Five Weekend Afterthoughts 4/30/12

1.  For the second time in the last three years, Attica Raceway Park's catchfence did a masterful job in keeping a race car in play and preventing several folks from getting injured...or even killed.  Two years ago, Danny Smith had a frightening accident while qualifying his Sprint Car at Attica and went full throttle into a fence that separates the race track from the staging lane and pit area.  This past Friday night, during the Late Model feature, Chris Ross (uninjured) was forced up into the catchfence near the end of the front straightaway and, just like it should, it kept Ross's car from careening into the grandstands.  In just 23 minutes, the Attica Raceway Park staff fixed the fence and support poles and we were back racing.  I can't help but wonder how many tracks have safety features like catchfences and guardrails that are simply for looks and wouldn't have held up in a situation like this.  Maybe some track owners need to ask themselves, "If a Late Model went full speed into my catchfence, would it keep the car on the race track?"  If you even have to think about your answer, it's probably time to do some work.  

2.  Bound and determined to go somewhere Saturday after Eldora cancelled, I ended up staying home.  After holding out for I-96 (MI) Speedway, their 12:30pm rain out left me with just a few options.  Brownstown (IN) Speedway and Lawrenceburg (IN) Speedway were both rolling the dice, but I decided not to and it paid off as both programs eventually fell victim to rain.  The lone track within four hours of home to race..?  Surprisingly, it was Crystal Speedway in Crystal, MI, where Zach Olger bested a field of 21 Late Models.

3.  Hat tips are in order for Brad Neat and Bub McCool for their WoO Late Model wins over the weekend.  It's always good to see new faces in victory lane and these guys are two of the most likable driers in our sport.

4.  An early check of the local weather forecast for the upcoming weekend shows (no surprise) scattered thunderstorms for both Friday and Saturday.  And, of course, in an unrelated story... 

5.  ...Limaland Motorsports Park is set to host the Sunoco ALMS Late Models this Friday, an event that has been rained out four straight years.  The last Late Model show held at the 1/4-mile track...?  May 11, 2007.  Duane Chamberlain capitalized on a late race mistake by Jason Montgomery to grab the ALMS-sanctioned win over Montgomery, Rick Combs, Jerry Bowersock, and Brian Ruhlman.