Down time can be addressed in a lot of ways.

I think you get 10 big wheels 10 kids from the stand
and you race them on the front stretch. Lots of give aways
and and interaction with family and kids.

A live band of some of some sorts would be cool too.
Hell get the local country/rock radio station to come down and
they can play some tunes and give stuff away,

I do not mind the down time, I like my racing to last all night.
Friends, Cold Beer, Bench racing is all part of the experience for me.