The DRC Fact or Fiction Version 1: Sullivan Vs. Boggan

Posted Jody Shannon on February 21st, 2008 | Filed under Articles, Gary Boggan, John Sullivan

Welcome one and all to the first ever edition of the Dirt Racing Connection’s Fact or Fiction. Just in case you don’t know how it goes, two writers will be given statements regarding hot, up-to-the-minute music news and make a case as to whether that statement is fact or complete and utter BS(ie, fiction). And, just for the hell of it, I’ll be here to tally up how many times the writers agree. Got it?

For the inaugural FoF we will have veteran DRC member John C. Sullivan and relative DRC newbie Gary Boggan sharing their thoughts.

1. After Earl Pearson’s multiple flips at Volusia Speedway Park, Bobby Labonte is calling for increased safety measures be taken in DLM. Earl’s wreck was a “wake up call” and we need more safety in Dirt Late Model racing.

John: FACT - It is sad that it has taken this long for someone to “wake up”. I do think Labontes NASCAR background will bring much safer racing to fruition in the dirt ranks. These lightweight race cars, with minimal safety devices are a ticking time-bomb waiting to explode. Price shouldn’t be an issue, because lives are invaluable.

Gary: FACT - While NASCAR has got tons of safety devices out, dirt racing really has very few. We have come a long way from window nets and neck teathers used before in latemodels. With the invention of the HANS Device, and other head and neck support systems, it is only stupid not to use it. I understand some people can’t afford it, because it really is pricey. How much does your life cost to you? Just make sure, your smart about it. Trying to be safe, can cause problems within itself. I wrote on such a topic after Don O’neal’s crash at Lowes in November. The article can be seen on www.thedrc.net

2. The 3-6 Mafia Late Model by All Star Grapix is one
of the hottest looking Late Models in 2008.

John: FICTION - If I was a business owner, and I just agreed to help fund a race car for this season, and they came to me with this spectacle, I would demand my money back. Nothing on this car is remotely legible, and is by far the most over the top vehicle, since the Partridge Family hit the road. Without any sugar coating it, I flat out HATE this car.

Gary: FACT - This is a really cool looking car. I am very superstitious, and against green, but what a great looking car. Everything from the green skulls, to the “This one’s 4 the haters” sticker on the sail panel, to the Hypnotized Minds/Three Six Mafia, and the Cadillac front decals. The car will make you look at it, and for the rednecks that don’t know what Three Six Mafia is, it will make them pay attention to the car trying to figure it out. Good move. Oh, BTW, it doesn’t hurt that im from Memphis, and enjoy listenin to some good ole Memphis Rap in Three Six Mafia.

3. Nascar drivers Carl Edwards and Ryan Newman were
given provisionals during the Florida Winternationals.
This was a good move and should be a common practice
when Nascar stars want to run on dirt.

John: FACT & FICTION - Man, this is such a catch 22. On one hand, 2 legitimate dirt drivers were on the trailer, while 2 rich guys were putting around the back of the pack. This is pretty much a joke, and ticks me off. On the other hand, I know for a fact of several people attending the track for the sole purpose of seeing some NASCAR drivers racing on dirt. I am sure they weren’t alone. Verdict: Bad for the racers and die hard fans/Good for the casual fans and promoters.

Gary: FICTON - I have been against this since I heard about it. Several years ago at the Alltel 100 Modified race, Bill Elliott, Kasey Kahne, and Mark Martin hadn’t been there all week, somehow show up on saturday night and get in the show? Wether they race the whole race, or they just stay in the back doesn’t matter. It’s favoritism, which is something that is killing the sport. I could care less if they were F1 stars, if I was a promoter everyone will have to race thier way into the show. We will see just how good them NASCAR boys are then huh?

And now for a brief intermission:

We return to our regularly scheduled programing:

4. UMP made the right move by going back to the four
compound tire rule and reintroducing the 10’s and 30’s
to competition.

Gary: FICTION. While I do believe it will open the competition up they should have just a single tire rule, and watch the real drivers come to the front. The tire should be the hardest tire they can find, which in return will make the “driver” come out. Tell me, how many of us have seen a driver on soft tires come to the front on a super hard track? Okay, no how many have seen a driver on hard tires come to the front on a super hard track? I don’t think very many of us. I have once, and it was a chore to watch. Besides, no traction control in the world can stop the hardest tires out there.

John: FACT - This was a tough decision for me to make, because it could easily swing either direction. I think they did make the right choice, because I do feel it will make racing a little better. I’ve seen many races lost, when a guy takes a gamble to run a 20 when he really needed something a little harder, and it ends up blowing or blistering badly enough to take him out of contention. It does suck for the smaller guy though, because that gives the rich guys alot more arsenal to start out with, however, anyone that thinks those same rich guys are running the same 55 tire at these spec tire races as Joe Average is in la-la land. I really don’t get Garys argument, he is against soft tires, and for a hard tire, but states that nobody can drive from the back to the front on a hard tire? If I understand right, he wants to see a train race.

5. With Shannon Babb joining up with Clint Bowyer,
2008 will be his best season yet.

Gary: FICTION - Shannon Babb made a horrible choice. He should have stuck with Moyer, but then again, I dont think he can hang with Moyer this year even if they were teamed up.

John: FACT - Sometimes change does a guy good. Sometimes you get stuck in the “status quo” and live life wonder if you could have went higher than you did in your career. Worst case scenario, the duo can’t make things work, and Shannon fills any number of vacant rides, dying to find a driver of his caliber.

6. Scott Bloomquist flipped for the first time in his
career, do you think it’s time for Scott to change
things up and cut his mullet.

Gary: FICTION - While I have read where Scott has flipped before, I do think the mullet is a trademark of his. The women around here think its sexy. Must be a southern thing. I say keep on keepin on Scott!!

John: FACT - After looking back at the last month of racing, it became apparent to me. Length of hair is directly related to the speed of your race car. All of the fast guys had short hair. Billy Moyer, Terry Casey, Jimmy Owens and Matt Miller. There must be some kind of aerodynamic or weight advantage to having short hair and possibly even a goatee. While the sleek hair style of Billy Moyer left him rolling the front, the lopsided mullet of Scott Bloomquist sent him tumbling on his roof. I’m thinking all that hair is making his car top heavy, and preventing his car from getting up on the bars properly. When it finally does, the roll center is out of whack and the car wants to flip. So come on Scot, mull it over, and get yourself a haircut.

Jody: What did we learn here? Not much. Gary Boggan is a very negative person. Squiggy should be a hair dresser and both of these guys opinions seem to be split down the middle.

If you have any topics you would like see discussed drop me a email at jodyshannondrf@yahoo.com. If you think either one of these guys are right or full of BS be sure to sign up and leave a comment. Or your welcome to be a hater and not participate at all.

Till next time…