[captrat]

Originally Posted by Torry The primary purpose of every successful entertainment venue is to make people gather on the property and buy food. This rule of thumb may not be true in such things as theatrical plays or concerts in government subsidized buildings but is 100% true in almost every privately-owned facility. That being said, all our racing activities are a means to attract participants and spectators into the gates where they will buy the hot dogs and Cokes. The contest between the racers is secondary to attracting the most number of people at the least cost. This is why the "support show" is so vital to many tracks running the open wheel events. The "support show" increases the number of people through the gate and provides the race organizer with some flexibility in the program shhould their be a low turn-out, inclement weather, driver's strike, etc. If a promoter could make a living off of just bombers and street stockers he would do so and avoid the griping, sanction fees, martinets and wanna-be superstars that seem to follow many of the "headliner" classes. The promoter, however, needs to provide his fans with a show that has some variety. This is especially true in tracks that are not close to a large population base where travel distance is minimal. A promoter does not NEED a sprint car show, or a late model class, or the national travelling series. He NEEDS something that will bring people in the gates... pit gate and ticket gate. He needs a track surface adequate for the classes he chooses to run. NOT to satisfy the whims or sensibilities of someone who once almost sorta came close to getting a chance to be considered for an IRL seat in New Hampshire or his car owner who sits in the air-conditioned RV and is upset about the dust obscuring his view. He needs sufficient seating to satisfy his base customers. Suites are nice but if the track's in farm country a lot of folks can handle the sun and weather. He needs sufficient restroom facilities to handle his crowd's needs for a 2-4 hour show and still remain in local code compliance.

The idea of multiple support classes is logically applicable in the case of regular shows, I do not believe it fits with so-called "headliner" shows. The vast majority of people attending ISW are there for the sprint cars as evidenced by the geographical make-up, campers, etc.. One support class is more than adequate for these "specials"

[Bad Dad 54]

McInturff not a problem, but it's about the 6th time in the last year I've seen track officials over do their authority w/ people. Just nothing but a bully w/ an "Officials shirt on, don't gimmie that lame excuse about being an official I was one. Never did I treat people like that, Rick Ferkel thought I did a good job. NO EXCUSE for rudness, you put on an officials shirt it's a bulls eye. Spent a lot of years wrenching on sprints, they demand a lot of time & money to be treated rudely? The guys that are left still allow me to walk in their trailer talk w/ me & joke around. They still come to me w/ problems & their's nothing I can do. Remember the post about how other organizations handle this? Well that cost me 3 or more friendships. But problem was solved. Just not going to spend money where it's not fun.

[apexonephoto]

Lanier Speedway in Braselton, GA has quite a different policy...

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/50571/

[Beer Goggles]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pat O'Connor Fan View Post
As I type this, "MORGAN" has a total of 3 posts as a member of our not-always-so-happy family. And they are negative (or agreeing with someone who agreed with his first negative post). Whew!
If you noticed that I failed to welcome "MORGAN" to IOW, please be aware that it was not an oversight on my part.


I wish Dingaling only had a total of 3 posts.

[koolaid89]

Originally Posted by apexonephoto lanier speedway in braselton, ga has quite a different policy... http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/archives/50571/

yikes!

[Charles Nungester]

Originally Posted by Bad Dad 54 McInturff not a problem, but it's about the 6th time in the last year I've seen track officials over do their authority w/ people. Just nothing but a bully w/ an "Officials shirt on, don't gimmie that lame excuse about being an official I was one. Never did I treat people like that, Rick Ferkel thought I did a good job. NO EXCUSE for rudness, you put on an officials shirt it's a bulls eye. Spent a lot of years wrenching on sprints, they demand a lot of time & money to be treated rudely? The guys that are left still allow me to walk in their trailer talk w/ me & joke around. They still come to me w/ problems & their's nothing I can do. Remember the post about how other organizations handle this? Well that cost me 3 or more friendships. But problem was solved. Just not going to spend money where it's not fun.

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