Starstruck Report, open letter to my readers.

Starstruck Report-Open letter to my readers.

Dear Friends,
It's been a tough decision I have had to make. Right now, due to some other commitments, I am not able to make all the races at Southside Speedway this year. For this season, this is the end of the Starstruck Report. I know I could still write on the weeks I do make the races, however, with the points races coming to a head, it's harder to write the quality column I expect the Starstruck report to be. In the last few years, I always enjoyed watching the points race unfold and speculate on who was going to hold the trophy as track champion at the end of the year. As I write to a close, I want to say thank you to the drivers for all the stories they have shared with me up to this point. I look forward to starting over next year and continuing the growth this column has had. I have noticed a huge growth in readers. I plan on growing this even more next season and I also have a few other ideas in the works for next season. So as I come to a close, let me give a shout out to all the divisions for all they do to entertain us at Southside Speedway each year.

Modifieds: I see a brighter future ahead for this division. This week, we had a car count of 18. This is the largest car count we have had for this division in quite a few years. If this division grows, we can really have some points race drama in the next few years. I look forward to watching it.

Late Model Sportsmen: This has truly been a competitive year for this division. It has become more of a division to watch now with the good mix of veterans and young drivers all on the track at the same time. This would be the hardest race for me to predict at this point of the season.

Grand Stock: What can I say that hasn't already been said about these drivers. While this is considered a second tier division to the featured divisions, Modifieds and Late Model sportsmen, they have gained the respect of many of the tracks fans. Case in point, the fans choose them as the opening race for the night Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch appeared at the track. These drivers always have a very consistent car count and a competive race.

Ucar: Here is another division that has grown during my time covering the races. These cars are very similar to the old mini stock cars. Like Grand Stock, they have a consistent car count and this is one division that will go three wide. This points race could have the first rookie or female track champion this year. While I may not be covering, I think this is the story of the year.

Macka: These guys put on a show and races are often won on the last lap in this division. The wings on these cars make the cars draft more than any other division at Southside Speedway.

Street Stock: This division usually has 30 cars running each week. The real stories that can develop is to see who ends up with a bigger team in the future. Many future track champions has come out of this division.

Legends: I am glad you will be racing on the schedule twice this year and I don't think it should have been removed when the schedule was first written. My message to these drivers, put on a great show those races and really make the fans yell for more.

Track staff and officials: A 50 year anniversary or Golden Anniversary is a great milestone to make. I know it's not always been easy to keep things running but we would like to see the century mark one day. Thank you for all the hard work you do to make sure we have racing there every Friday night during the summer months.

As I close, I want to leave you with some thoughts. Southside has had it's history as a track and for me, it's not always the racing that has made Southside Speedway exciting for me. I always found the personalities behind those cars and the crews what makes things interesting. I have been very lucky to get to know alot of the drivers and crews over the years and plan on enjoying it more when the Starstruck Report resumes next season. It will be my goal to try to bring those personalities to you each week as well as the race recap.

So, all in all, it's been a great ride and I plan on growing the Starstruck report more next year when I resume the column. My instincts are telling me this is only a passing phase and next year will be my year. I can't thank any of you enough for the joy you have brought me by reading my words over time. As always, you can write me at larrystarstruck@yahoo.com. I would love to hear from you whether the column is active or not. In closing, May God bless all of you and as I always say, I will see you at the races.

*Larry Starstruck*