Sometimes the most fun you can have at Eldora Speedway is simply getting together with your buddies, tossing a quarter into the hat, and placing your bet on who you think will be standing on the stage at the end of Saturday night’s 42nd Annual World 100.

If you’re like me, it seems like every time I try to make a pick, all the sure bets have been gobbled up and your left to find a hidden gem or potential underdog one of your friends may have overlooked. If that’s the boat you’re in, or if MORE

You’ve heard the story before, and you probably know how it ends. A kid goes to Eldora for the first time. He falls in love with the track, with the cars, and with racing in general. He dreams of someday standing on the famed Eldora Speedway stage. | Complete Dream XVIII coverage

Yep, we’ve all heard that story before. Mine isn’t much different. It just has a slightly different spin.

My first Dirt Late Model race at the hallowed half-mile high-banked oval was the 1997 Dream. The race itself MORE

In the last several years, dirt track racing has made unbelievable strides in terms of safety. From head-and-neck restraints to specialized seats, there's no denying our sport has come a long way. As a matter of fact, I'll go as far as to say drivers are safer now than they have ever been, and I imagine that trend will continue moving forward for the next several years as well.

However, when it comes to racetrack safety, I'm not sure track owners are keeping pace with the cars and drivers.

Last MORE