Hey, is that sunshine and spring-like temperatures we’re experiencing? Or did I fall asleep listening to the Doors’ “Riders on the Storm?” Let’s touch base on a variety of topics, shall we.

OWNING an auto racetrack is a difficult challenge, especially nowadays with the skyrocketing fuel costs. No matter what you do, there will always be a handful of people who will make your life miserable.

They will cry “favoritism” if you penalize their favorite driver (usually a family member or close personal friend) for taking out another driver or driving recklessly.

Race fans are passionate about their sport and it doesn’t take much to set them off.

Most racetrack owners have family members working at the track and the only thing worse than getting an earful from an irate fan is having a family member absorb an earful.

I have a lot of respect for track owners.

Yes, it is a business and they have to make money or the business won’t survive.

But they are also supplying their respective communities with a valuable source of reasonably-priced family entertainment.

And they have to funnel some of the profits back into the facility to improve it or create better racing conditions.

The advice I would give track owners is to make sure you have a reliable staff that enforces the rules consistently without a hint of favoritism and have the rules on paper. And be good to them.

I might also recommend that you appoint a group of well-respected drivers and you meet with them on a monthly basis to discuss track operations and possible improvements.

Last, but not least, develop a thick skin.

JON LESTER is an enigma.

Is it that difficult to throw strikes? How can the Boston Red Sox lefthander continue to have control trouble?

Don’t there have to be some improvement soon?

He seems to have good stuff and can overpower hitters but he can’t keep falling behind 2-0 and 3-1 in the count to major league hitters.

I’m sure they have tried everything with him: Different motions, release points and arm angles.

The problem with a pitcher who is wild is you can’t really banish him to the bullpen because the last thing you need is someone coming out of the pen who can’t throw strikes.

I’m not giving up on Lester but, hey, Bartolo Colon, hurry up and find a salad bar and a diet cola. The Red Sox need you.

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL openers are about to begin in the state so let’s pass along a few tips to high school coaches.

First of all, insist that your everyday players throw overhand not three-quarter arm or sidearm. I would also recommend it for pitchers, especially youngsters, but I’ve always felt pitchers who occasionally alter their arm angle (i.e. Bronson Arroyo) can freeze a hitter by dropping down (three-quarter arm).

Hitters, by relaxing your hands and lining up the top knuckles near your fingernails (it will feel awkward at first), you can generate more bat speed enabling you to catch up with that live fastball.

And if you are facing a pitcher with a live fastball, stand as far back in the batter’s box so you can to get an extra split-second to hit it.

Infielders, keep your rear ends down and bring the ball into your body.

Outfielders, when chasing a fly ball, run on the balls of your feet. That limits the jarring motion and gives you a much clearer view of the ball. If you run flat-footed, the ball can look like a Tim Wakefield knuckler.

lmahoney@bangordailynews.net

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