DIRT TRACK RACING CHALLENGES ASPHALT DRIVERS

    September 1, Westfield, MA--- Over the years I have seen drivers make the change from dirt track racing to asphalt racing and vise versa.  Some have adjusted quickly and others have not.  Two of the most recent drivers I saw try doing the conversion were “TC”, Ted Christopher, and Woody Pitkat.  They made a special appearance at Whip City Speedway in Westfield, MA. on August 30.

    Going into this event, I knew it was going to be difficult for these two drivers to adjust to a completely different style of racing.  They had jumped from their comfort zone of Modifieds and Late Models on asphalt to Mini Sprints on dirt.  But little did I know it was going to be harder than I expected for TC and Pitkat.

    As I saw each one come out, I figured, “okay give them a few laps then they’ll be at least half way decent.”  And as I watched, I saw TC start to get the handle of the car.  But Pitkat just couldn’t get comfortable at all.

    When the time came for the feature event, both started in the back of the pack due to their heat finishes, and basically that’s where they stayed for the whole 20 laps.  By the half way marker, the leader, Jimmy “Bubba” Broderick, had placed both drivers a lap down.  When the checkers came TC finished in 12th and Pitkat in 15^th.  

    It is my opinion, true racing happens on dirt.  Drivers use asphalt to get to dirt!

    As everyone involved in dirt track racing will tell you, including myself, you got to turn right to go left.