HAMMOND, IN: The big World of Outlaws/USAC 4-Crown Nationals weekend at Eldora provided all the thrills and intense action that the legendary Ohio dirt oval is famous for. Unfortunately, without goggles and a
respirator, it was virtually impossible to watch!
Something is definitely wrong here. Even back in the ’60’s and ’70’s, when many of the sprint car shows at Eldora were run under the blazing daytime sun, the dust wasn’t nearly as thick and choking as it was this past Friday and Saturday evening. It really doesn’t
matter how great the racing is if you can’t see it!
The problem is probably a combination of things. It’s obvious that today’s huge, steamroller tires are responsible for beating a dirt racing surface to death prematurely. Would narrower, harder tires…like they ran “back in the day” help the excessive dust situation? Absolutely…but it will never happen, because the drivers love the secure feeling that the
big, fat tires provide.
It could also be a problem with the dirt itself. Not being a soil expert, it’s hard to say; but there does seem to be too much sand content present in the Eldora surface. Whether the fault lies in track preparation
or the dirt itself is hard to see (pun intended!).
The Eldora Speedway, as conceived and maintained by Earl Baltes, is still potentially the greatest 1/2 mile dirt track on the planet. However, Tony Stewart, the present custodian of the Eldora legacy, needs to
recognize that a serious problem exists.
Tony, you really need to find time in your incredibly busy schedule to sit in the first turn with your customers for a complete open-wheel show. Then, please tell me how this type of “dust-bowl” racing is going to attract and hold new fans, much less maintain your
present fan base.
Mr. Stewart has the unique opportunity to make Eldora into something really special. Dirt tracks like Knoxville Raceway and Tri-County Speedway in Haubstadt, IN can usually provide great, virtually dust-free action, and so can Eldora. It may take a considerable expenditure of time and money, but wouldn’t it be worth it in the long run? Come on, Tony…step up to the plate…do whatever it takes…
and make Earl proud!
But, just in case, I’m off to buy a respirator.
