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Topic: Happy fans in dirt racing? Nah. Email this topic to a friend | Subscribe to this TopicReport this Topic to Moderator
Page 1 of 2   of  39 replies
Johnny Utah
June 19, 2018 at 02:00:21 PM
Joined: 07/15/2014
Posts: 1221
Reply

I figured most of the negativity on here early in the season was due to the bad weather, and the fact that so many races were being cancelled. I thought, "Meh, it'll pass. People are just anxious to start the season and get out of the house. I get it."

Nope. We are now in the swing of things and people are still complaining about most everything.  The Jackson Nationals and Dirtvision's WoO coverage seem to be the two things that most everyone who posts, seem to like.

Everything else though? Damn.

"The track is too dry."

"Its a dry slick.I want to see a hammer down track."

"I want a cushion on the track."

"This race was too dusty."

"This track didn't have enough passing."

"Yeah, you have a cushion, but it's only halfway up the track."

"You modernized the track but its not to my liking."

"Why can't they just (insert rule change here), and that'll fix everything.

Why do you people pay money to go the races to be the dirt track version of Roger Ebert? Do any of you go to just watch, hang out with friends/family, and enjoy some drinks? This post is not meant to say that I've loved every race I've ever been too, (I do think Williams Grove was in need of some criticism earlier in the year) but it seems like not a race can go by, without some people jumping on here and complaining about something. Usually the tone, is one of complete dickishness too.

Dirt track fandom is full of passion. As a Philadelphia sports fan I know "passion" firsthand, but some times that passion gets misplaced and turns into cannibalistic words and actions.

Relax... and try to have a good time.  




Kingpin2014
MyWebsite
June 19, 2018 at 02:10:37 PM
Joined: 06/20/2017
Posts: 498
Reply

I'd say like most everything it's just a vocal minority. Most, like myself, have a great time 99% of the time at a race track



Nickules
June 19, 2018 at 02:14:38 PM
Joined: 08/05/2015
Posts: 1133
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: Johnny Utah on June 19 2018 at 02:00:21 PM

I figured most of the negativity on here early in the season was due to the bad weather, and the fact that so many races were being cancelled. I thought, "Meh, it'll pass. People are just anxious to start the season and get out of the house. I get it."

Nope. We are now in the swing of things and people are still complaining about most everything.  The Jackson Nationals and Dirtvision's WoO coverage seem to be the two things that most everyone who posts, seem to like.

Everything else though? Damn.

"The track is too dry."

"Its a dry slick.I want to see a hammer down track."

"I want a cushion on the track."

"This race was too dusty."

"This track didn't have enough passing."

"Yeah, you have a cushion, but it's only halfway up the track."

"You modernized the track but its not to my liking."

"Why can't they just (insert rule change here), and that'll fix everything.

Why do you people pay money to go the races to be the dirt track version of Roger Ebert? Do any of you go to just watch, hang out with friends/family, and enjoy some drinks? This post is not meant to say that I've loved every race I've ever been too, (I do think Williams Grove was in need of some criticism earlier in the year) but it seems like not a race can go by, without some people jumping on here and complaining about something. Usually the tone, is one of complete dickishness too.

Dirt track fandom is full of passion. As a Philadelphia sports fan I know "passion" firsthand, but some times that passion gets misplaced and turns into cannibalistic words and actions.

Relax... and try to have a good time.  



Johnny, from reading our posts I feel as if we have the same outlook on the subject.  I am a passionate dirt track / sprint car fan but man oh man I don't get caught up in the constant complaining. I look at things objectively, enjoy some conversation, but at the end of the day I go to enjoy the races and leave the negative bs, well nowehere...I just leave it.  If the worst thing that happens to me on any given day is I go to a "rubber down race," a "dusty track," "no cushion," the list goes on and on, that is one damn good day in my book. 

And no the irony of a post / thread complaining about others complaining does not escape me.  But this is about the negativity. 

Johnny, I believe I still owe you that beverage next time you're at Lernerville (I think I offered it up a year or more ago). cheers.




Johnny Utah
June 19, 2018 at 02:27:55 PM
Joined: 07/15/2014
Posts: 1221
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: Nickules on June 19 2018 at 02:14:38 PM

Johnny, from reading our posts I feel as if we have the same outlook on the subject.  I am a passionate dirt track / sprint car fan but man oh man I don't get caught up in the constant complaining. I look at things objectively, enjoy some conversation, but at the end of the day I go to enjoy the races and leave the negative bs, well nowehere...I just leave it.  If the worst thing that happens to me on any given day is I go to a "rubber down race," a "dusty track," "no cushion," the list goes on and on, that is one damn good day in my book. 

And no the irony of a post / thread complaining about others complaining does not escape me.  But this is about the negativity. 

Johnny, I believe I still owe you that beverage next time you're at Lernerville (I think I offered it up a year or more ago). cheers.



I'm not complaining. I'm sort of making an aggregate of comments that I've read over the past few months on this board.  It's more of a "How in the hell can some of you be so miserable?" 

Thanks for the offer, I'll let you now when I get back out to the opposite end of the state again.  During last year's Silver Cup I was drivng cross country from LA back to Philly.  I have no clue what this year holds, but I'll keep you posted.  I am headed back out to Knoxville for the third straight year.  I can't pass up that week.  



Nickules
June 19, 2018 at 03:01:53 PM
Joined: 08/05/2015
Posts: 1133
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: Johnny Utah on June 19 2018 at 02:27:55 PM

I'm not complaining. I'm sort of making an aggregate of comments that I've read over the past few months on this board.  It's more of a "How in the hell can some of you be so miserable?" 

Thanks for the offer, I'll let you now when I get back out to the opposite end of the state again.  During last year's Silver Cup I was drivng cross country from LA back to Philly.  I have no clue what this year holds, but I'll keep you posted.  I am headed back out to Knoxville for the third straight year.  I can't pass up that week.  



Oh I agree with the thread being about an aggregate where the common denominator is "being miserable."  I meant the irony of compaining thing about my response, haha.  But yes it is about the miserable nature of the overall tone here. 



egras
June 19, 2018 at 03:33:36 PM
Joined: 08/16/2009
Posts: 3913
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: Johnny Utah on June 19 2018 at 02:00:21 PM

I figured most of the negativity on here early in the season was due to the bad weather, and the fact that so many races were being cancelled. I thought, "Meh, it'll pass. People are just anxious to start the season and get out of the house. I get it."

Nope. We are now in the swing of things and people are still complaining about most everything.  The Jackson Nationals and Dirtvision's WoO coverage seem to be the two things that most everyone who posts, seem to like.

Everything else though? Damn.

"The track is too dry."

"Its a dry slick.I want to see a hammer down track."

"I want a cushion on the track."

"This race was too dusty."

"This track didn't have enough passing."

"Yeah, you have a cushion, but it's only halfway up the track."

"You modernized the track but its not to my liking."

"Why can't they just (insert rule change here), and that'll fix everything.

Why do you people pay money to go the races to be the dirt track version of Roger Ebert? Do any of you go to just watch, hang out with friends/family, and enjoy some drinks? This post is not meant to say that I've loved every race I've ever been too, (I do think Williams Grove was in need of some criticism earlier in the year) but it seems like not a race can go by, without some people jumping on here and complaining about something. Usually the tone, is one of complete dickishness too.

Dirt track fandom is full of passion. As a Philadelphia sports fan I know "passion" firsthand, but some times that passion gets misplaced and turns into cannibalistic words and actions.

Relax... and try to have a good time.  



Johnny---You da man.  I couldn't agree more.  I have never, ever had a better day at work than I have had at the racetrack.  And, I have:

Sat in rain

Watched 30 lap conveyor belts with no passing

Watched the front stretch because I couldn't see the backstretch through the dust

 

I agree--have a beer (or 12) and enjoy the night.  Sometimes they get it perfect.  Sometimes they do okay.  And sometimes it just doesn't work out the way they planned.  




revjimk
June 19, 2018 at 03:46:47 PM
Joined: 09/14/2010
Posts: 7595
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: Nickules on June 19 2018 at 02:14:38 PM

Johnny, from reading our posts I feel as if we have the same outlook on the subject.  I am a passionate dirt track / sprint car fan but man oh man I don't get caught up in the constant complaining. I look at things objectively, enjoy some conversation, but at the end of the day I go to enjoy the races and leave the negative bs, well nowehere...I just leave it.  If the worst thing that happens to me on any given day is I go to a "rubber down race," a "dusty track," "no cushion," the list goes on and on, that is one damn good day in my book. 

And no the irony of a post / thread complaining about others complaining does not escape me.  But this is about the negativity. 

Johnny, I believe I still owe you that beverage next time you're at Lernerville (I think I offered it up a year or more ago). cheers.



" If the worst thing that happens to me on any given day is I go to a "rubber down race," a "dusty track," "no cushion," the list goes on and on, that is one damn good day in my book."

BINGO!

Some races are good, some not so good. As long as there are no serious injuries, its OK with me......



dsc1600
June 19, 2018 at 04:19:24 PM
Joined: 05/31/2007
Posts: 4373
Reply

It’s not just dirt track racing. Look at most restaurant reviews, no matter how great a place is, someone’s food was cold, someone’s order was messed up, the portions too small, the price too much.

The only difference between posting a bad review for a restaurant versus the race track is the lecture you get when you post something negative about a track? A main sucked because it was rubber down?  “At least you got to go!” Track took too long to run the event? “Where else would you rather be?” Bathrooms are unbelievably disgusting? (Insert various comments about gender).

listen I happen to agree with the premise that there’s probably a little too much bitching, but track owners/operators, drivers etc... need to ignore pointless negativity and learn from the fans who are constructive in their criticism.



tenter
June 19, 2018 at 04:29:34 PM
Joined: 07/16/2008
Posts: 978
Reply

Sometimes I wonder what these people are looking for. I go to enjoy an evening outdoors with my friends and to watch some racing. Sometimes great , sometimes good , sometimes so , so. But never have I walked out of the track pissed off like the whiners. I have been involved in every aspect of dirt track racing other than being an official , so I do have a little knowledge of what is going on. Now,  I prefer to spectate at the track and work on the race car at the shop.

Saturday night, a total stranger came up to me and the first thing out of his mouth was car counts at Williams Grove the last few weeks. He went on to say that he "heard" about low car counts. I asked if he was there. He said no , he wasn't. That was the last straw. I proceeded to let him know how I felt about people whining about this and that , especially from people that weren't even at the events they are complaining about. I told him , yes, the car counts were down , but I WENT , had fun , and had no complaints. He ended up walking away with his tail between his legs, LOL. A lot of these whiners are not even at the tracks they comment about.




fiXXXer
June 19, 2018 at 04:42:27 PM
Joined: 10/26/2014
Posts: 2475
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: dsc1600 on June 19 2018 at 04:19:24 PM

It’s not just dirt track racing. Look at most restaurant reviews, no matter how great a place is, someone’s food was cold, someone’s order was messed up, the portions too small, the price too much.

The only difference between posting a bad review for a restaurant versus the race track is the lecture you get when you post something negative about a track? A main sucked because it was rubber down?  “At least you got to go!” Track took too long to run the event? “Where else would you rather be?” Bathrooms are unbelievably disgusting? (Insert various comments about gender).

listen I happen to agree with the premise that there’s probably a little too much bitching, but track owners/operators, drivers etc... need to ignore pointless negativity and learn from the fans who are constructive in their criticism.



I totally agree. As a paying customer, I feel there's absolutely no problem with being honest about your experience whether it be good or bad. Notice I said "paying" customer. If you don't go to the races that night, then you have zero right to bitch about anything. I'll give my unfiltered, honest opinion and I know the probably rubs some people the wrong way but that's just how I'm wired. If I screw up at work, I wanna know and I don't need the boss to sugarcoat it so that my feelings don't get hurt. If I deserve to catch hell, I'll take it standing up and try to become better for it. That said, you can be honest and constructive at the same time. I'll admit I probably bitch too much but I try to do so in a manner that is constructive. Just spewing insults and venom without any substance never got anyone anywhere and it certainly doesn't usually result in positive change. All in all, we're all lucky to be able to enjoy this sport like we do. I don't enjoy watching rubbered up racing one bit and lately it's kept me from going to some tracks as much as I used to but I still have fun hanging out with friends and getting away from lifes other problems for a few hours at the track each weekend. I don't ever see that changing no matter how many times I see a cushion get ran into the ground or a 25 lap parade of trunked wings and 20 second lap times. 



Murphy
June 19, 2018 at 04:51:51 PM
Joined: 05/26/2005
Posts: 3262
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: Johnny Utah on June 19 2018 at 02:00:21 PM

I figured most of the negativity on here early in the season was due to the bad weather, and the fact that so many races were being cancelled. I thought, "Meh, it'll pass. People are just anxious to start the season and get out of the house. I get it."

Nope. We are now in the swing of things and people are still complaining about most everything.  The Jackson Nationals and Dirtvision's WoO coverage seem to be the two things that most everyone who posts, seem to like.

Everything else though? Damn.

"The track is too dry."

"Its a dry slick.I want to see a hammer down track."

"I want a cushion on the track."

"This race was too dusty."

"This track didn't have enough passing."

"Yeah, you have a cushion, but it's only halfway up the track."

"You modernized the track but its not to my liking."

"Why can't they just (insert rule change here), and that'll fix everything.

Why do you people pay money to go the races to be the dirt track version of Roger Ebert? Do any of you go to just watch, hang out with friends/family, and enjoy some drinks? This post is not meant to say that I've loved every race I've ever been too, (I do think Williams Grove was in need of some criticism earlier in the year) but it seems like not a race can go by, without some people jumping on here and complaining about something. Usually the tone, is one of complete dickishness too.

Dirt track fandom is full of passion. As a Philadelphia sports fan I know "passion" firsthand, but some times that passion gets misplaced and turns into cannibalistic words and actions.

Relax... and try to have a good time.  



     I had been writing this very same post in my head for a while. My thread title was "So, it's come down to this...."

     I feel a big part of the blame is  what social media is turning people into- lethargic, uninvolved complainers. Note that you don't even have to go to a race anymore to be able to bitch about it. Facebook has turned every conversation about racing into an "everything sucks!!!" arguement. First you ask what the car count will be. Next you check the long range weather forcast because you just know it will be rainy, too hot, too cold or too windy. Then you stay home on race night. Afterwards, you go online to commiserate about the poor car counts and bad track conditions,  and then you ask how the crowd was.

     The other thing that gets my goat is the money thing. A guy drives his $40,000 pickup to a racetrack, walks up to the gate in $200 tennis shoes and has a fit about paying more than 4 bucks for a ticket to a sprint car race. When I read someone saying the ticket price was too much so they stayed home, I wonder how much they spent the last time they took their wife or honey bunny out to eat.

     I have gone to the races since I was a kid. Over 45 seasons I'd guess I've gone maybe 800-900 times. I can remember dozens of good races and hundreds of good memories, the rain-outs and dust bowls, not so much.



HoldenCaulfield
June 19, 2018 at 04:53:49 PM
Joined: 03/22/2008
Posts: 2434
Reply

Is dickishness a real word?


A


revjimk
June 19, 2018 at 05:14:54 PM
Joined: 09/14/2010
Posts: 7595
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: HoldenCaulfield on June 19 2018 at 04:53:49 PM

Is dickishness a real word?



It is now.... Smile

The one I wonder about is "douche canoe"... I can sense what it means, but how did anyone ever come up with it? Literal translation? wink

 



revjimk
June 19, 2018 at 05:17:37 PM
Joined: 09/14/2010
Posts: 7595
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: fiXXXer on June 19 2018 at 04:42:27 PM

I totally agree. As a paying customer, I feel there's absolutely no problem with being honest about your experience whether it be good or bad. Notice I said "paying" customer. If you don't go to the races that night, then you have zero right to bitch about anything. I'll give my unfiltered, honest opinion and I know the probably rubs some people the wrong way but that's just how I'm wired. If I screw up at work, I wanna know and I don't need the boss to sugarcoat it so that my feelings don't get hurt. If I deserve to catch hell, I'll take it standing up and try to become better for it. That said, you can be honest and constructive at the same time. I'll admit I probably bitch too much but I try to do so in a manner that is constructive. Just spewing insults and venom without any substance never got anyone anywhere and it certainly doesn't usually result in positive change. All in all, we're all lucky to be able to enjoy this sport like we do. I don't enjoy watching rubbered up racing one bit and lately it's kept me from going to some tracks as much as I used to but I still have fun hanging out with friends and getting away from lifes other problems for a few hours at the track each weekend. I don't ever see that changing no matter how many times I see a cushion get ran into the ground or a 25 lap parade of trunked wings and 20 second lap times. 



Nothing wrong with constructive criticism. I think J Utah's point was that too much of it, over & over on the same topics, starts to sound like whining

I wish every race was close, dust free & exciting too. You & I both know it ain't gonna happen that way



RodinCanada
MyWebsite
June 19, 2018 at 05:25:57 PM
Joined: 07/24/2016
Posts: 1720
Reply

Maybe you read what you want. I have read a lot about track conditions but also remember alot of those posts ending with, but it was great racing and I enjoyed the night. I've read a lot about track prep crews who have made race tracks out of mud holes and tracks who have had a full night finished by 10 30 with happy people posting about their experience. I recall a post about the great food and great improvement the owners are making.  I do agree of the irony of people complaing about people complaining.

Maybe its just cause I am Canadian, when we want to vent ou r frustration we don't have to find fault at a racetrack, we just turn to our fearful leader. Justin He/she gives us all we need to be depressed about.

A night in jail would be a good experience compared to listening to him explain his mind or lack thereof.


Even though I may not know you, I 
care what most of you think!


Nick14
June 19, 2018 at 05:42:44 PM
Joined: 06/04/2012
Posts: 1734
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: Murphy on June 19 2018 at 04:51:51 PM

     I had been writing this very same post in my head for a while. My thread title was "So, it's come down to this...."

     I feel a big part of the blame is  what social media is turning people into- lethargic, uninvolved complainers. Note that you don't even have to go to a race anymore to be able to bitch about it. Facebook has turned every conversation about racing into an "everything sucks!!!" arguement. First you ask what the car count will be. Next you check the long range weather forcast because you just know it will be rainy, too hot, too cold or too windy. Then you stay home on race night. Afterwards, you go online to commiserate about the poor car counts and bad track conditions,  and then you ask how the crowd was.

     The other thing that gets my goat is the money thing. A guy drives his $40,000 pickup to a racetrack, walks up to the gate in $200 tennis shoes and has a fit about paying more than 4 bucks for a ticket to a sprint car race. When I read someone saying the ticket price was too much so they stayed home, I wonder how much they spent the last time they took their wife or honey bunny out to eat.

     I have gone to the races since I was a kid. Over 45 seasons I'd guess I've gone maybe 800-900 times. I can remember dozens of good races and hundreds of good memories, the rain-outs and dust bowls, not so much.



I agree pretty much but to add to your point though to social media, people have complained for centuries. Doesn't matter if it's news, political, sports, weather, food, etc our species loves to complain. Social media and the internet just gives us a platform to do it on. In the past people most likely had the same complaints, they just had no method of making their opinion heard or seen

On the other hand for someone like me who normally has a near 2hr drive to tracks, social media can be a good thing especially with weather issues in the area, or if I want to see certain drivers. It does have it's benefits but also drawbacks such as some think their opinion is fact or law.

Unfortunately it will get worse before it gets better. Just in our nature.



Johnny Utah
June 19, 2018 at 06:08:56 PM
Joined: 07/15/2014
Posts: 1221
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: HoldenCaulfield on June 19 2018 at 04:53:49 PM

Is dickishness a real word?



Ha.  It is to me.

I like the frankness of your post.



ThePurple73
June 19, 2018 at 06:28:53 PM
Joined: 08/04/2010
Posts: 275
Reply
This message was edited on June 19, 2018 at 06:33:54 PM by ThePurple73

I get why people complain. Sure some do more than others, but thats their opinion, so what.

Many racetracks today havent really made improvements in 50-60 years but prices have increased exponentially.

Watering tracks is almost a thing of the past. 

You used to go to a  sprint car race and see hot laps, time trials, maybe a dash, 4 heats, b main, A main. Maybe a little more possible a little less. Now most of the time you have to sit through multiple classes and watch your neighbors cousin spin out 6 times.

You used to go in about 7 and get out 10-10:30 while attending good sprint car races.

People dont like being totally covered in dirt and extended periods of delay so the track can sell beer, while paying $25 dollars or more per person admission.

I have been and still go to races all over the country, there are the pereninial great places, everyone knows where/who they are. 
 

There are many tracks and track situations paying fans could have something to complain about.

 




MSPN
June 19, 2018 at 08:01:03 PM
Joined: 11/23/2004
Posts: 3943
Reply

This a public forum where opinions and views are expressed.  People get hurt when the truth is exposed, whether it be for one night, one feature or one race.  Get over it, if you don't like reality go find a tree and give it a big hug, hopefully that will make you feel better.  Unless you are called out specifically, don't sweat the small stuff, deal?  By the way, the Sharon track is a joke, talk about hardly moving, dang.  Probs to that 14 yr old kid who I think won his heat race, not sure though, my feed has been buffering for the last ten minutes, lol....No comment though.....lol



Johnny Utah
June 19, 2018 at 08:12:05 PM
Joined: 07/15/2014
Posts: 1221
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: MSPN on June 19 2018 at 08:01:03 PM

This a public forum where opinions and views are expressed.  People get hurt when the truth is exposed, whether it be for one night, one feature or one race.  Get over it, if you don't like reality go find a tree and give it a big hug, hopefully that will make you feel better.  Unless you are called out specifically, don't sweat the small stuff, deal?  By the way, the Sharon track is a joke, talk about hardly moving, dang.  Probs to that 14 yr old kid who I think won his heat race, not sure though, my feed has been buffering for the last ten minutes, lol....No comment though.....lol



Thanks, Dad, but my feelings aren't hurt. 

I could say the same to you, "If you don't like the conditions of a track, go find a tree and give it a big hug, hopefully that will make you feel better."





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