Im hoping that someone can explain to me the reasoning why Alex Bright cannot compete in the season finale event on Sunday? I've read he will be racing in Texas on Saturday but don't understand how that affects Sunday? Is this a track thing or sanction thing? Does anybody know?

Robert Hummer and Alex Bright were told by USAC East Coast that not being present for the 20 lap qualifiers Saturday would mean they can't run the main Sunday. Hummer apparently asked the series if he could enter the car with him as the driver and then substitute Bright Sunday. Have not seen a reply from USAC ECS regarding that. Pretty low move in my opinion on USAC ECS to do that to a team that has supported the series the last two seasons.

Totally agree with your statement. I only ask if this is a series or a track thing. You would think the series director would step up and clear the air on this. They had 15 cars at Bedford and was doing backflips because they thought it was their best show at one of the worst tracks they run. No way do they have a full field this wknd. Having the 20 start in the back and moving through the field to catch the 5g would be a great story. I've said it before and I'll say it again, issues like this could be handled if the series director was 100% invested. You can't be the series director and a crew chief on any of the cars much less the fastest car. I was really hoping this series was going to move forward, but a move like this does not give me confidence it will.

If they don't have a full field they would be afraid of all the teams just paying for one day and skipping the qualifiers.

There is a good chance the series will have a different look in 2023 concerning the big two teams, series leadership and a shorter, racer-friendly schedule. Take it all with a grain of salt but heard things from some good sources.

Good News! The events in Texas have been rained out. With this development the 20 can be on track both days with Bright driving. It won't just be a Danner/"series director" benefit weekend. It appears the rule about running both nites is a track deal. If so maybe someone can convince Doug Rose to tear down the 5g in front of everyone like he has multiple times with the Godown 26. It's a pain for the team for sure, but like in Godowns case there wa nothing to hide. USACEC teams have balked about the lack of tech so maybe it's up to Rose to get this done. That way if the underlying prediction of the big teams and leadership moving on is true, there wouldn't be that question of were they not legal and ran away before getting caught. Take it with a grain of salt too, I've talked with people as well. It'd be a shame as this series had and still has a lot of promise.

Update. It's back to being a benefit event for Danner and the Series Director. Alex and the Rodata team will be at Bridgeport but only in winged cars. Oh well that part of the wknd is a wash. What a shame, was really hoping the 20 would give it a run and make the 5g earn it.