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A nice change of pace

We are on the homestretch of the local racing season, and I can't understand why more drivers around Southwest Missouri haven't given asphalt racing at the Bolivar Speedway a try. To be quite honest it's a shame so many drivers are close-minded and unwilling to give it a shot. The rules are structured so you can run the same car on dirt and asphalt.

 The two fastest classes are the Modifieds and the Factory Stocks. The Modifieds are essentially the dirt B-Mod, and the Factory Stocks are identical to what is run on dirt.

 I had the opportunity recently to speak with Factory Stock driver Jim Reeves. Reeves was more than willing to discuss his asphalt program and overall thoughts on pavement racing. Jim simply changes the tires and moves lead when he goes from dirt to pavement. THAT'S IT! He didn't even move lead early on this season. It costs him less per week to run pavement, it's easier on his equipment and he doesn't have to spend all of the work week getting his car ready to race.

 Now before I go any further don't think I'm opposed to dirt track racing because I'm not. We have a wealth of dirt tracks which all put on excellent shows. I will always support dirt racing, but there seem to be many drivers opposed to running on pavement. With that said there is only one other track in the area racing on Friday night. I just can't understand why the dirt drivers (A-Mod and Late Model drivers excluded) aren't jumping at the opportunity to give the pavement a shot…you can run the same car.

 From a fans standpoint the cars run two wide consistently and the track carries a lot of speed. As an observer and someone who covers local racing I am most disappointed with the lack of Factory Stocks at the speedway. This track is perfect for this class and with the number of cars in the area it's pretty embarrassing. Remember Reeves had never run a pavement race in his life before this season. I heard and read everything from the wall around the outside scares me to the track holds too much speed and even the super cop-out, I have never raced on asphalt before. Those simple excuses are ridiculous coming from racers who should continually push the envelope. Some of the local young studs with aspirations above local racing need to be running asphalt. I don't think Carl Edwards swept Michigan last weekend because he became content and satisfied.