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Made my first trip to see this track with the dirt surface. Here are several pluses:
The place looks better than it has in decades, with a nice sized crowd, tons of kids playing, and just a festive atmosphere that's lacking at far too many tracks. They even got a group of kids together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, which produced big cheers from the adults.
The PA system may be the best in the state, and the announcer is VERY good. He has that Dave Westerman style that tells you a lot of history behind the track, drivers, crew members, other tracks... very knowledgeable guy.
Track surface was nice, smooth, and dust free. Lots of different grooves... witnessed many 3 wide moves, and even a 4 wide at one point.
They've moved the pits outside of turn 1 so there's no obstructed views for the fans.
The concessions had several things not usually found at a racetrack... prices appeared to be slightly lower than most places, and the line was never empty when I went by there.
On the down side... which I'm sure will get corrected along the way.... the wrecker crew seemed clueless. A simple 2 car spin took about 5 laps before the tow truck arrived, about another 5 of jockeying around, and then decided to push 1 car to the pits with a golf cart.... going 2 mph, which took another 2 or 3 laps to get him in.
Mark Whitener POUNDED the turn 1 wall, and it took several minutes for the ambulance to get on scene, and the tow truck driver showed up on scene on the OPPOSITE side of the wall. I had to leave at that point, but no doubt, it was probably gonna be a long process getting the car off track. Thankfully, as I was headed out the driveway, they did announce that Mark wasn't seriously injured.
Car counts in Crate Lates was 22, but Emods only had 7 and V8 Pure Stocks were about that same number. Small, but will undoubtedly grow.
There seemed to be a delay in everything they did... hot laps started late, the show started late, the timing system had glitches.... no sign of hurry - up mode to be found.
Overall, a very good day, and with some minor tweaks, it could be an outstanding place for racing. Super Lates & Sprint cars will fit this place like a glove. A Lucas Oil Late Model show there would be a "must see" event.... I'm hoping to see that in the future.
Another Sunday show that was very successful, even when the doubters always say "Sundays won't work in Florida"..... I'm calling BS on that idea anymore.
The place looks better than it has in decades, with a nice sized crowd, tons of kids playing, and just a festive atmosphere that's lacking at far too many tracks. They even got a group of kids together to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, which produced big cheers from the adults.
The PA system may be the best in the state, and the announcer is VERY good. He has that Dave Westerman style that tells you a lot of history behind the track, drivers, crew members, other tracks... very knowledgeable guy.
Track surface was nice, smooth, and dust free. Lots of different grooves... witnessed many 3 wide moves, and even a 4 wide at one point.
They've moved the pits outside of turn 1 so there's no obstructed views for the fans.
The concessions had several things not usually found at a racetrack... prices appeared to be slightly lower than most places, and the line was never empty when I went by there.
On the down side... which I'm sure will get corrected along the way.... the wrecker crew seemed clueless. A simple 2 car spin took about 5 laps before the tow truck arrived, about another 5 of jockeying around, and then decided to push 1 car to the pits with a golf cart.... going 2 mph, which took another 2 or 3 laps to get him in.
Mark Whitener POUNDED the turn 1 wall, and it took several minutes for the ambulance to get on scene, and the tow truck driver showed up on scene on the OPPOSITE side of the wall. I had to leave at that point, but no doubt, it was probably gonna be a long process getting the car off track. Thankfully, as I was headed out the driveway, they did announce that Mark wasn't seriously injured.
Car counts in Crate Lates was 22, but Emods only had 7 and V8 Pure Stocks were about that same number. Small, but will undoubtedly grow.
There seemed to be a delay in everything they did... hot laps started late, the show started late, the timing system had glitches.... no sign of hurry - up mode to be found.
Overall, a very good day, and with some minor tweaks, it could be an outstanding place for racing. Super Lates & Sprint cars will fit this place like a glove. A Lucas Oil Late Model show there would be a "must see" event.... I'm hoping to see that in the future.
Another Sunday show that was very successful, even when the doubters always say "Sundays won't work in Florida"..... I'm calling BS on that idea anymore.
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