Strange how the disasters (or thrills for some) seem to happen more in Turn-2 than anywhere else.
True, the other turns have seen more than their fair share of action but Turn-2 seems to have the most. From days gone by when the Lead Sled showed off its undercarriage to those in the pit grandstand to today, Turn-2 seems to be the place to be (or try to avoid).
The last time the Claimers ran, a front wheel came off, bounced over the fence and kept going until it hit a crossbrace beside the steps of the grandstand. This week it was the Claimers’ turn once again to be the stars of the show.
Another front wheel came off, and bounced over the fence, bounced again up as high as the fence, and bounced again—like this one was getting some altitude—only rolling past the bleachers into the pit area itself, and kept rolling until one of the pit crew members snagged it.
Not to be outdone, Claimer #69 blew its engine in Turn-2. And that was a spectacular bang that would rival the hottest V-8. And that cloud of smoke that billowed out from under that hood was second to none; something to be almost as proud of as taking home the Main Event... Well, maybe the driver might not agree.
But it all comes down to racing, and the Modifieds, Stocks, and Claimers all combined to make the trip worthwhile. Maybe it’s my own imagination but I’d swear that the lap times are getting faster, and the drivers have all improved to the point that the competition has increased significantly. There are more duels, triples, and even foursomes out there competing for first in line now than at the beginning of the season. And that is entertainment. You could even call it a Win-Win.