i agree...lot of hometown heros that are favored

Last week, my girlfriend and I did a U-turn @ Princeton when it became obvious, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there was no way Mother Nature was going to let the race @ Haubstadt happen. It was right at the edge of the time window, that if we headed back North, we would get to see at least SOME racing at the newly managed Lincoln Park Speedway. And as it turned out, just as Mother Nature had taken away, she would also giveth, by providing the rain delay that would allow us to see the action from the last sprint heat on. So including last Saturday night and this one, we've seen a little over one and a half racing programs under the flag of the new Spiker administration. I can say, without a doubt, that we had a fun time at the track on both nights. While the track was a little on the rough side both nights, it certainly didn't stop the surface from being racy. Especially last night. There were two passes for the lead in the last lap and a half, leading up to the checker. And other than the top row, reserved seating @ Haubstadt, we watched it all from about the best race track vantage point you can get. There really isn't a bad seat in the house at this track.

One thing that I enjoyed about being a fan at Spiker's shows, at Vermilion County Speedway this year, has been the fun, easy going atmosphere at those events. The track staff always seemed glad to be there and happy to have you there. And the same could be said about the fans. That's what I went there wondering if I would see. That's what had been missing for quite a while. The one thing that had been keeping this great facility from being a great place to see a race. I am happy to report, that in this category, Joe Spiker and his team get very high marks for the job that have done, so far, in my experience. I saw two very big crowds that looked similar to family reunions, in the way so many people were interacting with one another and how much those in attendance generally looked glad to be there or in many people's case, looked glad to be back. I know I am.

Only time will tell how this venture will work out for Joe and his team. There are several issues, that are tangible things (track smoothness, show logistics, etc.), that could be improved upon. Knowing what I've seen of this promoter, I have no doubt that this will happen. In the end, the customer always votes with his/her feet. And judging by the number of people in attendance on both of these nights, Joe's got a whole lot of people rooting for him the be a success. More than likely, we're headed back there next Saturday.

Jerry

well when someones car catchs fire and they cant put it out what happens? spiker just say were trying to work on geting a fire truck just not in the budget right now but he can pay 2 sheriff's to watch the gate for arm bands?

Why doesn't the local fire department or "volenteer department" just come over for the exposure? People feel comforted knowing these fire trucks are available in their comunities. If they (the fans) see them there and the announcer mentions it a few times people know they have a fire department.

Just seems like a good deal for everybody if they are there.

:34; First time to LPS Saturday night. Enjoyed meeting Bill Gardner for the first time. Couple of observations from an outsider.

1. Joe spiker and crew are alway friendly and listen to us drivers. I appreciate that.
2. Ambulance and rescue squad situation needs fixed!!!
3. Great attendance and good crowd. It is fun racing in front of full grandstand and LPS has one of the most unique layouts with the hillside stands and grassy area. Love it.
4. Track To say it is a little rough is like saying Steve Kinser is an OK sprint driver. I feel lucky to get out of there not tearing up too much equipment. When asked by an official at the end of the night would I be back, I answered not for a while or until they get the track smoothed out. I enjoy racing a nice cushion but that is NOT what it was Saturday night. I wish you fans could see actually how high and hard that "concrete wall" was coming out of two.

I really believe that Joe and his crew will eventually get the place straightened out. The effort they have already put in is beyond belief. But they have their work cut out for them with the track. Shane Hollingsworth put it to me this way. " This place has lots of character" I would agree with him. It has a long way to go to be as racey as VCS or some other tracks in Indy.

Hopefully next time I go when ever that is the lights will stay on all night and have corner lights as well. Like I said before, they have a long way to go. But I think eventually Joe and his crew will get it. Good luck to all who race there every week and thanks to Shane , BP and others who were free with setup advice Saturday night. I appreciate it.

Chad Branson
#71

the local fire department use to come but i think allison pissed them off so they stoped

What is up with the lights? The lights went out in the Hopton days and are still not fixed?

I would think that someone would figure out why the lights go out and correct the problem.

I cant believe they even let the cars on the track with no ambulance or firetruck on the property. His insurance company must not know about that or his rates are skyhigh. If the drivers where smart they would not race until one was on the property. This is just my opinion.

I wasn't there on saturday, but their has been an ambulance at every other race I've ever been to there. I wonder what changed ?
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There was an ambulance on the premises. Don't know if properly equipped or not but was told it was not available to transport modified driver. Don't know for sure. These are things that all drivers ( myself included) must look into before racing at a new facility. I have no doubt the Joe will get the proper personnal in place.

As I mentioned in my previous post my only complaint besides the lights was the roughness of the track. Of course it could be that I am old and out of shape.. My advice to all is to have some patience with them. I will probably try it again next year after they have some time to get the track figured out. I have seen what they have done at VCS which is a great track week in and week out.