Daytona on Dirt

If the Daytona 500 is the Kings Race of NASCAR, then the Show-Me 100 would be the parallel event on Dirt. Because the TV coverage on Dirt Racing is in it's infant stages, the notoriety of events in the class of the Show-Me 100 is only renown in the circles of the Dirt Race Fans. The realityof the numbers indicate that the largest spectator sport in America is Short Track Auto Racing. It's amazing to me that so many people don't get it!

The popular explanation is, that the more sophisticated race fans relate Dirt Racing to Championship Wrestling. While at many local redneck tracks that may indeed be the case. But the Dirt Late Model Super Tracks, like the West Plains Motor Speedway, it is not the case. It is one of many tracks nationwide with a large following for the mega events that take place there like the Show-Me 100. The sponsors for these events are national industry leaders in their own rites and purses for the events they sponsor may exceed $250,000.00 dollars.

Many of the leading dirt champions laugh at NASCAR offers because of the money.

These drivers are doing quite well in their circles and with the increased TV coverage will have an even more lucrative future. Four Time Show-Me 100 Champion Scott Bloomquist, of Mooresburg, TN, has cashed paychecks that total over $277,000.00, at just one TRACK, The West Plains Motor Speedway.

I suppose my activity on the inside of the early stages of this growing industry makes me somewhat impatient with the general public, and especially with people that live within about an hour of West Plains and in the town itself.

When you come to the Show-Me 100 you will see how big it really is. The cars, haulers, engines, equipment, and accessories cost like NASCAR and when you see it you know what I mean. The evidence as to the popularity is in the parking lot. Understand that even though the parking lot is full of giant Motor Homes and RVs, the motels for 60 to 80 miles in any direction are full with race fans. These fans and racers will come to our area from as many as 35 states. That's right, they come from about 2/3 of these United States. I have estimated that according to Parks and Tourism Formulas, the economic impact to the area economy is over $3,000,000.00.

That ain't chicken feed. That's hardcore economic stimulus. Take it out of our little rural economy and what do you get, just another bad year that you can blame on the government or the Quote ECONOMY. Recognizing the significance of events at the Speedway and similar goings on, should open eyes and as the TV coverage grows someday you'll be watching the Show-Me 100 on ESPN and say remember when Tom Harris wrote that blog on this...............

You can see it for FREE on Thursday evening at the practice night and even enjoy a BBQ with racers and crews for $7.50. Call 870-994-7447 for the meal ticket and maybe I'll see you there?