Track Preparation at the Dirt Track

In dirt track racing, track preparation is probably the single most important thing in the eyes of a driver outside of making sure the purse money is paid. Track prep can make the difference in a track that is racy, multi-grooved, wet, and smooth, and one that is rough, dry, and one grooved. Tracks can end up in a combination of those listed above. Last night was an example of mixed track conditions at Macon. It rained a lot, so it was plenty wet. It kept getting quite choppy in spots, so it was rough. Drivers had more than one place to run, so it was at least partially multiple grooved. The promoter, Bob Sargent, did everything he possibly could to make the race track smooth. It kept tearing out in turns 1 and 3, and made for quite a rough racetrack for the drivers. I heard that from a couple of them I know, and even one of the feature winners said that in his interview. This promoter is known for having good race tracks, and working to fix ones that aren't. Rain, plus new dirt helped contribute to what happened there. He literally did everything he could, grading multiple times and using a harrow behind a tractor to try and tear it up so it would pack, then come back up smooth. It just wouldn't come back up smooth. It was smooth for practice on the Wednesday before, so I don't expect this to be a recurring thing. Every track can have an off night. This wasn't as bad as another track in Ohio, Eldora Speedway, known to many as the Big E. The track literally got so bad, they canceled the show after hot laps, due to track conditions. It was very dusty and rutted, and it was deemed unsafe to race on by track and USAC series officials. Eldora is going to be dusty regardless due to the sandy clay that is native to that area of the country. The degree to how dusty it is varies. Track preparation is something that it is easy to see if the effort has been put in by a promoter. A good track promoter will be out working on the track throughout the week, as well as on race day. When you get to the track early in the morning for a big show and the promoter is out on the grader or out watering, doing some form of track prep, odds are the fans and racers will be rewarded with a quality racing surface that night. When you get there at 1, and the promoter doesn't go out until 2:30 to even start on track prep, odds are it could be smooth, but it may be quite dry and possibly even dusty. Just remember, if the track isn't perfect, and the promoter gives it their best effort to fix it, that is all we as fans can ask. If the track is in great shape, thank the promoter for a good track that night if you see them. HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!