If I was a Florida track owner, part 2

[andre]

If I was a track owner in Florida

1- I would call a big meeting with all other track owners: group is stronger.
2- WE would come up with 3 or 4 ‘’common sets of rules’’. OR
3- WE would all become member under the same sanction.
4- WE would agree on ONE tire brand.
5- WE would agree on ONE soda brand.
6- WE would agree on ONE beer brand.
7- WE would agree on scheduling without killing each other’s show.
8- WE would agree on structure of purses, number laps, etc, all the same.

And then, I could go out and sell my show because then, and only then, I will have a SHOW to sell.

The ONE tire, soda and beer brand deal is to give the track owners leverage to get good sponsorship for their classes, kind of a state wide championship deal. Picture this: 10 race tracks time 4 classes all running the X brand of tire. Now you can talk to the company representative and be listen to. Same for soda and beer. Can go to car parts too. Tire deal would be very good for racers too, they can now go anywhere, the tire fits.

Basically, as long as everybody will try to do his own little thing in his own little kingdom, nobody will get anywhere. Get together and you might be surprise at what and how fast you can achieve.

Race fans did not quit going to race track because they do not like racing anymore, they just don’t like the racing they are watching, 6 or 7 classes with very few cars in each. It could be free to get in, they still won't go. Not interesting, not entertaining. How many classes in Florida, through the whole state, that you can gather an honest 50 cars under the same common set of rules??? Be honest. Not by adding 50 pounds on this one or putting a bigger spoiler on that one, ALL UNDER THE SAME RULES???!?!?!?. Well, that should be the 2009 goal: build classes that by the end of 09, will all be under the same ruling, from North to South and East to West. And for the promoter(s) that wishes not to take the band wagon this year, best of luck and we’ll talk again in 2010.

These are the line of thought you should have if you would be (or are) a sunshine state race track promoter.

Thanks for reading,

André

[Edm]

Since the other thread go high jacked, I will repost it here.

IF I WAS A TRACK PROMOTER/OWNER
Isnt that what this thread is supposed to be about?
1> We would make more money on tires, but they would last longer.
2> Pit gate admission would be $20
3> No pit slab fees unless a team wants to pay for one for the season.
4> Grandstand admission would be $10, military, senior and children discounts. Children 10 and under free.
5> Grandstands would have a play ground with a qualified attendent supervising.
6> More things for the kids to do so the parents can enjoy the races.
7> Heat races will be worth more points and a little more payouts.
8> We will have actual ministers for the drivers prayer and live local talent sing the National Anthem. Generators will be shut down and drivers will gather on pit road for this.
9> We would start the racing earlier and if there is a rain out on a Sat night, we will race on Sunday afternoons if local areas allow this.
10. No Tech official will have any affiliation with a race shop (PERIOD) This will eliminate any conflict of interest and other bull that goes along with it.
11> Classes will be limited. There is no reason to have 9 classes of cars try to race in one night.
12> Track personel will act and dress professional.
13> Tech will be hard and fair. The rule book is black and white.
14> We will do whatever it takes to make the fields fair and competitive.
15> The facility will remain clean and maintained.
16> The track will be utilized for other events during time when there is not any racing. ie, flea/farmers market, car shows, tent sales for car dealer ships, Bmx, lawn tractor racing, camping, anything to make a few extra dollars to help keep the track open.
17> Racing will start in late Jan and stop in early June. Pick up again in August and stop again in November. There will be a big race or two around July.
18>THIS IS THE BIG ONE, PAY ATTENTION,Sponsorships on everyones racecars will be promoted at the track. This will be a huge key in helping the local racecars with sponsors. We will do our best to network with these sponsors to bring business there way as well.
Our track officials will be proud of the track and do more themselves to promote it. No one race track can be run and promoted by one person. The track shouldnt rely on only the promoter to promote the track. Use the racers and all other avenues possible.

[Frasson118]

Here is basically how Danbury Racearena did things... and it was VERY successful:

One class of cars... Modifieds
That entire class was run as a club, with elected officials.
There were only 55 memberships available. Each racecar was a "member", so there were 55 registered cars at any one time. The only way get in the club, is if someone else gave up their membership.
Members were allowed to run other tracks on off-nights, but if you ran against Danbury, you were out of the club.
Missing 3 consecutive weeks got you booted from the club. The rule encouraged a very high percentage of the 55 cars to show up every single week. There were exceptions for injuries, but not for crashed equipment. They figured if you can't get your car back together in 3 weeks, someone else can!
Every car must be painted, clean and nicely lettered. Lots of cool paint jobs and chrome!
Hot-shoes from other tracks are not allowed to join. They want to MAKE local heroes, not just import them.
Bad attitudes and/or behaviour can get you voted out of the club by other members.
ALL members had voting rights on technical rules and proceedures.
The drivers and the Track would split all incoming dollars (pits and stands) on a 60/40 basis.

The results:
A huge field (every week) of great looking cars, although not all 55 would make it there each week, a vast majoity of them did.
4 heats, 2 Consi's and a Feature race.
No outsiders coming in to take the big money away.
Grandstands that were almost always SOLD-OUT 2 hours before the show started. I think admission was $5.00 per adult.
Winners would pocket usually between $1500-$2000 for a regular 30 lap win (in the '70's!). Only one "big" race a year, which paid considerably more.
The fans got to see lots of cars... the drivers got to race for big money... the track made money!

Unfortunately, the land under the Danbury Fairgrounds got to be more valuable as a Mall than a track. The Wilmorite Corp. bought the land, bulldozed the track, built a Mall, and the whole concept of the NYSSCA (New York State Stock Car Association) disappeared. The pissed-off locals formed a group called SCRAM (Stock Car Racers Against the Mall) to try to halt the business deal. They went as far as sending death-threats to my friends father, who was an Attorney for Wilmorite. As shameful as all that action was, it shows how much people couldn't stand the thought of losing Danbury.

I've often wondered if, with a lot of tweaking, this idea could somehow come back to life. It made sense, it worked, and made it one of the most successful tracks in America, although not many people ever even knew about it. As a racer, you couldn't just show up at Danbury... you wouldn't be allowed in. As a fan, you can't show up at race time... the seats are all gone.

I'm sure my "facts" are a little fuzzy after all these years, but I know I'm pretty damn close!

[Frasson118]

Here is a link to the Danbury "Memorial" web-site.

http://www.danbury-racearena.com

[JackTripper]

This Rit Patchen character has the biggest crew of any local racer I've ever seen. Fifteen guys!

[georgep]

Here is a link to the Danbury "Memorial" web-site.

http://www.danbury-racearena.com

Good point! Remember the ARDC (American Racing Drivers Club) midgets that traveled and always had a GOOD car count. URC (United Racing Club) SPrints that traveled and always had a good car count. Then AMSA (American Mini Stock Association) We travled and always had a good car count.
If you see the trend between Frasson118 and this you will notice:
1. ALL where clubs
2. ALL had elected officials
3. ALL had the good car count
4. ALL where members only.
Their was no ONE person making all the rules and making ALL the money it was a group doing it with success.
Want a REAL success FMSA (FLorida Mini SPrint Association) under Jessie Tegg this CLUB brought 30 Mini sprints to Georgia to race in the MIDDLE of the $4.00 per gallon gas weekend.
YOU take a track and sell shares (membership) in it to the drivers and lock in just so many MEMBERS and you will do just fine since they all sink or swim.

Now a reality check, AIN'T GOING TO HAPPEN in this time kf trying to make MAX MONEY at every show.

[SeminoleWind]

Danbury's concept makes so much sense. I guess that's the reason it has'nt been tried by someone else. To take the Danbury model 1 step further, I often wondered why race track owners did not sell shares of stock to the racers. it would create cash flow for the speedway, the racers would have a vested interest in the facility. The track owner would sell no more than 49% shares so he would retain control. If the stock were successful, it would pay back some dividends.

[Benny The Mule]

Unfortunately Frass i don't think we can fill the stands anymore...different brand of people nowadays.

I remember OSW in the 80's where spectator cars were parked clear down by the start line of the drag strip.

When i was a kid we were outside all the time, now kids sit in the AC and play video games.

Noone wants to do for themseves but to have others do for them.