Well worth the read and some words to consider...

[Phil Jacques]

Why I Love & Hate Asphalt Modified Racing

The State Of The Asphalt Mods, From A Former Drivers Point Of View

Column By: RICHIE PALLAI JR. / RPW
Photo By: RICHIE PALLAI JR. / SUBMITTED PHOTO

December 9, 2015 - Sunday, April 26th, 2009...pulling into victory lane at Stafford Motor Speedway, winner of the Spring Sizzler in the SK Modified Division. Fast forward to Friday, May 23rd, 2014…being taken to a local hospital via ambulance from a crazy, yet unfortunate practice wreck at Stafford Motor Speedway. The former, I love, the latter, I hate.

From a competitor standpoint, these are just two instances why I love and hate modified racing, or racing in general. One minute you’re standing on top of your car, 19 years old, a beautiful girlfriend, a great crew and your Dad waiting to hug you after winning the biggest race of the year. The next, your throttle is hung up going 130 MPH with only a guardrail and steel beam (which I bent) keeping you from ending up in the parking lot. When I first won that race back in 2009, I thought to myself, “Man, I’m badass, I’ll be doing this forever now.”

I never won again...

My first tour start that same year at the Fall Final, I qualified second. Chad Little, the Whelen Modified Tour Director at the time called my Dad and I into the hauler before the race. He asked us if we wanted to fall back to the tail end of the field at the start. I quickly responded, “Nope. We earned this.” I also almost wrecked myself on the initial start of the race, but ran in the top 5 until halfway when we pitted, so to me it was a good day. Going into the off-season I once again thought, “Man, I’m badass. I’ll be doing this forever.” Well, racing isn’t easy, and neither is running the Modified Tour. We had good runs for our small team including a Lime Rock race where we had a winning car (if Todd Szegedy broke, thanks Todd), but we settled for a Top 5 instead. During my time running regularly on the Tour I did not pay attention to what others said about me or the tour in general, I could care less. I was living my childhood dream racing against the Christopher’s, Stefanik’s, Pitkat’s, and many more. But since that May Day in 2014, I have only raced a handful of times in my family-owned SK Modified. By not racing a lot, I’ve had more time to read social media and what others say about drivers and the tours in general, and that is why I have begun to hate modified racing more then I love it.

There is an old two-word description of certain people in racing; it’s called a “Bench Racer”. The person living in their Mom or Dad’s basement, hacking away at their keyboard, making sure their Facebook post gets liked or shared. Over the past few months I started to chime in time to time, not because I wanted my opinion heard, but because I was getting annoyed by the ignorance of posts. Listen, I love social media because anyone can say anything, their opinion is their own. But, opinions with no substance or understanding is not an opinion, it’s merely a thought. Everyone seems to know why one guy runs 30th every week, or how come this guy isn’t running this race, or why doesn’t this guy drive 15 hours to the North South Shootout for a 10 grand to win race.

I do not want to say everyone who posts on social media doesn’t know what they are talking about, because some do, some have sat behind the wheel, or turned the wrenches on a car or even owned them. But, many of you do not know what it takes to just get to the track.

“Races are won at the shop.” There is not a more true statement in all of sports. Just like Tom Brady just doesn’t show up on Sunday, racers don’t either. We work countless hours during the week AFTER work to get the cars ready to race. Owners spend thousands of dollars of just to get to the track, plus pit fees, fuel, tires, food, and the list goes on. It gets to a point where my Dad calculated in his head, how much it costs him on the motor each time we run one lap at the track. So next time you ask why this guy isn’t running this week or how can you not go to a 10 grand to win race. We’ll, only one guy wins that 10 grand, the other 30 don’t. In turn, it may cost that guy 10 grand to run that one race if his night goes badly.

It’s an expensive sport, a sport we all love. Therefore I ask why people continually post negativities about a sport we all claim to love. What good does it do? Who benefits by you cursing someone out on a keyboard? I sometimes wonder what it was like back in the 70’s and 80’s when if someone had an issue about somebody, they showed up to the track and expressed their mind to the other’s face. No one is in this sport for the money, we all are crazy, but that is what makes this sport so great.

How do you have one million dollars in racing? Start with two.

There is no argument here that racing in a whole is a dying sport. Kids would rather play XBOX on a Friday then head to their local short track. So instead of continuing to put it down, lets band together to bring it up. There is no need to continue to bash NASCAR or the Modified Tour or the Modified Racing Series (or the other 20 Modified series). If they want to help, they will, but if they don’t, well at least we stood as a group of racers and continued to push each other to do our best.

I’ve been out of the game for a little while now, but I’ll be back behind the wheel and I probably will stop reading posts about how bad I am or how bad the series is, but I hope I will find the love of Modified racing that was embedded in me as a kid. There is no argument that Modified fans are the best in racing, so let’s start acting like it.

I’ll leave you with a story about my rookie season in the SK’s.

I got out of my car after a hard earned 6th place at Stafford Motor Speedway in 2007, and before I could turn around I felt like I got hit by a Mac Truck. I turn around and Jimmy Blewett is standing in my pit stall. I was maybe 160 pounds soaking wet, and even though Jimmy is shorter than me, I was scared. I knew why he was there; he was wondering why I cleared myself on the last restart even though I may have not been clear. Before he said anything, I told him I felt I was clear and I was sorry. He very calmly responded, “Okay. We’re good.” We shook hands and ever since then he has been a friend. When I won in 2009, the first person in my window in Victory Lane was Jimmy Blewett. That is why we race, that is why I love Modified Racing.

I'm Richie Pallai Jr. and all opinions are my own...

From: http://www.raceproweekly.com/cms/ind...nists&Itemid=4


__________________________________________________ __________

I've been gone for a while, very busy with some major projects at work, however I thought this was well worth posting. Richie is someone I know and respect and he is 100% dead on in everything he says. Unfortunately he only covers about 25% of what is wrong with racing today and why it will never be what it was in the 70s and 80s ever again.

I hope everyone here has a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season! I probably won't be around much still until well after the new year which will probably make everyone happy to hear since everyone just loves me so much

Cheers!

[openwm53]

Very cool

Great read

[OldSchool+]

Part 1

There are two parts to Mr. Pallai's post.

#1 describes a young man that experienced a relatively early victory, and subsequently has struggled. It is no doubt a strain on his family's finances, as well as a strain on his own nerves regarding the elusive "Man, I’m badass, I’ll be doing this forever now” feeling.

It is heart wrenching, and I feel for the guy, but since before our time there have been more racers that have known heartbreak than those that have not.

Further, there comes a similar point in most careers in general. Somewhere in the 40 to 50 age, the realization that every mountain will not be conquered sets in.

As they say, "that's racing" and/or "that's life".

My unsolicited and intended-to-be-helpful suggestion: Drop back to a cheaper class and enjoy that "checkered flag" feeling again.

I would suggest that the general mindset has led to the second part of his post.

[OldSchool+]

Part 2

"I’ve had more time to read social media and what others say about drivers and the tours in general, and that is why I have begun to hate modified racing more then I love it.
There is an old two-word description of certain people in racing; it’s called a “Bench Racer”. The person living in their Mom or Dad’s basement, hacking away at their keyboard, making sure their Facebook post gets liked or shared. Over the past few months I started to chime in time to time, not because I wanted my opinion heard, but because I was getting annoyed by the ignorance of posts. Listen, I love social media because anyone can say anything, their opinion is their own. But, opinions with no substance or understanding is not an opinion, it’s merely a thought." --R Pallai Jr

Ironically, that post and that quote are the most negative and divisive things that have been posted here in quite some time, and what is the point?

>Are the theoretical "trolls" going to be reinforced (and happy) that they have upset Mr Pallai, or will they change their ways?

>The sport needs the spectator and their money. How does trashing them help the sport?

I would suggest that at different times, Track Owners, Officials, and Drivers have said things that could be construed as "negative" here on Karnac, yet I respect each of them and their right to their opinion.

[OldSchool+]

Thank You

Meanwhile, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the racers (that is, everyone) in Florida.

The racers have been more than friendly, certainly including Mr Doug Miller, as well as the Teams I have been fortunate enough to assist--y'all know who you are--thank you!.

I am not standing there jawing, I came home from the Governor's Cup with four burned fingers, and nerve pain in my back after two hours sleep.

Yoho is a huge Florida asset, NSS is a rock. I believe everyone tries in their own way.

In fact, everyone is generally polite, both to me and to each other here on Karnac.

The North has got it going on, but IMO, they could learn a thing or two from The South regarding a postive attitude.

[Weftracing96]

I would ask if you have been involved in the northeast racing scene before you make that statement.

[OldSchool+]

Negative, but imo, it matters not.

We are not in the North. If they have issues, I feel for them. Seriously. Perhaps we could offer some assistance if specific questions were asked, however, free speech is something that I would suggest does not need fixing.

I will assume you have raced in The North.

Can you please explain how their own problems and negativity can help our racing scene?

And to be clear, I am not suggesting what they should do or slamming their deal, only that their suggestions regarding what we should do are...neither here nor there.

[Phil Jacques]

I wasn't going to post again on this but since I am in the office today and tomorrow rather than on site, I will.

Oldschool, you completely missed the premise of the article and why it was posted to start off.

Here, and other forums, there are many (myself included) very very guilty of tearing people and places apart for no real reason other than something done or said differs from their opinion. As Richie stated in the article, opinions are only opinions when they hold substances, otherwise they are merely a thought. This simple statement speaks a thousand words to me. Truer words could not be spoken.

I have said this before and I will say it again. This is not 1975. In those days, you have 4 or 5 guys that are upset and talk about it in the parking lot and call a couple of their friends about it and it really only goes as far as about 20 people. An impact, but not a huge one. Now here in 2015, someone feels like they got mistreated or experienced a poor show. They go home, hide behind their keyboard and trash a place based on their "opinion" even though many others may have enjoyed the show and had a fantastic experience. That one person through Social Media and Forums such as Karnac, can now reach thousands of people. That is a HUGE impact and has a chance at being a largely negative impact leading to poor attendance in both the pits and the stands over time. It really baffles me that it's so hard for people such as yourself to comprehend the damage that can be done. No, not everyone will listen to that opinion, but a lot more do than you think.

Social Media is a great tool, especially for the tracks, to get their word out etc to those who might not get the weekly paper, or listen to the radio as much etc. However it can have dire consequences if used incorrectly. Sure, everyone is entitled to their thoughts and opinions, but just remember the negative repercussions that can come from what you say.

I'm not singling out FL either. I've experienced it here as well.

2012-2014 at the New London Waterford Speedbowl, negativity was growing. Car counts dropping, fan attendance diminishing quickly. All based on opinions (mostly all true) about track staff, management etc. Similar situations have taken place at Thompson, Stafford and Seekonk as well. Here we stand following the 2015 season at Waterford with morale at an all time high after new ownership has come in, new management and new staff and things have made a complete 180. Attendance was the highest I have seen in years and car counts have gone back through the roof. A similar deal has happened at Thompson also with new management, new staff etc. Stands were packed every week 13000+ strong and pits had close to 100 cars over 4 or 5 divisions every week.

It's taken a couple years to rebuild from the damage done. Trust me, I was one of the most ignorantly vocal back when the damage was being done here. I absolutely regret it but now I make it my mission to help. I wish more would take that approach and see what they can do to put forth a little extra effort and make the difference.

My bottom line, if you have a problem. Don't hide behind a keyboard and vent. It can absolutely cause more bad than good not only for yourself, but for the state and health of our sport that we love so much. It's very fragile right now and we need to band together rather than fight against. If you don't like someones idea, approach them with an alternate solution that you may think will help. Be open minded and accept criticism handed to you in a respectful and intelligent manner. It's not hard to take a couple extra minutes and it can go a long way towards fixing racing everywhere.

Think of this stuff... If you love something, why cause it damage. Put in the effort.

[Phil Jacques]

I would ask if you have been involved in the northeast racing scene before you make that statement.

Damnit... We aren't supposed to agree on things AJ...

[Phil Jacques]

The North has got it going on, but IMO, they could learn a thing or two from The South regarding a postive attitude.

From experiencing both sides of the tracks. You really need to back up and come take a trip up here and see how everyone helps each other, and works together here. You really have no idea what you are saying here.

[OldSchool+]

I know that generally you represent "The North" and I know what you are saying.

If they have the same camraderie that I see in the South, more power to them and neither end of the country has a problem--nor should they.

"Here, and other forums, there are many (myself included) very very guilty of tearing people and places apart for no real reason other than something done or said differs from their opinion. "--pj

I could arguably also be included. I would suggest that if we find ourselves "guilty" then we should enact personal change.

And you know, personal change is, um, personal.

[jbonez21]

Hilarious - posting negatives on social media complaining about people posting negatives on social media.

Pitkat updated everyone that he wasn't attending the North South Shootout because his owner and guys at the shop needed time to recover from the long touring season. I saw everyone reacting in mostly an understanding nature of the hard work and dollars that go into the sport and why certain decisions are made.

This guy needs to do a better job communicating or stay off media altogether. I’ve never heard of this guy before or use Facebook or live at mom and dads but his article comes off very insulting to me.

[Phil Jacques]

Hilarious - posting negatives on social media complaining about people posting negatives on social media.

The only thing he is doing, is pointing out a major problem with the health of short track racing right now. It's an undeniable fact. Social Media is extremely damaging when used in the wrong way. If you choose not to believe it, that is your own deal. But it has caused 3 tracks in this country to close their doors in the past couple years.

This guy needs to do a better job communicating or stay off media altogether. I’ve never heard of this guy before or use Facebook or live at mom and dads but his article comes off very insulting to me.

The only reason anyone should feel insulted is if this was some make believe bs story. Richie has never been a wildly successful driver, and isn't a household name like Preece, Pitkat, Christopher etc. However he is a good guy and a very smart person who has been around for a long time and has seen the effects these things have.

[Weftracing96]

Damnit... We aren't supposed to agree on things AJ...

The fact of the matter, with one notable exception, you and I have agreed on things almost exclusively.

[kendo]

I for one got back into racing after an 18 year absence largely in part due to social media sparking my interest once again...If social media is keeping one from a racetrack whether it be driving or attending,that person has deeper issues.

Did that other website close down or something