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Traditional Sprint Car FanSite |
See You At The Races!!! |
| Keeping
up with the California Asphalt Sprintcar Association by Glenn Hopper |
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May 6, 2004 - San Jose, CA. I realized when I began this column that it was going to be unique. If not in it’s content, then certainly in its construction. I also am aware that unlike most columns, I never formally introduced myself. I’d like to take that opportunity now. My name is Glenn Hopper. In most previous installments of this column, I have written the content from a third-person perspective – as an observer rather than the participant that I am. In my conversations with “CASA Chronicles” readers I have found only a few who made the connection that the name on the byline is also a CASA competitor and club director. I was never quite sure what direction I wanted this column to take but I was very sure which directions I wished to avoid. Originally it was most important to both myself, and the CASA club, to make sure we released CASA-specific coverage and information. As is the case at nearly every track these days, the racing bill has several divisions competing at the same track on the same night. It became obvious to me that if CASA was to prosper, we needed to present CASA information on a stand-alone basis. Since we were brand new, I thought a brief history of how CASA came to be would be a logical place to begin. And thus, the “CASA Chronicles” was born. Initially I hoped to give CASA accounts as anonymously as possible. I didn’t want the primary focus of my column to be about me, or my “exploits” or even, if those who know me can believe, my many opinions. The column was never to be rumor-based or inflammatory. While there is an intentional promotional slant to “CASA Chronicles”, I have no intention of using the column to promote any one individual, myself included. Or more accurately, myself especially. Towards the end of last season I was tasked with writing our race stories, which provided an even greater challenge. I believe that writing a quality race story is within my skill set but I do have some major obstacles to writing such a story, not the least of which is the fact I’m kind of busy racing out there! I’m certainly close to the action, running at over a hundred miles an hour, traffic swirling all around and trying my best to win, however, I’m not really in a good position to note that “Racer X” passed “Racer Z” on lap whatever. Therefore, I write the stories based on my own limited observations, conversations with drivers involved, and the help of some trusted observers. I glean what I can from scoring but I prefer to present the feel and flavor of the race rather than a lap-by-lap account or analysis. So to those of you who may have noted a lack of specific detail, I’d like you to understand it’s not my intention to delete or ignore those specifics, but I can only call ‘em as I almost see ‘em! Another obstacle which compounds the problem of trying to be as fair and as accurate as possible, what should I write if I should do something noteworthy myself - such as win a race? That is after all the primary reason I go to the racetrack - to win the race. I decided that the only reasonable thing to do was be as honest as possible to everyone involved. That said; my intention is to give full credit where credit is due, regardless of the players involved. I hope this column has provided some insight to the
California Asphalt Sprintcar Association during both the club’s and my own
journalistic infancy. I hope to keep writing this column exhibiting my best of
intentions even though the format may vary. I’d like to use whatever method
needed to present the story behind CASA and hope readers understand. And who
knows, maybe some day soon, I’ll get to some of those many opinions I have to
share… |
