Desoto looking to go to Dirt

[x90 John Sarppraicone]

People have been asking for us to go to dirt for the last two years,I said many times 3/8 of a mile high banked Desoto Super Speedway I think it would be great.

So what I am asking because we have so many experts out there,who knows the most about dirt prep ,the best clay,tires ect,ect I need some real hands on people that have been around dirt for a long time.

Mabe the Winter Nationals here you never know,you can contact me at the speedway at 941-748-3171 thanks again for all of the support John.

[rad dad 12]

now that be fun to c

[Frasson118]

Now that would make a GREAT dirt track.

I don't know if there's any history, good or bad, between John and Mike Peters, but Mike just did all this work a few years ago. I would try to hire him as a consultant. I also bet that Mike could look you in the eye, and tell you from the heart, that switching to Dirt SAVED his ass in the track ownership department.

I would start there....

[ocalasp76]

Mike Peters has a new career. Got his Captains license and now delivers custome boats all over the coast and Mexico. Been asking if he needs a first or second mate...
Lookin' to give up my 'landlover' status..
-JIM-

[MW68SS]

That would be cool. Imagine the speed of the Lucas Late Models or 410 sprints getting around that place.

[Rick Anges]

I remember the first time I went to East Alabama and how it reminded me of DeSoto. That would be one bad ass dirt track.

[Frasson118]

One question here, I don't really recall.... Is the Dragstrip close enough that the dust from the oval track could potentially be a problem on the strip? Or is it way down the run-off...?

[Winger]

I'm a little reluctant to reply. If you're going to run on a different night than East Bay and be willing to work with them, the best thing to do is to talk to them about what works in that area. It depends quite a bit on what you want to spend for transporting the clay. It's best to get it local but I don't know what's available in that area. One complaint about East Bay in the past, has been tire wear because of the sand in the dirt. I haven't been there this year but I haven't heard those complaints since they added more clay this spring. Mike used a gumbo that was super sensitive to water. He only used a couple loads of water to make it race ready. However, a bit of rain would make it unraceable. Bubba brought clay in from Alabama, I believe, and he needs to put a lot of water on the track. However, he held several races last year that would have been rain outs on the material Mike use to have on the track. If you really want to spend money, get some of the synthetic dustless clay that Glenn Donnelly has been promoting.
On your other questions re: tires, etc. Are you planning on selling your own tires and gas? Dirt is not like asphalt in that respect. If you want to run a different night than East Bay, you'd want to have guys that race at East Bay be your customer. So you'd need to use the tires East Bay uses. (Goodyear) However, you also want to draw customers that go to BRP, etc. They use something different. (Hoosier and some use American Racers) The traveling series may have different deals, depending on who you have. Why not go with an open tire rule? Tires have to punch a certain number after the race. Any brand, any compound? Discourage tire soaking but it might not be as big an issue with an open rule. It would still be an issue, just not as much.
Just a few thoughts I didn't feel were necessary to call about.

[Rick Anges]

The physical track is almost at the end of the shut down area of the dragstrip.

[dd38]

Lot more maintence on a Dirt Track ($). Gotta know what you are doing with the dirt first. And buying the equipment (water truck, grader, spiked roller, some sort of dozer, fuel to run all the stuff, $) to maintain it let alone the man hours every week ($). You just don't turn it into dirt and let it sit all week, like an asphalt track and just clean it off, which most asphalt tracks don't do anyway. I'm sure there is a lot more to it than I mentioned. Also now you are going head to head with BRP and East Bay.

[Darrell 76]

dirt

Dirt is for racing , asphalt is for getting there.

[dd38]

I disagree. Dirt is for growing Taters and Watermelons. Asphalt is for racing!!!!! Well if John does go to dirt, at least if I ever get the chance
to race there, I won't have to worry about going there then.

[sprinter15jr]

That would be great!!! Winger.... you are spot on, OPEN TIRES! If you ran on friday nights and worked with eastbay, I feel it will work out great. I know I will get some slack for this, but.... up north all of the tracks work together and run on fri. and sat nights. All the cars that run on Fri. are usaaly at the other track on Sat. You have to work together and promote together. Keep the classes to around three a night and please don't run the late models on the same night as the sprint cars.
Just my thoughts!!!

[Boneman]

He'll do what he has to do to save the track. I worry about increased resistance from government regarding dust, water use, etc.. There is no limit to the ways government can get in the way of commerce.

A few years ago, the switch to dirt saved Ocala, but will that strategy work again?

Personally, I like the pavement at De Soto. Although the facility needs some care, the layout of the racing surface is terrific.

[Frasson118]

.... and Asphalt racing is doing just great right now, so why consider a change?

Face it Dave... Desoto and OSW (among other asphalt tracks) need to do SOMETHING before it's too late. I would take the chance of losing your 1 car, to potentially gain 4. These tracks can't run with the fields of cars they get... and with those few cars, they aren't pulling any fans either. Both of those factors are nails for the coffin.

Robert Hart has stood firm that he has no interest in going dirt.... John at least has an open mind and is looking at a way to survive and improve his investment. If he goes Dirt, I think he will pack the place. If he doesn't, I doubt it will last another year or two. Smart business move, even if it pisses off the 30-40 cars they get now (and of course DD38...!).