What is wrong with July 4'th?

[Boneman]

Remember when holiday weekends meant good racing? Up until recently, Memorial Day, July 4'th and other holidays were times when special race events were planned. Now it has turned completely the other way. Most tracks are closed on the weekend of the 4'th. Why is that?

The obvious excuse will be the cup race at Daytona. Does that really effect turnout at a short track that may be hundreds of miles away? Does the TV coverage really keep fans away too?

This year, New Smyrna has a big race on Thursday night, otherwise there are two different Crash A Rama's and nothing else. Putnam looks like they are the only track running on Saturday in central Florida, but their website is not clear. If Putnam is open, I'll go.

This is a trend that I hope the tracks can reverse. The year is not long enough to automatically write off 3 day weekends.

PS I went to NSS for the first time in 1977. They had a 3 day racing meet over July 4'th. Now THAT was cool!

[Winger]

I agree with you Boneman. I use to look forward to the July 4th races where I use to live. Had special events and regular shows with fireworks. Always a big draw. Everyone doesn't and can't go to the Daytona cup race. I have been wondering why speedweeks is the only time Florida seems to bring in the "special" traveling shows. Why not bring in the "World of Outlaws" or "Lucas series" for a special Dirt Late Model or Sprint show over the summer? I'm not sure what you could bring in for the asphalt tracks but I'm sure there must be something that would attract fans and cars. Wouldn't it be cool for the "Florida" short track fans to have the opportunity to go to a "WoO" show that isn't priced for the Speedweeks crowd?

[Jimmy McKinley]

You also have to remember that the Firecracker 400 (sorry, all you newbs, the Pespi...oops, I mean, Coke Zero 400) was held ON July 4th, no matter what day of the week it was, or on Saturday/Sunday closest to the 4th. That way, the local tracks could draw in those fans that were in town for the 400. Since the 400 moved to a Saturday night show, it killed the local race crowds.

Just my opinion...

[tccaz]

A saturday night at the speedway only gives me more reason to go somewhere else. I wouldn't go there if I had free tickets in a tower suite on the start finish line. NASCAR is the last race I would go to.

[cake]

The cup race at daytona cant have anything to do with it.
They cant even get people to go to that race. and Ratings have been dropping for that race every year. Its so bad that the whole Backstretch Grandstand area will be closed.Those are good seats

[racin movie man]

I'm On board....

Hey Bone,

Couldn't agree with you more. Winger, you got that right. Growing up i saw many races on 4th weekend with Fireworks, 100 lappers, etc. Jimmy Mck. I also went to a few "Firecrackers". Couple of notes regarding those. Yep, it was always on July the fourth. It always started at 10am and by the first hour of the race it was hot as hell and getting lobstered. My favorite finish was Greg Sacks chasing down Bill Elliot with a Bobby Allison research/developement car and a "Hey can you help me" pitcrew recruited from the infield fans. Once they realized Greg was in the position to win, Tim Richmonds crew came down (after he was sidelined) and gave Greg the extra help he needed to win. Greg also was able to use the #4 of Phil ?? (Florida Driver) as a draft partner to catch Runaway Bill.
Someone check this for me, but i think i remember going to VSP either the same night or weekend once for a Busch/Sportsman race when they first paved it (1983?). I also remember going to NSS (1987?) for an AllPro race (Nemechek, Ridley,Allison,Garvey,etc).
The "Tona" was fun but the local stuff was an added bonus. As far as the 400 is concerned, in my eyes (and pocket), they priced me right out of there approx 4 years ago. What started at 35.00 a ticket (block of 4) went to 140.00 within 4 years. Priced the real race fans out the gate!!

[Dana Barlow]

Day time races in July and August now

Loved running the summer races.
I'm not so sure it's really any hotter now than many years ago,it may seem so to alot younger then me,I did do a lot of racing in the early 60's to 80's in the heat and the fans showed up.
There's a lot of why now going on,that not so many show at races.
I'm giving yet another idea to add, most of those I raced with and many of the fans at the time,had gone to school with no AC in the class rooms or in many case at home ether, What I'm saying is some of the racers and fans base is now wimps cus they didn't grow up were the heat was just something we put up with and had fun anyway.
I maybe off,but dose anyone think this way too?
OK even I addmet I can't take heat now like I could,but I'm 66+now
Not too likey we can AC the hole track. Do we need all softy seating too? Water super fine missters over all the stands,hummmmmmm.
No wate,they'll think it's a rain out &%$#^%@!
Been some time now that I got good food at a speedway too,or I can't tell anymore?