"Live From" VMP D1 LODRS 2023

[HR9121]

Photo credit to Bongiovanni Racing

[Mike Schwartz]

Originally Posted by HR9121

Photo credit to Bongiovanni Racing

Ken, Are you going to want to chase points now? Will need to check on Monday to see if something is possible after your National RU and Divisional Win.

[Cheetah]

Congratulations Kenny on your win at VMP. Well deserved Joe and Carol Greek

[Keith 944]

See Ken, after beating yourself up about the runner up, Look what happened. didn’t take long either, congratulations! and the national event win will come soon enough.

[Ken Miele]

Thanks everyone, it was a good way to end the season. I know I was a little light on reports towards the end... sorry for that. All in all it was a good time, a win always makes you forget any issues that come up.

I have thank the Larry Wiggins and Duke for pit control, parking looked to be going very well. D1 was down on staff, but for the most part they got it all done. Some of the issues like no real announcer was very disappointing and there was no live timing. I think for the entry fee of a D1 race, those things we be a priority... we races depended on it. Like I said they were down on staff, and it showed as there was only one guy at the head of the lanes to pair us and Bill was at the front of the lanes. When I was racing there was no one to direct us to start the burnout, the starter at times would give us the signal, but he was busy making sure the starting line was prepped. I think all the personal did a great job with what they had to work with, but being under staffed real puts a strain on all of them.

Guys you know me, I very rarely complain about the races I attend, but its hard not to point these things out, I'm hoping they will improve next season.

Again folks thanks for all your support for Class Racer... its be a good year and I'm already looking forward to next season. Not much excitement on my rolling home, but here it is...

[BKSG1198]

Congrats Ken on the win! I think we need to find someone with some photoshop skills and we need some MUPPETS in the winner circle pic with you.....lol.

The topic about being short-staffed came up a few times over the past week or so on Facebook and at Penny's memorial about how understaffed everyone is. The unfortunate thing is it's just like the world today (don't worry Ken, not making it political) but everyone wants to make $15-20 an hour to work, so finding someone who wants to stand on their feet for 12-15 hours for not much $$ is pretty much impossible. Most of these people who work at the track or for D1 do this as a PT job, are trying to maybe move up the ladder and basically do it for the love of the sport. Most of us who have friends that do this know what these guys are making per hour and it's sad, and for us in D1, the staff is not getting any younger so in about 3-5 years we really could be in trouble. All I can say is while we're all chilling in the motorhome with our feet up, making a cheeseburger or hot dog, throw a few extra on and bring them one and a bottle of water up to the starting line for them to grab a quick bite to eat can be a big thank you for their hard work on some hot and brutal days.

[dragracerray]

I am not sure of the etiquette for a Wally picture is but when the boss wins...and some of his friends show up for the picture....the picture would be full of people. How is it that Ken is the only one in the picture? Ray

[Steve Foley]

Congrats Ken on the win!! Very well deserved my friend!!

[Ken Miele]

Originally Posted by dragracerray

I am not sure of the etiquette for a Wally picture is but when the boss wins...and some of his friends show up for the picture....the picture would be full of people. How is it that Ken is the only one in the picture? Ray

The key words is friends... I'm a little light on them. All kidding aside, I race alone most of the time, I have no crew, and to be fair when racers lose they pack up and hit the road, me included. Its fine, at least we can show our support here. I did have a good friend and his son helping me the last few rounds. Duane Eiskant and his son were a big help as there was no one to get you in the water box. They did get in the photo for D1. The photo you saw was Duane taking it for Micro Strategies and Bongionvanni Racing Team

Oh one more thing I forgot, there was no Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series champion hats... not sure how Lucas feels about that.