Racing has it's own special list of terms and important actions to watch for. Familiarize yourself with these background facts and you'll better understand the action, perhaps even forecast the race winner. Remember, the next time you come to the races, be sure to bring a pencil, binoculars and a stopwatch, or watch with a sweep second hand. These tips and simple aids can help you become a more knowledgeable race watcher.

Blue or oil smoke - Oil smoke usually indicates there is something wrong with the engine. A little smoke may mean simply a small drip on a hot exhaust pipe; that kind of smoke could go an entire race and cause no real harm. Lot's of smoke usually means a piston or piston ring has broken, perhaps even a connecting rod or oil pan has been fractured. Look where the smoke is coming from. Up front means the engine is hurt, from beneath the driver, perhaps the transmission, while smoke from the rear may indicate oil leaking from the differential.?

White or steaming smoke - Most of us had a car overheat, probably on a hot day. Race cars sometimes overheat when the radiator is blocked by debris on the track, but usually the damage is caused by front end accidents, often radiators split, water pumps seize and often head gaskets break. Many race fans don't realize that radiators send up that cloud of smoke because a head gasket gives way. The water is literally boiled away because the heat of the combustion chamber passes right into the cooling system.

Black rubber smoke - Have you ever laid some rubber' with the family car? Tires also smoke when a race car slides in a spinout. Watch that car after it restarts the race. If the driver falls of his pace, he'll probably soon pit for new tires because he "flat spotted" the others when they smoked in the spin. Flat Spotted tires cause vibration, hurting the handling and speed of the car.

Right here

Handling - Horsepower is not enough to win races. Cars must be able to go quickly through the turns as well as fast down the straits to gain the winners prize. When a car does not handle well we say it either pushes or it is loose.

Pushing - Here the front end of the car cannot grip the road. You can spot a car with push by it's tires pointing sharply into the turn and the front of the car sliding towards the guard rail. A car with push is usually passed on the inside by a faster car.

Loose - Here the back end of the car cannot hold the road properly. The tail hangs out and the driver actually jas to turn to the outside of the track to control it. "Loose" cars are exiting to watch but they, too, lose speed in the turns and often spin out when traction totally deteriorates.

Wedge - Wedge or change in chassis weight can correct handling problems like push or looseness. Wedge is changed by a wrench adjustment either before the race or in the pits.

Official Weather Policy

In the event of a sudden shower, the program may be temporarily suspended; however, every effort will be made to complete the program after the rain stops. If in the opinion of Mid Michigan Raceway Park Officials, the bad weather will prevent a return of a safe racing condition in a reasonable amount of time, the race will be postponed or canceled as follows:

1) The program will be considered complete (no rain checks) if: a. Half of the scheduled events are run, or b. Half of the feature laps are completed.

2) Some of the remaining events may be run as part of a future program.

3)In the event of rain, curfew or any circumstances beyond the control of the officials, the race may be declared complete or continued at the discretion of the official in charge.

4) If the program is not considered complete (see No.1), your ticket stubs will serve as rain checks for the designated rain date.

Next time you are at the Track

Arrive early! You'll get your favorite seats and see the practice periods which are often an indicator of the nights outcome.

Bring a stop watch! You can time laps and check distance intervals all evening.

Bring a camera! Before, during and after the races your night is best remembered on film.

Watch the starter all night or day! His flag signals control the conduct of all races.

Listen to engine sounds! You'll often be able to predict trouble for a competitor by listening to subtle engine noises.

Watch the leaders on restarts! Trouble often occurs or dramatic changes in position take place on restarts where leaders fail to get away cleanly. . .

Keep a lap scoring chart! You'll have a detailed record of the nights action.

Visit the pit area after the races! The drivers are eager to meet their fans and to sign autographs.