Old DeSoto Stuff...

[Don Nerone]

I was the track promoter for that jump. Working with Tom for 5 weeks trying to save it . Tom had it 2 mil in the red with the bank and another 2 on the side. The bank forclosed and it was sold at aucton.
Tom lost everything he had but went out in stile..
Don62

[sport603]

Florida Pro Series

The Florida Pro Series didn't start until 1993. Wasn't the old USA Series the main Florida touring series for Late Models in 1991. I remember going to a USA race at Lake City in 91. The race was stopped and started so many times for rain we didn't get home until 0700 Sunday morning. I think it was a USA race Wayne Reutiman won that night, a great race.

[petermmg]

I was the track promoter for that jump. Working with Tom for 5 weeks trying to save it . Tom had it 2 mil in the red with the bank and another 2 on the side. The bank forclosed and it was sold at aucton.
Tom lost everything he had but went out in stile..
Don62

Whoa. 4 mil total in the red! Thats some serious money that was lost by Tom. It makes you realize that promoting a track to make a profit is not unlike any other business. You must watch the bottom line. Just because a bar, restaurant, hotel, amusement park, or any other entertainment venue is packed with people, that does not mean that they are making money! I don't know John, the recent former owner but despite whatever is said about the man he must have done something right to have lasted 13 years! Good luck to the new owners.

[flvideo]

Tom Stimus is in Ohio and owns 2 car lots. His Grandson called me yesterday. Todd and Bert, Tom's son's are in Naples.

[flvideo]

Well I couldn't find the spiderman video. I remember shooting it but I have miss placed it some where. BUT, I did find the week before and It was neat. Bobby and Davy Allison were here for that show. I will try to put some of it on you tube when I get a chance.

[flvideo]

Jimmy

I probably have video of 4,5, and 6 in your post above. I will look when I can.

[Matt Albee]

Whoa. 4 mil total in the red! Thats some serious money that was lost by Tom. It makes you realize that promoting a track to make a profit is not unlike any other business. You must watch the bottom line. Just because a bar, restaurant, hotel, amusement park, or any other entertainment venue is packed with people, that does not mean that they are making money! I don't know John, the recent former owner but despite whatever is said about the man he must have done something right to have lasted 13 years! Good luck to the new owners.

Stimus was in debt at the end for sure. I don't remember how much he paid for the track, but that along with the huge list of improvements he made would easily account for a big chunck of that money. I wonder if the track's debt was because he was using Desoto Speedway money to shore up his other business. Only his accountant and the IRS know for sure.
Anyway, sure miss those days, very happy John is finally gone, hope the new owners can bring the fans and racers back that John ran off.

[Rick Anges]

[Rick Anges]