By T.J. Buffenbarger
David Gravel may not be trying to wear the proverbial “black hat” with the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series, but he’s making a strong case for doing so late in the season.
Gravel was biggest headline maker last week continues to make waves this week. By now you have likely seen the video from the closing moments of the Williams Grove National Open on Saturday where Gravel and Stevie Smith make contact racing for the lead with Smith spinning while Gravel eventually went on to victory. Gravel was apologetic in victory lane while Smith was obviously not pleased with the outcome proclaiming during a post race interview “that’s now how I race” and “he cost us $50,000”. Accidental or not when losing in that fashion the driver that got spun is not going to be happy. To pile on Donny Schatz even chimed in saying “you have that racing with the 83 from time to time”.
To follow up his victory Gravel told Jeremy Elliott from the Patriot News he will skip Fremont Speedway’s World of Outlaws event next week to run the Trophy Cup. This is understandable due to Gravel missing races earlier in the year and car owner Dennis Roth being based out of California and the fact the Trophy Cup benefits the Make-A-Wish foundation. Then Gravel promptly indicated that Fremont is not one of his favorite tracks.
Keep in mind taking on the perceived villain role is not a bad thing. Sammy Swindell was often saddled with the roll, yet had very steadfast fans and often the longest line for t-shirts after the races. Gravel is a personable young man who has potential to be a star for years to come in Sprint Car racing. More than likely this situation at the Grove will pass, but at least in the short term Gravel makes for a nice storyline with the World of Outlaws.
Who came out the biggest winner in this situation? Port Royal Speedway who will host the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series on October 25th. The only thing missing will be Stevie Smith, who will not return to action until the World Finals in Charlotte.
Other notes…
- Dustin Daggett winning his fifth Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP championship on Saturday at Plymouth Speedway would normally be the headline from the season finale, but Rico Abreu and Scotty Thiel showing up along Ryan Ruhl losing the point lead at the final race stole the headlines. Abreu was a surprise visitor after Atomic Speedway rained out, bringing Keith Kunz and Paul Silva with him (who would have ever thought one would see that trio in a SOD pit area). Ruhl, Thiel, and Abreu put on a tremendous feature for a sparse crowd due to the inclement weather. Kudos to Plymouth Speedway for staying the course though and racing on Saturday.
- As for Ruhl, often times one has to lose a championship before winning one. Ruhl has nothing to hang his head about though after having a breakout season. At one point Ruhl spotted Daggett 50 points after a Merritt rain out due to a rule where SOD awards show up points after the draw is complete if a show rains out while Ruhl was at a wedding (which we are strongly not in favor of unless the teams get tow money).
- Daggett’s championship should not be overlooked. The Daggett/Mott Motorsports combination has been consistently the strongest sprint car team in Michigan since joining together. Based on his season in the 360 and the strength of his 410 debut at Berlin Daggett finally has a formidable opponent and as long as either driver does not bolt for other opportunities this rivalry could be what Michigan fans have been clamoring for.
- Saturday was also the swan song for Mike Strevel, for now, being involved in motorsports. For over 20 years Stevel has announced, run race tracks, and operated series on top of being a lifelong fan of the sport. Strevel is also a close friend over that 20 years and it is disappointing he is walking away from being involved in the sport at an operational level, but happy that his business has taken off to the point where he has to dedicate more time to it. Look for Strevel to appear regularly on our Podcasts to break down race track and series issues as they arise.
- The USAC Silver Crown series will have some local flavor this week at Super Dirt Week at the Syracuse Mile with Richie Tobias and Stewart Friesen joining the field. Tobias is a fan favorite at Syracuse and was a regular with Silver Crown Series while Friesen is fast in virtually everything he drives. Both should be highly entertaining additions for what is becoming a series on the rise thanks to the efforts of Andy Hillenburg this year. Hopefully USAC leadership can retain Hillenburg for years to come and keep the momentum rolling. Super Dirt Week will be a great stage for the Silver Crown Series to perform in front of a crowd that normally does not get much in the line of USAC racing.
- The World of Outlaws event at Rolling Wheels Speedway is the only sprint car race on the docket. I am somewhat surprised the Patriot or Empire Super Sprints tours couldn’t take advantage of the built in audience at the various short track events around Super Dirt Week. Talking to officials from both series, the race tracks in the area will not take on a sprint car purse when they can draw in the people with cheaper sportsman modified races.
- Former Little 500 winner and legendary Fremont, Ohio area driver Daryl Harrison passing away over the weekend. Harrison was a very accomplished sprint car driver who we got to know a little bit via his son David Harrison over the years. Funeral services for Darl will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Bettsville, Ohio. Visitation for family and friends will be on Tuesday, from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m., and on Wednesday, from 10-11 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services on Wednesday, at Pleasant Union cemetery in Old Fort.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Fremont Speedway Hall of Fame.