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.

[Wallsracing]

Originally Posted by GOFOBROKE Vermilion County Speedway switching races to Saturdays By Tracy Moss Thursday, December 4, 2008 7:04 AM CDT E-mail Story Printer-friendly 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. Advertisement 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.

WOW AGAINST CHARLESTON,KAMP,PUTNAMVILLE,L-BURG,PARAGON:action-smiley-049:

:thumbTwo things. First. Good luck to the new crew at danville. Second, hopefully billy west will see this and stick to sprints on Friday nights. Two nights in a row of non-wing sprints in Illinois will do nothing but help grow the sprint car counts and fan base. Really looking forward to 09.

As far as Putnamville and Paragon, who knows. Not too many people would miss going to Putnamville on Saturdays and most who go to Paragon will still go to Paragon. I think there are enough cars from Illinois to go with those who choose Danville from Indiana to have a weekly show with 20 plus sprint cars.

[cope42]

saturday nights wow,,,,,,, a new car man o man ,,,,,, this should be some good ol winter time talk ,,,,,, good luck see ya up there some saturday ,might be every sat. just depends on where my hero goes ,,,,,,, talk to me wallsy

[mscs20]

Raceaddict,
I and many other Illinois based drivers totally agree with what you said.

[Dirtfan]

Originally Posted by cope42 saturday nights wow,,,,,,, a new car man o man ,,,,,, this should be some good ol winter time talk ,,,,,, good luck see ya up there some saturday ,might be every sat. just depends on where my hero goes ,,,,,,, talk to me wallsy

Wallsy is your hero???? I am so sorry to hear that, you have my condolenses:rolling

[Wallsracing]

Originally Posted by cope42 saturday nights wow,,,,,,, a new car man o man ,,,,,, this should be some good ol winter time talk ,,,,,, good luck see ya up there some saturday ,might be every sat. Just depends on where my hero goes ,,,,,,, talk to me wallsy

new car you buying OR HIRING I THINK OLE WALLSY IS LAYING OUT THIS NEXT YEAR:d

[Wallsracing]

Originally Posted by Dirtfan Wallsy is your hero???? I am so sorry to hear that, you have my condolenses:rolling

:moon::moon::moon:

[Dirtfan]

Originally Posted by Wallsracing :moon::moon::moon:

Thats it, I've had it, I have pulled your sponsorship money for next year, I will find someone that appreciates it.:censor:

[cope42]

well i guess i'll have to root for marlin,,,, dag gum it