This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

I find oval racing boring. I know that’s not a popular opinion here. Might even be an abhorrent opinion but it’s mine: oval racing is boring to me.

But this weekend in Martinsville someone found it a good idea to race MX-5 Mazdas at Martinsville. And I found a shelf to put it on after witnessing some of it.
Mx5s Martinsville

The racing was still boring, but it forced drivers to expand their tool box.

There were times in the hour-long race when competitors were door to door fighting for the win and that, by definition, is important for a competitor’s race craft. Putting the shoe on the other foot, there are hall of fame drivers who spent years turning left, never learning how to turn right. And that’s a loss for them and for us as motorsports fans.

I still believe oval racing is boring and low on the list of things a race car driver needs to know. But it’s on the list and should be accomplished.

Because I remain in the camp that racing isn’t just speed. It’s competition and door to door for lap after lap is something a competitor needs to know in order to reach the level of competent.

Peace.