CLERMONT — Occasional rain showers and a persistent rainy mist greeted a small but loyal group of fans and racers for last week’s Circle City 100 at O’Reilly Raceway Park.
Not exactly the type of environment one would expect to find any measure of enthusiasm or optimistism from a group gathered under water-laden skies.
Although the soggy elements led to the eventual cancellation of the event the conditions would not dampen the spirit of those hoping to keep a tradition alive in open-wheel racing.
Sanctioned by the newly formed Premier Racing Association the Circle City 100 offered fans one more opportunity to see the storic champ cars on pavement.
Formed over the winter, the PRA offers car owners of the older pavement champ cars an avenue to still go racing. Their equipment was made obsolete by the “next generation” Silver Crown cars in USAC racing.
While they continue to be a fan favorite among traditionalists, the older cars remain on an endangered list in the unsettled world of open wheel racing.
With a modest schedule, the lack of any sponsorship support and spotty spectator attendance, the PRA faces an uncertain future.
Despite the odds, co-founders Jason McCord and Jason Smith remain optimistic their series will survive and continue to grow. Others within the ranks share their optimism.
“Its work in progress. We hope to get this thing to the next level where it should be,” offered McCord, the former USAC sprint and Silver Crown racer.
“When USAC announced they were going to the next generation cars everybody begged them not to because they loved this form of racing.I think people want to see it [PRA] grow. Get bigger and better than ever. We hope this can be our future,” McCord said of his organization
McCord explains they were forced to assemble the series early if they were to save the existing Silver Crown inventory of cars and parts.
Waiting would probably have resulted in the cars being salvaged for sprint car pavement parts.
“To be honest if everything had went perfect we would have used ‘06 to get business and the series setup,” related McCord.”We would not have started till ‘07 but we knew we had to put together some type of schedule or the inventory of cars would have been depeted. We were rushed to to do this.”
The series gained a measure of recognition when long-time motorsports personality Bob Jenkins joined the PRA team in the role of series communications director.
Like many who grew up a fan of the big cars, Jenkins wanted to do whaever it took to keep the tradition alive. He acknowleged it could be a formidable task.
“I don’t know if there are any definite plans for next year but I can guarantee you the series will be back. Everybody is looking for sponsorship support for next year. It’s a necessary series,” voiced Jenkins.
While some say the creation of the PRA created a split in big car racing, Jenkins says its creation wasn’t designed to do so.
“We didn’t start the series to make anybody mad. It wasn’t a situation where we created it. It was created because these cars were made obsolete. The car owners wanted a place to run.”
The upstart series has the blessings and backing of many big name drivers who see it as plus to both the fans and racers.
“Its going to take awhle to build like anything else, but there are a lot of people who love these cars. The PRA gives the cars a place to run. I love to race these cars. I’m thankful for it,” offered veteran USAC Silver Crown driver Eric Gordon.
“I think the series is in good hands. They have dedicated car owners to support it,” he added
Like Gordon, fellow racer Tray Hines is a big supporter of the new circuit. He feels theres a place for both series but that there exist a major difference in fan demograhics.
“Silver Crown racing has always been a working man’s series.Now you have two different markets.The fans that can go to a PRA show for $20 but won’t be able to do that with the USAC shows on the big tracks.Those shows will be on more expensive NASCAR-IRL weekends.”
Terre Haute silver crown car owner Bill Biddle is among the majority that has elected to run the PRA in favor of purchasing one of the new generation cars.
“I really enjoy the [PRA] series. Theres a place for it. I hope these two young men [Smith and McCord] do well,” voiced the local businessman that currently ranks fourth in PRA car owner points.
One would be hard pressed to find any indivdual in open wheel racing with more experience and appreciation for the big cars than long-time crew chief Jack French.
It comes as no surprise that the outspoken French is a big supporter of the PRA.
“This is a great series. Jason and Jason are doing everything first rate. I haven’t heard a single complaint,” offered French.
Like others French expresses safety concerns regarding the next generation creations.
“Early on I wanted to go with the new cars but I’m not sure if they are safe for the mile and half tracks. I don’t think they are all wrong, but I’m not sure they are all right.”
Few people in open wheel racing command more respect than Jack French. Having his endorsement speaks volume for the PRA.
“They will survive. Count on it,” French said without the slighted hint of hesitation.
Joe Buckles can be reached at jbuckles@verizon.net.
Trackside
Trackside: Dedicated open-wheel fans keep tradition alive
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