Al Buschelman’s column for July newsletter

I’ve got a couple track visits under my belt since the last Inside IMCA went to press catching a mid-June twinbill at Salmon Valley Speedway in Idaho and two shows this month at Hayden Speedway in Colorado.

Porter Smith made the trip from New Mexico pay off with the big money win at Hayden, so congratulations to the new 2011 Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot qualifier from Farmington.

My shortest trip of the season is coming up with the EQ Cylinder Heads Wild West Tour doubleheader at Sweetwater Speedway. It’s 20 miles one way, which is a far cry from the long jaunts this job usually entails. I’ll be at Casper and Gillette later in July and I’m looking forward to both those shows as well.

We’ve reached the point of the season where some drivers are crunching numbers and trying to figure out how much more racing their budget will allow for.

That’s a strong suit of all the IMCA sanctioned divisions regardless of what time of year it is. IMCA’s emphasis on economical racing, along with keeping this sport as safe as possible, make this sport affordable for a huge percentage of grassroots racers.

Don’t forget that the support you get from IMCA sponsors and local sponsors goes a long way in keeping you on the track as well. Any time is a good time to send a thank you, or better yet deliver that message in person whenever possible.

The latest information on the 28th annual IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals is in this newsletter. By all indications, Boone Speedway will be the place to be during the first full week of September.

You can register through the IMCA website or by calling the home office now. Camping reservations and applications for concrete parking in the pit area can also be done online.