DIRT modified tour, August 16, New Egypt Speedway, New Egypt, NJ 2006 August 17
Oddly enough, after not going to New Egypt Speedway all year, I went back for a second race in 5 days. This time was for the DIRT big block modified tour. Besides the 100 lap race for the DIRT modifieds, there was a 220 lap race for the Sportsman. While I’d rather see these types of races be ran off quickly as a one division show, if done correctly one added class can pad the back gate, provide enjoyable racing, and not add much time to the show. While the Sportsman did put on an enjoyable show, and I’m sure they padded the back gate, I’m not sure if they extended the show or not. The reason why I say that is while the Sportsman did take up time, I’m betting the track officials would have wasted that time anyway trying to sell hot dogs. They certainly wasted enough time as it was. At one point there was only one short (time and distance wise) modified consi race in over an hours time. This is just not acceptable, esp. for a mid week show. Basically, they wasted over 20 minutes on an intermission, ran the consi race that lasted about 8 minutes, and they wasted at least 30 minutes grooming the track. The race itself was pretty good, although not that eventful. Local racer Sam MArtz looked like he was going to pull of the upset after timing 3′rd quick, starting on the pole, and leading the first 69 laps until he broke an axel. It wasn’t just a fluke as he was clearly the quickest and even put distance on the “big name” drivers in traffic. After Martz Broke, Tim Fuller took over the lead and went on for the win, never being seriously challenged. Billy Decker finished second and Alan Johnson third.
My 2006 race viewing stats after the DIRT modified race on August 16′th race New Egypt Speedway:
Races: 20
Tracks: 16 (12 new) (149 lifetime)
States: 12 (3 new) (35 + DC lifetime)