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TBird, you bring up some very good points, let me see if I can shed some light a few things:
1. Multiple classes: As a fellow purist, I agree that we could do without all the undercards. But as we all know, these other classes are a valuble source of revenue; it happens everywhere. The big shows that don't have undercards (Chili Bowl, Knoxville Nationals, 4-Crown etc) are few and far between. It comes down to simple economics, as a hedge against poor attendence you have to have support classes.
2. The track. Your first sentence pretty much says it all. Anyone that was there both nights, can attest to how much better the track was on Saturday.
2B. Banking was what it was. I don't think you were going to get more for two reasons. 1. It takes time to build a track with more banking (alot more time, the higher the banks). 2. It takes good dirt that will hold together, which brings us to: C. Quality of the dirt. The dirt used was what I call "rodeo dirt." This is the stuff that horses love. It has alot of sand in it and it is very soft and spongy no matter how much it is packed down. When cars run on this stuff it ruts up badly. I'm assuming the promoters were over a barrel here; Kemper probably had their own dirt that is what was used. It works great for rodeos, monster trucks and motocross, not so well for racing. Unless the promoter is willing to spend big bucks hauling in his own dirt (which Kemper may not even have allowed) there isn't much one can do, execpt what they did on Saturday.
3. Ventilation. First, the fire marshall insisted that all the doors be left open, that was out of the promoters control. Second, I have to disagree that it did no good. I thought the air quality for viewing and breathing was pretty good. The downside was that it was COLD! Was it as cold as Arrowhead when 20,000 people showed up on Sunday? Racing in winter is going to be cold, bring plenty of layers, you can always take stuff off if it gets to warm.
4. Ticket prices. Indoor racing has more fixed costs than regular races, everyone has to understand that. As far as the upgrade, goes, I agree 100% it was a ripoff. I'm pretty sure that was Kemper's deal, and it probably won't change. My advise to everyone, next year buy a pit pass. Not only will you save money, but you can go back to the pits during down time and warm up!
It was pretty obvious, looking at night one verus night two, the promoters and officials learned from their mistakes, so if this deal happens next year, it will be a much better show, and I know I'll be there.
later,
Bob Mays
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