Question of the Day for March 31, 2011 Local Short Tracks

Ok, race fans, for discussion today, the following questions:

1. Do you have a local short track near you that will be racing soon?

2. Do you attend those local events?

3. What does YOUR local short track do that is "right" to keep fans coming?

4. What does YOUR local short track do that is "wrong" to get fans back?

I plan to do a Legendtorial on Racing Through History next Tuesday night on this very subject of support our local short tracks. I have my own opinions about what the do right and wrong as far as I AM CONCERNED. But, being the opinionated old man that I am, I am open to hearing what all of you have to say.

Ok, I'm looking forward to your thoughts. Every question I have posted over the past couple weeks has received excellent responses and I appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to respond.

Tim

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What a change! It's been awhile since I've checked in and I'm quite surprised. It may take me awhile to figure it our but first look it's really great.


updated by @tim-leeming: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM

OK, I'll start. In Las Vegas we are blessed with a facility that has all manner of racing available. Super Speedway, Bull Ring, Dirt Track, Road Course, and Drag Strip. The big time events are on the Super Speedway, of course, but the complex holds numerous races on the smaller venues. The Bull Ring and the Dirt Track are my favorites. Both offer the best Bruton can provide (Love him, or hate him !). But the best thing about the "local" shows is the show itself. The track keeps things moving, and does not drag out the racing program. You qualify when you are supposed to and your race lines up and runs - so you better be there. Plus, they are fan friendly with Military and Senior discounts. There's things for the kids to do. There's also a variety of concessions available and they aren't way overpriced - just a little overpriced. (The universal lament !) The only thing I would say that the track does not do well is advertise upcoming events in order to entice a non-regular to come out and see a race. Also, other than for the Superspeedway events, the local press generally ignores the place. The main "unusual" thing about racing in the desert, is the season. There's a month or two OFF in the middle of the summer. Too darn hot to run when the temperature hits 107 and the asphalt actually melts if you try to run a show in Summertime. Racing is good, but it sure is different ! Steve

#1 Hickory Motor Speedway. #2 Absolutely! ##3 I like how they will bring the cars of 1 division out on the track after qualifying but before the races for a meet and greet with the fans. That allows new fans to build a relationship with the drivers.#4 They don't seem to be able to get the word out about anything happening at the track through the news media. I never see anything about them on TV or newspaper.

Favorite is Dillon Motor Speedway, Dillon, S.C... Operated by Ron Barfield former Nascar BGN and Craftsman Truck driver, this track has non stop action and strict enforcement of ALL rules.

Ron starts on time with every division and there is NO interruption or ''lull'' peroid in which to get bored. I drive 35 miles one way to go visit here and am home every week by 11:30 p.m. Full show of 4 divisions. Great announcer that neverslows down and is well informed.

Great concession, restrrooms clean, facility looks like a little Martinsville ( ALWAYS NEAT AND CLEAN) and is run like a little Martinsville...I am not piching Ron Barfield here as I have never met him personally but it is obvious that as a former Nascar competitor he really learned and has applied what it takes to be a first class race promoter. It gets better every year as Ron and his staff get more seasoned.

Ron was a an excellent race driver bit I think his true calling is race promoter. If you are ever in the Dillon,S.C. area you need to check this little place out.

We have Lancaster Motor Speedway (SC) dirt track and Concord Raceway Park (NC) asphalt within a 30-45 min drive. My grandson and I have been to both, although not on a regular basis. I'll get on my soapbox and preach what I've said for years and it applies in spades to both of these "local" tracks: WAY TOO MANY DIVISIONS, WAY TOO FEW CARS. There is no reason on earth to subject fans to more than a MAXIMUM OF 3 DIVISIONS. Fewer divisions = more cars, better races and more fans. What don't these promoters understand? The best crowds and most cars I've ever seen at local tracks all around the country over many, many years were the ones running the fewest divisions.


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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"

Cochran Motor Speedway, Cochran, Georgia starts the 2011 season Sat. night April 9th. Racing in all divisions. Cochran is a 3/8 mile banked clay track. They usually have a good car count in all divisions. My grandson Tommy Clinard Jr. will start his second season (1st full season) in his number 3X Red Camaro in the Cadet Division. While one class is racing another class lines up at the entrance to the track. As soon as the race is over in one division and they are exiting the track the next race enters the track. They run a quick show even with all of the cautions of a dirt race. Good show. Worth the $10.00 adult admission. There will also be a car show on the 9th from 3:00PM to 5:00 PM. Car Tech at 5:30 then Hot Laps with races starting at 8:00 PM. Web page under construction. Will be up shortly. I will post the address then.

ace, south boston, and orange county speedways are all within an hour of my home and i attend all three on a partial basis. between the three tracks, i probably attend ten races a year.

I am in kind of a central location to most of the tracks in North Georgia. For example, Road Atlanta and Lanier Speedway are about 30 miles from me. Dixie Speedway is around 35, Gresham Motorsports Park is about 35-40, and North Georgia is around 40 give or take a few.

My two favorites are Gresham Motorsports Park (3/8 asphalt,formerly Peach State and Jefco), official racetrack of the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. They have nice racing there and a great facility since they renovated the track almost two years ago.

And Dixie Speedway (3/8 Dirt, also where I occasionally get to call the races!) It has some of the best racing, so family and friendly.

South Boston (Virginia)is my hometown track, they've got the third event of the season but first night race coming up this weekend. Gonna be chilly but I'm bundling up the kids and heading that way.

I go as often as I can, the track is a little over an hour drive away so gas prices will be a consideration this year. I'll probably try tomake 5 or 6 races this year.

Tickets are cheap, $10 for an evening of racing is a pretty good deal in my opinion. Through the years the owners have made many upgrades to the track to make the fan experience better. Several NASCAR Cup drivers have come through South Boston, the Burtons and Saddlers and Stacy Compton all got their start there. They lost the Nationwide race a few years ago but several touring series still come through each year. Oh yeah, your NASCAR experience will never be complete until you've had a world famous South Boston bologna burger!

The only negatives would probably be advertising and media coverage. I've rarely seen an advertisement for the track. local papers only cover an event if they need to fill out a page and I don't think the TV stations even know the track exists.

My local short track is the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway-- still no word on whether they'll have racing this year. I was lucky enough to grow up going to the Fairgrounds during the great racing era of the 70's & 80's, and my recollections of the perfect show was when they ran 3 divisions (mini stock, cadets, and late model). For those not familiar with the Fairgrounds Speedway, they have a .596 track with a 1/4 track within it-- 2 tracks in 1! Mini stocks and cadets ran the 1/4 mile track and then when they rolled the late models out for the big track you knew the "main event" was about to start. Most tracks I've attended recently fall into exactly what Dave Fulton previously posted-- "WAY TOO MANY DIVISIONS, WAY TOO FEW CARS. There is no reason on earth to subject fans to more than a MAXIMUM OF 3 DIVISIONS".