2nd Trip To Bowman Gray

[MW68SS]

Went to Bowman Gray Stadium again this year. They run 4 classes. Had around 110 cars. They run the same 4 classes every week. Had about 10 - 12 thousand fans in the stands. They buck all the conventional wisdom of what it takes to put people in the stands. How do they do it week after week year after year with basically the same program every Saturday.
There Sportsmans are Crate Late Models that race for $300 dollars to win. They average 25 - 28 every Saturday.
There Street Stocks are tube Late Model Chassis with 6 cylinder engines. they race for $ 200 or $225 to win.
They average 20 - 25 every Saturday.
There Modifieds are full blown Whelen Tour Modifieds and they race for $650 to win a normal 25 lapper. These are true $ 50,000 race cars.
They average 20 - 25 every Saturday.
They go against all conventional wisdom of what it takes to get fans and cars but somehow make it work.
The atmosphere there is rockin and unreal.

[Mav]

Bowman Gray Stadium is amazing !

Been there a few times myself. It will amaze you at what can be done racing in a track and field / football stadium and the cars are racing around the track and field running track surface around the football field in the center. The goal posts were even up a couple of times when I was there. It looks insane but they do put on a show with a grandstand full just like was seen on the TV series last year called Madhouse. The Madhouse is what the locals have actually call it for decades. Racing has been going on there since the 40's the best I recall. It was one of NASCAR's original regular tracks and they still race the NASCAR mods there. Anyone ever in the area has to check it out. You will not be disappointed but get there early for parking and seating !
There is another little known track in Indianapolis, In. called 17th St Speedway the last time I was there. It is about the same way but it is in a baseball stadium. All races are run around the dirt baseball diamond. All the race cars , tow vehicles and such park outside in the paved parking lot. It always had a good attendance of race vehicles and fans any time I was there. Midgets, sprints,mods, stock cars, legends and various go cart classes raced on revolving schedules. Tony Stewart was known to race there some when he was coming up thru the ranks. Last I knew of there were still baseball games played there too.
This was back in late 90's. Suburbia may have consumed it also now though.
Where there is a will there is a way I guess !

[Frasson118]

The 16th St. Speedway was built inside the former "Bush Stadium" baseball field, and was converted into a dirt track. It opened with a bang, filled the pits and stands, and quickly petered out. I don't believe it lasted more than 2 seasons (maybe even just 1). I also kind-of remember a story about the stadium eventually being bulldozed.

Tony George, owner of the Indianapolis Speedway and the IRL, was one of 3 investors that bought and built the place.

[pwfinn]

Trip to Bowman Gray Stadium

Guys weekend race trip to the NASCAR K & N East Pro Series stop at Bowman Gray Stadium. Great place to go if you have never had the chance to take in a race there. Qualifying and regular show Friday night and 150 lap K & N East and 100 lap Modified on Saturday night. Long drive, 9 hours and 40 minutes according to mapquest, but it will be worth it.

[MW68SS]

It's worth every last mile.