"Hey Bob, I was thinking this same thing a couple weeks ago. We went to watch opening night at one of the local tracks and it was painfully obvious. There are a couple classes where it isn't as noticealbe, but it's there. I really noticed it over the last few years in the late model class. The outlaws were replaced with a template body/crate motor class a few years ago and there is minimal passing. About 10 years ago, a friend of mine had a very good handle on this track. He won a lot of races and a number of championships. While those who weren't his fans may have gotten tired of him winning, it did make the races interesting because of all the cars he passed. He usually was fast qualifier and would then do the pill draw for the invert. One night after the draw, the promoter offered him more cash for a win if he would give up his midpack starting position and start last. He accepted and took the lead with 4 or 5 laps remaining and took the extra booty with him. That was with a field of 20 or so cars. That wouldn't happen today....you couldn't do it and the field is short compared to then. Anyway, funny you noticed it, too." Mike F.