Who would have thought ten years ago I would be setting in front of a ten foot projection screen watching three races on a Saturday night? With my remote in hand and my lab top computer to my side it was possible. Not only was I able to watch the NASCAR event on Fox TV but was able to watch the races from Thunderbird Raceway and Crystal Motor Speedway.
VerWayne Greenhoe of Races on the Web.com had a dream to provide local track fans an option to watch their local races on nights when they could not get to the track. This dream is now a reality that is gaining momentum around the country. There is no substitute for being there but I am glad this is an option. Don't get me wrong it is not a FOX TV quality broadcast locally but I was pleasantly surprised by the clarity of the video at Thunderbird and Crystal .
Other than some annoying audio noise at the beginning of the night Crystal Motor Speedway's production was great. The announcing team of Roger Williams and Trevor Hollis at Crystal were entertaining and insightful. You can tell they have a full season under their belt with the Races on the Web format. These two reminded me how nice it is to have two announcers for a race track. They play off each other. Crystal is fortunate have both of them. Some of the most enjoyable evenings I had as an announcer was working with Bobby McQueen. He and I were able to banter back and forth at he Winston Speedway when the Grega's were still the owners. Roger and Trevor I am sure feel the same way. I am also sure Thunderbird's production will be up to full speed in the coming weeks. For there first try with this new technology I feel they should be commended for their efforts.
Crystal Motor Speedway and its promoter Ronn Flinn keep showing why they are the premier dirt track in Michigan. Close to 150 cars on hand in today's economy is unbelievable. The camera also showed a packed stands which is uasually the norm at Crystal and not the exception. Hats off to their management team.
On the other hand as I watched Thunderbird Raceway I am reminded just how hard track owners work. Thunderbird opened their 2009 program with a great Modified Car count but struggled in all of their other classes for cars. The Ferguson family is one of the nicest group of people that you will ever meet. They know it will not be an easy task to get Thunderbird back to its old form but they proved on opening night it will not be for lack of effort and enthusiasm. With the water level being at it's highest level in Muskegon County in recent history it is amazing that they were able to open. Hats off to them for all of their hard work.
Remember to support your local tracks, but if you can not make it tune into Races on the Web. It is a great alternative when you can not be there.
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