2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

I though this was a good Trib-Star article from David Hughes:

http://www.tribstar.com/sports/local...285232717.html

Jerry

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

Nice article I really wish there would have been a mention of better track prep in the future. I'm wondering if they realize it needs to improve. Never the less I didn't miss a show there this year and enjoyed it all.

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

As they stated,none of their programs ran as scheduled, except the Hulman Classic.
If they knew the Oct. 4 race was going to run late, why did they not adjust the schedule and advertise the changes.

Why could Eldora run 200 plus cars, not start till 7PM and be done by 11PM and THAT started at 3PM and could not be done by 12AM?

I agree with why no mention of track prep. It seems that if the water table is so high that the tunnel has to be closed, there should not be a problem with keeping water in the track. Something is wrong here. Take it from an old pump and dewatering salesman.

I would think that this is their first year and they could learn from it, but the article comes across as they only need to make minor changes.

I love THAT and hope things are better next year, but after reading this article, I have reservations.

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

Will all events be back in 2009?

Picking a time for the Hut Hundred is crucial to its success.

The ongoing recovery of the Silver Crown Series is dependent on tracks like Terre Haute continuing to schedule races and giving teams a reason to field the cars again.

Gaining a Sprintweek date would be nice, but they also need to realize that they are the new kids on the block in that deal - they may have to take on a mid-week date to get back in the fray, but that is still a money-making venture during that week.

Track preparation is the most important thing. Even though the racing was good for the most part, I did not see a very good track for any event this season. Maybe they need a little tutorial from someone who is more knowledgeable? I only bring this up because I think we all know the potential of that track when things are done right....let's hope they can get it figured out!

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

I would be suprised if the Sumar Classic returns.

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

It sounds like they need to re-think the entire schedule. It reads like the only show that made money was the Hulman Classic. I was at the wing show and the crowd was full but they handed out a ton and I mean a TON of free tickets. It sounds like they should be contacting any and all the dirt track series that are out there. Oh INMHO the midgets absolutely where a total embarassment. Was it a U.S.A.C thing or was there some other reason for the extra low car count? I always that the Hut 100 was the premier midget race.The modified show was a better show and not because I own one either. DHK should thank god for the mods because we saved their butts as far as the purse and track packing was concerned. We where the cheapest help they had for sure. The W.O.O may cost but they may want to look at the cost to gain figures. The Action Track would be great for a fun fest type of deal and what happened to the U.S Nationals that deal had the potential of being huge.

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

Originally Posted by Dirtfan:
I would be suprised if the Sumar Classic returns.

You are pretty good on that assessment from the rumblings ive heard, but you never know

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

I think that is in bad need of some new clay - dirt - wood chips - horse hockey or what ever it takes.
There a a lot of activities that go on in front of the main grandstands.i think that is where about 80% of the dust comes from.never gets a chance to seat right. Just my 2 cents worth.

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

Originally Posted by SHORTBUS:
I think that is in bad need of some new clay - dirt - wood chips - horse hockey or what ever it takes.
There a a lot of activities that go on in front of the main grandstands.i think that is where about 80% of the dust comes from.never gets a chance to seat right. Just my 2 cents worth.

Is this why its so soft and rough right there infront of the flag stand? If so what can the track staff do about it?

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

Demolition Derbies and Truck and Tractor pulls both happen on the front stretch....time takes its toll

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

Well, that "lipstick on a pig" approach is pretty popular right now, but these guys need to realize that there are some pretty serious issues with THAT. They need to look at the situation as it is, not as they'd like it to be. I am really happy that they have stepped up and reopened the track and I really want them to be successful. I hope to see more and more events and hope it is profitable so they can keep it operating. Attendance was pretty good this year, including lots of comps, but to maintain that level and even increase attendance, they're going to have to show some improvement next year. I, and several other people I talked to were willing to give them '08, but expect them to take action on the glitches. It's true that the dirt is worn out and probably needs replaced. Very expensive. Maybe it can be saved for a while but it will take some work and technology. The last event was ugly from an operational perspective. It just seemed that nothing except the actual racing went right. THATs fault, USACs fault, Mods fault. Doesn't matter. Need to take the criticism seriously and fix it. You don't have to be perfect. Race fans are pretty forgiving if you face facts and work to improve, but they aren't easily fooled. THAT has faced difficulty a number of times before. I'm rooting for them.

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

I will just say I am glad they are working hard to bring the action track back to life and are willing to admit what worked and what did not.


I like the way the redid the banking on the track all the way around the place now lets work on keeping the dust down so everyone can see.


Has for the shows they will probably need to run at least two classes so they can make some money on the back pit gate to.The only thing I will add is run the sprints first and what ever class you add they run second and put a time limit on there heats and b main has for the a main well it is the last event of the night so they can take has long has they want to.


Listened to the Mike King interview that was posted on here a couple of weeks ago and I can only hope that they find a way to keep the silver crown race on the schedule some way because it is one of there best races all year.Nothing like watching Darland and Coons hanging here out sideways by the wall coming out of four with there foot on the gas priceless action there.I hope to one day to watch Clayton and Ballou strap into one of the machines and make the show and just sit back and enjoy watching these two for a hundred laps on this track.

The one that I noticed this year was the ability to get the people to come back here so quickly after what had happened the year before.Only bad thing with this I can say is the racing program was way to long each time for only one class to have about one hour of racing and about three hours of talking is not a good recipe for success.

Looking forward to the 2009 schedule and would like to see a lot more non-wing sprint dates this year because only two dates in May then nothing else the rest of the year was just way to painful to see happen this way.

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

Im just thankful to be involved in a track as historic as Terre Haute. Im looking forward to a bigger and better 2009 season

Chris Nunn
THAT Announcer

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

Chris, will you have time for THAT with running the country and all? as leader of the free world you should be able to get em a deal on some new clay. bob:checkered:

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

That would be the first bill I sign, mandatory new clay for the Haute. Ill have my intern get right on that!

[QUOTE=Al Pierce;69648]hey need to look at ..........were willing to give them '08, ...........& ETC.
I agree completely Al.
We all no the potential this track has. Let's hope for a much improved 2009 season.



Posted via Mobile Device

Re: 2008 THAT Retrospective From Dorsett and King
 

Originally Posted by Chris Nunn:
That would be the first bill I sign, mandatory new clay for the Haute. Ill have my intern get right on that!

Thought you were the intern??:rolling