Island Racing Association knew in advance that they would have to come up with a financial plan to entice drivers to make the long, expensive trip by ferry and even if they could fundraise enough money to defray the 1000 dollar round trip, who would actually take them up on the offer?
On the surface, any driver knew this was a losing proposition. There surely couldn't be enough gate money to pay for this trip. Even if the 13.20-per-foot ferry ride was free, there were many other associated cost.
On top of all things racing-related, the returning ferry didn't depart until Tuesday morning and wouldn't dock until Tuesday afternoon so there's two working days lost.
http://i.imgur.com/NopxG3l.png
So, while our forum existence revolves around handicapping formats for top-flight series and drivers, armchair promoting cash prize distributions and arguing over crown jewels, these four racers just went to a race. An improbable race, at that. Yes, there are other good stories in our sport. We just rarely discuss them. However, I don't think this story can be beat in terms of selflessness and dedication to the sport we love.
In my next post, I'll add a few links where you can read more about it, see a few pictures and some videos. 4M has links limits per post (not sure why)