SCOUTING REPORT: Attica Raceway Park

OVERVIEW:  Perhaps no Late Model track in the state of Ohio has done more to raise its profile over the last five years than Attica Raceway Park.  In that time span, they have gone from unsanctioned limiteds to UMP Late Models averaging nearly 30 cars a night. Sunoco ALMS races, World of Outlaws Late Model shows, and  UMP Summer Nationals events have been held at the 1/3-mile fairgrounds track during that time.

WHAT WE KNOW:  Just three Late Model specials highlight the 2013 card this season with the Lucas Oil Series finally getting a date at the racy Seneca County facility on Friday, August 30.  The UMP Summer Nationals are back for the fourth year in a row with their date being shuffled back one week to July 19, a move that, with the series' expanded schedule, pleases Yours Truly as it no longer conflict with the King's Royal at Eldora.  Only one Sunoco ALMS race is on the grid this year, with that date being April 26. Attica's season kicks off one week earlier in 2013 with opening night slated for Friday, March 22.  As for the points battle, Ryan Missler will once again be the man to beat unless, as noted a few weeks back, Garrett Krummert indeed commits to running the entire schedule or Jon Henry decides to comes out of hibernation and opts to run locally.

WHERE THEY'RE GOOD:  A better question would be, "Where ISN'T Attica good?"  Let's get serious here for a minute.  Nine times out of ten, the racing at Attica is absolutely phenomenal.  The show they put on starts on time, is efficiently run, and gets fans out in a timely fashion thanks to great organization, no intermission, and excellent communication.  Their prices are reasonable given both the quantity and quality of cars you get to see in the top two divisions (410 Sprints and UMP Late Models).  Over the last few seasons, Attica has risen to the top of the Friday night Late Model wars with the highest car counts of any track in state of Ohio, Skyline included.  Simply put, this place has quickly become one of my favorite tracks.  Since 2011, I've been to Attica more than any other track (besides Eldora, of course) with 16 visits. That's three times more visits than any place else.

WHERE TO IMPROVE:  Several folks, myself included, were hoping for a Late Model purse increase for 2013, but it looks as though that didn't happen.  With Wayne County being less than 70 miles away and paying $1200 to win and $200 to start (and over $2000 more in total purse money), many people were expecting Attica to up the ante this year, especially considering the loyalty of the UMP Late Model division there.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  The Late Model car count at Attica may drop a few cars this season, but it shouldn't be anything to worry about.  The UMP Summer Nationals and Lucas Oil shows are "must-see" events and, honestly, just about any weekly show at Attica will be well worth the price of admission.