Originally Posted by GOFOBROKE:
Vermilion County Speedway switching races to Saturdays
By Tracy Moss
Thursday, December 4, 2008 7:04 AM CDT
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DANVILLE – A new promoter based in Greencastle, Ind., will be running the Vermilion County Speedway next year and plans to move race nights to Saturdays.
"We're going to shake things up," said Joe Spiker, 33, of Spiker Promotions, who recently signed a two-year lease with the Vermilion County Fair board, which owns the track and fairgrounds but doesn't run the speedway.
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Historically, races at the speedway have been held on Sunday nights or Friday nights, but Spiker thinks a move of most races to Saturdays is just what the track needs to be successful. He said it's often difficult for fans to get to the track after work on Fridays and difficult for them to stay out late on Sunday nights.
"It will be so much better for the Danville area and the fans and the racers. We are excited about it," he said.
Herbie Hadden, member of the fair board, said last year's race promoter ended the season a few weeks early and fans have been uncertain about the track's future.
The board wants the public to know that a new promoter is in place, and encourages spectators to come out and support the speedway when it opens in April.
Spiker said the plan is to make things more fan-friendly and do things that will get fans excited to watch the races and for drivers to race. That includes running open-wheel cars, a lot of sprint cars, and more.
Other changes include new, more-affordable food, and fans again will be allowed to bring their own coolers. For drivers, Spiker is planning to award a new car to the points champion.
Spiker is now in the midst of scheduling races and other events. He already has scheduled a Summer Nationals date for July 5, which happens to be a Sunday, but only because the Saturday dates were already filled. The annual David Richardson Memorial Race will be a two-day event with a Saturday-night show and the usual Sunday-night race. He's also planning fireworks throughout the season.
Spiker said some other tracks in the region run races on Saturdays, and though he doesn't want to upset other track officials by running the same night, he thinks it's the best schedule for Vermilion's business.
"We got to look out for what's best for the Danville area," he said. "I don't think it will survive on Sunday nights."
Spiker encouraged fans to visit the speedway Web site in January at www.vermilioncountyspeedway.us, where the race schedule will be posted, as well as additional information about the upcoming season.
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