Looking Ahead
Second generation racer David Ragan has been tabbed as being the next big story for Georgia racing by some of those polled this year. Photo by Rhonda McCole
Finally, we asked those polled to look into their crystal balls for the upcoming year and give us their predictions for what might be the most historic moment of 2010.
Rick Minter said he felt the future of short track racing would be a big story for 2010.
“The biggest…will be how the local short track scene weathers the economy, which doesn’t seem to be getting much better,” he said.
Joe VanHoose echoed that sentiment.
“I’d venture to say the Georgia Asphalt Series’ days are numbered,” VanHoose said. “It will soon go the way of the ASA Southeast Series.”
Mike Bell said he feels the continued growth of dirt track racing in the state will be a big story for the New Year.
“We will have a new track down off I-75 near Moultrie that is going to make some big waves in that part of the country,” he said. “I also like the fact that Waycross is putting down clay trying to get in line with the other tracks down there. And I hope more than anything that GARHOFA will make itself known to more racers throughout the state.”
Jeff Hood said he felt that the big story for Georgia racing will come in February at Daytona.
“I’m going to predict that Unadilla, Ga. native David Ragan will win the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14,” Hood said.
Capt. Herb Emory echoed the sentiments of wanting 2010 to be Ragan’s year.
“I fully expect to see David Ragan claim multiple victories in the Sprint Cup Series,” he said. “I think he would have already accomplished that had it not been for the bad year Ford had overall in the sport.
“I looking forward to the pride Georgia can feel with a driver like David representing us in the 2010 Chase!”
Justin Poole said he felt the story of 2010 will be a shift of emphasis in the racing world back home.
“In 2010, I think the sport of auto-racing will begin to make a shift towards more focus on local and short track than the world dominated by NASCAR,” he said. “Unless there is an economic uplift the sport will suffer. Local racers can adapt better, I think, because the long history of racing in this area and the locations available to them.”