That starting line scenario can and DOES happen at tracks all the time, regardless of sanction. I have seen crowds just like that on the starting line of NHRA national event tracks, just NOT during an NHRA event. Tracks that routinely have "Outlaw" and "Grudge" events, routinely have that on the starting line. Many times a grudge race "promoter" simply rents or leases the track for his event. Security, emergency services, etc, or lack thereof is his responsibility.

A track like Yellow Belly, is primarily an outlaw track. You know what you are getting into when you roll in the gate. Don't like it, DON'T GO, its really that simple. While those type crowds get really annoying at times, if you run at any big money grudge or outlaw races, you WILL see it and see it often. Now while the crowd MAY be filled with "idiots" as some here are calling them, there will also be MANY very well known tuners, chassis guys, engine builders, etc, in those crowds, because that is where some BIG money is.

I have been to races like this and seen David Reher, Gene Fulton, Charlie Buck, Frank Manzo, Phil Shuler(owns a grudge car), Tim Richards, etc and the list goes on and on.

Monte