Is it just me or are there more and more PO'ed drivers and owners on any given night at almost any race track?
I have lost it about three times this year, my driver seems PO'ed a lot, 1/2 or more of the drivers / owners on the other 9 cars I help to support have been way PO'ed on several occasions this season! What is going on?

Fist fights in the pit at many tracks! Police called and arrests made! It seems like we are not having the level of fun that we do this for in the first place.
We need to lighten up and remember that Friday and Saturday hobby racing is just that "hobby racing".
Hobbies are supposed to be fun!

I agree whole heartedly. Did J.T. make it to his gig on time?

Yeah, he left it to me to wad up the car in the feature. Then the cam broke! Full moon ?

Dennis:

I would have to say that its frustration.

Frustration from spending gobs of money to go racing

Frustration from not making gobs of money to pay the bills.

Frustration from needing a better finishing spot to pay the bills

Frustration from going broke

Frustration from the economic pressures many are feeling.

Frustration because racing is getting less fun for the team and drivers and is becoming more an exercise of getting no where fast while busting your hump to move forward.

I barely know racing anymore. This sport used to be all about family, friends and having a good time. Back in the 80's and 90's, racing was a social event. We all had fun and couldn't wait to get to the track to see everyone and laugh, joke and enjoy the camaraderie. It seems that today many think they are racing for a million dollar pay check and the attitudes have seemed to have gotten more confrontational. Many have forgotten this is supposed to be fun and is a hobby to many.
There are a lot of racers out there right now hanging on by a thread. When they lose a spot or crash it creates a whole lot of frustration because many do not have the spare cash siting around to fix their cars.

It's a shame as these altercations is NOT what should be portrayed to the race fans. Anyone remember the race fans who pay the tracks expenses and make racing possible ? They come to the track for a night of family fun and instead get treated to a pit area that resembles a circus who just had some of their wild animals get loose.

Great atmosphere for a family with young kids to be in on a Saturday night.

Chris

Didn't a fist fight between Cale Yarborough and the Allison brothers on national TV propel NASCAR to new heights of popularity? There is still fun in racing. Just like there has always been frustration. You just have to accentuate the positive. Do you guys think you are frustrated? What about that infantry Sergeant in 120 degree heat in full battle rattle working a check point with a new baby at home that he has only seen pictures of sweating to death, just to pay the bills and wishing to be home. That guy is frustrated. count your blessings racers.

BTW that ain't me just alot of Joes I see every day. I have a cushy office job over here, but I missed all of racing season so far and my race car sits just waiting. I wish for your frustrations at the race track.

V/R Jake

I don't think wishing for someone's frustrations at the race track is very nice. I don't know of anyone that wishes frustrations on the military fighting a war over seas.

I do understand that we racers are lucky to be able to race on a Saturday night while a soldier may be lucky to make it through a Saturday night.

I also think track officials add to driver's frustrations. Maybe a bad call or an official treating your class like "red headed step childern"

I hope for a turn around in short track racing in Michigan as I beileve there are great people involved and it truly is a fun sport to participate in.

Thanks
-JT

What I meant was I wish that I was racing. I don't want anybody to have a hard time get it?

We over here need no pity nor do we want it, but there is always frustration in life. especially in sports, and in sports especially in racing.

Yeah I think so.

I really believe it is financial. More than ever you cannot afford to break or even cut a tire. Most of us are teatering on the edge of racing or not racing, and one bad night can put us over the edge. I also think a few tracks have let drivers get waaayy out of control. Just because you call it your black and blue division doesnt mean you have to let so much crap go on during the race. I hurt my motor and it is very likely that Im done racing for the year. (this remains to be seen.) If it is more than 3-400 bucks to fix my car Im done. Ive spent alot more than I can afford to realize my dream, and it is important to me that someone doesnt wreck me to end it. I will flat out fight If I feel Im intentionally wrecked. That is not my nature, but Im protecting my investment.

I guess maybe because I don't race more than twice a month and intentionally stay out of points battles I wouldn't get it. But I do know frustration believe me. Sorry to hear about your motor Chad, If I was home I might let you borrow my little motor for a turn at the wheel, but I'm still stuck out here. Good luck with it.

Thanks Jake! I hope it all goes well. Are you still coming back this fall?

Yeah I'll be up there mid Septemberish. Not sure what races I'll go to accept Wood Tic. beleive it or not, I am really getting tired of the computer. I am dying for some real fun beyond work, gym, work, sleep. and at work I have nothing to do cause I am leaving so soon, I just end up BSing with you guys all the time. Talk about frustrating.

Damn Dennis, sorry to hear that. That's a bummer. Glad to hear you were out there racing though. (I didn't know it was you).
Dan,55G

I also think a lot of drivers carry their grudges and bad attitudes with them no matter where they go. They are their own worst enemy. Those people get off on being that worked up about something. They subcontiously thrive on that sort of thing. One is obviously not concerned with cut tires and bent sheet metal if one intentionally swerves at, or hits another car on purpose or for the purpose of retalliating.
In racing things happen, some drivers need to stop and think that not every bump or scrape is a deliberate attack on ones equipment or person. Sometimes people feel bad about contact and never get the chance to express their concern or apologize, before they are spun out or slammed into, wich turns the whole thing into a big blown out deal. When it may have REALLY been an ACCIDENT. Thanks,Dan55G

Tis the time of season. Happens every year, about this same time.

Early summer, people are happy to be racing again. Mid summer the temps are high, and the tempers are short. Late summer, the temps are still high, the money is short, and people are stressing about points.

Still remember the days of a promoter this time of year. I wanted to quit every week.....LOL

Well put Duane, you said it all right there buddy.

Big reason not to race for points! I get to go where I want when I want!!!

my hero! Points are a pain in the ass and cause way more grief than they are worth.