Greg Cybulski
http://www.racercity.com/members/fanpage/gecwpg
"Dirt from
the Stands"
Mid-Season Musings
Well race fans, it's mid-season already, however, by the weather we've
experienced up here in the North country, you'd really have to wonder.
While we should all be basking in the sunshine and watching the farmer's
crops growing, about all I've seen is an average mid-50's cold and rain
since the spring. Watching races at Victory Lane Speedway as been more of a
parka weather deal than a light jacket and shorts. Hopefully, the sunshine
and warm temperatures will arrive soon.
First I'd like to give congratulations and well wishes to good friend Hot
Rod Pattison on his new venture with the American Dirt Network
(www.americandirtnetwork.com). Hot Rod and company broadcasted live from
Grand Forks, ND and Ada, MN this past weekend and from what I heard, it
should be a hit with race fans on the internet. The American Dirt Network
followed after the announcement by Huset's Speedway management to cease
internet broadcasts every Sunday night from Brandon, SD. It would appear
that behind every dark cloud is a silver lining after all.
After watching some racing this year, I've come to some interesting
conclusions. I like dry slick race tracks. In my humble opinion, the true
test of a racer being one with his equipment will show on dry slick. After
watching stellar performances by sprint racer Brad Pake at River Cities
Speedway and NOPA/Wissota Modified driver Scott Greer at Victory Lane
Speedway, I'm convinced that this is true. Yes, a tacky track can provide
for excitement, however, I appreciate the finesse required to handle dry
slick surfaces.
I used to go to a speedway to watch racing and perhaps making a new racing
friend was the icing on the cake for me. Now I go to the speedway to visit
with my racing friends and the racing is the icing on the cake. Get it?
I've discovered that I don't need to go to a ton of races to prove that I'm
a racing fan. I'd rather go to 6 races a year and get something memorable
out of it than go to 50 races and get nothing out of it. It's what you get
out of the racing experience that matters.
Grand Forks, ND native and NOSA champion Mark Dobmeier is in the hunt for
another title. With 2 wins and some top 5 finishes at Huset's Speedway in
2004, he has a legitimate opportunity to capture the 410 Outlaw Sprint
title. I for one would forgive him if he chased after that title rather
than racing any Sunday night NOSA Tour dates on the schedule.
It would appear that the team of Chris Shirek and crew chief Doug Slocum are
starting to gel. Slocum's pupil has shown steady improvement in his ride as
of late and has a consistent top 5 car at River Cities Speedway these days.
The sheriff is back in town. Fargo, ND's Wade Nygaard made his return to
River Cities Speedway with two outstanding performances in two straight
weeks now. With West Fargo shut down for their annual Fair, Wade went from
starting 13th to a 3rd place finish and followed that up with a return to
victory lane on Friday night in Grand Forks. It's great to see Wade back in
the saddle again.
Congratulations to fellow Manitoban Dave Tyrchniewicz who captured his first
NLRA Late Model feature win at Greenbush Race Park, MN recently. In his
sophomore year, Dave has shown steady improvement in 2004. NLRA Rookie Tom
Balcaen of Winnipeg has also been a steady performer showing top 10
finishes, including his season best 4th place with the NLRA Late Models at
River Cities Speedway on June 18th
With summer drawing near and being busy at work, I have decided to shut down
my website "Prairie Dirt" for three weeks beginning June 26th. My family
will always be my top priority and at this time I feel a change of scenery
is needed. Many new windows of opportunity have been opened up for me
recently and want to sit down and weigh them all out. Yes, that includes
the website, my writings, and my racing ventures.
Following my return in mid-July, I will have plenty to talk about with the
forthcoming sprint car race at Estevan Motor Speedway in Estevan, SK, Canada
on August 14th.
Until then, take care and good racing.
Greg Cybulski
Prairie Dirt
http://www.racercity.com/members/fanpage/gecwpg
Greg Cybulski
Home: (204)261-9023
Work: 1-800-665-0518 (Toll Free)