If You Weren't At Ocala Tonight........

[ocalasp76]

here is what you missed.
Grandstands $8.00.
Over 100 cars in the pits.
Grandstands at standing room only.
All 3 main divisions starting top 24 cars in the feature.
And a good count on the Gladiators.
Saw Frassy,RSB,Winger,Stringbean, and some I've already forgotten.

Nothing else needs to be said, by me anyway.

-JIM-

[BJ Cavin]

All I can say for that night of racing is that it may have been the most awesome show anywhere this season! The crowd was into the action, and the fans got plenty of excitement. By the way, those that hit the exits before the Gladiators ran missed one heck of a race. Even Frasson was impressed, and no, beer had nothing to do with it.

We really ought to do Fan Appreciation Night more often.

[Frasson118]

I have to admit to chowing down my own words on the way home.... that was a GREAT night of racing, and was a hell of a bargain at $8.00. Full fields, a very smooth running program (there were very few glitches), wild action in every class, (including the Gladiators), and getting a chance to see some good friends.... priceless!!!

Finally got the chance to meet Mike Peters. Right there is an example of a good Promoter. As much praise as I could throw at the Ocala Speedway and staff, he wasn't quite satisfied himself. Said it should have been over earlier... it was only 11:15 or so at the final checkered. Hell, I've been to much worse shows, with far fewer cars & races, and didn't get out until after 1:00. I thought the efficiency was exceptional.

I made the mistake of running out to the car for a beer after the Hobby Stock feature, thinking the Gladiators would be up next. As soon as I got there, the Late Models were starting up. At most tracks, they hold the biggest race for last... which is when I realized they were doing the RIGHT thing by doing the LM's then. It got the fans the race they wanted to see, and allowed them to hit the highway. While for others, we decided to wait out the traffic and watch the last race... and now I'm real glad I did.

Got to see RSB, BJ & Cindy, Ocala76, STGBEAN 54 and his buddy Larry, Winger, Mike Peters, and I'm sure a few others.

Overall, a VERY good night at the speedway.... I need to get there more often. October 23rd is looking better all the time!

[BJ Cavin]

Glad ya had fun, Jerry. I have to admit that I had a blast announcing those races, especially the late models. I ended up quite hoarse before it was all over.

I absolutely love announcing to a packed grandstand that is enjoying the action just as much as I am, and its even better when folks make sure to pass along complements afterward, so thanks for hanging around. With your knowledge of racing I value your comments (good or bad).

[RSB]

How about the ambulance?

What happened?

[Winger]

What happened?

Cody, the EMT, has had an easy year. We decided to make him do something Friday night. JK I don't really know what happened. BTW, it was nice meeting you.

[ocalasp76]

What happened?

Someone in the pits thought they were having a heart attack.
It was the wife of one of the LM sponsers.
All turned out OK. Just really hot back there and a little heat exhaustion maybe. Or the beer
-JIM-