Washed Away at the Big E

Eldora under water — Eldora Speedway got hit with several surprise showers over the UNOH Sprintacular.

It was definitely a wet weekend throughout the nation. But on a hope that the weatherman and his 0-20% chance of rain prediction was correct I headed down to Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio for the UNOH Sprintacular featuring the All Star Circuit of Champions, the 360 NRA Sprint Invaders, and Eldora Stocks. Of course, being mid-October I know the chances of a weather change were great, but I was really hoping to avoid the monsoon that’s ending line was mere miles from the famed half-mile track in rural Ohio.

Chaney & Blaney — Rob Chaney and Dale Blaney share some laughs as they wait for the evenings events to begin.

Although it ended up being a rainy Saturday night at the “Big E”, I still can’t complain too much as I thoroughly enjoying watching hotlaps and visiting with friends; both old and new.

It was wonderful catching up with Gregg Dalman who pilots the no.49 S.O.D. Sprinter. Dalman clinched his first ASCS Sprints on Dirt Championship on September 22^nd at Tri-City Speedway in Auburn, Michigan.

Dalman has been a S.O.D. regular for much of his career, but a championship always seemed to be elusive as Dalman was awarded the runner-up spot on more than one occasion over his 13-years with the series. That was, until the final night on the S.O.D . tour when Dalman stole a 2^nd place feature position to clinch the title. While Dalman made a bid for second right behind Dain Naida; Ryan Grubraugh squeaked by with a 6th place finish giving the point’s victory to Dalman by a mere 30-points. There is no doubt the two had an amazing battle that kept the fans on their toes until the last lap of the last race of the season. As for Gregg, his grin is still permanently in place and for good reason. To win a championship in any division or series is a major accomplishment, but to pull it together in the highly competitive S.O.D. group is even more of a challenge.

Gregg and the Dalman crew really deserved the 2012 title, and although I was looking forward to the yellow no.49 taking to the track once more in 2012, it simply wasn’t meant to be.

Larry Boos & Others — Eldora Director of Operations Larry Boos jokes around with Randy Hannigan and others between rain showers.

Although I didn’t get to see any true green flag racing, it was wonderful seeing drivers like Tim Shaffer, Dale Blaney, and Randy Hannigan competing in the All Star ranks. The former World of Outlaw standouts have all made the All Star Circuit or in the case of Hannigan, the NRA Sprinters their new home. Shaffer and Hannigan both have young children and the fact that they could still have some stiff competition while sticking closer to home, made the series incredibly appealing. To learn more about Saffer & Hannigan switching gears in recent years; please keep looking back to this blog as they will be featured in upcoming posts.

Even though the Sprintacular was a wash, Eldora still has one more event on tap for 2012, that being the 1^st annual Blue Collar Bash, an all division, bring what you have free for all on October 26-28^th, but if more structured special events are your thing, then keep in mind that Eldora will be opening its gates in April and will be playing host to a number of incredible series. I personally am already excited for the first All Star race of 2012.

Thank you all for reading and I will see you when the next green flag flies!