TST Ice Bowl ????

[Rocky]

Hard to believe that the season has gotten so far.

What’s the weather usually like there in early January?

Are the classes they show on the website as weekly all they run?

If a guy was to go, are hotel rooms usually booked up? I can’t imagine they would be given that there’s a huge Superspeedway right there.

Do hotels charge higher prices for racing related people there?

How many Steel head late models usually show up?

What’s the actual size of the track? For gearing purposes..

[champion24]

I'll take a stab!! 30+ at night, to 80(2 years ago?) for a high!! And everywhere in between!! Maybe up to 10 classes. No to hotels. 30+ llm.

[champion24]

Can't help on gear!!

[Rocky]

Thumbs up! I probably won't be going.At least not this time around. But maybe. We'll see how the car upgrade goes.

[champion24]

The Ice Bowl doesn't bother us as much as it does other folks!! It's early in the year after all!! Not a big football guy!! Would much rather see racing! I really think the racing is better in January!! We'll be at Dega in 3 weeks anyway!

[Rocky]

I would love to. But there's a couple 800 lb gorrillas in the room with me and it has to work out juuuuust right. Things are different around here now. I used to get drunk and talk about doing stuff. Now I actually do stuff. Fingers crossed,
.

[Hoosier]

If you love qualifying, you'll love the Ice Bowl. One unhappy qualifier a couple years ago burned down the tower.

[riddle28]

its 1/3 mile, big 1/4. 6.50ish gearing to turn around 8,000

[Wells Racing Photos]

The Ice Bowl is definitely an event everyone needs to get to once in their life, as stated I've been there in the 30s and there in the 80s, also been there in mud to my knees (this past year) and dry bones.

Classes: Supers, TST Sportsman / Limiteds, Supers, Durrence-Layne Street Stock, Durrence-Layne Crates (604), Kajun Mini Stocks, Durrence-Layne Sportsman (602), Durrence-Layne Modified Sportsman, Factory Stock/Pure Stock and Hot Shots (FWD)

I booked a room the week of and paid $80 this past year.

Believe there were 35 limiteds in 2019

[Rocky]

Thanks guys.

I forget sometimes it’s 2019 and there’s videos of everything on YouTube. I watched the B main and the feature last night. Looks like a good time.

[Late_Model_Mark]

Rocky, I will answer your questions here and at any time. Hotels in the area are "off" season when the Ice Bowl comes around. Many options within minutes and under 10. 15, or 20 minutes.

The weather can be wet and gloomy, flippin cold, decent and gloomy, or real nice for January like we have had the last couple of years.

Last year we had 337 cars, actually more but the rundown after some wrecks and scratches was this
Supers-42
Limiteds-32
DL(604) Late Models-48
DL(602) LM Sportsman-42
Modifieds-15
Street Stocks-43
Hot Shots-48
Factory Stocks-18
Kajun Mini Stocks-35

Last year weather bit us on practice day Thursday. Then it rained most of the morning further make the pits a mess but things got rolling under heavy, grey skies on Friday afternoon and then it was on.

Saturday starts at 10:00 with hot laps for all classes. Then time trials for all except the Modifieds and Hot Shots. That does take some time. After that all classes run "meaningfull" qualifying heat races, you have to race your way into the feature. The Hot Shots will run their main event on Saturday.

Sunday begins at 12:00 with B-mains to set the field then of course that main events.

Please remember with a event of this size, lots of folks that camp, it is a real good social gathering. You will make friends that you may see thru the year or once a year at the Ice Bowl. You get way more on track action and social interaction than the admission charge.

This is a gathering were a race breaks out. We are easy here at TST, no hassles, easy cooler policy, friendly staff, no curfews and plenty of parking and space.

While there is 1 who does not think so and came up with a motto that raised the ire of most of the South, the Ice Bowl is indeed a "race that matters." 337 cars matters baby. Hope ya make it, the festivities after the races is sumpthin to be a part of.


Late Model Mark
2010 Talladega Short Track Ice Bowl Announcer

[Rocky]

Rocky, I will answer your questions here and at any time. Hotels in the area are "off" season when the Ice Bowl comes around. Many options within minutes and under 10. 15, or 20 minutes.

The weather can be wet and gloomy, flippin cold, decent and gloomy, or real nice for January like we have had the last couple of years.

Last year we had 337 cars, actually more but the rundown after some wrecks and scratches was this
Supers-42
Limiteds-32
DL(604) Late Models-48
DL(602) LM Sportsman-42
Modifieds-15
Street Stocks-43
Hot Shots-48
Factory Stocks-18
Kajun Mini Stocks-35

Last year weather bit us on practice day Thursday. Then it rained most of the morning further make the pits a mess but things got rolling under heavy, grey skies on Friday afternoon and then it was on.

Saturday starts at 10:00 with hot laps for all classes. Then time trials for all except the Modifieds and Hot Shots. That does take some time. After that all classes run "meaningfull" qualifying heat races, you have to race your way into the feature. The Hot Shots will run their main event on Saturday.

Sunday begins at 12:00 with B-mains to set the field then of course that main events.

Please remember with a event of this size, lots of folks that camp, it is a real good social gathering. You will make friends that you may see thru the year or once a year at the Ice Bowl. You get way more on track action and social interaction than the admission charge.

This is a gathering were a race breaks out. We are easy here at TST, no hassles, easy cooler policy, friendly staff, no curfews and plenty of parking and space.

While there is 1 who does not think so and came up with a motto that raised the ire of most of the South, the Ice Bowl is indeed a "race that matters." 337 cars matters baby. Hope ya make it, the festivities after the races is sumpthin to be a part of.


Late Model Mark
2010 Talladega Short Track Ice Bowl Announcer

I like the sound of all of that Mark. The one coming up is really iffy with my work schedule, but the one after that sounds like something that I will do for sure. It’s a long tow, but it’s closer than St. Louis. One of my all time favorite races was something just like that back home, called the Dealers Choice. Hundreds of cars, sketchy weather and lots of fun.

Hey, you’re the fella in the videos I watched!

[Late_Model_Mark]

It will be a fun time whenever you make it, door is wide open, maybe you can have some of the moonshine.......I mean some tasty clear stuff when you come, some Bamashine. LOL


Late Model Mark
TST Announcer

[Rocky]

It will be a fun time whenever you make it, door is wide open, maybe you can have some of the moonshine.......I mean some tasty clear stuff when you come, some Bamashine. LOL


Late Model Mark
TST Announcer

Cool, but I think I shall spare y’all having to listen to me after drinking too much. I’ll have some clear Bama water.

[stock car driver]

Id call it a larger 1/4 mile. I won the street stock race in 2010 or 2011. The boy I gave that huge trophy to should be racing there by now!

[Late_Model_Mark]

The track has been measured at .333 of a mile. The banking is about 17 degrees.

Track record is a 12.42 set by Jason Hiett in March of 2018. Two of the sickest laps I have ever witnessed at TST as Jason broke Brett Holmes 5-year old mark of 12.93.

In hot laps of that opening night show Hiett truly blistered the place with 3 unofficial laps of 12.22,12.23 and the third another 12.22. He slightly and I mean slightly burped the gas in 3, other than that it was matted, awesome.

Here before you know it, the 2010 Ice Bowl, a race that truly matters in the South.


Late Model Mark
TST Announcer

[Rocky]

Isn’t it the 2020 Ice Bowl?

.333, 17 degrees of banking. That sounds awesome to me!

[Rocky]

If you look at my signature, every one of those races matter. Even the one I went to at Rattlesnake Raceway in Fallon, Nevada where the track announcer didn’t show up and they had about 25 cars total. The Ice Bowl certainly matters. Heck, I am asking about it months in advance. Seems like a big deal to me.

[dirt crow]

Long post. And I hate long post, typing em, hardly ever read em, but here I go....

Rocky. Gonna clear the air here. The endless race that matters line is directed at me. Little background. TST is my local track. I’m 46 years old. Been going to dirt races since middle school. I have both raced and spectated. But I’m strictly a fan now. Have been for years. I hardly go to TST anymore because they rarely offer what I like in my racing. Years ago I’d sit through 5, 6, 7 support classes but I don’t anymore. It bores me. I’m a special event super late model guy. I feel like the majority of super late model fans, 2 support classes are enough.

Now speaking on the Ice Bowl. Back in January Ice Bowl weekend, on a 4m Ice Bowl thread, I made the following comment. This is not verbatim but close. I was ask by someone if I was coming or why I’m not coming, in my answer I said something to the effect I’m saving my money or waiting for a race that matters, meaning I’ll go to a event that matters to me that I wanna see. Well L L Mark and a few others got their panties all up their tw@ts by that, Mark being the worse. He has went on and on about it and still is. So After a week or so of off and on crying I thought I’ll proclaim all the races I go to this year the “Races that Matters” Tour. A joke of course with a touch of as$hole coming outta me. A couple months after the Ice Bowl on another thread all this started up again. I explained myself again what Races that Matters means. Ice Bowl doesn’t matter to me (I’ll explain why shortly), Ice Bowl matters to others, and so on and so forth. Everybody knows what they like. And when you know that, go for it. As Mark has put, and truly beat to death, 300 plus cars comes. That’s great! Go race and enjoy. Spectators too. So moving on....

The reasons I don’t go anymore... It’s a 4 day event. By Sunday most, and let me be clear for all the saps out there, MOST of the time the track is one groove by Sunday, hardly any passing, train race around the bottom. There have been times when the rains have helped the racing and Stokes is on staff. But the majority of Ice Bowl history, speaking of the supers, hardly a competitive pass or lead change on Sunday. That’s A Fact!! TST on a one night show provides pretty good racing. 4 days, no. But that’s true for pretty much anywhere unless serious farming goes on. ...Another reason, the Ice Bowl only draws a handful of big names. Fact! The kind of fan I am prefers the biggest names. A full field of em. See my signature below. That’s what I like. That’s what I’m gonna pay for the majority of the time. ...Another reason, speaking just for me, I hate going to races where 4 classes look exactly the same. If I’m not mistaken the Ice Bowl features Supers, crates, 602’s, 604’s, something like that. That ain’t my thing. ...Another reason, weather. That’s kinda picky of me I know, but still. Lol

Now little bit on Mark. He’s now white collar. Once blue collar and seen things just like I do. Maybe not as vocal as me publicly, but privately, yes. That’s the Mark I miss. The Mark I went to races with before he began announcing. The Mark that went to Eldora with me and my crew the year Hartman won, sat with us, had a blast. The Mark that has spoken to me and been critical of traveling series and how they do stuff. The Mark that knows, he knows TST runs way too many d@mn hot laps. Well, to be fair on that one, maybe he’s told the powers to be at TST there’s no since in 6 plus hot laps each session. Who knows. Hopefully he has. I could go on but that’s enough. But I really hope he gives the race that matters, truly matters in the south sh!t a rest. Gees. Where’s the rolled eyes option.

So it’s coming up Rocky. I don’t know what you like in racing but if you like several classes and tons of cars the Ice Bowl is definitely for you. As is several other events in the south. And your from Missouri? I55 Speedway and West Plains. Been there. Awesome tracks. I’m jealous.

....in closing let me take the time to invite my fan club to now comment below. You know who you are! Don’t let me down! Lol!!!! (Not referring to you here Mark. Those 3 other sad cases, and perhaps more)

[dirt crow]

Can’t edit. I meant 6 plus laps hot lap sessions.

[dirt crow]

Lol!!! Ok Rocky. I misread. I seen you say St. Louis above and I took it you was from Missouri. My bad. Lol

[Rocky]

Nope, never even been to Missouri. Lol. My stomping grounds are Northeastern North Carolina not exactly Super central . I was looking for a race in the middle of the winter. I have a limited I do that part time (I kinda suck) , the Ice Bowl has limiteds .What do I like in racing? Cars going in circles I suppose. I didn't come back to 4m to argue with anybody. I like watching the big guns too, but that's not really something I can do very much. If you're going to races, good on you.

What races matter? All of 'em to somebody. You don't seem like you'd disagree about that. When I don't drive, I help my buddy with a Street Stock and we got the best out crew award last season. We're proud of that plastic trophy lol. But I don't think I am Tommy Hicks or nothing either lol. And I don't expect you to wanna watch.

My entire stance on life is it's none of my business what anybody else thinks of me and I don't want to push my beliefs off on anybody else. That's new for me starting January 26 2018.

I am 42 and went to my first stock car races in the mid eighties.

[dirt crow]

Well put. Good luck to you and your buddy. Finish the year strong.

And I apologize for what might turn into an argument on your thread. Hopefully not.

[Rocky]

Well put. Good luck to you and your buddy. Finish the year strong.

And I apologize for what might turn into an argument on your thread. Hopefully not.

We finished 5th in points with the street stock we have one more race with the late model. (Was supposed to have 2 but work gotta pay for all this somehow ) A race that matters called the race for the kids at County Line Raceway, $5000 to win FUEL late models co sanctioned with the I95 challenge series. $5000 to win Modifieds too. The race benefits Victory Junction. So yessir it actually matters to those kids. I am like 35th in I95 points, so maybe we can make a big move lol.

[dirt crow]

Well good luck. And hey. Your speaking to a former 4 banger, limited, and super driver. And I really am not trying to knock lower classes. I was one. I got friends that are. Heck some of your biggest super names once drove an old bomber. I just have developed into a certain kinda fan over the years. Some things interest me, some don’t now. I’ll say this. If I lived in the Midwest, I’d definitely be a modified fan. I seen those boys put on a show at Farmer City and Fairbury. Good stuff. ...but best of luck to yall.

[Rocky]

Actually, that’s a race that’s a hidden gem. And it’s for a good cause. I think we’re going to have street stock also. But it hasn’t been Supers in a couple years it’s not a horsepower track though our local limiteds could run up front when it was Ultimate. But probably all the big names we’ll get will be in modified, Strickler, Hoffman, etc.

[Rocky]

Thanks. I wasn’t jumping on the races that matter thing. It’s for charity. It really actually does lol. I went to a Wild West IMCA race this summer the top 5 in modified national points were there. Like 40 mods 24 sport mods, it was pretty crazy.

[B_K]

If you don’t take yourself too seriously, enjoy being out racing in January, and like the atmosphere of an event just as much as the actual event, you should go. It’s a good time, a weird in a good way field, and a chance to hit somewhere new.

If you’re a supposed blue collar who thumbs his nose at local drivers, whines about everything like a Swedish teenager at a UN Meeting, and basically feels like everything should be catered to you, you should just go hang out at Crow’s house.

Good luck if you make the trip Rocky.

[dirt crow]

That was beautiful. Lol

[Rocky]

I want to go, but since I posted this, some very very good news happened to our race team, the current car is probably gonna be in pieces for a very badly needed chassis upgrade. Depends on what I can use off the old heap. Fuel cell, brakes, hubs. I hope.

[Rocky]

The Ice Bowl money would go far in making this happen. Maybe in 21, we can bring a contender to Alabama.

[Late_Model_Mark]

You know DC, you are correct, I have worn the matter thing out, no more, scouts honor. Your post was succinct and fair as you explored a vast amount of viewpoints. I should have thrown a lol in there, 98% was the ole tongue in cheek thing. I value your friendship and will strive to gain back your favor. You are always welcome at TST.

While some may not care for it, a strong/large back gate is vital to a tracks health as well as front gate and concession sales. We do like to give the racers in the region options to race a Late Model type car, it works for us. The support of the races in the Late Model classes has been pretty good. Lot of those boys like the Durrence Layne points trail and end of year goodies.

One last thing, our weekly shows are nicely run with hot laps starting between 7:00 and 7:15, SLM time trials at 8 or so and usually done between 10:30 and 11:00. That is with 7 classes, not to shabby.

Kinda interesting I was only a big show guy, but the last few years enjoying the weekly show more.

Late Model Mark
TST Announcer

[Rocky]

You know DC, you are correct, I have worn the matter thing out, no more, scouts honor. Your post was succinct and fair as you explored a vast amount of viewpoints. I should have thrown a lol in there, 98% was the ole tongue in cheek thing. I value your friendship and will strive to gain back your favor. You are always welcome at TST.

While some may not care for it, a strong/large back gate is vital to a tracks health as well as front gate and concession sales. We do like to give the racers in the region options to race a Late Model type car, it works for us. The support of the races in the Late Model classes has been pretty good. Lot of those boys like the Durrence Layne points trail and end of year goodies.

One last thing, our weekly shows are nicely run with hot laps starting between 7:00 and 7:15, SLM time trials at 8 or so and usually done between 10:30 and 11:00. That is with 7 classes, not to shabby.

Kinda interesting I was only a big show guy, but the last few years enjoying the weekly show more.

Late Model Mark
TST Announcer

Let me just say, as much as I love real steel street stock cars, their days are almost over especially when someone will practically give you a Black front end Rocket. A 602 class makes a lot of sense in 2020 and beyond.

[fastford]

thats fine for you mark , but i dont give 2 sh!ts about his favor , which i think you tried a while back when you cordially invited him to come sit in the tower as a gesture of good deed , which evidently he declined , ROCKY , this person is a glass half empty type person from what i gather , if god came down from the heavens and put on a race , DC would still have something negative to say , dont believe it ? then all you have to do is review his previous post , so as far as im concerned , NOTHING HE SAYS " MATTERS" , As far as the ice bowl goes , i have been going since the beginning , no matter what the weather does or what condition the track ends up in , the comradery is second to none , i have made good friends and connections there from a lot of places that i only get to see at this race , so i would say to you , if your the glass half empty type person and are only looking to nit pick every little thing , then this race is not for you , but , if you enjoy the things i mentioned above , then you will enjoy yourself and be welcomed with open arms , hope you can make it one day , and if you do , look me up and i will show you the real spirit of TST......

[dirt crow]

Ok. 2 sad cases has chimed in. 1 more and we’ll have the hat trick. Lol!!!!

[Rocky]

I have reached the part of the season where I kinda wish I was in a deer stand lol. We’re going to the Ice Bowl in the future. For sure.

[Late_Model_Mark]

Rocky, you gotta try Fastfords edible concoctions that he whips up to eat. He always brings me a bowl of something that is so dang tasty, I really look forward to his cookin'.

Like FF said, the comradery of the event is great, you will make many friends. Whenever you come I can fix you up with good times and great people, like my bud Fastford, you will find this guy a true person.


Late Model Mark
TST Announcer

[Rocky]

I really love events like that where you get a whole season worth of races in a weekend. I understand why it wouldn’t be for everybody though. The old Dealers Choice weekend has nearly 600 cars at the high water mark. It was something I looked forward to all year long. It was total sensory overload man. If I close my eyes and meditate I can still smell the campfire smoke and methanol and see all those cars. In short that Ice Bowl sounds like something that I miss deep in my soul. LOL

[Rocky]

What kinda guy hauls all the way to Alabama from Virginia Beach, Va to race a limited in January? The same kinda guy that takes it home on vacation and runs Super because there’s no limiteds there lol. I might even see if I can bring a few more North Carolina guys WHEN I eventually do this.

[Rocky]

Can’t edit, my home town is in Michigan. TST January weather sounds exactly like Michigan’s September weather. Maybe I can get a couple of those guys too.

[dirt crow]

The can’t edit on here needs to be addressed. And sometimes I can’t reply with quote either.

[Rocky]

Indeed. This is supposed to be a reply with quote.

[fastford]

ROCKY . in response to to your post #39 , a few years back , a fellow from up your way named joel rice decided to come down with his friends that been there the last few years , he enjoyed it so much that the next year he decided to bring his own car , with out any real thoughts of winning , and throw his hat in the ring for FUN , he unloaded , set fast time , lead every lap of his heat race and won the whole thing , sh!tty surface or not , that was a spectacle to witness

[fastford]

nothing sad here crow , like i said , all anyone has to do is review your previous post , either way , i was hoping you would have took marks offer up a while back , i was looking forward to meeting you in person , oh well..........

[Late_Model_Mark]

This Saturday night we will have the Ice Bowl Qualifier at Talladega, you win your division that night, your seeded into the 2010 Ice Bowl.



Late Model Mark
TST Announcer

[B_K]

This Saturday night we will have the Ice Bowl Qualifier at Talladega, you win your division that night, your seeded into the 2010 Ice Bowl.



Late Model Mark
TST Announcer

That’s awesome! Win a race and get to travel back a decade? Hope the winner brings back the slimmer and more hair having me with him.

[Late_Model_Mark]

Sorry for that typo, of course it's the 2020 Ice Bowl. Thank you for pointing out that boo-boo.


Late Model Mark
Reading a racing magazine in the back row of typing class.lol