Racing in the "Winter" vs the Summer in Florida

What do you guys think?

What would you do, if a track decided to run from September to May rather than how it has traditionally been done in the State of Florida?

I really believe this could have quite a few positives with it...

- Cars would run better
- Tires may last longer
- Fans would not be dying in the heat
- Potentially more fans due to Snowbird season and the influx of old northern fans
- Much less issues with rain

What would the negatives be though?

Thinking out loud... But curious what the thoughts on this would be...

[egspeedway]

First and foremost I completely agree the summer months are brutal and a daily crap shoot with pop up thunderstorms. The problem is with the winter months in Florida can feel icy cold not due to the temperature but once again our high humidity. December is out because of Christmas. and it is difficult to compete with high school college and Pro football If there was a way to craft a split season it might have a chance . It would not hurt to limit weekly racing to no more than 7 months a year and specials could run other times. Very few teams are financially prepared to run as many weeks as Florida makes available so a shorter season might create stronger fields.

[Boneman]

As much as I love racing, I am dreading this weekend; it is going to be a steam bath. Oh well, I wouldn't miss it. I prefer the cold weather, but I would not want to take the whole summer off, regardless of the heat and rain.

Bottom line: more daytime events in the winter would be great.

[Phil Jacques]

First and foremost I completely agree the summer months are brutal and a daily crap shoot with pop up thunderstorms. The problem is with the winter months in Florida can feel icy cold not due to the temperature but once again our high humidity. December is out because of Christmas. and it is difficult to compete with high school college and Pro football If there was a way to craft a split season it might have a chance . It would not hurt to limit weekly racing to no more than 7 months a year and specials could run other times. Very few teams are financially prepared to run as many weeks as Florida makes available so a shorter season might create stronger fields.

I definitely remember 50 degree days that felt like 20 lol!!! I wouldn't run night races though. Daytime to allow the sun to make it feel warmer for sure.

I do definitely agree with a shorter season. 15-18 race season and then sporadic special shows the rest of the year would be an awesome points season and likely bring up car counts also.

As for college sports and high school sports, you do have a point. What about Sunday racing during the day?

[OldSchool+]

First, I take a winter trip to the northeast most years around Christmas time (yes, I know, bass-ackwards, but hey, that's how I roll...), and it seems colder here at 55 than it does up nawth at 40.

My guess is the humidity. It's a damp cold.

Second, for years Speed World and New Smyrna were open year round.

Low car count, lower fan count, but I figured hey, it's racing, and went from time to time.

Yes, each year at Speedweeks everyone makes a bundle, but again, the "bundle" is northern money.

You will note they quit the year round thing, and I doubt it was because they were getting rich.

[Darrell 76]

season

I agree with the shorter season , we did New Smyrna every week in the 80's & 90's ( except Christmas, only live 5 miles from track )( we switched to dirt )in the automotive field people put off fixing their street cars from ThanksGiving till after New Years if they can , Start the season first of Feb and run till Oct / Nov. in July,August,Sept run 1 or 2 times a month weather permitting , give the small budget racer time to rebuild in winter / go on vacation in summer --------- just an opinion from the peanut gallery

[Imhere]

I have been saying that for years, Gives people time to prep car for coming season . Gives you family time so you can spend quality time with them ( away from the track! lol )

[Phil Jacques]

*** WARNING *** : ANOTHER HOW WE DO IT UP HERE REFERENCE FOR THE HATERS...


Obviously, it snows up here and we race from the last weekend in March to the 2nd or 3rd week in October. Not a "short" season, but just long enough imo. 5 months off seems to give everyone just enough time to rebuild, refresh and get ready to go again.

110%, a shorter schedule may help down there. I was more curious to find out if people thought racing over the cool winter months, rather than the heat of summer where weather is a constant issue and threat, may be an interesting or feasible option.

[OldSchool+]

PJ,

Florida is pretty much full of transplanted Northerners now...

So: "ANOTHER HOW WE DO IT UP HERE REFERENCE FOR THE HATERS..."
is really giving the north too much credit.

Usually, we see if there is any usable content in "the way you do it", swipe it if so, ignore it if not, and then go back to our mint julips.

You will see once you become one of us. Bwhahahahhahahahha!

[Phil Jacques]

PJ,

Florida is pretty much full of transplanted Northerners now...

So: "ANOTHER HOW WE DO IT UP HERE REFERENCE FOR THE HATERS..."
is really giving the north too much credit.

Usually, we see if there is any usable content in "the way you do it", swipe it if so, ignore it if not, and then go back to our mint julips.

You will see once you become one of us. Bwhahahahhahahahha!

The Florida State License in my wallet says I am already one of you lol!

[OldSchool+]

Don't forget to bring the apples...

[Phil Jacques]

Don't forget to bring the apples...

Will REDD's Apple Ale be a satisfactory replacement for real apples?

[OldSchool+]

See?

There's a good idea now!

[Phil Jacques]

See?

There's a good idea now!

[scottgarrity07]

Hmmm. Apple Ale. What shall we call that? SUDS North!