“there’s also the question of why a top NASCAR driver would be competing in a race in a backwater dirt track to begin with.”
Thats actually kinda common. Ken Schrader used to do it all the time. I think the local track makes some sort of agreement with the big time driver to race there, it brings people out to see the NASCAR name there by increasing gate receipts.
I'm sure this is all going to come to an end, and right quick.
* Baseball fans may remember that this was how the Yankees ended up trading for Alex Rodriguez in 2004. Aaron Boone, their starting third baseman and hero of the 2003 playoff series against the Red Sox, injured his knee while playing a pickup basketball game over the following winter. His contract was immediately voided, and the Yankees went out looking for a new third baseman.
also, Tony just loves to race these cars. So does Kasey Kahne.
“there’s also the question of why a top NASCAR driver would be competing in a race in a backwater dirt track to begin with.”””””
Tony Stewart races all kinds of events.
He owns a couple or three of such small town tracks, and he keeps spending money into the small towns where they are located.
There are hundreds of small town race tracks all over the USA.
Drivers do NOT show up in NASCAR on Sunday full-blown as seasoned drivers.
They all get their starts somewhere & the number of small town tracks would probably surprise most people.
In the early 70’s, I went to a Sat night race in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Had a great time. Cost about $2 for a seat & drinks were 50 cents & hot dogs were about a buck. Dirt track, and wood bleacher seats.
Without all these training grounds, there would NOT be NASCAR—INDY cars—Drag racing on TV- and even Formula One drivers.