When we visit various race tracks, we cannot help but compare how each one operates against other tracks. With a dirt track, surface prep is extremely important. Cherokee had a method that makes sense...
Dirt tracks must add water to the clay, or whatever medium is used, so that it will retain a measure of grip. Dust is never thought of as ideal for both the racing action and the comfort of the fans.
At Carolina Speedway, we saw the conditions go to dry and fairly slick with lots of dust in the air. Seth, at Cherokee, explained how they evolved to help with that situation.
At Cherokee, they used to water the track with a large, semi tractor-tank trailer rig that packed the clay too much and did not allow the moisture to penetrate deep into the track surface. So, it used to dry up by feature time.
What they did was buy a farm tanker truck with very large and wide tires. This distributes the load over a larger area under the tires and the packing effect is reduced.
We saw very little dust all night long and the track retained grip and moisture well. The result was a more consistent racing surface and a bunch of fans who went home fairly clean.
The other factor is visibility. A track that can retain moisture causes less dust buildup in the air and both the competitors and fans can see better. I have seen nights where you couldn't see the cars in the turns at some tracks where it went very dry and slick. There is something to the plan developed by Seth Buff.