Forum Activity for @bobby-williamson

Why I Didn't Take Grandsons Dirt Racing Tonight

Local and Regional Short Track Racing

The health of Saturday night racing, in far too many cases, is anemic. Also, it's well known that many tracks have resorted to operating off the 'back gate'. The reasons are many and we've discussed them for years on this site. I don't necessarily agree with this current mode of operation, but IMO, the non-support of local racing is a problem too, it's throwing out the baby with the bath-water. In a perfect world, the stands would be full, the pits would be full, and an evening of fantastic racing would be completed at 10 O'clock. And every once in a while, such a nightstillhappens. We all can recite the days of yore, when our home-town track (if we were so fortunate tohaveone) done everything just splendidly, it was simply heaven each and every Saturday night, andnothingcan or will ever come close to our memories. Trouble is, a lot of those warm fuzzy memories happened at places we now callGhost Tracks. It's not the 50's and '60's anymore. It's just not, and it never will be. Local racing can die, simply for lack of interest. We can blame it on everything under the sun, from the Waltrip brothers, and BZF, on down, but it can die, and the lack of support is enemy number one.

Bowman Gray Stadium, is a unique case, and one that can't be compared to anything and any place else in America. It may be the ideal, but it isnot typical. There's lots of reasons for its success, but high on the list is consistency. It's been there since big Bill and Alvin Hawkins negotiated the lease in the late 1940's. It's becamepart of the culture of north-western North Carolina. BUT, should anything ever happen to this idyllic situation, all bets are off, and the same cars and same staff, at a different setting will be akin to starting all over again. Not saying it can't be done, again, but it'll be a challenge.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR WINS BIG LAST NITE AT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Current NASCAR

Chase is very impressive.....I remember another racer, who skipped his high school graduation, to race his midget in ESPN'sThursday Night Thunder Series..........Jeff Gordon.

Can you guess what happened today in practice ?

Current NASCAR

Goodyear's answer is always the same.........not our fault, we've informed the teams of the correct specifications........ problems are the result of our instructions not being followed.......And maybe that is the truth. But racers, are going to push the envelope......especially now as the cars essentially have no suspension, tire pressureisthe only adjustment.

Who's the Outlaw Now?

Current NASCAR

Martinsville, is a paper-clip, and has been since 1947, stuff happens. It's Martinsville. Bad Brad and Kurt Busch get together on the first pit stop..........and Brad flips out, deems it "deliberate". Really. Like he's the only race driver, in the world, to be a Martinsville victim. The captain's team spends the next 31 laps taking the damaged front fenders, hood, etc. etc. off so BK can go back out for revenge. Brad and Kurt find themselves on the track, and at the same place again......and BK sure gives it the ol' college try. But, in true Cinderalla fashion, and poetic justice, Kurt wins the race.

Just what in the world is going on here? Brad is already IN the great God-almighty CHASE........Could it be the fact that Kurt, once HIS teammate, and who was fired for "unacceptable" actions/behavior is now a very serious threat? Could Gene Haas, have seen the obvious, at the Captain's expense, and may now reap the benefits? Or could it be a run-of-the-mill temper tantrum of a recent NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion? Maybe it was inspired by that dumb NASCAR "boys have at it" mantra, that was spoken before their brains were engaged. At any rate, the real lucky ones were the other 41 drivers that did not get caught up this emotional melt-down.

updated by @bobby-williamson: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

What would YOU do in Sam Ard's place?

Stock Car Racing History

Dr. Woodberry, its a gut-wrenching decision, and there's a lot to consider. My mother's descent into Alzheimer's began early, 20 years ago when she was in her mid 60's. Her symptoms began as simple little questions like "what day is this...is it Saturday...?" This quickly progressed to mom loosing her way around town, driving her car. We solved that problem by removing a battery cable....but still. If one's never been down this path, you don't really know what to do or how to handle it...and the last thing you want to do is consider the alternatives. After a few years of trying to decide the proper path, mom set her house on fire as a result of a kitchen accident, (left home with the stove on) she lived alone. At this point, realizing the severity of the situation, I took mom into my home. On two occasions she got up in the night, let herself out of our house, and "left". It's pretty scary to wake up in the morning, and realize your mom is lost. Where do you start looking? Fortunately, we found her, both times, across the street, at the neighbor's. There were other scary experiences, but the bottom line, and the realization, for me: 1. care taking in such a situation is 24-7. Nights, holidays, Saturday's, Sunday's, makes no difference. 2. You can't do it. Many have tried, and tried rotating family members in and out. Again, you can not do it. 3. Because you can not do it, you are endangering your loved one. They are much safer, and well cared for by a trained, and equipped facility. It's not an easy decision. My mom has not spoken a word, and has not had any cognition for the past 9 years. She sometimes smiles, but that's all. She is still at the facility, and we, the family, could have NEVER lasted this long, and have cared for her on this level. Naturally, there will be some disagreement among friends and family members, and not everyone will be "on board". But, there's really not a better choice. Let me close by saying I watched Sam race since I was 13 years old in 1967, and think the world of him. My email address contains the number 00 as a tribute to him. On some forums my handle is "DoubleZero" again as a tribute to Sam. In my opinion, Sam Ard is as 'good as there ever was...'

Kyle Larson: I've had a theory

Current NASCAR

As good as Larson is, it's almost certain he'll land at Hendrick.

Kyle Larson: I've had a theory

Current NASCAR

that's evolved over the years: those destined for greatness, show their hand early.

With a similar backgroundas Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Kasey Kahne, Kyle Larson did not waste much time in demonstrating his talents, lacking one Kyle-Bush-block on the final lap, Larson would have swept the weekend in California, and all in the fifth race of the season. I'm big on Kyle Larson, and was not really surprised at this impressive early success. My only concern with Kyle, is the prowess of his team. Maybe their new alliance with Hendrick has helped.

updated by @bobby-williamson: 12/05/16 04:04:08PM

Defunct Southern 500 Truck Stop Chain - Elm City, Mt. Airy, Society Hill, Charlotte

Stock Car Racing History

Good stuff, Dave!

Paul Menard

Current NASCAR

I saw the interview, live, too. Twitter lit up about it, but, honestly, I don't get it. It looked pretty much like a normal interview to me. Steve Burns indicated, later, on John Boy & Billy, that rain delays produce much anxiety on the part of the TV execs, and they are under greater pressure for 'filler' stories, especially the pit reporters. Maybe Paul sensed he was just being used as a filler.

NASCAR Should Have Read This 15 Years Ago - What Do You Think?

Stock Car Racing History

John was a prophet, for sure. At the time of his article, NASCAR would have definitely disregarded the warning, and they probably would now too. But if the resurgence of Junior don't right the ship, there a'int many silver bullets left.