Gas City / OConnors
 

Hate to say it but I just can't help myself ....... The OConnors completely screwed opening night of Sprintweek up !!! I have been around racing for 40+ years and never witnessed that kind of treatment to the teams and the fans ! There was ALOT of angry customers tonight - if you were there you know what I'm talking about!! So many pizzed off fans that I even heard talk if a boycott for Saturday's ISW show. Though I doubt that a boycott will happen it does show lack of respect to the fans ! It's too late in the night to explain it all but I will say this ... You can't change the rules of the spectators 2 hours before show time !!! Maybe the O Connors are spread too thin these days or maybe they have gotten too big for their britches.

Complain complain complain, that's iow

What happened?

Originally Posted by dustbowl:
Complain complain complain, that's iow

So you're complaining about the complaining? I wasn't there so I don't know what happened ,anyone care to elaborate?

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

I agree completely. The last thing you want to do is upset your guests when you are in business.No blankets until gates opening was a decision I cannot fathom.The sight of the O'connors taking everyones blanket out of the stand and putting them in front of the ticket office was sad and very amateurish.If they did not want any blankets in until 4:00 simply lock all gates.Do not put a piece of notebook paper at the front entrance informing people.The sight of people lined up from the main gate to the pit gate was indeed sad.As I left many others were leaving also.Consider that most of your guests are of older age, making them stand in a line in the hot sun was sad.I love Kokomo, but will not attend any more races there this year.We had planned nine more races.How this decision was taken is indeed perplexing.I worked for Target corporation for nearly twenty years and was told one day that the last thing you want to do is upset or dissapoint your core guests in anyway, because once it happens it is very difficult to get them back.We don't have that many core fans anymore, so what occured last night was disheartening. My Sprintweek begins at Lawrenceburg.

It was extremely unfortunate and quite frankly ridiculous. We got there around 11 to put seats down. No signs posted hat we couldn't and nothing blocking our ability to get in. We return around 2 and see that an 8.5x11 sheet of paper is posted saying no blankets in grandstands until 4. Yet the entrance is still wide open for people to get in. Someone said the sign was posted around 2-230. Then, to make it all sorts of worse, they go into the stands around 3-330 and start ripping up blankets / seats and bring them out and put at the end of the line. No announcement was made (which would have at a MINIMUM been the courteous thing to do). They said they wanted it to be fair for everyone. Then ya know what, post your damn sign the night before then lock the place up. They screwed up once by letting people in early then they just made it worse by changing the rules midway. Now, at the end of the day, we got the same seats we had before ripping them up but it was absolutely ridiculous the way this was handled.

Also, they didn't allow folks to go into the pits by buying a $1 50/50 ticket like they usually do. We were told by the kid at the gate hat he was waiting on the 50/50 gal to get there but she never did. Disappointing for sure.

We are rule followers and will do what the track expects but GC messed up last night by changing the rules on people midstream.

Does that mean I'm going to boycott Kokomo? No. I know the rules there and it's consistent (whether I like them or not).

Several trips to the concession stand to find absolutely no food prepared was unfortunate too.

Ok I'm done. Off to Kokomo n🏁

I agree with david.if for whatever reason they decide no blanket placements,early.then lock the gates.what they best consider is most of those blankets are either the very faithful followers or family members of teams and drivers.Nice way of cutting off the hand that feeds you!

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Our situation was exactly as Wildman92 describes and we agree with everything said.

While I am a Big O'conner and Kokomo is my home track and they usually do no wrong in my eyes but last night I'd say they dropped the ball. I like the blanket policy but at least post a sign before 2. It's sprint week for god sakes. just keep the rules consistent. luckily for me I used the USAC tracpass for my pit pass and bypassed all the lines and got a good seat still. But if I hadn't, I would of had to wait at least 45 minutes in the line and by then no seat. The best part of last night was sunshine getting his first USAC win. Today is a new day and I can't wait to see how memorable tonight's show will be! GYATK

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

You might have a legit complaint, You might be complaining to complain. IDK.

Without the O'Conners YOU WOULDN'T HAVE SEEN A SHOW AT GAS CITY LAST NIGHT! AND PROBABLY NOT IN THE FUTURE.

I don't like to hear the rules were changed, But I also seen that about every seat in the main grandstand was taken vs when I've been there. There will be four or five sections of taped down plastic that nobody shows up to use and "NICE PEOPLE" who refuse to take them. Unless someone says. There's nobody sitting there.

IDK, I can't say the policies and treatments of them isn't a major reason Im going to Waynesfield tonight. The only one I know I've ever talked to is Reece and he was very nice. But the person at the front gate asking to see inside my jacket in 40* and to finish or throw my pop away before entering at 90* isn't too nice, Policy or not.

Damn, Wanted to stay positive. See you tomorrow at Burg!

Oh, Here's a major positive. They try their hardest to get shows in, Like the Smack Down that rained and rained and rained and they somehow go it in.

Also, Way more often than not, They ususally have a track with multi grooves

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Sometimes an event outgrows a facility. It might be that Indiana Sprintweek has become too big for the facility at Gas City.Concessions, Rest Rooms, and grandstands, are all issues.You have to have the infrastrcture to host a major event.All the other facilities on the schedule can handle major crowds.How about running twice somewhere or finding a new venue. I am sure everyone has some ideas.

The problem with people putting blankets down is that some don't get used until feature time. As far as the long beer and food line, well that's a good problem to have.

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

How is this for an idea. Monday night off. Then Terre Haute for two nights. Tuesday and Wednesday. The fairboard and Mr. Sargeant would have to be agreeable to this .There is a risk reward to this . A Sprintweek crowd means major income,but you have to factor in the weather and what could happen. A half mile, Terre Haute, a fan friendly facility which allows you to bring in coolers, concessions, and alcohol if you wish. Can we do it this week.

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

I had no problem. I wish all tracks would do away with blankets. Earl Baltes told me once letting people put down blankets was the worst thing they ever did at Eldora. A guy comes from the tail for the win, and all you can post is crying about blankets. I wonder what's wrong with the sport

Originally Posted by BrentTFunk:
I had no problem. I wish all tracks would do away with blankets. Earl Baltes told me once letting people put down blankets was the worst thing they ever did at Eldora. A guy comes from the tail for the win, and all you can post is crying about blankets. I wonder what's wrong with the sport

I have no problem either way. But you can't change your mind midstream and not expect people to be pissed off.

Had a good time. Waited in line like most others and marked our seats And saw a killer show.cant wait for tonight!

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Brent, you miss the point . It is about making the sport better. Look at the demographics at any Sprint Car race. The crowd is an older crowd. You have to adapt in the business or entertainment industry. Auto racing is both.There were a group of people last night who were attending their first race. I talked to them this morning. They enjoyed the race, but as far as concessions, rest rooms, etc. they could not believe it.I hope they return to Gas City or any other track for that matter.I fear they won't.I don't have the answers, but I see the facts. Just by the posts this morning I feel a lot of people did not enjoy their experience last night. In the business world when you get compliments it is a bonus. When you hear negative reviews when presented in a polite manner, you need to take a close look at your policies.

Originally Posted by david mitchell:
Brent, you miss the point . It is about making the sport better. Look at the demographics at any Sprint Car race. The crowd is an older crowd. You have to adapt in the business or entertainment industry. Auto racing is both.There were a group of people last night who were attending their first race. I talked to them this morning. They enjoyed the race, but as far as concessions, rest rooms, etc. they could not believe it.I hope they return to Gas City or any other track for that matter.I fear they won't.I don't have the answers, but I see the facts. Just by the posts this morning I feel a lot of people did not enjoy their experience last night. In the business world when you get compliments it is a bonus. When you hear negative reviews when presented in a polite manner, you need to take a close look at your policies.

Nailed it. Promoters are quick to blame social media, but this is the true reason race tracks fail. Just look at how Gas City got into the situation it is in now. It went from one of the best weekly tracks in the Midwest to a track that is practically closed and up for sale. Social media didn't do that, poor management did. They catered to a specific group of teams and fans, which pissed enough people off that they stopped going. I see no problem with changing the policy of taping down seats, but in any business you need to be cautious about the manner in which you communicate those changes to your customers. Many of the ball washers here will see no problem with it, but obviously the way it was handled could have been better.

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

I didn't know you were allowed to complain on IOW............ :18:

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

This thread is a good case study on complaining and how it relates to credibility. Sure, there are some people who come here to complain and that's all they do. Anybody who is here often and is a contributor to our forum knows who those people are and put very little stock in anything they have to say. You also have people who anytime they see anybody complain about anything, use it as an opportunity to take a cheap shot at IOW. If you don't like IOW find a better forum or use the "report post" feature to help the team of people that have look at every thread and every post, to know exactly what has been posted, including policing SPAM which is a big job in and of it's self. The moderators don't delete every post that's reported, but it sure makes it a lot easier to find the ones that might need to be. Like Bill said a hundred times "IOW is all about you, people. If you want to make it better, you can." Now, when you have a matter come up and you see people like Wildman92 (Jen), Street Glider or Old Coyote having an issue, then it might be something the track might want to look into and see if they could handle it a little bit differently the next time. These are all contributors to IOW. The opposite of complainers. Think about it, is there anybody right now that does any more for the site than Jen Morgan. Probably not.

Jerry

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Originally Posted by david mitchell:
Sometimes an event outgrows a facility. It might be that Indiana Sprintweek has become too big for the facility at Gas City.Concessions, Rest Rooms, and grandstands, are all issues.You have to have the infrastrcture to host a major event.All the other facilities on the schedule can handle major crowds.How about running twice somewhere or finding a new venue. I am sure everyone has some ideas.

I love GC and Kokomo as well as the O'Connors. David may be on to something here. Get IOW to trash GC for lack of facilities, food, etc. Shut it down. Now we can add the "Dirt Track @ IMS" to Sprintweek. I am sure IMS will let you put blankets down, buy a ticket for $35, a hot dog for $6, beer for $8, and maybe give you a concert, too. What a race last night at Gas City! RIP.:17:

Wow!! I was expecting to read about a crappy track surface or dust bowl but freaking blankets and chairs. I think 23rd to 1st finish should have made up for your blanky. I for one am sick of all the "reserved" seats with blankets and chairs. Take a look at how many people spread their crap out and take up way more room than they need. The nerve of the promotors to try and maximize their limited space and make a profit! Rant about rant over have fun at waynesfield with your precious blankets I'm going to Kokomo

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Area Auto Racing News rated Gas City and Kokomo as unfriendly fan experiences during Midgetweek. Unbiased East Coast racing Publication.It rated all facilities. L-burg scored highest.

Originally Posted by k41l:
Wow!! I was expecting to read about a crappy track surface or dust bowl but freaking blankets and chairs. I think 23rd to 1st finish should have made up for your blanky. I for one am sick of all the "reserved" seats with blankets and chairs. Take a look at how many people spread their crap out and take up way more room than they need. The nerve of the promotors to try and maximize their limited space and make a profit! Rant about rant over have fun at waynesfield with your precious blankets I'm going to Kokomo

I think you missed the point. It isn't about pulling up blankets, it's about the manner in which it was done and the change of policy without communicating it to the customers.

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Originally Posted by david mitchell:
Area Auto Racing News rated Gas City and Kokomo as unfriendly fan experiences during Midgetweek. Unbiased East Coast racing Publication.It rated all facilities. L-burg scored highest.

I don't know about Area Racing News, but I find the racing at Kokomo to be EXTREMELY :21:'n FAN FRIENDLY!!!! :3:

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Jen is far from a negative person and IMHO is 100% right.
The old problem was weekly fans leaving plastic taped and not showing up for the events. Created a real headache getting everyone a seat and many weren't taken and people either were left standing, sat in the pits or left.

I don't see why if you were going to leave the gates open, You didn't have the stands cleared prior to race day, That way you know all the marked seats are people who are actually there..

I see it as nothing more than constructive criticism to say to the best of our knowledge its first come, first serve. (Nothing posted till afterward) and they cleaned us out.

Kokomo keeps the gates closed, stands are cleared before opening and all gates open same time, People sometimes line their blankets in a line and go back to their camper or whatever so they'll have their place in line at ticket sales opening.

It's a complaint and I see also see why IOW is sometimes blamed as being negative, Most tracks have a email, phone # or if you know them can make the complaint in person. But it's easy to post your experience here.

Lots of us are friends, Many of us don't know each other and chat here with the hopes of meeting each other sometime at the track.

BUT TO A SITE VISITOR? It may be seen as GAS CITY IS TERRIBLE.THE RESTROOMS SUCK, CONCESSIONS SUCK, THE STANDS SUCK and THE SEATING POLICY SUCKS......................

Most of that hasn't been my experience at all IN MANY VISITS, But some of it has ON OCCASION ususally not all at once, Concessions low one visit but not all. Bathroom at GC I never waited more than five minutes. ever, Not sure on the ladies.

So I see this as a Legit complaint to be consistent with a policy and that's it. GC was always first come, first serve and if it wasn't going to be. It should have been posted long before 2 on raceday. :)


From what I hear the show was outstanding, amost last to first.
GO TO THE TRACK FOR THE MEMORIES, IF IT WAS MORE BAD THAN GOOD, DON'T GO BACK. DON'T LET ANYONE MAKE THAT DECISION FOR YOU, BUT YOU! :)

Originally Posted by david mitchell:
Area Auto Racing News rated Gas City and Kokomo as unfriendly fan experiences during Midgetweek. Unbiased East Coast racing Publication.It rated all facilities. L-burg scored highest.

Didn't Lawrenceburg rain out during midget week?

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Midget week ratings were from last year, and included cooler policy, concession policy, and just the overall fan experience. All tracks rated favorably except Gas City and Kokomo.

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Originally Posted by david mitchell:
How is this for an idea. Monday night off. Then Terre Haute for two nights. Tuesday and Wednesday. The fairboard and Mr. Sargeant would have to be agreeable to this .There is a risk reward to this . A Sprintweek crowd means major income,but you have to factor in the weather and what could happen. A half mile, Terre Haute, a fan friendly facility which allows you to bring in coolers, concessions, and alcohol if you wish. Can we do it this week.

Pretty sure the fair is on next week at Terre Haute doubt you are going to get a second night during the fair.

Easy way to solve it.....Offer reserved seating options for $10 more a ticket. Small premium to pay to get the seats you want.

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Originally Posted by david mitchell:
Brent, you miss the point . It is about making the sport better. Look at the demographics at any Sprint Car race. The crowd is an older crowd. You have to adapt in the business or entertainment industry. Auto racing is both.There were a group of people last night who were attending their first race. I talked to them this morning. They enjoyed the race, but as far as concessions, rest rooms, etc. they could not believe it.I hope they return to Gas City or any other track for that matter.I fear they won't.I don't have the answers, but I see the facts. Just by the posts this morning I feel a lot of people did not enjoy their experience last night. In the business world when you get compliments it is a bonus. When you hear negative reviews when presented in a polite manner, you need to take a close look at your policies.

Blankets are one of the things that puts first time fans at a disadvantage. Someone shows up an hour before the show starts and all the seats are saved, some with no one sitting in them. Think that adds to their first experiance. I do understand the arguments that some of you have, I just don't think it is that big of a deal.

I have always disliked the blankets especially when they stay empty all evening. I don't think tracks should allow them at all

Originally Posted by LEADERS EDGE:
Easy way to solve it.....Offer reserved seating options for $10 more a ticket. Small premium to pay to get the seats you want.

You can get reserved seats at TSS for $3 extra,more than worth the extra $$$,extra leg room,2 boards to sit on and backs!!

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Last night will be my last trip to GC. In 60 years of attending sprint car races, I have never had a track employee swear at me and try to intimidate me. I arrived about 2 and after reading a book in my car for about 2 hours, the Howard County deputy who puts on nametags asked me to move my car so he could put someone else in my spot. I tried to explain I needed to park facing out to avoid hitting a fan on exit as my night vision is not good. He felt he was in charge and thus I moved my car as he requested. For fan safety, I left the track before nightfall missing both features. Kokomo has been my home track for 35 years, but if I do not get an apology tonight, this will be my last year at Kokomo as well.

If I'm not mistaking, this is the same guy I saw nearly tackle an elderly man trying to carry an oxygen tank into the race track. After watching him tell hundreds of loyal and respectful fans that they can't take a 50 cent bottle of water into the track on a 80-90 degree day. I get it you need to make your hot dog sales, but somebody needs to check this guy. A good sheriff will know when exceptions are necessary, while the bad ones take there badge and authority and shove it down our throats.

Hoping things change, as I am a young race fan and hate to see the elderly treated so poorly..

I saw that same incident--yelling at an 80 year old man to "get back here now!" While the old fellow hobbled back asking "What did I do?" Was heartbreaking...all because the beer drinking Deputy thought he was trying to sneak something in after standing in 90 degree heat for a couple hours--and he simply had his oxygen tank! Not good...

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

:44::44:.This post may set a record for most hits.Do any of our long time posters know what the record is for most hits?Also what was the post?Thanks,enjoy your day at a track near you.

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Originally Posted by dkdorkboy:
:44::44:.This post may set a record for most hits.Do any of our long time posters know what the record is for most hits?Also what was the post?Thanks,enjoy your day at a track near you.

I would say one of the Oval Nationals update threads. Update threads usually top that list.

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Uh.... Try getting a seat in the covered grandstand at Fremont. Literally every inch of seating is covered with taped down blankets......:(

Re: Gas City / OConnors
 

Originally Posted by david mitchell:
Midget week ratings were from last year, and included cooler policy, concession policy, and just the overall fan experience. All tracks rated favorably except Gas City and Kokomo.

When the checkered has flown on the feature and I'm driving away from a race track and my head is still buzzing from the adrenaline, my throat so sore that I can hardly talk to my racing friends on the cell phone about the race we just saw and my sides are sore from all the times I leaned to the left of to the right in my seat, then I know I just had a good "overall fan experience". Those are metrics that I use to calculate that. There are 2 tracks meet that criteria almost every time I leave them and Kokomo is one of them. That totally trumps any track policies I might not agree with and most tracks have at least one.

If you're going to come on Indiana Open Wheel and try to sell Hoosier racing fans on Kokomo Speedway being an overall bad racing experience, when you have less than 10 posts, you're probably not going to get off to a good start here. I'm just sayin".:3::3:

Jerry