Forum: Oklahomatidbits.com General Forum (go)
Moderators:  /  David Smith Jr

As the State Fair Speedway grandstands are now in the removal phase, I wanted to make a final statement before I close the door on the efforts that were made with family, friends and associates.

I wrote a letter several weeks ago, that I will not publish here to several, if not most national racing sanctioning bodies and the local press. As a fledgling journalist; I understand why the letter was disregarded and will likely never see the light of day.

To all of you it is a shame.

When I met Erich and as we decided to go down the path we did it with great and good intentions. As our group and supporters grew larger we combined our efforts with others. At the end of the day it was a failed attempt. I personally feel as if I bear a great burden of that failure and to the great fans, racers, supporters and families of SFS; I do apologize. I wish this was a fight we had a chance to do all over again.

I know that all of you know of the well-publicized altering of the core group that included myself and Erich Petersen. Erich was more than a stand-up individual and I have profusely and personally apologized for the way things were handled. Hindsight is 20/20.

I went along with a group of individuals who had a likewise agenda to either try to gain a promoter's role at the speedway or build a new one under the DRP banner. Those efforts were aborted when I was mutually left/removed from the group. At which time I was sent e-mails of resignation from the other members. I wish them nothing but the best of luck in their endeavors. Do I see it ever happening for them? No, but if they can pull the finances together and build a racetrack that the metro area can be proud of then it is a great win for the fans and racers. I personally will not attend, but I do hope for the sake of racing in central Oklahoma that it succeeds.

As far as the city and the fair board goes. We all know how crooked they are, but for those who don't have an idea this was akin to a long-term assassination/mafia hit. What sticks with me the most in these last few days is what the city manager told me on several occasions.

"We have no control over the grandstands," and "It likely won't be torn down for at least two years."

Those are direct quotes I have from Mr. Couch. So needless to say when I saw the city's resolution to tear it down, I was more than disappointed.

Everyone was lied to. Even the ones who like myself, that they continue to call (as of June 17^th) and want me to invest my own money and millions of sponsorship dollars in building facilities on pieces of land that will never become suitable racing venues and likely lead me to a life in the poorhouse.

I just can no longer sit idly and entertain their offers or ignore their lies to all of you.

In closing, I had to get that off my chest. I needed to close this chapter in my life. From taking part in this I know I have upset and angered many, to those I do apologize, but on the other hand, I have met many passionate people who I can call my friends and made several contacts that down the line could become very helpful in the rebirth of dirt track auto racing in long term future.

The last things I want to leave all you with is vote with your dollars and avoid the state fair, support local and regional tracks like 81, Brill's, Dodge City, Enid, Jetmore and other local Oklahoma tracks and vote those out of office that helped make this possible.

After I finish my degree at OU over the next three semesters I plan on returning to Houston, Tulsa or Wichita and I will dedicate myself to helping promote growth and stability in Sprint Car racing. I hope all of you do the same today.

Peter Davis

Thank you Peter

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands 
in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he 
stands at times of challenge and controversy." 
Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Erich Petersen 

Peter, I always thought you where a stand up guy. I too was basically booted from the Save Fair Speedway group after investing time and resources for the cause.

It really sucked for me having to go to the track this past week and kiss some ass to get some items that people want. I was a bit dissapointed with the way it was handled with the City and the Demo Crew, but I was able to get most of the items for the folks that sent me or Wendy an e-mail.

I do not mind telling you that it was harder than I ever thought, I broke down like a baby while I was gathering stuff to distribute to those that sent request. Believe me this was not a easy task for me.

All this posted on a second rate website......

David Smith Jr.
www.oklahomatidbits.com

". . . . vote with your dollars and avoid the state fair, support local and regional tracks like 81, Brill's, Dodge City, Enid, Jetmore and other local Oklahoma tracks and vote those out of office that helped make this possible."

AMEN, BROTHER!

BTW, there's potential for a great book about this mess. It wouldn't be a best seller. But it could get down in print some of the history of the Speedway and the shameful, underhanded, double-dealing, mendacious way that the egg-sucking maggots-in-charge (Cornett, Bennett, O'Toole, Simank, Couch, and others) engineered its premature destruction. And the intrigue and missteps of the Save SFS effort and the ORA would be part of that story.

What we'd need to make it happen are first-hand stories, anecdotes, photographs, result sheets (for the competition history sections) and other background materials. And some people who aren't afraid to speak freely about how it all went down. (I'm tired of those who are afraid to tell the truth because they're hoping for the crumbs of a future "deal" with Boss Cornett).

Does anyone else think this is a good idea?

Boycott: Please leave ORA out of it on the "intrigue and missteps", you can not base some years of mismanagement on the whole general membership. That is not right nor fair to those who did try everything they were able to. ORA is not nor was a bad organization, it just needed some restructuring. There were many great years of good business, organization and benefits to the drivers. Like any organization or anything at all, there are always some flaws. It's (ORA) mission was accomplished each year with the drivers/owners still benefiting from this organization.

Otherwise, I agree the book is an excellent idea. You should get writing. It may not be a best seller though it sure would be a great seller.

Peter, thank you for your well written words. Many people mislead in many ways and had their emotions played upon. God speed and blessings continuing your degree and keep up the great work. Racers anywhere will appreciate you.