Lawrenceburg
 

Dave announced his retirement on Facebook. So now is the time for all the armchair promoters to unite and take their shot at promoting a race track.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Didn't expect to see that, though it was probably only a matter of time. Hoping that someone steps up to the plate.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

probably the end of racing here. IDK. Yall can do it better.

Kinda expected that. Hope someone comes in and promotes it and keeps the ole girl rollin! Been in operation for long time.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Although I’ve never attended Lawrenceburg in its newest incarnation as a high banked 3/8th mile, I attended quite a bit when we lived in Central IN and it was a 1/4. I’ve watched every USAC race on Flo from Lawrenceburg and it certainly seems like a racy place. I sincerely hope that someone can be found to promote Lawrenceburg and keep the history of the place continuing.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

First off congrats to Dave on retiring. He stuck it out, and I always believe he tried his best. I think when the track was rebuilt, that it really wasn't designed to be a weekly track.
Maybe a good direction would be for whoever actually owns the property, to hire someone to promote 5 or 6 big shows a year. The only thing that hurts that idea is with the antique show every Sunday, it really makes it tough for campers doing a multi day show. Once again, I wish Dave nothing but the best. I am sure this year has taken what little fun there was out of it.

Brent, the antique show is only the first Sunday of the month, May through October.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Bob Sargent we need you to bid on another track to save.

Track Enterprises specials only.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Im going to Queue up a long one, Maybe explain some of the reasons I liked them, The track etc.

First, I've been going to Burg since I was a kid. Late 60s early 70s Running around the stage, rolling hot wheels up and down the benches They also had tractor pulls, (Actually seen Art Arfons green Monster there (Tractor) I know he was a drag racer before that. And once a year Chitwood or someone's thrill show..

Racing was Sprints, Most times I remember midgets being there and a VW Beetle class with stack exhaust. Fairgrounds were upkept and a fair was held every year. Dick Gaines, Butch Wilkerson, Millburn, Gillstrap, Krebs, Soliminto, Deputy and others including Ember Link in his roadster. All thrilled me, The track always had a hole in it that moved around the track from year to year. They went above, below or through it. Racing was clean. Burt Swofford over a Wendelman sound system. I think a few speakers still hang in the fairgrounds from..

Queue Late 70s-80's Carol Hamilton, Craig Stevens, Mel Johnson promoted during this time. Didn't know any of em at the time, Mel would always say hi though if I passed him. Sprints, LM's and early was a east coast style modified then sportsmen came in. (Basically a bomber)
(The Golden age of the Burg) Track was always heavy, You'd go out after the races and it'd still suck your shoes off. Track rolled all night. Had a cushion and a low high moisture groove off the botom of two. Staab, Kinsers, Norris, Law Brothers, Blands, Shields, Huntley, Briscoe, Bowling and too many to name in the sprints, The Hoosier Fall Classic was a don't miss. By the end of the 80s They ran on Sat and Sunday (Sunday LM and LM Sportmen with Jerry King running it on Mel's lease. The biggest problem with these times was the track set in the flood plain, When the water from the Ohio River would be above 40ft and start dropping. It would all backup into the surrounding area and bubble up thru the middle of the track. If it rained raceday or before. It was almsot impossible to get it run in. Many times I showed up to cancelled races due to this. Also had a season where a sewer line broke down there and it took all year to clean up. From what I understand it was a huge mess.

90s Fairgrounds no longer maintained, Wing Sprint racing falls off to 8-10cars for a regular show. Staab takes over returns to Non Wing. Counts come back. Track not very good. Then they demand to cut the track back and down as the wall in front of the stage is collapsing. Guardrails fall down if someone backs into em By the end of the 90 the grandstand is collapsing. The restrooms have four inches of yuck in em. Staab draws up plans for the new Grandstand, Concessions and Restroom. Casino gets built. But I think they just gave the track to Wiek

Early 2000s We got a awesome car count every night in all classes. Tracks usually rubber by end of hotlaps. New grandstand, Lighting, Concessions and Restrooms built. and some times 200fans in the stands. Mostly racers families. Fairgrounds coming back with rebuilt hall new shelters. Flags flying in front of the grounds.. Things looking good but no fans except for USAC shows and Hoosier fall classic which is still a thing. Racings almost always on bottom by feature time. Two heaviest cars win the championship in sprints for two or three years.

Mid 2000s. Casino money still rolling in. Decision made to make it a 3/8 showplace. Wiek not renewed as Promotor. Rudisells going to run it. But they don't have time to do the renovation for their first year.ds

Im just going to say this, They came in and tried everything. Giveaways, Free nights for DARF, HARF, BARC even IOW nights. Had three ten grand USAC races in a year. Tried triple sprints Winged 410, Non Wing 410 and 360 bandits. Had MSCS twice a year. Hoosier fall classic. Even a MSCS/USAC doubleheader.. Over the years they had more giveaways, Pizza trivia etc. etc. Eventually coming down to running a schedule they could maintain and mostly successful. They brought the WoO back not as a leased out operation but doing it themselves. (Try that and make a profit) Most can't. Had Rodeo's, Nights of destruction (Latter bigger than any event the race track has)

The tracks been everything from excellent, to holes in the transition. But has been mostly decent Even had a few problems with Rocks for a bit.

BOTTOM LINE, FAN count for regular shows was easily four times or more what it was some nights under previous track and promoter. the later years he's had to maintain the grounds.

Anyway, Your opionions are all valid, There were good track nights, Rough track nights, dusty track nights etc. etc. BUT A LOT OF BASHING that did nothing but piss me off.. Good track, Bad track, big count, small count. I was out on a saturday night, Bench and track racing with a lot of people who love it.

2012 I lost my Job. I sit back for awhile and about six months later land another job doing petty much same thing for same money. Third day my legs swells. I can't wear work boots. JOB Gone, Well put it this way, I got to down and out before I got the DR help I needed, most didn't know what it was or how to treat it.

RUDISELLS Send me PM. Where ya been?. Heck Dave, I couldn't afford it if I wanted too. Lets just say a whole season I seen races for free with pit pass including WoO, USAC.

They've always set our club up with a clubhouse and tables, clean fairground restroom for our annual Polish Luau and stopped by to make sure all was good.

Dave's always treated me as a brother. Kimb I haven't talked to a lot but has always said hi. asked how I was etc.

I know one thing. I've enjoyed every single visit. Yeah, sometimes something might have been not to everyones liking. I can agree with you on some things. Was it ever worth bashing? I seen them stay way late to help a team who's stacker wasn't working or what not, payout start money to people who blew in the heat. Im sure a hundred other helping hands or upmanship that someone like Jerry King would have flipped ya the bird and say sorry bout your luck.

I know this after about 9 years of it, You could see the wear on them. Many of the staff stuck it out the whole time, some were there before them. I hope some if it continues will come back.

I don't know if Burg will survive, I doubt without city help. I could be wrong, But replacing four concessions equipment, all the track equipment etc. Isn't going to be cheap. Let along find another top notch staff.

I've since met Carrol Hamilton, Craig Stevens I got to know over the years. Staab I knew from the early 80s.

Anyway, Thanks Dave and Kimberly. I consider you family. Keep in touch. And thanks to the staff, safety crew etc. All salt of the earlh. See you soon.

Wow, your post sure brings back memories for me. You even remember Arfons’ jet powered tractor, our first event as promoters.
But, since those days so much has changed in the racing and entertainment world. Cost of racing, age of fans, televised local races, insurance, adverting costs, etc. I believe promoting a weekly track may be a thing of the past. Time will tell.

BTW. The city has a strong desire to keep the track operational.

Carroll Hamilton

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Thanks for making it happen.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Charles, that was a beautiful post. Thanks.

Lawrenceburg has been part of my life even if it is one heck of a ride to the races. IMO the revamped Speedway is very, very nice for a fan. Place is fast and speed is what drew me to the sport in the first place.

It takes a TON of work and a great team to run a racetrack.

RIP Greg, a good guy and someone I knew as a friend.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Thanks. Seemed like every time I stayed overnight it was there. It is a big deal too. Lots of vendors.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

So, as I understand it Lawrenceburg is closed unless they find someone to take over?

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Current promoter finishing out THIS SEASON.
Im sure bids are being submitted. But we don't know anything yet and probably won't for awhile on what's next.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Thanks. I was wondering about that.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

He did post in his retirement letter that all track equipment and concession stuff was for sale.

That's the biggest part of someone else starting up.

Facebook post from a local lawrenceburg
resident and business owner
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?sto...ibextid=Nif5oz

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

I think Dave and his wife did a pretty good job. Was not always perfect, no track is. I can honestly say they were one of the best advertised tracks in the state. I am a twice a year fan. Due to my job, that is about my average. Every single time I walked into the place, I always recognized how clean it was. I never had any issues with the staff either. I think at the end of the day, Dave should be very proud of what he has accomplished. No one needs to worry about this track closing. Rumors of this have been going on since mid June. I kinda surprised it took this long to get out there. I have no knowledge on who will be taking over, but I do know things have been in the works since then.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Met one of the most interesting characters ever at Lawrenceburg Speedway. Never did know his full name but he hung out with us at The Frolic over the years. We called him "ReMarkable" as his name was Mark. I heard he passed on a few years ago. He had some hilarious stories.

Wasn't a fan of the current promotor over some rain checks they refused to honor so hoping it gets better so I can return after a few years absence.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Sorry, about the poor formatting this was cut and paste from PDF of local newspaper. I have attached a screenshot alternative if that is helpful.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

For a Racing Promoter to Operate the Lawrenceburg Speedway RFQIssued: September 6, 2023 Response Deadline: 12:00 p.m. (local time) October 2, 2023



The City of Lawrenceburg, Indiana is seeking statements of qualifications from persons or entities interested in becoming the new race track promotor for The Lawrenceburg Speedway. Time is of the essence; the City's goal is to have the track open for the 2024 racing season. A committee consisting of elected and appointed officials and persons with experience in racing and race promotions will be utilized to interview candidates and to ultimately make a recommendation to the City Council to select a new race track promotor. Relevant experience and qualifications will be used to determine who is selected as the new race track promotor. However, you do not need to be a current race track promotor or have specific experience as a race track promotor to be considered. The City does not own any of the racing, operations, maintenance, vending, or any other equipment at the Lawrenceburg Speedway. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate how they will obtain all of the necessary equipment to run the race track. Proof of financial resources will be required in the form of a certified check. This document is posted on the City of Lawrenceburg's website at www.thinklawrenceburg.com Full packets can be picked up at The City of Lawrenceburg Clerk Treasurer's Office at 212 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 or by emailing Guinevere Banschbach at gbanschbach@lawrenceburg.in.gov. Proposals shall be submitted to: The City of Lawrenceburg Clerk Treasurer's Office 212 Walnut Street, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

As a former city councilman in neighboring Greendale, I am very familiar with the local political landscape and an avid racing fan, so I don't have any shortage of thoughts about the old promoter, but I am not going to share them here for reasons that can only be imagined.

Maybe I will change my mind at some point, but not today.

At any rate, Lawrenceburg Speedway is one of the nicest dirt track facilities in the state of Indiana. Hell, maybe in the United States. The city has built this facility and periodically provided upgrades including items such as the scoring tower and new dirt several times since the rebuild. It is 25 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.

Most promoters have to maintain a facility and try to find money for capital improvements such as lighting, grandstands, parking lots, etc. This is not necessary at Lawrenceburg Speedway. It is all there and ready to go.

Now, a new promoter will need track equipment and food service equipment, but I would guess Dave might wait to see who the new promoter is before he sells everything, but maybe I am wrong. It would make sense to sell it all at once to whoever is coming in, but who knows.

Anyway, in my opinion, this is a golden opportunity for an experienced promoter to expand their operations or a new promoter with racing experience who understands what the track needs to do to attract racers to the speedway every weekend. The facility is there.

People will support this track, IF racers support this track.

It is really that simple!

For the most part, most tracks have similar purses, pit fees, and the like. So, what is it that attracts and keeps racers coming back to a track? What makes them leave? I don't know all these answers, but I know one of them. Track Prep. Track prep is science, but IT IS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE. Further, if you don't know how to do it, there are dozens of promoters around the country who would be willing to help you and give you advice if you ask nicely.

I hope a good promoter is found for Lawrenceburg Speedway. I hope good promoters apply and I hope that someone isn't selected for their local connections or for political reasons.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

I whole heartedly agree. I have heard of certain individuals that are interested, a local late model driver in particular. Whomever does sign the contract, I wish them well. I hope the "********" are kept out of the deal. I realized after 3-1/2 years from 2007 thru 2010, doing track prep and taking care of everything else during the week, the facility would have a hard time in the future with being a "local" track. 2007 the last year of the 1/4 mile was not that way. Car counts were way up. the next year was different, a high banked 3/8th, fast. But with what the lip2 said, track prep was a big deal the last few years. I will say that track prep at Lawrenceburg is not cheap, compared to the 1/4 mile, I guess the man hours are doubled if you want the same surface as the 1/4 mile, and the cost of fuel etc is doubled. Not conducive to a "local" track expenses. Better have some VERY deep pockets if you want to take on this endeavor.. with that , two names came to mind. I feel that with just their names, some really big events could be established. really big sponsors would come on board. A schedule similar to Eldoras, with a few more special Non wing shows. Not so much a weekly program anymore, because in my opinion that is the nature of the beast today. I don't particularly like it, but I don't like paying more property taxes each year, but I deal with it. I could go on for three more hours. with that , those two names I was thinking of........... Brad Sweet and Kyle Larson, wishful thinking huh.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

So if you are listening.... Brad Sweet and Kyle Larson , I know two individuals who would gladly resume their track prep duties

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

J.r Todd is not taking over the track and calling it Frolic Speedway.

Confirmed on Facebook.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Thought I would chime in with a personal anecdote about my experience at Lawrenceburg.

For 4 or 5 years I had attended the occasional regular season event at the 'Burg but made a point of going to the Night of Destruction each year. School bus racing was the wildest thing I had ever seen. One night I was talking to Chad Cunningham (an old church acquaintance) and mentioned that I'd love to do some school bus racing if the opportunity ever arose. To my surprise Chad said that he would see what Dave had to say and would keep me posted.
At first, Dave was not keen on the idea of an outsider coming into the bus races. It took a lot of talking and reassurance to finally win him over. I got a bus, tore it down, slapped some Rust-Oleum on the sides, and hit the track in the "Hot Wheels bus" for the 2020 Night of Destruction. The kids all loved the theme, even if it wasn't very quick. It was an absolute blast racing something that was never meant to be raced at all.
Of course, the impending change in ownership meant that everything - including the track vehicles - had to go. I sold the bus this evening, to someone who will use the powertrain in his dump truck.
I'm not sure how well it came across from the stands, but there was a real comraderie among the "bus guys" (and gal) that really made me feel welcome. From Josh Shaw helping install a harness to Adam Clark making sure everything was in order mechanically, to T-Roy helping remove those last few seats and Brian Litchfield helping with fueling, I am really thankful to each one of them for welcoming me into their circle.
I owe a whole lot of thanks to both Dave and Chad for helping me out with making a far-fetched dream become a reality. Hopefully I'll get to do it again sometime.

(By the way - Dave's initial apprehension was for a good reason. The 2020 race was my first time racing any type of vehicle on any type of surface. Trial by fire for sure!)

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

One casual observation, it's a warning sign that it had to advertise for promotion.

They advertised it every when Dave’s contract was up, I believe it’s a legality, saw it a few times in the paper through the years, always hoping it was getting new promoter to no avail.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

The City ask for bid submissions every time the lease comes up. In this case a little early due to the announcement that the current Lessor would not be renewing.

The city has called for an emergency council meeting Monday (6th) to name the new promoter.

Re: Lawrenceburg
 

Didn't discuss it much last night but the only thing I got was the Local LM driver had pulled his name from consideration.