NASCAR: Trucks at Eldora? My thoughts

I know I said I'd write something about Randy Bernard. I have a big story in my head that I will soon put on paper. Erm, type on a screen.

For now, there is some massive news in the world of NASCAR. Multiple sources are saying that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be making a stop at The Big 'E', Eldora Speedway in 2013. According to RacingReference.info from a source of a NASCAR.com article written by Mark Aumann on June 7th of this year, the last time any NASCAR series raced on dirt was circa 1970. Now, let that sink in. Times have changed since the 60's and 70's. The cars have changed, technology has changed, and driver talent has changed. These trucks have never touched a dirt track in their 17 year history. Not many truck regulars, except for a few brought up racing at their local dirt tracks, would have a fighting chance at Eldora. Now, that being said, this would be a massive plus for any up and coming dirt racer who is lucky enough to sign on for a one race deal to get discovered. In that case, this would be their race, granted they can drive the truck. There would defiantly need to be new tires. Goodyear would need to do some serious R&D to figure out what they should do with the tire. Not only that, but the front splitter on the truck would need to either be gone or redesigned for this one race. Seems sorta like a huge investment to buy a whole new truck for just one race. Especially the really small start up teams. They could skip the race, but it would be incredibly embarrassing to see less than 36 trucks show up. That brings me to the other topic. There is some potential for NASCAR to mimic IndyCar's resurrection of heat races. That could be a very good idea that would really throw in some variety.

The big thing however, is the fact that reports state: "The track, owned by Cup driver #14-Tony Stewart, does not have energy-absorbing SAFER barriers installed and no permanent medical facility on property. Sources said NASCAR is expected to waive its policy adapted beginning in 2005 that SAFER barriers be installed at all oval tracks hosting its three national series. Why NASCAR is willing to make an exception in this case is unclear."(Jayski.com)

We all would rather see a good clean race than a driver be injured. Sacrificing safety in the name in entertainment is the last thing that motorsports in America needs at this time. In the wake of the late Dan Wheldon, many people alleged (and still to this day, if you can believe it) that his death was caused by sacrificing safety for the sake of entertainment. A desperate ploy for IndyCar to regain it's name and increase excitement throughout the series. While I disagree with some of that, many people would probably be first to jump on that bandwagon and say that NASCAR would be sacrificing safety for entertainment. Without SAFER Barriers and a medical center on location, Eldora is not a suitable track for NASCAR. There have been some terrifying accidents at dirt tracks in the past. Stock Trucks share the same probability as a dirt late model does of suffering a tremendous accident on dirt. Either Tony Stewart would have to pony up the money to install SAFER barriers on his track, and build a medical center, or this possible decision by NASCAR will be thrown under fire. We shall see what happens.