2013-2014 SCORE season review!

[Lancaster Tornado!]

(5/17/14) I have to admit I had mixed feelings when the season was finally over. On one hand, it had been incredibly frustrating dealing with the weather woes during the long winter. On the other hand, the racing was extremely good as usual. So, when the final checkered flag waved at the "Classic", I was both relieved and disappointed.
Overall, however, SCORE enjoyed another fine campaign despite a few ups and downs. The season started pretty much as the previous one ended, but that changed by the Christmas break. Gone were the ARDC boys as real racing concerns and other ventures became their priority. Fortunately, the Hiester clan was "all-in" for the schedule and a few others became "frequent fliers". By the end of the season, SCORE was operating at full tilt. Statistically, nineteen drivers participated during the sixteen programs. The midget division led the attendance parade with an 11.5 drivers per feature while the sprints and champs lagged behind averaging 10.3. SCORE, as a whole, averaged 10.6 participants per event. Eight racers ran at least 28 of the 32 features presented this season.
Competition-wise, although there were half a dozen blow-outs including a huge 14-point margin of victory in the dirt champ opener, the racing was typically close. The average difference between first and second place was still only 2.8 points across the board. The midgets were the best at just 2.0 points per feature. Among the divisions, winners were decided by tie-breaker five times, by one point ten times, and two points another five times.
Though Lee Greenawalt copped the lion's share of feature laurels, ten drivers took trips to victory lane. It was great to see Trevor Kobylarz and Scott Hiester, Sr. pick up their first checkered flags and Dave Kurtz, after two winless seasons, collect a big win at the finale. Greenawalt topped everyone with eleven wins while part-time racer Carey Becker was the best of the rest with four. Dave Balloch, Mike Lengel, Chuck Heller, and Kobylarz all garnered three wins apiece as Tim Musser,Sr. copped a pair with Kurtz, Homer Hiester and his uncle Scott, Sr. taking singles.
If there was a downside for the season, it had to be the point races. By midway, Greenawalt had the USAC sprint and midget divisions locked up. Only in the dirt champs was Greenawalt in jeopardy near the end of the campaign. Greenawalt was consistant throughout the schedule earning 29 top five finishes. The next two drivers were Balloch with 22 and Lengel with 20. And that's how you win championships. Consistancy. Much congrats to Lightning Lee on his second triple crown.
Congradulations go out to Scott Hiester,Jr. for becoming SCORE's "Rookie of the Year". Junior battled the learning curve, but had some strong efforts along the way. His pop, Scott Sr., doesn't say much, but is always cooperative and helpful on race night. I believe he deserves this season's "Sportsman of the Year". Well done, Scott. While I'm at it, thanks to everyone, particularly the track owners, for their cooperation. Yes, there were some bumps along the way, but nothing worth mentioning.
As for SCORE, we'll be back in early October for our 20th season. Hard to imagine. When SCORE was formed, I thought a half-dozen years would be a good run. Number 20 coming up. Wow.
For all the details on what's happening in SCORE, head for the facebook page. It's interesting to note that SCORE has a nice little following. Items on the SCORE page are viewed by 50 to 200 people depending upon when they are posted. SCORE gets many favorable comments thanks to everyone involved especially "Flash" Greenawalt for taking most of our photos and, also, newbie photog Iron Mike.
Already looking forward to next season,