Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Pretty sad when a 3 division show can only run 1 full feature before 11pm curvew shortens the night.  2nd feature called at halfway due to curvew, 3rd feature cancelled all together.  I feel for the racers and their family and fans that had to suffer through that disappointment.  Serious problems if you can complete a 3 class show by 10pm even if there was a short delay for an ambulance transfer.  Just seems like there is no sense of urgency there compared to other tracks in the area and has been a problem for years. Gone are the days of bringing the kids - the future of this sport - in the pits afterwards because it's just too late, most actually end up leaving before the racing is even done for that very reason

You haven't lived until you've visited Minnesota and watched a few eight class local shows.  

Stan Meissner

That's racing in Texas too, with the exception of Devils Bowl.   The Bowl runs four classes typically but their special shows drag out way long.   All the other tracks in North Texas are the eight class variety, and I won't go to any of them.  

I won't name any tracks but there are a few that I know are going to be pushing 1am.  That puts me home after three, no thanks.  Knoxville was a great show last night from the recliner.  I used to be able to dive home alone and pull in the driveway at 5am with minimal effects.  Had to give up those redeye trips because sleep comes unexpectedly after seventy.

Stan Meissner

People in the know, KNOW what the problem is.  I found it absolutely ridiculous as well.  Tow truck never leaves its parked spot until summoned.  Wasting time.  Line ups seem to take forever, 4 wheelers pushing cars onto track when you know you are running out of time is ridiculous.  Push them, fire them up, and line them up.  Lineups on the board are routinely messed up, wasting time.  There is also an issue with a lack of penalties for intentional beating and banging during and after the race is over.  This has been an issue for many weeks in a row. Slaps on the wrist just is not getting through.  Someone is going to get hurt, then maybe they will wake up.  It is basically a shit show weekly and it shows in the stands. It seems that a lot of the wingless guys are losing the desire to race, or will be trying out other tracks in the near future. The Raceway has done many improvements, new grandstands, just put a new outside on the bathrooms, all great stuff that should help bring people in, but on track and off track officiating is hurting the fan base. 

I'm not so sure this is new thing....?  "gone are the days of bringing the kids"----our local track was always pushing the curfew and many times, had the same issues.  Now----to add to your argument, that track is now a corn field. 

A 3 class nite should allow plenty of time for parents to bring their kids in the pits.  The show at Plymouth the night before was over by 9:30 as they were racing weather.  If you see the night is running long, which to everyone there, it was, then you speed things up.  Maybe it sounds simpler than it is.  I agree with the OP, as I was there.  All I will say is that slow shows are an every week thing, for whatever reasons.  It shows in the stands, and I LOVE Wilmot, so it bothers me to no end. Wilmot does have the best track surface workers around and I do love the improvements made the last few years. Just have to speed up the show. 

I agree with you, I was just pointing out that our old track had the problem as far back as the 80's.  It used to drive me NUTS!!!  

I believe that rule #1 at any racetrack should be : run the program like you're trying to beat the weather.

I watch a lot of IRA and other shows from the mid-west and it always amazes me how long these shows are - some 6 hours+! I often fall asleep before the features. They like to completely dig up and re-work the track a few times during the night - even before the 410 A main, which of course makes it a parade for the first half until it widens out. They also run the support divisions first, which would never fly in central PA. 3-4 hour show and run the headliner first. That's fan friendy and how it should be done IMO.

A

True Dat!  Probably close to 30 years ago, I saw the Outlaws run an entire show with around 40 cars in under 1 1/2 hours.  The thunderstorm hit before I left the parking lot.  

Yes

There should always be some sense of urgency in getting the show done as you never know when you're going to have a race that is filled with yellows or reds that turns what you thought was going to be an early night into a late night.