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

I attended a race last night, a very high profile dirt track race and came away disappointed with the lack of concern for the race fans.  While others may not feel that it is a big deal, they may not get around to other tracks that do a better job with taking care of the people that make it possible for them to exist.  I have attended this track for over 30 years, taking in up to 3 races a year.....their more high profile races, and never did I feel less cared for then last evening.  Maybe it was the huge crowd, but I will dismiss this fact because I have been there with large crowds in the past.  You have to have certain things in place in preparation for a large crowd.  Here are some observations.

Parking: consideration was given with an auxiliary lot down the steeet, so it was obvious they had some insight into the crowd size.

Tickets; The line at the back stretch entrance was not manned to handle the crowd efficiently.  Luckily, a gentlemen came back the line selling general admission seats for people with cash!  Good solution, but should have been addressed up front.

Restrooms: The backstretch stands were at capacity or near capacity and I would guess upwards of a couple thousand fans and they had provided 3 port-o-John's.  Really!!!  3 for the entire backstretch on one of the biggest shows of the year for the track?
 

Saving the fans from themselves: The most serious issue!!  Fans were standing up on the fence as races were going on starting with qualifying through heats for the feature group as well as the support division.  Near the end of the support division heats, an officer brushed them back but only a few feet.  A little later track personnel came by in a golf cart and pushed them back further.  I watched as little kids were allowed to stand at the fence with no thoughts from parents about them being in danger from a multitude of on track issues.  This track needs to do more to save the fans from themselves.  Let's face it, we live in a time many people don't have a lot of common sense.  I would bet that if someone at the fence was hurt or worse during a race, they would be the first to open a lawsuit against the track.  Signs need to be posted on the fence and/or elsewhere that states no one should be standing in front of the stands.  The situation then needs to be monitored and stopped from the beginning of the night's racing.  Sooner or later, someone will be hurt and not only will you have the consequences suffered by the fan, but the track may suffer a major blow to its existence.  Wise-up!!

Concession prices: very pleased that I was not gouged with a 16oz. beer ($3.00), but $5.00 for an 8ounce bag of peanuts?  Ground Chuck at the supermarket is $5 a pound!!

Track-prep: Twice the water truck was out to try to improve the racing surface.....really, twice.....for a 2 division event.  66 total cars with a little over half qualifying and you need 2 sessions of track prep before the 1st feature.  Quite frankly, it is my opinion that it did not make the racing any better.  Too much down time!!  Do your prep work prior to the event starting and then do touch up maybe once!!  I did not come to watch a water truck and packing vehicles.

Yes, I say this in frustration, but I say this because I am a die-hard dirt track fan.  I want to see racing exist and flourish and a track can this by taking care of the fans first and foremost.  Stop neglecting the people who provide your existence.  How much thought does it take to think of the basic things that are important to the fans.....parking, tickets, concessions, SAFETY!, racing surface, and restrooms.  These necessities will make for an enjoyable experience at the track and fans will leave wanting to come back!  Hopefully, the right people read this from last night as well as other track owners/promoters and they realize that changes need to be made!  

I realized a long time ago that starting my fan career at Lernerville during the Don Martin era spoiled me for life.  Efficient shows, properly prepped track, great food at a reasonable price and a friendly atmosphere.  In fairness the bathrooms were never great though.

At this point in my life time is my most valuable commodity, so I don't bother going to tracks who waste time.  I used to make the nearly 2-hour one way trip to Lincoln almost every week, now I only go a couple times a year because they screw around so much.  I don't go to Williams Grove at all for the same reason (2.5 hours one way).  I look around the track and feel like a youngster at 51, wonder how many like me just say to heck with it, I'm getting too old to be driving home after midnight after working all week.

I think it was Bridgeport back in the day would pull the winning car behind the stands for the victory lane interview and pics, and I thought that was genius because10 minutes each for 3-4 divisions for pics and interviews adds up.  Get the pics, give the driver a chance to thank the sponsors and get the fans a chance to take pics with the winner, it makes too much sense.

As a Lincoln regular I can say that they have learned to run more effiecient shows this year, probably due to pressure from the township and all the fancy new neighboring houses, plus they are  starting a half hour earlier I got the craps of leaving there after midnight myself and I'm only a half hour from the track. I'm getting to old to want to spend five hours at a race.

I absolutely agree with posts. If i did not live 5 miles from track and wanted my nephew to experience the pit area i would have never gone. The track conditions did suck, you could see nothing was done other than a few gallons of water added. I myself Will hardly travel these days with drawn out shows. These promoters don't get it. Sharon is a beautiful facility but track prep is aweful.

As a follow up to my original post, was at Lernerville for the High limit race this evening and witnessed a brand new infield viewing area (first I have ever seen in 50 years of attending the track) and there were no more than 200 people with 4 port-o-John's in the infield for these 200 fans.  They also added port-o-johns around the facility to accommodate the expected large crowd.  Also, new steps leading up to section F to reduce slipping from the older wooden plank steps.  Lernerville continues to make upgrades and this should be a lesson to all other tracks that an investment in the track will continue to improve the fan experience.