Mel has a full plate in front of him..he hasnt had a lot of time to get a schedule in place, talk to the sanctions, get a crew together etc..I have faith he is going to turn Gas City around. I am pretty excited for the year..
Originally Posted by jjones752:
I agree. When I spoke with Mel it sounded like he had a lot on his plate, hopefully he hasn't bitten off too much; apparently the Thunder Car scene is even more political than what's going on over on the National Mini Sprint Rules thread! A 20-race Midget schedule and no rules in place yet is concerning.
But, as I said before, he seems like a really nice guy; he has a real affection for that race track and wants to do everything he can to make it a first-class operation. He has some good ideas for getting people in the stands and making new fans out of kids.
It was a packed half-hour phone call; I wish Mel every success, and hope to support his Midget venture if the rules allow us the opportunity.
If he is smart and wants something easy he should make Gas City Midget and Thunder car rules follow Montpeliers as im sure the same cars will be running at both tracks weekly. JMO
If Mel doesn't agree to take over as the promoter Gas City would have been closed this year.
Mel took over just a few weeks ago and here is what he faced:
Finding & hiring folks to do the track preparation
Finding & hiring someone to run the food service
Finding & hiring announcers
Finding & hiring race night competition directors for each weekly class
Updating the website
Putting together the rest of the race schedule (most was already in place)
So please give him more time to finalize things I'm sure Mel will give everybody (race teams, drivers, fans, etc.) an enjoyable place to have fun on Friday evenings in 2014.
Originally Posted by Danny Williams Sr.:
Give Mel some time to get his ducks in a row.
If Mel doesn't agree to take over as the promoter Gas City would have been closed this year.
Mel took over just a few weeks ago and here is what he faced:
Finding & hiring folks to do the track preparation
Finding & hiring someone to run the food service
Finding & hiring announcers
Finding & hiring race night competition directors for each weekly class
Updating the website
Putting together the rest of the race schedule (most was already in place)
So please give him more time to finalize things I'm sure Mel will give everybody (race teams, drivers, fans, etc.) an enjoyable place to have fun on Friday evenings in 2014.
Appearance
All cars shall appear and fit the guidelines of a traditional midget, such as all USAC National Midgets; for example-no bicycle tires on left front.
Weight
Minimum Weight - 1,050 Pounds (including driver) for cars using Fontana, Esslinger, Stanton, Gaerte, and other legal National Midgets. Midgets powered by Volkswagen, Honda, Ford Focus, and entirely stock production block and head
(such as Chevy II, etc.) - No Minimum Weight
Unfortunately, the first phrase appears to exclude chain-driven cars; not specifically, but "All cars shall appear and fit the guidelines of a traditional midget, such as all USAC National Midgets" could be interepreted that way, especially with no mention of motorcycle powerplants in the "non-National" category.
That's disappointing; after speaking with Mel last week I would have hoped that he would have seen fit to give us a try.
Oh well; one more night a week to prepare for Montpelier, which will clearly be my "home" track now...
