Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Seem to be a lot of people thinking they're entitled to see a race every weekend, which just further illustrates that promoters are damned no matter what they do. Race tomorrow in the heat, have a less than stellar show, someone suffers heat exhaustion, and the whole cyberworld would hear about it. Cancel because of the heat and related heat advisories, and the whole cyberworld hears about it...

I, for one, think Gas City and Bloomington made the right call when they chose to cancel. While I was planning to sit on the hill wearing as little as possible, the drivers don't exactly have that option. Nor do the EMS workers. Or the concession workers. Am I disappointed? Sure. I look forward to Friday night all week. But I'll survive. And I applaud Mike and Jiggs for making the correct, yet unpopular, decision.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by dant:
Believe it or not the guys in the cars are almost better off than the fans because they are more conditioned to the heat, and are active.........********..put on nomex underwear-nomex socks-2layer driving suit-race shoes-headsock -helmet-driving gloves..then sit in the sun[simulating waiting to get pushoff] for 20 min. then tell me your as comfortable as the guy sitting in the shade,sipping iced tea in 't' shirt and shorts....racers pay a price in extreme heat..bottom line ..the track may have made the right call here for all involved

And don't forget the crews working on the hot cars too. I almost ended up in the hospital a few years back work on a crew in these kinds of conditions. If you’re not used to working in the heat it can kick your butt before you know what hit you.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

I have never heard of such a thing. I say run em and the weak can stay at home. Nobody is making you come to the races. It is a choice we all have. Not now!! :7:

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

what do you think they will do if it stay's this hot for next weekend?
or dare say the next two or three weekend's

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

I believe this is purely a business decision... a decision based upon some people will stay home and food sales will be down during the heat. I know this decision is one that alot of folks don't like but I can at least respect the tracks decision to not risk a financial loss.

Remove yourself as a fan or competitor and look at it as if you are the business owner.... Is the risk worth the reward?

Sprint cars don't like going upside down... neither do the promoters.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

after burning up at a usac race at LPS last year i can see their point. it was so hot and humid we just started driving back to Michigan instead of our plan of camping. plus at GC the sun sets in your face till 8:30 now. i wish the great state of Indiana would go back to eastern standard time so I could gain that hour on the way down. Plus the tracks have one less hour of sun on them before they start.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

First I want to thank Jiggs and Mike (at Bloomington) for making a correct call. In light of the very wet spring and losing shows on account of that, these decisions were tough ones. This doesn’t mean Joe Spiker, Dave Rudisell and the other Saturday night track promoters does not have our best interest at heart. I look at the weekend weather and it seems we are catching a little break in the Saturday temperatures.

Maybe 40 or 50 years ago when many of us did not have a house with central air these decisions would have had a *** reaction but many of us aren’t used to being out in the hot sun for hours. I guess that makes me a wuss and I’ll admit it. Also we need to be thinking of not only fans but drivers, crews, push truck drivers, fire and rescue personnel and others. They have to deal with these extreme temperatures too. Hey, even in the “good old days” we still lost Carl Scarborough to heat stroke in the very hot 1953 Indy 500.

I would give Jiggs and Mike a break. I’m sure they hate not racing Friday as much as anyone.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Its hot outside, I'm not going to any races this week if its free to get in! Really, there is more to life than racing, try something new this weekend!!

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by duel:
after burning up at a usac race at lps last year i can see their point. It was so hot and humid we just started driving back to michigan instead of our plan of camping. Plus at gc the sun sets in your face till 8:30 now. I wish the great state of indiana would go back to eastern standard time so i could gain that hour on the way down. Plus the tracks have one less hour of sun on them before they start.

we are on eastern time..lol

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

I saw Friday was cancelled before getting on here. I thought, wonder how many pages the thread is for that? Three pages is less than I thought.

Some people would go (heat wouldn’t keep me away if I wanted to go as it doesn’t bother me). However, many “regulars” probably wouldn’t. With the threat of a small crowd, I can see why somebody wouldn’t want to take a chance on it. Tracks just had their biggest payday of the year in the last two weeks. I wouldn’t want to potentially give a lot of that back due to running a show with few fans. I get the, show up if you want to or nobody makes you go, but that’s the issue…. many people not showing. I’d say a lot of people would do that. Remember Sprint Week just ended so people’s wallets are a little lighter. I could see some people that go all the time saying, I’ll just sit out this week because of money and the heat. Not everybody goes every week. A lot on here do, but a lot don’t go every week. Those fans make a difference in a case like this.

It’s easy to be a fan. We show up, spend the money, watch the show, and go home. Not that simple for a promoter, a lot rides on decisions. If I go and see a bad show, I’m out some gas money and ticket money (happens and will happen again). Promoter is out thousands if they make the wrong call. No way I would ever want to promote a race track, you are always wrong to somebody.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by Wallsracing:
we are on eastern time..lol

we are on eastern daylight now not eastern standard.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Just a few non-racing headlines for the naysayers.

At least 22 deaths blamed on searing temperatures; heat indices hit as high as 120 degrees

Hospitals in Wichita treated 25 heat-related illnesses, according to the National Weather Service.

In Des Moines, Iowa, 16 people have been hospitalized because of this week's high temperatures.

The high heat and humidity have been stressing U.S. crops, particularly corn, which is now in a key growth stage, and endangering livestock.

Up to 1,500 cattle have died in South Dakota because of the heat wave, according to the state's veterinarian, Dustin Oedekoven, and he expects that number to rise.

In Indianapolis, homeowners were being asked to stop watering their lawns through at least Sunday.

BTW: When the Silver Cup concluded near midnght Tuesday, the temp was just above 80 degrees.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by Tall Jackson:
I have never heard of such a thing. I say run em and the weak can stay at home. Nobody is making you come to the races. It is a choice we all have. Not now!! :7:

You gonna make up the $ they lose when 1/3 the normal crowd shows up........didnt think so.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

I remember towing from Kokomo to Bloomington to race on a Friday with mom and dad and our usual gang -- this was probably '94 or '95. I distinctly recall passing one of those bank signs that gave time and temperature on the way... I forget the time, but I clearly remember reading 96*. After that, I remember dad talking to Tray House, just shooting the **** in the pits like always -- and I don't really recall weather being something that was discussed. They ran that night. It was hot, but they ran.

What's changed? America is the short answer. Now we're coddled and babysat, in the absence of personal accountability and common sense. How did we ever get by without excessive heat warnings? I shudder at the thought...

And before you go flaming, which most of you will, I'm racing this weekend in this hot, soupy stuff. I might wear the two-layer suit instead of the four, and I will no doubt ingest and excrete more fluids, but I'll be there.

Gas City and Bloomington are both well-run places and have good people at the helm, it's just disappointing and not a decision I agree with or support. Sign of the times, I guess.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

I am in and out of the heat all day long drive and unload drive unload and I will be honest when I get home in the air thats where I stay . I am even drinking gatorade and not beer (dam I must be sick) So even if tracks were running I know they would be short one person in the stands ME. Call me what you want but least I;ll be cool. :2:

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

I don't understand why we think we have the right to tell some one how to run
their business. I'm sure if you want to front the money to run for the evening
they would be glad to run if you take the loss. I may or may not agree with their
decision (I do agree) but thats not the point. It is their way of making a living.
BACK OFF and chill out and enjoy something different on Friday.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by racephoto:
Just a few non-racing headlines for the naysayers.

At least 22 deaths blamed on searing temperatures; heat indices hit as high as 120 degrees

Hospitals in Wichita treated 25 heat-related illnesses, according to the National Weather Service.

In Des Moines, Iowa, 16 people have been hospitalized because of this week's high temperatures.

The high heat and humidity have been stressing U.S. crops, particularly corn, which is now in a key growth stage, and endangering livestock.

Up to 1,500 cattle have died in South Dakota because of the heat wave, according to the state's veterinarian, Dustin Oedekoven, and he expects that number to rise.

In Indianapolis, homeowners were being asked to stop watering their lawns through at least Sunday.

BTW: When the Silver Cup concluded near midnght Tuesday, the temp was just above 80 degrees.

In 1995 there 750 heat-related deaths in Chicago over a period of five days.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Chicago_heat_wave

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Both these tracks have a lot of things that they have to take into consideration. Safety of fans, crew, race teams and drivers, etc. is one. Whether or not the elements will allow them to run a successful show, is another. Believe it or not, these guys are not obligated to lose money just so we can be entertained. They're business people who take a moderate financial risk, under normal conditions. On weeks like this one, when local weather people and health professionals are telling people to stay indoors, that risk increases dramatically. And Mike and Jiggs are both respected in the motor sports community. It's sucks not having a race to go to Friday, but I trust their judgement and will get over not being able to see this one race, on this one day.

Jerry

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Spartan is 40 miles from me and i think they are still on with pavement sprints friday. not as good as dirt but good close racing. should be slightly cooler than Indiana.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by Bill Gardner:
I believe this is purely a business decision... a decision based upon some people will stay home and food sales will be down during the heat. I know this decision is one that alot of folks don't like but I can at least respect the tracks decision to not risk a financial loss.

Remove yourself as a fan or competitor and look at it as if you are the business owner.... Is the risk worth the reward?

Sprint cars don't like going upside down... neither do the promoters.

You are correct Bill. These tracks have to make a profit or they won't be around. Sure some diehards will show up but probably not enough to make a profit. I'd rather a track not run a few nights and still be around than end up like this one.


Due to economics Galesburg Speedway will be closed for the remainder of the 2011 racing season. This season has been a tough road, due to lack of cars and low amount of fans.The track has not been rented, sold or leased. As any more news arises we will keep you informed. We the Warning family are very sorry for this as Galesburg Speedway has become home to all of us. The 14 years have been a great pleasure serving the racing community. We have made many good friends and loyal friends. We did not mean for this to happen, but it is out of our control with the economy the way it is. This should open alot of eyes to get out there and support your local speedways.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

if you don't like the call to not run fri for heat reasons then buy a track and run when you want that will be your call then if not deal with it and go on jmo

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

I did not realize that there were so many people in this state with NO LIFE.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Would these races have been canceled if this was last weekend during sprint week?What ya all think?

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by dkdorkboy:
Would these races have been canceled if this was last weekend during sprint week?What ya all think?

IMO... No, the risk seems worth the reward. They know the best sprint car drivers will be at their track and with that fans will follow.

This week is a regular show... fans won't have the same desire to be in attendance.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by Derek Fisher:
What's changed? America is the short answer. Now we're coddled and babysat, in the absence of personal accountability and common sense. How did we ever get by without excessive heat warnings? I shudder at the thought...

And before you go flaming, which most of you will, I'm racing this weekend in this hot, soupy stuff. I might wear the two-layer suit instead of the four, and I will no doubt ingest and excrete more fluids, but I'll be there.

Gas City and Bloomington are both well-run places and have good people at the helm, it's just disappointing and not a decision I agree with or support. Sign of the times, I guess.

I work outside in the heat, and I'm sure a lot of folks on here do too. So forgive me for taking umbrage at the notion that we're "coddled" for not wanting to sit in 100 degree heat to see a regular race.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

with all this pissin and moaning maybe we should take a poll we as drivers as hr99 said if we are racing for points we will be there heat or not, now heres where the poll would come into play how many of iows would be sitting at home in front of there computers bitchin for updates from blgtn and g c, while sittin in the air, good call mike and jiggs:20:

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by kcarm92:
now heres where the poll would come into play how many of iows would be sitting at home in front of there computers bitchin for updates from blgtn and g c, while sittin in the air, good call mike and jiggs:20:

:8::5: Now thats funny and sadly true. I'd love to go to the races tomorrow and am probably fool enough to go if they were running but I am sure they made the correct decision. Now we will see what the Saturday promoters will do. We are probably good for sunday since the high will ONLY be 90. :2:

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

I'll be in the stands at LPS saturday if they run.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by racefan20:
:8::5: Now thats funny and sadly true. I'd love to go to the races tomorrow and am probably fool enough to go if they were running but I am sure they made the correct decision. Now we will see what the Saturday promoters will do. We are probably good for sunday since the high will ONLY be 90. :2:

So they can race when it's 90 but not 94:43::

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by AERO410SCJA:
So they can race when it's 90 but not 94:43::

Guess we will find out.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by Tall Jackson:
I have never heard of such a thing. I say run em and the weak can stay at home. Nobody is making you come to the races. It is a choice we all have. Not now!! :7:

All very easy for you to say.

History tells us that people-society, a culture, a nation, whatever group you wish to make it-are as tough as they need to be. Racers were tougher in the days of no roll cages, primitive (by our standards) emergency medical care and no regard to the heat because they felt that they had to be. It's how it was. These young men that we watch these days are as tough as they need to be in their own way. To compare different eras is fun but a futile exercise in the end. If we must do so, let us try and compare the desire and other intangibles that all racers share, from Barney Oldfield (who counted a very young Marv Fish as a fan) to Chris Windom.

Now history also tells us that over they years people have come up with inventions that have made our lives easier: the 3 big changes in American 20th century life were TVs, cars and.....air conditioning, 3 items I'd be willing to bet that you enjoy (with computers coming on strong at the end of the century just past) most every day.

Your comment about the so-called "weak" is an insult to older fans and by that I mean even older than me. They, even more than I, grew up in much more primitive conditions than most IOW members can imagine. If anything, people like Marv Fish, Frank Daigh and many others deserve the perks of today that they enjoy. Unlike many of us, they've earned it and to rail about the weak who can simply stay home is a cheap shot. I'm not making fun of these guys who are older; they've earned my respect and I feel that at that stage of their lives they should be given their due, seeing that they've paid their dues.

Mike and Jiggs did the correct and right thing. It's so easy to sit in air conditioned comfort and criticize such a decision. You say we all have a choice. I'd guess that includes Mike and Jiggs. They made theirs.

Disappointed? Damned right I am. But we have this need to blame someone or something when things don't go our way rather than simply shrug the shoulders and say, that's the way things go sometimes.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by Danny Burton:
All very easy for you to say.

History tells us that people-society, a culture, a nation, whatever group you wish to make it-are as tough as they need to be. Racers were tougher in the days of no roll cages, primitive (by our standards) emergency medical care and no regard to the heat because they felt that they had to be. It's how it was. These young men that we watch these days are as tough as they need to be in their own way. To compare different eras is fun but a futile exercise in the end. If we must do so, let us try and compare the desire and other intangibles that all racers share, from Barney Oldfield (who counted a very young Marv Fish as a fan) to Chris Windom.

Now history also tells us that over they years people have come up with inventions that have made our lives easier: the 3 big changes in American 20th century life were TVs, cars and.....air conditioning, 3 items I'd be willing to bet that you enjoy (with computers coming on strong at the end of the century just past) most every day.

Your comment about the so-called "weak" is an insult to older fans and by that I mean even older than me. They, even more than I, grew up in much more primitive conditions than most IOW members can imagine. If anything, people like Marv Fish, Frank Daigh and many others deserve the perks of today that they enjoy. Unlike many of us, they've earned it and to rail about the weak who can simply stay home is a cheap shot. I'm not making fun of these guys who are older; they've earned my respect and I feel that at that stage of their lives they should be given their due, seeing that they've paid their dues.

Mike and Jiggs did the correct and right thing. It's so easy to sit in air conditioned comfort and criticize such a decision. You say we all have a choice. I'd guess that includes Mike and Jiggs. They made theirs.

Disappointed? Damned right I am. But we have this need to blame someone or something when things don't go our way rather than simply shrug the shoulders and say, that's the way things go sometimes.

As always very well said.

Jerry #66j
stida.com

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Well, I still have yet to attend a race this year due to various reasons, work, rainouts, no money, etc. This was going to be my first trip of the season to the Burg on saturday, but I think I am going to pass. A bit too hot for me. I dare say that I am not the only one who will stay home. On the flip side, I know there will be some folks that tough it out and head to the track. For me its not a matter of being tough or not, its about enjoying the night and in this heat, I know I would not.

Everyone has a safe and fun weekend, whether at home or a track.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by Lawrenceburger:
Well, I still have yet to attend a race this year due to various reasons, work, rainouts, no money, etc. This was going to be my first trip of the season to the Burg on saturday, but I think I am going to pass. A bit too hot for me. I dare say that I am not the only one who will stay home. On the flip side, I know there will be some folks that tough it out and head to the track. For me its not a matter of being tough or not, its about enjoying the night and in this heat, I know I would not.

Everyone has a safe and fun weekend, whether at home or a track.

Pack a coler with water on ice, we will have the water mister going under the stands, and there is some covered grandstands, not to mention hot laps start a hour later than the normal time at 7pm, that means heat races at 8pm. There is always a cool breeze blowing up top. and to top it off its Christmas In July race!! The presents are all wrapped and the tree is decorated! (btw, thanks Kim for all the decorations) We will also have a new ice cream stand located at the souveir stand. Just like when its cold, you prepare for it and make the best of it. We will be racing and enjoying ourselves and hope you can too....see ya Saturday night!! :32:

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Originally Posted by Dave Rudisell:
Pack a coler with water on ice, we will have the water mister going under the stands, and there is some covered grandstands, not to mention hot laps start a hour later than the normal time at 7pm, that means heat races at 8pm. There is always a cool breeze blowing up top. and to top it off its Christmas In July race!! The presents are all wrapped and the tree is decorated! (btw, thanks Kim for all the decorations) We will also have a new ice cream stand located at the souveir stand. Just like when its cold, you prepare for it and make the best of it. We will be racing and enjoying ourselves and hope you can too....see ya Saturday night!! :32:

Dang Dave, you are making this tough! I am so weak, I will probably end up there after all! lol :10:

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

There are enough sour grapes on this thread to start a whinery.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

look at the passion for these tracks. this is a great thing. i would be disappointed if i could go every week to one of these places and they called it. i guess it's like a rain out but heat. 50/50 call.

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

going to the burg and plan on having a cook out and all the great times we have when we go to any race

Re: Gas City Races Cancelled
 

Might be just as well, Theres a line of heavy storms rumbling through GC right now 4pm friday. Sure it would be cooler following but don't know they could get it in with a couple inches in a short time.