Especially there. Because you're just balls to the wall wide open around that first turn that dropped down to the left and the entire pack is just screaming no mercy all the way to the ski jump. If you're up front you can just feel the roar behind you so much it drowns out your own bike. And if you're in the middle you're just surrounded by roar, and getting pelted with fast balls from Nolan Ryan.
Jack Howell used to start on the 40th gate and rip up the grass line and wax everyone to the first turn.
Can't think of too many other local places around that have a holeshot that envigorating. These stories are bitter sweet.
Such a unique slightly uphill start because you couldn't see the turn. You just boogied straight for the flag pole because you knew that's where the turn was. If you were the first to the flag pole about 8 guys would be immediately to your right roaring towards the ski jump. And vice versa if the guy in front of you hugged the flag pole you just held her wide, weighted the outside peg, rippin to the limit and praying to god you didn't end up in the pond, because there were many a starts where a line the width of a yard stick long ways determined either a holeshot or a wet fate....
THe last hand promoted race had 4-6 deep choppy ruts in every turn. For a minute you would forget you were in northeast Ohio. #SAVEOIR