Florida DRC Disappointment 2008 - By: Jody Shannon

Posted Jody Shannon on February 17th, 2008 | Filed under Articles, Jody Shannon

Well, to say Winternationals 2008 was a disappointment for TheDRC.net would be a understatement. We had very high expectations going into the two weeks of racing action, but problem after problem hindered what the site is capable of. First and foremost Days Inn Tampa is a rat hole.

The wireless net only worked half the time, our tub kept over flowing, we made several calls to the front desk, only to be told someone was on their way. That slowed me down getting to the track daily. Then, the next problem to arise was the real killer. Thursday night trying to get online we noticed our laptop’s windows had crashed. I don’t know what we did, but something screwed the damn thing up and it’s still in the shop as we speak. I caught the flu or something midweek, I have a pretty stiff repair bill, and my girlfriend got drunk and broke her digital camera. Needless to say it was a expensive and miserable week for me. I decided the best thing to do was head on home, forgo Volusia and regroup in time for racing season.

To anyone who was relying on us for news, results or information, I apologize, we flat out sucked it up the last few nights of East Bay.

Other than the aforementioned problems, the racing was excellent this year at the clay by the bay. Billy Moyer impressed the hell out of me. Terry Casey matured right in front of my eyes, and his skills progressed as the week went on, it was really fun to watch. My buddy Wayne Chinn showed he is going to be a force in the Late Model world one day very soon, making three events this year, after being shut out in 2007 at East Bay. “The Buckeye Bullet” Matt Miller showed he wasn’t just a slick track finesse styled driver as he put the hammer down and absolutely flew on the early week tacky tracks.

As always, East Bay’s staff was friendly and second to none. I counted four different employee’s who struck up a conversation with me, and asked how I liked the races and where I was from, and that’s not even counting some of the entertaining conversations I had with the beer booth ladies.

I can’t wait till next year! I am actually considering hopping on a plane for the first time in my life, and going to a regular show at some point during the season. I love the place and am interested to see if it’s always that damn good. In a prefect world, this site will find some sponsors and we can stay down there a extra week and broadcast the Modified and Crate races over streaming audio. I just need some help making that dream come true, or I need to rob a liquor store. I don’t know which one will happen first, but you can be assured I will be making moves trying to expand our coverage and capabilities.

As always, If anyone has a suggestion for the site, call me, email me, send a carrier pigeon! We are always looking for content. If you have something you want to say, a driver you want to promote, just let me know. I am always looking for writers and various opinions from the fans that support this great sport, so if you have something to contribute, don’t hold back!

Thanks to everyone who waste their time on this site, we will keep on bringing the good stuff and staying grassroots, promoting and giving opinions on the sport we love.

Till we meet again,

Jody Shannon

http://www.thedrc.net