Reality Is A Bitter Pill To Swallow--

[villageracefan]

We in the Villages are supporting you

Rick, Our racing Club in the Villages supports your track and all short tracks in Florida. Our goal is to hopefully save short track racing so we and our kids and grand kids will have a place to enjoy the sport we so love. It's good promoters like you that we have to depend on to do that, keep up the good work. We will have a good contingent over to see our friend Dick Anderson race in the Orange Blossom 100 next Friday the 11th. Keep doing what your doing. Glen Carter

[tccaz]

I don't think you can call ONE NIGHT especially grand opening night a success if they are still getting the car counts and full grandstands at the end of the season then you can call them successfull. My suggestion if racing on Saturday is the only alternative race OSW and NSS every other week if people can't afford to race two nights a week maybe they can race one night a week at each track, have a combined points system for an overall champ and a single points system for each track and pay enough for points to entice them to race BOTH TRACKS when I look at the results each week I don't see many who race both nights.

[Bigbuck]

This bothers me

Rick, i don't know you. I know your job is a tough one and no matter what you do some are gonna bust your balls! Heck I may too, but let me ask you a question. Have you ever looked at the regular racers that used to race there, say 3-5 yrs ago every week and never do now? How many have you called and asked "why aren't you racing anymore"? What can i do to get you back? Can i give you free entrance passes for you and say 3 crewmen? Can I sell you the first set of tires for cost? Dont say you have, at least not much, I have several friends that used to be regular guys there and NSS, no one has called them, no one cares. Guess what, they don't either now. One in particular is building a NASCAR northern car just to race a few times during speedweeeks and maybe a tri or two to N.E. in the summer. Last time he was inOrlando he got D.Q'd for NOTHING. I believe it might of been before you were there. Well it cost you a LOT. He drew 8-10 people a week, multiply that times $20-$30 a week for 3 yrs. What did that cost?? Wouldn't of taken much to of got him back but you never will now, he sold everything that has anything to do with Fl. Mods. Hell, I don't even race but someone from Auburndale offered to give me free passes, will probably take him up on it. He wants a new fan.

[racnphotos68]

Tuna - I can say that I have personally seen Rick reach out to drivers and fans alike that used to come over. I have seen him hand out more passes while out with a race truck on display, than any other track, ever. Why don't you email him the numbers of those former drivers and I am sure their phones will ring very quickly.
I have been going to Orlando since the mid 80's and it has never been this bad. But... I have never seen a promoter try harder than Rick to get things turned around. I have seen him paint, weed-whack, and whatever else it takes to get the track ready. Let's think of things that will help and then get out there and do it.
Rex, I could not agree with you more. I think now would be a great time to get a car out there. When I used to race, the highest finish I got was 4th place. All I wanted was a trophy finish. The only reason I got 4th was I drove in so far over my head and started wrecking in turn 3 and finished wrecking as I crossed the line backwards. The guy I tried to pass just backed off so I didn't kill his car as well as mine. Ancr Dave remembers that night I bet. I was so happy at getting 4th I jumped out of my car, not realizing I was in a big mud puddle. It was the only time I got a reaction out of the fans. Now, I could run 5th and gain experience, and when one of you high priced front runners has a bad night, here I come.
The only time my car was in victory lane was the night it served as a back drop for a wedding for the asst flagman Gary and his new bride.
Keep the good ideas coming guys, I am sure we can get our old track back to her former glory.

[modracer22]

I have at OSW off and on for about 20+ years and have seen the crowds slowly go down hill. I can remember racing there when the pits were so full that if didn't come there early you had to park in the dirt and that was with only 4 or 5 classes. I think some of the problems is changing the rules during the season or at the begining when they should of been out at the end of the previous season. I can tell you one of the things that drawl drivers to A-dale and citrus is the payout. I know this is something that Rick can't change right away but it's diffently something that needs to be addressed. The second thing is looking at some of the tracks up north it seems that they have a race car show during the off season and to me that is something that may attract some new fans. I think maybe something different or new might help not sure but maybe something like wedge still superlates. I know guys have spent a bunch of money on bodies but it might be something to look at.
I think something like that might bring out some new fans or atleast bring back some old ones. Just my 2 cents.

[Bigbuck]

again

Tuna - I can say that I have personally seen Rick reach out to drivers and fans alike that used to come over. I have seen him hand out more passes while out with a race truck on display, than any other track, ever. Why don't you email him the numbers of those former drivers and I am sure their phones will ring very quickly.
I have been going to Orlando since the mid 80's and it has never been this bad. But... I have never seen a promoter try harder than Rick to get things turned around. I have seen him paint, weed-whack, and whatever else it takes to get the track ready. Let's think of things that will help and then get out there and do it.
Rex, I could not agree with you more. I think now would be a great time to get a car out there. When I used to race, the highest finish I got was 4th place. All I wanted was a trophy finish. The only reason I got 4th was I drove in so far over my head and started wrecking in turn 3 and finished wrecking as I crossed the line backwards. The guy I tried to pass just backed off so I didn't kill his car as well as mine. Ancr Dave remembers that night I bet. I was so happy at getting 4th I jumped out of my car, not realizing I was in a big mud puddle. It was the only time I got a reaction out of the fans. Now, I could run 5th and gain experience, and when one of you high priced front runners has a bad night, here I come.
The only time my car was in victory lane was the night it served as a back drop for a wedding for the asst flagman Gary and his new bride.
Keep the good ideas coming guys, I am sure we can get our old track back to her former glory.

Like I said, i know the job is tuogh. From what I read i believe Rick is trying and is a great guy, I did not intend to bash him in any way. Its just that I get no fun in watching 4-5 cars or LESS in what is called a "race". Havent been to Orlando in 2-3 yrs, been @ NSS maybe 3 times this yr. Yrs past i lived at NSS, Sponsored a race , bought blocks of 50 tickets, gave them to people I never met. Helped SEVERAL drivers, but I have basically lost interest. I do enjoy the late models, even a field of half what it was 2-3 yrs ago is fun to watch. One night @ NSS it was 9:45 and only 2 races had been run. There MUST be lists of racers that are no longer racing. If they're so down on racing that their cars are sitting idle behind their house do you really think they are gonna come to a "race truck display"? They look at their own in back of their house. The track has results, sign in sheets etc from a few yrs I'm sure. If their #'s arent there then I have an idea, look in the phone book. Again I do not intend this as a bashing but yes, I'm pissed the tracks are going to the dumps and no-one can even make a 5 min call to some of these guys. If I was the track promoter /manager/ owner, whatever it would be top priority to me. Its great to give a pass to someone thats never been there, I'm all for it, but remember those that paid for the bread and butter for years that are no longer there.

[racnphotos68]

Again...

Tuna, where did I say that I thought past drivers would come out to one of his truck displays? I said he was taking a race truck (or car if someone offered theirs up) out and trying to attract new fans or remind old ones of the fun.
All I am trying to say and no one take this personal but a fan of the sport can sit on here and say what should be done or they can take a few minutes and pitch in. If these friends of yours are still here then surely you have their numbers. Pass them on. Your example of a phone book doesn't fly in my book. Cell phones are becoming people's main numbers and they are not listed in your phone book. Even if they still have a house phone lets take a friend of mine as an example. Ray Smith. Used to run sportsman, figure 8's and a modified. How many Ray Smith's do you think are in the phone book? And which of the many counties Orlando draws from would you find the real Ray Smith in? And how long would it take to call all of those Ray Smith's (and knowing Rick, he would invite all of them) to find the driver of the #57 Chevy?
I am just trying to say, in only takes a few minutes from all of us to add up to a big help for Rick. I know you weren't atacking him, I just wanted to point out what I have seen. Have a good weekend!!

[Bigbuck]

Fine!!

Tuna, where did I say that I thought past drivers would come out to one of his truck displays? I said he was taking a race truck (or car if someone offered theirs up) out and trying to attract new fans or remind old ones of the fun.
All I am trying to say and no one take this personal but a fan of the sport can sit on here and say what should be done or they can take a few minutes and pitch in. If these friends of yours are still here then surely you have their numbers. Pass them on. Your example of a phone book doesn't fly in my book. Cell phones are becoming people's main numbers and they are not listed in your phone book. Even if they still have a house phone lets take a friend of mine as an example. Ray Smith. Used to run sportsman, figure 8's and a modified. How many Ray Smith's do you think are in the phone book? And which of the many counties Orlando draws from would you find the real Ray Smith in? And how long would it take to call all of those Ray Smith's (and knowing Rick, he would invite all of them) to find the driver of the #57 Chevy?
I am just trying to say, in only takes a few minutes from all of us to add up to a big help for Rick. I know you weren't atacking him, I just wanted to point out what I have seen. Have a good weekend!!

What I said was simply a suggestion!! But you know what, FASCAR don't want suggestions!! They already know it all. Oh, is there a problem with inviting all of them?? The friends I know, LOTS of them that no longer race are NOT common names and no-one has EVER called any of them. In FACT, 2 of them have called NSS this yr asking for the race director to return their call and nothing! I wont make any more suggestions, i said I believe Rick to be a good guy, but this is whats wrong with you racers, you don't have the b---- to say what youre thinking Why? Affraid you'll be penalized? This is another problem but I won't go there, screw it, I'm going fishing, you guys go race, or watch races with 3 other people. See ya!! You have a nice holiday too.

[Rick B.]

Tuna man

Please call me, my number is below. Talking on here will do little good, if you talk to me and tell me who your talking about, how to get a hold of them I will guarantee a contact and attempt will be made. I do not have a very good list of contact info, as is was not well kept in the past. I would be very appreciative of any help you can give in that area. If you call me and attempt to assist then I know you care about racing, if you do not and only post stuff on here then I have to say you do not. Complaining and arguing on here to me is useless to a positive effect which is needed. Thanks

[Boneman]

Lets not lose sight of an excellent deal Rick has succeeded in putting together. I think the promotion with the bowling center will certainly succeed in bringing in some new faces, and the expenses very low....maybe even zero!

Ideas and plans are one thing (we all have 'em), but here is an accomplishment that should pay off.

[Bigbuck]

Rick B.

Please call me, my number is below. Talking on here will do little good, if you talk to me and tell me who your talking about, how to get a hold of them I will guarantee a contact and attempt will be made. I do not have a very good list of contact info, as is was not well kept in the past. I would be very appreciative of any help you can give in that area. If you call me and attempt to assist then I know you care about racing, if you do not and only post stuff on here then I have to say you do not. Complaining and arguing on here to me is useless to a positive effect which is needed. Thanks

The one guy in particuler i know that raced in Orlando bd got dq'd because his driver "Didnt follow the pace truck through the speedy dry, a while back, and then they claimed his driver tried to run over the flag man on the back stretch, never returned to OSW. He had raced there every fri for yrs, and never caused any trouble, ever. It was before your time, I did not bash you. He raced a short time more at NSS, everyone there knows him, most everyone in management at NSS even knows where he lives. Never one call from anyone. Its too late with him, he sold all his FL Mod stuff, he's done. I was only making a suggestion, if you don't have #'s then maybe you should get them from the racers you have , they might come in handy. Sorry if I offended you, I THOUGHT this thread was abouit making suggestions. Sent you an IM.

[Boneman]

a guy got dq'd because his driver "Didnt follow the pace truck through the speedy dry,

When you make a crazy claim like this, you better be prepared to back it up. Frankly, I don't believe it is true the way you stated it.

[racnphotos68]

Well, that cleared it all up...

Get the numbers from the racers you have?? You just got done saying he should be calling the ones who aren't coming to the track anymore, now you say get the ones that are already there? Rick has been around Orlando for a long time. I bet it was not before his time. I am glad you IM'd him. I think if you help him we might get some people back. It sounds like you know a lot of past owners / drivers. And it is never too late. Maybe he has sold his stuff but might have the knowledge to help a younger driver. Since none of us can figure out who you are talking about we don't know for sure.
As far as the DQ'd for not following through the speedy dry I would love to hear the specifics as to who the driver was, the officials that made the call, etc. I think somebody on this board would remember that night, surely it would have been talked about.
Thanks for your suggestions, that was the point. And what holiday is it? You wished me a good holiday weekend but I don't know what I am celebrating...

[Todd McCreary]

Get the numbers from the racers you have?? You just got done saying he should be calling the ones who aren't coming to the track anymore, now you say get the ones that are already there?


get the phone numbers of the racers who AREN'T there from the racers who DO still show up.

oh, that's right. no one on ANY race team knows ANYONE on a different race team. they NEVER talk to each other in the pits, borrow tools and parts, help each other out during the week at each others houses ... they're real anti-social.

sorry bout that. i confuse easily.

hell, Donnie Lewis and Butch and Barb by themselves must know close to a hundred different racers that don't show up regular any more between the two tracks.

[fastlanefan]

If the truth hurts....

My family too have been racers and fans at OSW since the early 80's and we have watched the car and crowd count steadily decrease. Rick has the right attitude but his hands will be tied just like all the others to make the necessary changes. First, to get fans you need cars, to get cars you need to pay decent payouts and be consistent with the rules. The economy has played little in the problems that OSW and NSS have encountered. We have been to several other central Florida tracks lately and they all have great crowds and numerous cars. They also, welcome you and ask you to come back and race again. They also have decent payouts and they don't have rules for some and not for their track/race sponsors or rich daddys. Tires are too expensive and wear out too quickly, even if you win at OSW on a regular night you won't win enough money to pay for your tires that you need to buy nightly. As far as Rick and you all stating you support him, how many of you have taken your race car to his events or showed up at the track to volunteer to help clean up or paint? Do you really support him and your track, if you do, help don't sugar coat the truth, if the truth hurts then the track needs to do something about it.