February 1: Another season begins

The very wet Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona was run last weekend. Do you know what that represents? Sure, it's a chance for the sportscar drivers to race in front of the near empty grandstands of Daytona International. Or put a little rubber on a small section of the big oval before the Daytona 500. But what it really represents is the start of the 2019 racing season. Quickly followed up by the opening races of the NHRA, NASCAR, Indy Car and finally F1.

Dust off all the the cars and equipment that has lay dormant for the past few months. Well, not actually, dormant, just not involved in a race. All those race cars have to get to the track, so what a great time to segue into a quick look at how getting those cars to the track has changed over the years.

Can you imagine an Indy Car these days being taken to the speedway by a station wagon (ok, an suv) pulling a single axle, two wheeled trailer? Boggles the mind to think that everything needed to run a 500 mile race might fit into that big ol' wagon..........

Or a top fueler being pulled by a luxury car with a few spare parts packed into the car's trunk. Better not blow that nitro fueled power plant. A gold star if you can identify this famous driver, who raced for many years after this picture was taken in 1963 or '64.

After these inauspicious beginnings, the racers started going with trucks and a variety of these were used.....

..........with some fancier and definitely more unusual than others...........

 Although a big change from those plain Jane little trailers, those ramp trucks were still somewhat limited in what they could carry. A few tires, some extra motor parts and if they were really lucky a full spare motor. Ah, such luxury.

Then some bright soul got the idea of picking up a used tractor trailer rig. Wow! Now not only could the car be trailered to the races, protected from vandals and the elements, but there was plenty of room for parts and maybe even a small lounge. This was high style and function with the car stored over the work areas......

Whoever that person was, they should be enshrined in the team hauler hall of fame, if they ever decide to build one.

Of course, the teams now use shiny brand new equipment and often have more than a single unit for their team.......

These graphics laden new team haulers are showpieces in their own right.......

 You think these racers might have liked what was coming down the pike in the future?

Simply the best or best or be simple? Doubt whether either phrase applies here, but wouldn't they have loved to have one of those big new haulers to start their season with? All the spare parts and amenities needed to make a weekend at the races the best of times.

What does the future hold? Well, friends, it just might be here already........

Until next time......