Courtesy
 

The last couple of nights at Smackdown I witnessed some unfortunate behavior which we could have done without. Everyone has a right to have a great time at the track and while I choose not to drink I know there are some who do, that is OK. Where it crosses the line is when it negatively impacts others. Friday night some kids who looked to be about 15 were sneaking a beer and then spilled it on my daughter, appreciate the adults who provided that to them. Later, the guy in front of us was so drunk he nearly passed out, I thought for sure he was going to Ralph all over everyone, fortunately he did not. Last night guys were yelling F-bombs with young children around, great atmosphere for a family, not. Finally, during the thunder car feature a guy politely asked another guy to sit down so he could see. The response he received was to be ridiculed for wanting to watch the Thunder cars.

None of this could ruin the enjoyment I had at Smackdown. I merely ask that some slip the beer goggles off for a minute and understand their surroundings. If we want more people to attend races and expand the fan base to the next generation this type of behavior does not help.The vast majority of fans were great but there are always a few knuckleheads.

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Courtesy used to be common ....

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IMO every track should have a family section. It definitely makes it easier to avoid the drunks if you don't have to sit next to one.

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Originally Posted by Tumey's 55:
The last couple of nights at Smackdown I witnessed some unfortunate behavior which we could have done without. Everyone has a right to have a great time at the track and while I choose not to drink I know there are some who do, that is OK. Where it crosses the line is when it negatively impacts others. Friday night some kids who looked to be about 15 were sneaking a beer and then spilled it on my daughter, appreciate the adults who provided that to them. Later, the guy in front of us was so drunk he nearly passed out, I thought for sure he was going to Ralph all over everyone, fortunately he did not. Last night guys were yelling F-bombs with young children around, great atmosphere for a family, not. Finally, during the thunder car feature a guy politely asked another guy to sit down so he could see. The response he received was to be ridiculed for wanting to watch the Thunder cars.

None of this could ruin the enjoyment I had at Smackdown. I merely ask that some slip the beer goggles off for a minute and understand their surroundings. If we want more people to attend races and expand the fan base to the next generation this type of behavior does not help.The vast majority of fans were great but there are always a few knuckleheads.

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I didn't realize you were sitting in my row.:) Or maybe, the two idiots in front of me were in addition to your wonderful crowd.:17: It really amazes me how people show up at the race track totally trashed @ 6:00 PM three days in a row.:15:

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Merritt Speedway in N.Michigan has a family section and I was there last Sat . and in that section and seen the Security guy throw three people out of the track that were drinking in that section .....the people there gave the Security guy a standing ovation .......

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Originally Posted by Tumey's 55:
If we want more people to attend races and expand the fan base to the next generation this type of behavior does not help.
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I certainly agree, but it seems to be an unfortunate fact about our modern "me, me, me" society that more and more of the miscreants do not care that their boorish activities, including use of particularly vulgar profanity, is offensive and/or disgusting to those who witness it.

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Thank you for your post...we thought we were the only ones who felt this way!! And - based on the Kokomo track announcer's constant promotion of the after race parties - we feel like the non-rowdy fan is no longer valued at the races. We have not attended a race at Gas City for 2 years because of drunks without respect for those around them. We no longer bring our camper to Kokomo because of some of these same people. Tracks say that they want the young fans to come to the tracks - but many times the stands and camping areas are not suitable for children. We do drink beer - but with respect for ourselves and for those around us. We are the fans that eat and drink at the local restaurants and visit the local attractions. But we are also the fans that frequently cannot enjoy the races because of the actions of a growing group of disrespectful fans...a group that appears to have full support from track promoters and staff as well as local law enforcement. This year we were fortunate to be surrounded by a great group of race fans - but we wonder who will occupy the seats next year...

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I would never take a newcomer there. It would be an embarrassment. The track and racing were great but the profanity screamed in our ears all night on top of the beer being spilled on me came close to spoiling an otherwise awesome weekend.

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I don't care if you drink or don't but seems to become a issue at any multi day event anymore. Noticed after the B and anytime sprints were not on track seemed like a ton of folks headed back to the camping/parking to get a few drinks in.

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I was amazed at the rude fans reserving parking places with lawn chairs, ropes and tape. I counted over 25 spaces protected that way. Track personnel said they would gather up this stuff at the next big event. I understand reserving seats with blankets, but get angry when few parking spots are available 3 hours before the races and junk prevents fans from parking.

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Sounds familiar....I went round and round with some guys on the Hoseheads board about this exact subject at the Kings Royal. I was the bad guy for expecting my wife and my nephew to not be sujected to this behavior. Unfortunately now, I go to the races by myself. It is a real problem at some tracks.

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Originally Posted by Tim Clauson:
Courtesy used to be common ....

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So did respect.

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I have been at the races for a very long time. In the has several years I have noticed that this problem is getting a lot worst. Seems that Kokomo and Eldora are really bad.

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Originally Posted by GregD:
I have been at the races for a very long time. In the has several years I have noticed that this problem is getting a lot worst. Seems that Kokomo and Eldora are really bad.

It was getting pretty bad at Williams Grove during WoO races. Underage drinking in the parking lot was real bad. Lots of people were going to the parking lots and not even attending the races. Local police stepped up patrols and I've not heard too much going on this year, but the National Open is still coming up.

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Here in Mass., the town of Seekonk forced Seekonk Speedway to not allow any one to leave and come back because of the problem of folks going out to their cars for "refreshment". Unfortunately, I found out about this when my grandson went out to the car to get his jacket when the temperature dropped and was forced to pay again to re-enter. I'm afraid this will happen at more tracks if it becomes a problem.

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It makes you wonder where some of these peoples common sense goes. I mentioned this issue on another thread this week end. It seems to be getting worse with the drunks and foul language and lack of just plain respect for other attendees.

When you think about it, would a bar even allow this behavior? No. I know of no restaurants or hotels that would. So why do race tracks?

I'm not picking on any certain track as I see this almost everywhere to a degree. More so in some areas.

Just as bad we had a guy last year spitting tobacco juice and it was splashing on my shoes, I mentioned this to him, he complained that you can't even spit in this day and age. I didn't know you ever could, where the heck do these people come from? A Mother with a family went to get some Cokes and popcorn and while she was gone the guy spit all over her seat, so they moved when she returned. The spitter was of course pretty tanked also.

Most places of business don't allow this non-sense, it's nuts we would have to put up with it at a race track.

I guess I am putting most of the blame on the individual that can't control themselves in public, but really the racetrack operators should be held accountable also.

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Time to end drinking at races. The sun is shining time for you guys to ***** about that too. Iow stands for indianas only whiners

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I quit going to Kings Royals/Big Ones back in 93 after a incident with a totally drunken idiot who wouldn't leave me alone and when he was, he was so whacked out it was so distracting I couldn't enjoy the races. I eventually moved up to the hillside. Away from my comfy reserved seats.


I dont have a problem with people having some drinks, Getting a little buzz on and having a good time. Its the no longer in control of themselves ones who ruin it for everyone and IMHO having people dashing to their cars downing three or four while the street stocks run their heats only increases that problem.

Chuck

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And to think these drunkards then get in their cars and then drive home.:(

I am not a prude. I drink freely AT HOME. I CANNOT AND WILL NOT drink at the races and then drive all night long to get home.

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Originally Posted by monkeyboy:
Time to end drinking at races. The sun is shining time for you guys to ***** about that too. Iow stands for indianas only whiners

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Thank you - you just made our point for us. Grow up and take responsiblitity for the fact that people are tired of the drunks at the races.

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I totally agree that there is nothing more disruptive than an UGLY drunk however there is a cure for this and that is to ask the track security to remove that person.
And while we are on the topic of courtesy I have noticed that there are some folks who when drinking and eating before the race just leave their trash on the ground next to there vehicle. You brought it so you either throw it away in a garbage can or take it back home with you, come on folks lets not let litterbugs and drunks spoil our enjoyment just ask security to remove these people and they will.

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Originally Posted by GregD:
I have been at the races for a very long time. In the has several years I have noticed that this problem is getting a lot worst. Seems that Kokomo and Eldora are really bad.

Greg,

I recently made a comment that there seemed to be fewer drunks at the tracks than there were back in the late sixties and seventies, but maybe that assessment was premature, or it could be that the tracks I attend and the areas I sit in are less populated with rowdies.
I noticed years ago that certain tracks seemed to have a higher percentage of drunks. I believe your statement that Kokomo and Eldora are among the tops in that category is correct.
Also, Purple73, I'm glad you mentioned spitting. I've witnessed that at several tracks, mostly by tobacco chewers, but I witnessed a teenage boy who simply spat every few seconds. I don't know how anyone could produce so much saliva! Gross!

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I should say that nobody around us was out of control, just lots of screaming profanities all night, which I've heard plenty of times, but enough already. I wouldn't take my kids to hear that all night. Maybe a reminder from the announcers once in would help even a little. We need kids to keep this deal alive.

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I'm sure the kids have heard and even used those words when the parents were not around .

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Maybe the boat was missed all these years by hiring security personnel. What's need is some retired school teachers and Grandmothers to work the stands.
I can see it now...a couple drunks being led by the ear out of the stands by an elderly Grandma...or an ex-school teacher herding them out with her pointer or yard stick.

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Originally Posted by ThePurple73:
Maybe the boat was missed all these years by hiring security personnel. What's need is some retired school teachers and Grandmothers to work the stands.
I can see it now...a couple drunks being led by the ear out of the stands by an elderly Grandma...or an ex-school teacher herding them out with her pointer or yard stick.

I'm a retired school teacher; still have my paddle, but I don't think want to hire on as a security person!

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The easiest way to avoid this from happening is for the track to designate a family/no alcohol section. Many tracks do this.

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Originally Posted by mowerman:
I'm sure the kids have heard and even used those words when the parents were not around .

Very true, but I know of two boys who had better not be caught by their grandfather saying those words. Naturally they will learn those words; it's next to impossible to shelter them that much. And I've no real problem with that. But I try to make sure they won't learn them from me. That I can control.

Regarding drunks, etc.: Too many amateurs are drinking. I often sit near people drinking and these guys are pros. They can actually drink and behave....up to a point. :6:

No names, please. :D

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Originally Posted by mowerman:
I'm sure the kids have heard and even used those words when the parents were not around .

Say it isn't so...............

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At Berlin we would sit in turn 4 just to be around the drunks, they were as entertaining as the races. New management came in years ago and threw all of them out. Now people stand there and say where did all the fans go ? ? ? ? Can't have it both ways, they all paid to get in

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Courtesy,........I agree race tracks are not kid friendly any more (if ever) but what kind of example are the drivers setting when they use there cars as a weapon after the checkerd flag and under yellow? I do not go to that many races but it happens almost every time I go. The kids grow up looking for a role model. .......Go ahead everybody and beat me up on this reply! I am idiot for even posting.

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I deal with the public every day I wonder how most of them can even get out of bed. People have become dumber and dumber in general. Drunks are stupid people I will never take my family to a track because of them .

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I don't condone drunks getting ugly at the track either, but where I was sitting I musta been around a bunch of professionals, because most of them were drinking something and I didn't see or hear a single ugly thing. If someone is offending you, maybe you could get your lil itty bitty boy parts up and go ask security to keep an eye on them. Don't go home and sit behind your mamas keyboard and tell us how offended you are. The day I cannot go to the parking lot and do some bench racing and have a beer with friends is the day I will quit going. I've used drunks as a teaching moment for my kids to say "look how foolish that guy looks, his mom must be proud"...I'm tired of having things I enjoy taken away from me. If a guy is outta line he deserves to be thrown out, but for most of us, don't even think about taking away my beer drinkin and my sprint cars, because the fight will be on....there's probably things that you do that I don't like...maybe like bringing your lil lapdog to the races, I don't really like that, but you know what? I won't get on here and rant and try to get it outlawed, I'll just laugh and remind myself that there's different strokes for different folks....Thanks to Kokomo Speedway for another amazing event, kool to see DD running the top, just like he did when Kokomo was a flat 1/4...Congrats DD!

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I no longer smoke the weed. If I did & you could tell I was stoned I'd love for you tell the story on here because I guarantee you you wouldn't have a single bad thing to say about it.
There are some from Hosehead's that have probably seen me stoned back in the day. Have I ever been thrown out for causing problems. NO.
Those same folks still talk to me today when we see each other at the track.
I fully believe the ones that are stoned and causing problems are doing something else along with smoking the weed.

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I'm gonna quit going to the races too . I seen 2 squirrels sitting in front of us and the sign at the front gate said NO ANIMALS ALLOWED .

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I fall into both categories. I am fifty years old so at many tracks I am considered young. ( a problem within itself) 8 nights this year I have drank. 7 of those were at races. I try to be respectful of people. Mudpaker sat in front of me, and I don't believe I offended him or anyone else. As for people having fun in the parking lot or camping area, more power to them. No one I saw was out of line. If someone is out of line either say something to them or track security. If you don't say anything you are part of the problem. I hate for anyone to ruin someone elses good time, but while this thread was started by someone with a real complaint, others are just complaining. Relax and try to have a good time. I have a 2 Grandsons, who live in GA, that I do not see very often, and all weekend I kept thinking I wish they were here with me. Just for the record I would not have been drinking.Remeber whichever side of this discussion you are on, try to have fun, that is why we go.

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Originally Posted by BrentTFunk:
I fall into both categories. I am fifty years old so at many tracks I am considered young. ( a problem within itself) 8 nights this year I have drank. 7 of those were at races. I try to be respectful of people. Mudpaker sat in front of me, and I don't believe I offended him or anyone else. As for people having fun in the parking lot or camping area, more power to them. No one I saw was out of line. If someone is out of line either say something to them or track security. If you don't say anything you are part of the problem. I hate for anyone to ruin someone elses good time, but while this thread was started by someone with a real complaint, others are just complaining. Relax and try to have a good time. I have a 2 Grandsons, who live in GA, that I do not see very often, and all weekend I kept thinking I wish they were here with me. Just for the record I would not have been drinking.Remeber whichever side of this discussion you are on, try to have fun, that is why we go.

Brent you were A okay all three days. Your other half, not so much.:26::32::3:

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There is a BIG difference between having a few beers and getting completely wasted

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Originally Posted by mowerman:
I'm gonna quit going to the races too . I seen 2 squirrels sitting in front of us and the sign at the front gate said NO ANIMALS ALLOWED .

Were they drunk squirrels??? :18::18::18:

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Originally Posted by LittleRube:
Were they drunk squirrels??? :18::18::18:

They looked like Modern Day Squirrels .:32::32::32: