The USA Funneral 8-9-08!

[Bobby Diehl]

Yesterday was the END of "Florida's Short Tracks Crown Jewel". The tone of the day was one of a Funneral. There were many different types of people who sign up for the tearing the flesh off the body. I saw many race track owners, promoter,and their staff (myself included). Also there were people from the parts industry (new and used). Along with retail outlet of the new and used things. The scap world was on hand. I saw several General Contractors. But, the biggest impact on me was the faces of the racers. They raced on this track with the zest of the sport. Now only having the feeling of loss without grasping the answer at "That's Business"!!!! The day was over cast with a feeling of loss. We got a few parts of the Crown Jewel. But, it was in hopes of not being next on the list of past tracks.

Good bye old Friend (Lakeland USA International Speedway) CLOSED 8-9-08.
You are gone,but will never be forgotten!!!

Please support your race track. If the land has more value than the sport we all loose.
Bobby Diehl

[ocalasp76]

Well said Bobby, and Thank You for your thoughts.....
----JIM----

[georgep]

Well said and ALL to true. Not just in FLorida but all over the track is becoming a pain to the community as a source of noise, dust and other things the developers want you think.
I wish I had the money to buy a SAM's or a WAl MART super store and turn it into a SPEEDWAY!!!

[Benny The Mule]

Hey Bobby,

I'll bet the impression of the faces of racers was a little different than the look on the face of the (racer) who sold it for profit.


Money will even turn a racer against his sport-hobby if he knows he can get some $$$$$ out of it.

As harsh as it may sound, in this day and age, if a man has a want or a need badly enough he will step on his best friend's neck to get 1 step closer.

Everyone think real hard about that one before a snide remark at me.

It may surprise you..............

[Rick Anges]

She's Gone..........

[carolwicks]

a DONE DEAL....

Just as we do when we lose a pet we had for 20 years, we have to move forward and savor the memories. nothing can bring back USA Speedway so the less we talk about it, the less we will hurt. time to work hard at making the tracks that are left be good money makers.... im glad i live far from lakeland. at least i dont have to pass the place often.
hey george... i wish you could too...lol
adios and sayonara USA... was a fun journey... going someplace else now...;-)
carolwicks aka OZ

[ovalracer44]

Well when it comes down to it business is business. If you owned the land and could sell it for a one time gain that would take you years and years to recoup with the property at its current use wouldnt you also? Many of you can say what you want but I would place a large bet that says 99% of you would do the same exact thing. Just like next time you complain about corporate america yet drive past a local restaurant to eat at Outback or Olive Garden. Same thing.

[Benny The Mule]

Well when it comes down to it business is business. If you owned the land and could sell it for a one time gain that would take you years and years to recoup with the property at its current use wouldnt you also? Many of you can say what you want but I would place a large bet that says 99% of you would do the same exact thing. Just like next time you complain about corporate america yet drive past a local restaurant to eat at Outback or Olive Garden. Same thing.

I still do the mom and pop places. best food i've found around me is a place called GRANNIES in a 30 yr old strip mall.

[ancrdave]

The little mom n' pop places are always the best... Here in Orlando, not far from my house is a little place called Theos... They do a lot of Greek food but they have the best fried chicken in Orlando... A new KFC was built across the street about two years ago but I could care less... KFC is crap compared to the little place across the street... Dixie Fried chicken is another great place on Orange Ave. in Orlando... I believe it's the oldest continuosly operating restaurant in Orlando... We'd drive by there on our way to the Old Orlando Raceway years ago... The chicken is a close second to Theo's... For BBQ, we go to O'Boys... It's a local chain with about 4 locations but their food outdoes Sonny's and everybody else... And if you want a good homemade breakfast in Orlando, try Clarkie's on S. Orange Ave. The ham scramble is awesome.

[Gary J]

Well when it comes down to it business is business. If you owned the land and could sell it for a one time gain that would take you years and years to recoup with the property at its current use wouldnt you also? Many of you can say what you want but I would place a large bet that says 99% of you would do the same exact thing. Just like next time you complain about corporate america yet drive past a local restaurant to eat at Outback or Olive Garden. Same thing.

No way if had Tony 's money it would be enough for me,keep the track,Greed is a sin.