Why do you think so many tracks are closing?

Did I read that right, drop late models at some tracks, and even modifieds, yet keep a fan base.....


HA HA HA

Maybe what we need is a little variety. Too many tracks too close to each other running the same thing. If one track (Montgomery perhaps) would make their main class sprint cars, I think you'd see some changes. And what about Mt. Vernon, what's their car count? If it's not good, perhaps a switch for them as well.

Everytime Mt. Vernon or Montgomery rains out, the other tracks benefit with cars.

And again, I'll reiterate....everyone is basing their opinion on the state of dirt racing as a whole by what's happening in the immediate area. What about Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin? Eh, doesn't the rest of the Midwest count?
 
yep some areas would know sprint if it bit them while other areas would know a late model kokomo comes to mind
 
somewhat same story

i remember last year at Mt. Vernon Raceway of a certain driver going through/over the fence do to lack of safety measures not thought about. the track is at fault for that where as the driver of the car always had a good running car and kept it up well. the thing is it was a freak accident do to failure to his carb. it happens to the best of them but yet i still see him trying to be sued for something he couldn't help b/c if he could've believe me he would've without a doubt. i have noticed dirt track racing with racers and fans aren't like the waiver was made for. now there tends to be too many whino's crying and sobbing about the races. i see it this way when they enter the pit gate and sign the waiver they should also be asked are you a real die hard racer that's in it to race to your best ability and what happens happens or are you one of the ones that are going to whine and cry etc. if someone bumps at you or spins you out etc. they would see the new serious racers show up and the whino's would end up going back to mama!!
 
I know some people were looking for a different perspective and I'd be glad to give you mine. I have been going to races 40 years. I grew up in northern Il, moved to Birmingham, Al 15 years ago and now live in NE Ar.

Track closings are taking place all across the southeast as well. It's all about $$....always has and always will. In the deep south, 85% of the tracks run Saturday nights (talk about saturation). The balance run Friday nights. Sunday night in the south is still set aside as "church" night. The Bible Belt still exists! The few Friday night tracks will close when high school football starts. There have been several tracks close this year and some have been very good tracks, but they weren't making any money.

In my opinion the Touring Series (Lucas, WoO, MAR, WDRL, etc)has been the main reason that has hurt the weekly shows. Without question the better drivers and car owners have taken their "bats and balls" and have hit the road. Additionally the regional series (UMP, Southern All Stars, NALMS, etc) have also had an impact on the weekly tracks. Some guys are going to travel occasionally within a 150-250 mile radius for a $2000-$2500 to win show rather than the weekly purse at their home track.

For the most part in the south, Late Models time trial along with the modifieds. The top 16 late model qualifiers are locked in the feature. The balance of the cars run a semi-feature and the usually take the top 4-6 cars. The locked-in cars get one or two practice sessions. They start the feature head up with the semi cars taking the spots at the back. It's all about qualifying....you've got to start up front. No heats. When I sit in the stands, I think it's a horrible format. When I'm with my buddy in his late model, I'm praying for a good qualifying lap. Hey, I practically grew up at Peoria Speedway in the late 60's and 70's. Anybody remember how they started the feature back then? 18 cars......three wide......fast cars in the back......from a standing start. The flagman started in the back of the field, walked thru the field from back to front, walked over to the infield side and turned around, jumped and threw the green flag. Now that was exciting!

We do have one track in Alabama that's very similar to I-55. Talladega Short Track has a similar type of success. They pay late models $1200 to win and they get 25-30 cars every week. It hasn't always been that way. They don't have a big name promoter, but in my opinion, this is one track that NASCAR has helped. It's location being less than one mile from the Superspeedway has helped significantly. I'm not just talking about the two weekends that NASCAR is there, but people return to the track for other events because they have been exposed to the facility. The Ice Bowl the first weekend in January draws more cars and fans every year.

I don't want anybody to think that promoters get rich overnight because they have a Touring Series come to their track for a show. WoO and Lucas charges a lot of money to the track in order to operate a show at their track. There are some secondary benefits, but believe me, generally the promoter doesn't walk away with a pocket full of money.

And lastly, dropping late models from the race card is not that far fetched. Anybody ever heard of Batesville Speedway (Topless 100) or West Plains Speedway (Show-Me 100)? You wanna guess what their top class is for their weekly shows.........modifieds. I personally don't believe the 10-13 local late models (about what the Alabama tracks average) that show up for non-special events and pay $1000 to win bring in all that many fans. However, if you drop them, the total purse drops significantly. In the deep south, the Street Stocks, mini-stocks and Bombers brings a slew of rednecks with them and that's where the $$ is generated.

Just my 2 sense!
 
Too many promoters don't know how to market their tracks and retain customers (and no, customers are not the same as fans). It's 2006, not 1986, and too many promoters don't realize what that means.
 
I have one question to ask, its kinda off the subject but still on it. With Tri-City most likey going to fridays, Do you think they'll still keep the car counts or lose cars cause they wont be UMP. Or will they gain cars if they bring in crate cars. will they pull cars away from brownstown because its easier to get to. thanks Cory
 
Jamie Hall said:
It's 2006, not 1986, and too many promoters don't realize what that means.
Click to expand...

Well said. Let's just look at just a few of the current entertainment options that we have today that were unheard of 20 years ago: the internet, cable TV (yes, cable existed two decades ago, but not with the hundreds upon hundreds of channels of today), sattelite radio, downloadable music and movies, high defintion TVs, video games so realistic that they are almost true to life...we could go on ad nauseum here.
 
The Ump thing kinda S@CK$, but

Lincoln has had an unbelieveable amount of Modifieds without Sanctioning! It kind of stinks that a guy tries to keep his track open by switching nights and can't get sanctioned!

As far as things to do when you dont go to the track, do you guys really do that stuff for entertainment when your track isn't racing? I mow the grass or something! It is only when they arent racing and never instead of going to the races!!!
 
cmonblue said:
I know some people were looking for a different perspective and I'd be glad to give you mine. I have been going to races 40 years. I grew up in northern Il, moved to Birmingham, Al 15 years ago and now live in NE Ar.

Track closings are taking place all across the southeast as well. It's all about $$....always has and always will. In the deep south, 85% of the tracks run Saturday nights (talk about saturation). The balance run Friday nights. Sunday night in the south is still set aside as "church" night. The Bible Belt still exists! The few Friday night tracks will close when high school football starts. There have been several tracks close this year and some have been very good tracks, but they weren't making any money.

In my opinion the Touring Series (Lucas, WoO, MAR, WDRL, etc)has been the main reason that has hurt the weekly shows. Without question the better drivers and car owners have taken their "bats and balls" and have hit the road. Additionally the regional series (UMP, Southern All Stars, NALMS, etc) have also had an impact on the weekly tracks. Some guys are going to travel occasionally within a 150-250 mile radius for a $2000-$2500 to win show rather than the weekly purse at their home track.

For the most part in the south, Late Models time trial along with the modifieds. The top 16 late model qualifiers are locked in the feature. The balance of the cars run a semi-feature and the usually take the top 4-6 cars. The locked-in cars get one or two practice sessions. They start the feature head up with the semi cars taking the spots at the back. It's all about qualifying....you've got to start up front. No heats. When I sit in the stands, I think it's a horrible format. When I'm with my buddy in his late model, I'm praying for a good qualifying lap. Hey, I practically grew up at Peoria Speedway in the late 60's and 70's. Anybody remember how they started the feature back then? 18 cars......three wide......fast cars in the back......from a standing start. The flagman started in the back of the field, walked thru the field from back to front, walked over to the infield side and turned around, jumped and threw the green flag. Now that was exciting!

We do have one track in Alabama that's very similar to I-55. Talladega Short Track has a similar type of success. They pay late models $1200 to win and they get 25-30 cars every week. It hasn't always been that way. They don't have a big name promoter, but in my opinion, this is one track that NASCAR has helped. It's location being less than one mile from the Superspeedway has helped significantly. I'm not just talking about the two weekends that NASCAR is there, but people return to the track for other events because they have been exposed to the facility. The Ice Bowl the first weekend in January draws more cars and fans every year.

I don't want anybody to think that promoters get rich overnight because they have a Touring Series come to their track for a show. WoO and Lucas charges a lot of money to the track in order to operate a show at their track. There are some secondary benefits, but believe me, generally the promoter doesn't walk away with a pocket full of money.

And lastly, dropping late models from the race card is not that far fetched. Anybody ever heard of Batesville Speedway (Topless 100) or West Plains Speedway (Show-Me 100)? You wanna guess what their top class is for their weekly shows.........modifieds. I personally don't believe the 10-13 local late models (about what the Alabama tracks average) that show up for non-special events and pay $1000 to win bring in all that many fans. However, if you drop them, the total purse drops significantly. In the deep south, the Street Stocks, mini-stocks and Bombers brings a slew of rednecks with them and that's where the $$ is generated.

Just my 2 sense!
Click to expand...

Well, I like the factory stocks, street stocks, bombers, hornets. It always seems like they are getting squeezed out. Why are there (a lot of) specials for late-models, modifieds and sportsman and very few for the factory stocks/street stocks/hornets/bombers?
 
J/SMOOTH-PR said:
As far as things to do when you dont go to the track, do you guys really do that stuff for entertainment when your track isn't racing? I mow the grass or something! It is only when they arent racing and never instead of going to the races!!!
Click to expand...
Just so you know, the wife and I could have spent the extra $25 this week to go to a local track, but instead decided to save it towards going to the Silver Crown race at the State Fair in Springfield. With that decision also came the chance to watch Team Demolition from Joliet (taped) and the Knoxville Nationals (live) on the Speed channel which didn't cost us a dime. I would have loved to recorded the shows and went to a local track but these are exactly the kinds of decisions families are faced with every weekend. In short even die hard fans can be kept from a local show due to cheaper/no cost entertainment.
 
moonflow said:
Did I read that right, drop late models at some tracks, and even modifieds, yet keep a fan base.....


HA HA HA

Maybe what we need is a little variety. Too many tracks too close to each other running the same thing. If one track (Montgomery perhaps) would make their main class sprint cars, I think you'd see some changes. And what about Mt. Vernon, what's their car count? If it's not good, perhaps a switch for them as well.

Everytime Mt. Vernon or Montgomery rains out, the other tracks benefit with cars.

And again, I'll reiterate....everyone is basing their opinion on the state of dirt racing as a whole by what's happening in the immediate area. What about Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin? Eh, doesn't the rest of the Midwest count?
Click to expand...

I don't want to see anyone drop late models but its going to happen. Promoters have to do something to keep their tracks solvent. So far I haven't seen many (or any) promoters that are having any success at attracting new fans.

I don't know about the entire midwest, but I know things are very bad in Illinois and Indiana right now.
 
mad daddy said:
I feel so priviledged and oh by the way the sky is not falling pops15
Click to expand...

Last I checked the shy IS falling!
Brownstown,IL closed a few weeks ago.
Macon, IL ran its last race last night (barring a miricle).
Lincoln would have closed in July if a new promoter hadn't taken over.
A track in northern IL came VERY close to closing last week. They decided to keep it open until the end of the season even though they are swimming in red ink.
Another central Illinois track will close at the end of the season.
 
slidejob92 said:
there is not going to be any tracks open in illinois by next year.
Click to expand...

Perhaps we're being just a bit melodramatic here? We all hate to see tracks close, but the sport overall will be fine. What we are largely seeing is your classic case of survival of the fittest. Tracks that don't get enough profit margain off of fan or car count, or can't figure out a way to work with the neighbors and/or local government on noise, curfew issues, etc. won't make it. It's always been that way.
 
promoting and racing regulations

I can't talk about allot of the tracks but I can talk about I-55. We have only been in the racing for about 1 year. My husband races, friends, and our motherin laws buisness also know supports the track by a billboard.

The only time this track is full of people is on the big nights with large purses, all other shows there lucky to have half filled. We have gotton lots of friends and buisness partners to come watch, Some love it some don't. The ones Yes that see good close races and close calls on crashes normally come back! Other complain about the dirt and to much flying in there uncover drinks which part of that is a easy fix buy the consetion stands give out lids for all drink even beer. Other wise maybe some higher stands or something.

There are simply not many people in the pits mainly because I beleave not mainy know they don't have to know a racer to get in down there. Yes there are waiver to sign like any other sport.

With our buisness word of mouth and talking to local buisness and just letting them know a little about the track and hours of operation is all it really takes to start getting attendence up. It's called outside Sales People forget that word of mouth is the best form of advertiseing.

As fair as getting more cars at the tracks. This is more complicated because every track has differnet rules on what the can and can't do to there cars or what the have to have. A sportsman that races at pevely can not just go out the next night a race somewere else without allot of changes being made to there car. In some insitances they might need a entierly differnet car because there car might have to have a bigger window or a differnet rearend set up for anouther track to races there.

Most drivers just don't have the money to have a car set up for every track, so there stuck to only being able to race onenight at only one track. I beleave that is allot to do with why some fans only stick to one track and don't go other places. Because they have there favorites and they know that they can only race at one track unless they get another car. The solution on that is getting tracks in missouri and neighboring states to have the same rules and regulations so it is more competive out on the tracks. I bet that in it self would draw more fans in and give a better show for them and the drivers would like it more too.

I to think they should have more drivers go up to the stands to sign otographs after the race kids love that and so do the adult fans. If they asked the drives would do it. Just anounce it during the show and see how many more people stay for the entire show rather than leaveing before it is all the way finished. That would get the kids talking to there friends and who know more people may come out next time.

Another thing I have heard allot from fans is not knowing how much ticket prices are week to week. It is always changing and it is not advertised very well. Allot leave because they didn't know and there is no atms to get cash. They don't want to leave and come back, people just won't come back. It is a fact if there is a place to get cash like a atm Sales go up and up.

Sorry there is allot on this subject still to be discussed but these are the most important ones that I have seen or heard.

Some one also said people do not want to watch fights in the infield well I think I-55 took care of that one it is a $1000 dollar fine per person involved and 4 nights out, I beleave. So many won't think about doing so any longer there anyway!
 
promoting and racing regulations

I can't talk about allot of the tracks but I can talk about I-55. We have only been in the racing for about 1 year. My husband races, friends, and our mother-in laws business also know supports the track by a billboard.

The only time this track is full of people is on the big nights with large purses, all other shows there lucky to have half filled. We have gotten lots of friends and business partners to come watch, Some love it some don't. The ones Yes that see good close races and close calls on crashes normally come back! Other complain about the dirt and to much flying in there uncover drinks which part of that is a easy fix buy the concession stands give out lids for all drink even beer. Other wise maybe some higher stands or something.

There are simply not many people in the pits mainly because I believe not many know they don't have to know a racer to get in down there. Yes there are waiver to sign like any other sport.

With our business word of mouth and talking to local business and just letting them know a little about the track and hours of operation is all it really takes to start getting attendance up. It's called outside Sales People forget that word of mouth is the best form of advertising.

As fair as getting more cars at the tracks. This is more complicated because every track has different rules on what the can and can't do to there cars or what the have to have. A sportsman that races at pevely can not just go out the next night a race some were else without allot of changes being made to there car. In some instances they might need a entirely different car because there car might have to have a bigger window or a different rear end set up for another track to races there.

Most drivers just don't have the money to have a car set up for every track, so there stuck to only being able to race one night at only one track. I believe that is allot to do with why some fans only stick to one track and don't go other places. Because they have there favorites and they know that they can only race at one track unless they get another car. The solution on that is getting tracks in Missouri and neighboring states to have the same rules and regulations so it is more competitive out on the tracks. I bet that in it self would draw more fans in and give a better show for them and the drivers would like it more too.

I to think they should have more drivers go up to the stands to sign autographs after the race kids love that and so do the adult fans. If they asked the drives would do it. Just announce it during the show and see how many more people stay for the entire show rather than leaving before it is all the way finished. That would get the kids talking to there friends and who know more people may come out next time.

Another thing I have heard allot from fans is not knowing how much ticket prices are week to week. It is always changing and it is not advertised very well. Allot leave because they didn't know and there is no ATM's to get cash. They don't want to leave and come back, people just won't come back. It is a fact if there is a place to get cash like a ATM Sales go up and up.

Sorry there is allot on this subject still to be discussed but these are the most important ones that I have seen or heard.

Some one also said people do not want to watch fights in the infield well I think I-55 took care of that one it is a $1000 dollar fine per person involved and 4 nights out, I believe. So many won't think about doing so any longer there anyway!
 
Outside sales people??????????

I totally agree and I think if a person was to prove that it can be done because they have done it for a track for free, they should be given the chance to prove they could do it on a full-time basis, but unfortunately some promoters just aren't willing to give you a chance!!!! Some guys just want ot be able to say they are the reason the track is doing this or that!

Pevely probably got that tough a stance from Bob Sargent, cuz if Bob is the promoter you will go to JAIL for pushing someone much less fighting, and do NOT push an official! That stuff was great in the 60's but the fans expect so much more now!

The rules are a big concern but I really think in a couple years UMP will have a real effect on racing in all classes with some new rules. I think some promoters fear this cuz they think it will take cars away from their track, but look at all the rainouts where a guy just goes home but his fellow racers in the UMP Mod and L.M. class go somewhere else and race! Like you said rt66 sometime it is a roof or something small, but if they went and raced somewhere else on a rained out night they would get some experience traveling and may start racing more than 1 night a week, which of course is good for everyone involved. He may get a couple guys from the other track to come to his home track too!

The ATM idea is a good one, and most tracks will take a check too!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.




Back
Top