Although this 37th edition of the Western World wasn't as entertaining as some in the past, the format gets most of the blame. The two prelim nights were not well received with the straight up heats, but Saturday's show was a big improvement. They announced next year the format would be changed to an inverted format and the crowd cheered. Generally, there are no bad racing nights, but Thursday night might have been the most non racing night I have seen. If it weren't for the 360's on the small track, it might have been a real nightmare. Cory Kruseman's performance was amazing. Rickie Gaunt's heat race antics turned out to be the best of the second night and we had the finale to wash away the bad taste of qualifying. I did the live updates, but that is a lot of work and I don't know if it is worth it for fans, there is no time to do a real play-by-play when the action gets going well. I can't watch and type, I miss stuff! It was a long and tedious three days for me, but it was good being there. Thanks to Mark Thrasher for getting the victory lane pics for me!
The walk across the track on the last day showed most of the racers already in the pits ahead of me.
Glenn Crossno is helping a crewman work on the brakes of one of the two team cars early in the afternoon. Kirby was one of many who raced both 360 and 410 races.
Randy Shiosaki and John Scott, right, sit on the concrete wall early. Randy is John’s “fly-in crew chief” and logged a lot of miles this year to Indiana and back.
Terri Bliss, left and Julie Shiosaki try to relax before their busy night begins. Terri is a USAC official and Julie a USAC helper and Mike Kirby’s big helper.
Hal Engstrom, car owner for Mike Spencer, does some needed maintenance while the rest of the team relax.
Mike Spencer, left, and Jake Argo discuss racing. Mike made the main, but finished 21st.
A view of the pits from Brian Venard’s car on the right as activity is in motion.
The pit barbecue area has a table of rib eaters. The food off the grill was good, as I can testify on the burgers. Rick Ziehl right and Glenn Crossno, left, were enjoying the meal as Ben Lancaster looks on.
Hank Winter showed up to watch. He says he misses it, but is plenty busy with family business, so has only been out twice this season. He is missed!
The Gardner clan hangs out with the Black Widow team cars. They almost got Steve Ostling in the main when he charged from the back of the C and B to be only one position short of the big show. Great drive and maybe it made up for the bad opening night where they got only a few laps in.
The view in the pits at sundown was pretty spectacular with the sun and clouds making a sky picture that was awesome. I bet the real photographers got some great shots.
Dave Darland sits in the Raney rig and talks with an Indiana native about …. Racing?.
Josh Ford is visiting away from his pit before the night begins. He won the 360 main, overtaking Cory Kruseman on the last corner with a small bump and run move.
A view from the pits to the Manzy grandstands and press box above it. I spent my three days up there right above the “D” in speedway. You can’t believe how different it is up there.
Nathan High is up to something here as he seems to know about hi-jenks! Could it be the flame job underwear he had on?
Wendy McDonald chats with some USAC officials as the “queen” Evelyn Pratt overlooks her kingdom below.
Dave Darland’s wife Brenda is a USAC official. She holds the Valvoline winner’s hat.
Bud Kaeding poses in front of his mount after winning his second Western World.
The podium trio included Bud Kading, Levi Jones and Josh Wise.
Josh Ford shows off the 360 trophy he just won.
Jay Drake is interviewed by Bobby Gerold after winning his first USAC National Championship in the Tony Stewart sprinter.
