There are many complaining that NASCAR Winston Cup, soon to be Nextel Cup, racing is getting dull. All the cars are looking the same and there are too many cookie-cutter type tracks. The excitement that helped make Winston Cup so popular just does not seem to be there.
That is not the case at local short tracks where auto racing is considered a "contact sport."
Perhaps it would be helpful to explain that NASCAR considers all tracks under one mile in length as short tracks. However most who follow the sport will tell you the real short tracks measure a half-mile or less.
Each local short track racing event gives fans an opportunityto see close competition, side-by-side racing, a few crashes, a flip or two, a lot of bent sheet metal and every once in a while there is even a fight. Keep in mind that fights are a part of just about every sport these days. You know that tired old story about "heat of competition" causing competitors to lose control of their tempers.
The big difference for people getting out for a night of auto racing is that unlike  some sports that force fans to almost take out a small loan to purchase tickets, admission for local short tracks is reasonable. Good tickets for a NASCAR Winston Cup race can run over $100 each.
Auto racing is affordable for families at the area short tracks. Tickets cost from $10 to $15 for adults. And young people are admitted for heavy discounts. Children, those under 6, are usually admitted for FREE.
Often times those attending a weekly event can get "up close and personal" by purchasing a pit pass. That allows adults to be in the competition area and rub shoulders with the athletes.
Other "cost-savers" for those attending local auto racing events include being allowed to bring your own snacks. Try to do that at a Phillies game. Of course each track does offer a variety of concession items and a wide assortment of souvenir and sportswear items.
All the tracks offer free parking. A big savings.  Last time I attended a sports event at one of the Philadelphia stadiums the cost was $10 to park.
Just about all seats are sold as general admission and there are no "bad views" from most seats at local short tracks.
It is one of the few sports that allows fans to get up close with the athletes. When the races are finished fans are invited into the pits, the competition area, to see the race cars up close, meet the competitors, collect autographs and just enjoy the excitement of local auto racing competition.
It is an exciting form of the sport featuring racers that will, perhaps, someday be found racing in NASCAR Winston Cup or other forms of major league motorsports.
A night at the local auto races is a great OUTDOOR family experience, something different that should be enjoyed by all age levels.
MITCH SMITH MEMORIAL AT WILLIAMS GROVE SPEEDWAY was won by Greg Hodnett. It was a decisive win for the Memphis, TN resident. Hodnett picked up $10,000 for the 410 sprint feature win that was run in memory of one of the all time greats of sprint car racing.
Second spot went to Fred Rahmer followed by Keith Kauffman, Lance Dewease, and Chad Layton.
The All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Haulmark Trailers invade Williams Grove Speedway this Friday, July 11th. Hodnett made it clear in victory lane that he is looking forward to the challenge of the All Star racers. Racing gets the green on Friday night at 8 p.m.
THE NITTANY 50 FOR SPRINT CARS was won by Blane Heimbach at Clinton County Speedway on Friday night.  The race, a 50 lapper, was sponsored by Middleswarth Potato Chips, and was the fifth win of the season for Heimbach. Second spot went to Dan Shetler followed by Jeff Weaver, Bob Howard and Tracy Readinger.
Jake Shady won the 20-lap Super Stock main event while Dave Riddel got the Daredevil feature win. Donnie Mellinger won the Pro Stock feature and it was Gary Mellot taking the win in the Enduro race.
Action is back at Clinton County Speedway, in Lock Haven, PA, on Friday, July 11th with the Enduros in the spotlight with a 50-lap feature. In addition the sprint cars will be in action along with super stocks, daredevils, and pro stocks. Racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
THE 24TH ANNUAL GEORGIE STEVENSON MEMORIAL TWIN 20-MODIFIED FEATURES saw Keith Hoffman win his first of the season in the first 20-lapper followed by Terry Meitzler, Kevin Hartnett, Craig VonDohren and Kenny Brightbill. In the second 20-lapper Kenny Brightbill got his first win of the season leading all 20-laps. Second spot went to Doug Manmiller followed by Doug Hoffman, Craig VonDohren and Terry Meitzler.
The NASCAR Dodge Sportsman-Modified feature, 15-laps, was won by Luke Wagner and the Roadrunner feature, 15 laps, went to Kevin Beach. For Beach it was his first career win and he lead all 15 laps.