IMO, the Helfrichs are completely within their rights to ask that a web-site refrain from doing live updates during racing action. In fact, I'm surprised more tracks haven't asked this as well. Yes, there will always be people who will go to the track and text message results to their buddies to be posted on IOW and I also appreciate this when I can't make it to a track. However, if I was a track owner and the only way I was able to support these sanctioning bodies and special shows was with fans in the stands I sure wouldn't appreciate someone coming in and making it that much easier for those fans to choose to stay home rather than coming out to the track.

Yes, there will always be people that can't make it to a race and want to know what's going on, but does it really hurt them to find out after the show has been completed rather than live?

We are in a down economy right now, drivers are being more selective about which shows to attend and fans are as well. I don't blame a business owner one bit for not wanting to encourage someone to skip my show so they can go somewhere else and spend their money knowing they'll just be able to get the live updates from my track on-line. And yes, some people will do that.

And if you don't think 5% is significant, try owning a business and taking a 5% loss in sales and then tell me it's not significant - especially when that business supports your family. It's not just ticket sales either, it's concessions, and promotional materials.

Instead of reacting like a fan I think you need to think of this like a business person. I like the live updates also, but there have been shows that I could have made it to but chose to stay home instead and catch the updates because it was more convenient.

Again, just my opinion....

Gary Smith