Is this the end of THAT?
 

With the relocation of the Terre Haute Sept. 30 race to Kokomo, have we seen the end of racing at the Action Track? I know the attendance at THAT has been disappointing this season and the promotional team has been frustrated, sometimes expressing their frustration on social media.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Another attempt to keep the track alive appears doomed. Maybe it isn’t just poor crowds. It might have a lot to do with the fair board. One might ask how much do they really want the track there anymore??? It can’t always be the promoters.

imo i certainly hope not. If they decided to do this surely they were in for the long haul?? i get it that sometimes hard decisions have to be made but seems way to early to bail out now. Stop the bleeding, regroup and hit 2023 better prepared and move forward. Myself i want all involved to succeed and hope that this is not the end.

The fair board was stupid for not renewing with track enterprises. The new promoters have no idea what they’re doing and are looking really unprofessional at this point. Bring back Bob Sargent!!!!

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Was looking forward to THAT on the 30th. Guess I’ll be watching from the recliner. It’s a shame with all the work that’s gone into the facility. Sure hope this isn’t the end!

WTH people, relax. Nothing is doomed, we don’t have any valid reason to think this THE END. Let it play out and see what comes next. No need for unnecessary drama just yet. Look at me, negative Nelly telling everyone to think positive😂😂

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

When they ousted Bob Sargent and track enterprises, who has kept the dirt miles in Illinois alive and kicking, they made a huge mistake. Shook my head when that happened and I’m afraid that is going to be a day race fans are going to regret.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Shoulda had the Hut 100 a couple weeks ago...lol

(hi-jaking thread, but I was wondering) - Why was it that it was early September a lot (in my memory)? & was it on Friday all the time? Figured to not go against other USAC races; after DuQuoin, etc. Wonder how good attendance was for it thru-out? (Only went a couple times, and attendance was ok-ish but I figured not a big a money maker)

When the two new co/promoters were announced,I for one was very happy,even though TEI wanted a 10 year contract that the Fair Board wouldn't do,I thought good these two guys will be fine.
Now I'm not so sure,even with the improvements they made,with more to come with the $5.00 parking charge for track improvements.
Then comes the announcement that the Sept 30th USAC race has been moved."In the interest of fans & teams.
Why didn't the Promoters announce this,instead of using a mouthpiece,did they not have the anatomy to do it themselves?
Interesting what the Vigo Co. Fair Boards thoughts are.

Used to always be on a Sunday afternoon the day after the Hoosier 100.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Could the tire situation be part of this decision? Or other underlying considerations that we don't know about?

There have many changes made this year for reasons that don't involve a track closure.

Somehow this doesn't feel better for me 👎👎

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Ronk does know they will still be broadcasting on Flo and NOS will be giving away free drinks?

The Hut 100 was always the Sunday after the Hoosier 100, which was held on Saturday. The logic was drivers (and fans) would make a weekend of racing since the two were only about 70 miles apart.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

I guess I mean AFTER 1996 (the time period that I paid the most attention to the Hut 100), when the Hoosier & Hulman 100 were combined (ran in May - til 02 when the Hoosier was the only one, which was also still in May).

Here are some I can find that were not on a Sunday...I actually thought there were some Mid-week Hut 100s, and my research shows at least a couple were...again, I suppose they were looking for dates that didn't conflict...?


https://us.motorsport.com/usac/news/...08-21/1264410/ - Saturday


https://us.motorsport.com/usac/news/...22083/?nrt=177 -

Wednesday


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ms1q1UXg1s - Wednesday

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

I have been going to Terre Haute almost my entire life. I sure hope the Fair Board continues holding races. It is one of the last half miles we have. I have watched Honeycreek Square grow in towards the South and now it is right up against the fairgrounds.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

I have gotten to the point that I'm tired of the bullrings and enjoying Terre Haute more than ever.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

"The event that night was originally scheduled to take place at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track, but the event’s promoters have decided that it is in the best interest of racers and fans to move the event to Kokomo Speedway rather than cancel the event.

“We are very grateful that the O'Connor family was willing to lend us their facility to hold the event,” race organizer Scott Ronk said.* “This late in the year, we hate for the teams and fans to miss out on an event, so we hope they will support this one and get another night in at a great track.” "

Mr Ronk, please tell us why you refused to honor what we thought was your commitment to hold this race at Terre Haute?

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

I think YeleyFan is spot on....Its not always the promotor. If the owner of the facility does not want you there, then as a promotor you are wasting your time. Do your homework on Vigo County and how THINGS work in that county and you will have your answers as to why this facility may be in jeopardy. Vigo County goes how the political machine in charge wants it to go....buck that system, and your gonna lose in the long run.....

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Without Don Smith to kick some common sense into them.
YOU'RE PROBABLY RIGHT.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

I think the plan was solid, The execution a disaster. The Armco, Awesome, The track was kept fast and tacky.

The execution Im talking about is from the track to the customer. Should have all gone thru PR, Totally understandable the feelings and thoughts they were having after shows, But it's not a good image.

"There's something happening here, What it is, Ain't exactly clear."

So for me the first thing I look at is, instead of the race being cancelled altogether, at least it's still going to happen, same date, same time, just moved to the baddest bullring in the state and arguably one of the best tracks in the nation. That's a helluva lot better then just cancelling it altogether. We all have had our fill of rainouts and cancellations this year.

So alot of people jumped to TH maybe shutting down. Okay, well maybe you end up being right, I dont have that answer. However, let's all hope not. It's one of my favorites for me bc of the 1/2 mile and being able to go out into the infield and watch the race and be right next to the action. With that said...

Does anyone realize Mr. Ronk has a wife whoms son which makes him his stepson has cancer/is battling cancer? The kid is also battling injuries and broken bones from a race car crash earlier this year? He also owns/runs other businesses. Has anyone thought about this? Maybe some kind of doctors appointment or something like that got moved or changed? Maybe his personal home life is more crucial right now? Maybe he has too much going on in his personal life to put his heart and soul into this specific race and as close of friends as the O'Connor Family is, maybe he felt like for the teams, drivers, fans, it would be better at Kokomo?

I can also tell you things I heard on accident last night after the race is that it's not all Mr. Ronk, there are others involved on why this race got moved, which may or may not involve the fairgrounds. I realize some dont want to drive up to Kokomo after working all day. I realize some are tired of bullrings in general. Some may have had a 2 day camping, traveling trip from TH to The Burg planned all year for this. Hey, things happen unplanned and/or unexpectedly. At least the race is still going to happen. Support racing, support another track.

Prime example...anyone who is a fan of Grant, Bacon, Leary, Ballou...guess what...they need every race possible bc with the Championship so close in points, every race, every point, matters!!

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Perhaps you should be thankful they are still holding it, be it elsewhere. This may be on the fair board nd not Ronk. That fair board isn't the best to deal with, just ask the last promoter.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Some racers and some fans here don't want to race on big tracks, some won't be satisfied until all tracks are about a 1/5 mile.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Why am I quoted in this?
I love THAT and like others, and like others, tired of the quarters. I like a couple a year at smaller tracks but Sprint Cars were made to run! What makes the Outlaws sell out? RARITY and big tracks.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

I haven't posted on here in ages, but I'll chime in with what I know or think I know.

The fair board have been trying for a long time to quietly sell off the property and move the fairgrounds out east of town near Bird Gibson rec area. The original plan was allegedly a Home Depot, Target combo site. Guess who was driving that? It wasn't Larry Bird. There are a few instances where that was almost a done deal and it got torpedoed at the last moment. According to urban legend a certain famous driver told them that he had enough money to buy the whole thing and that they didn't want to try to out bid him. The plans for the new fairgrounds have included a track, a smaller track and no track at all. If I had to bet money on it, it'd be option C. They have succeeded in selling off a corner of it up by the highway and the ditch to Culvers. I'm guessing that's the first domino to fall.

Long time fans are pissed at the parking fee, (initially) higher ticket prices and no bring your own beer. That killed the crowds. If they address these things, they may come back. May be too late now.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

I never got there until like 2007 and there has been a parking fee of five dollars if you arrive after three every time I've gone. You either got there early, came in the back gate or PAID THE FEE. Don't know where this got people riled up.

The cooler thing was a bungle. First no coolers, Then allowed in the infield, Then allowed everywhere. But the message wasn't given to the gate workers (Apparently) No Carry in Beer to a place that sells it is pretty much a law (Depending on what license) TE just never checked.

As for the frontage being bought up. Far from the only fairgrounds to do so. Ohio's second largest county fair (Allen County) has several fast food joints. Last time I was in South Terre Haute there were a number of big lots with stores already on them closed up. Think some are over thinking the value of the land. The frontage, Yes, Everyone wants it.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

I've come many times in the past to TH, not during the fair, with no parking fee and could bring in cooler with anything (no glass)
Those changes did make a difference. But at the same time, promoters can't just lose money... so I get it

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Does anyone know someone on the fair board to get a commit? Just asking !

Often some people on a fair board are there in name only, some probably don't know where the place even is, it only adds to their resume, we used to have this problem with our own fair board, it became a storage area for their cast-off junk, including 3 old semi trailers full of old clothes and furniture, you need to be careful who you elect to have on your fair board.

It is my understanding that the fairgrounds is not publicly owned. A small group of private owners.

The beer argument is mute. You can't take beer into Lincoln Park, Kokomo, or Lawrenceburg.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

Well that freaking blows............................................. ........

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

:21: :15: :21: :15: :21: :15: :21: :15: :21:

I’ve seen Scott Ronk in action before, probably taking his ball and going home. I got to experience it first hand at Kokomo one night several years ago.

Hopefully Track Enterprises can come back and save the day. Sargent seems to do the job and work with what he has.

Ballou called the previous promoter cheap when he won there earlier in the year but things look to be coming full circle now and Ronk may have locked his basketball in his bedroom closet so no one else can play with it. His money only goes so far…

Does anyone think he really put $25 million in the place? I have no idea what improvements that was done other than the new wall.

Re: Is this the end of THAT?
 

You missed the decimal point.

Thank goodness 😅

Lot’s to take in here. The biggest point I’m going to try to make is that we’re a fringe operative. Case in point is racing at the State Fairgrounds. Indianapolis is the racing capital of the world, with the Indy mile dripping with history. It’s gone. If you can’t keep a race track race track there, it’s not looking good for anywhere else. The Action Track is the same or maybe even more so with it’s historic value, not to mention the only dirt half mile left in the state. I can remember when USAC didn’t run on anything less than a half mile. Lot’s have changed in the world, and racing is no different, unfortunately. I raced in Terre Haute one time myself. If I was young again, and still racing I would absolutely do it again. For if only one reason, I wanted to race on the same track that spawned the giants of American Racing. People have their reasons for not racing there, or not running midgets there anymore, but to me those excuses are flimsy. Some of us who have had the great fortune of seeing a bunch of races there for a long time, are rightfully concerned when controversy comes up with the Vigo County Fairgrounds. Not because it’s another race track possibly slipping into oblivion, but because it is the Terre Haute Action Track. A place that separates men from boys, and when properly done displays the most beautiful image of Sprint Car racing