100 lap features

We as dirt track fans have been to at least one 100 lap race in our time. Whether it be a dirt late model race, modified race, USAC midget or Silver Crown race, 100 lap races just have a different feel about them. You know they are long. So do the drivers. Both parties know that a lot can happen between the start and the finish of the race. 100 lap features will show who the most patient and skilled drivers are. Drivers have to be smooth and patient. They have to conserve their tires and even fuel sometimes to make sure they make it to the finish of the race. Usually with 25 to go these races pick up in intensity immensely. The drivers and fans both feel it. The end of the race is approaching quickly. Drivers who have been saving their stuff begin to make a move. You see if the leader has burnt his tires up or if the setup has faded, or if he can pick it up another notch. Sometimes these races can be runaways. I have seen a few of those in my day in different types of races, from late model to USAC Silver Crown. The leader was never challenged and just cruised in the race. I have seen photo finishes at the end of 100 laps as well. The Inaugural Illini 100 WoO Late Model Series race at Farmer City Raceway is a prime example of this. Billy Moyer got a run off of the high side in turn 4 and beat Shannon Babb back to the line by less than 8 inches. It was a thrilling finish to a long race. Everyone there, fans of those drivers or not, were just buzzing. It was an incredible finish. Usually they are somewhere in between. Not a runaway, but not a photo finish either. They always are unpredictable. That is why I love 100 lap races.