TRACK VS RACERS

[topfive]

Well, we are 3 weeks into the season and the racers seem to be holding their own in the battle with the track. Despite the track's best effrorts to reduce car counts by raising fuel and tire costs and putting the drivers through airport security, the drivers have only slipped from 24 to 18 cars per night. However, the officials are tough competitors and are working late into the night to devise new ways to keep these pesky guys at home. Watch for new tech inspections designed to cost more money and security inspections for anyone who leans against a car with out the required NASCAR license.

[topfive]

Gotta hand it to the track guys, after so many racers showed up at the last event, they went into overtime to bounce back. Last night they managed to get the car count down to 13- just 1/2 of the opening night 4 events ago. Like any smart boxer, they keep on punchinng when they have a guy on the ropes and impounded all the Supers for teardown- but only after the tour race was over- I'm sure a lot of the drivers are punchy after that low blow. It will be a tough comeback for the racers, but from where I sat in the stands, I saw at least 8 regular super late drivers in various discussions plotting strategy to bring the count back up for the next round.

[crewman]

the track did not win anyone back last night when they held everyone from the slm and charger class and took fuel samples...from what i heard few chargers were dq'ed and one super....why penalize the guys who are jut there to have fun and run in the back sooner or later these guys will just not show up and then what will happen...i really dont know why they continue to throw low blows as u said top5 it is just stupid i can see several cars staying home to save money.

[Buzzy]

The only reason there were "new" faces at the races on Saturday, May 8, was due to the fact that the SRL cars were racing. Take a look around - there were MANY empty seats even with the visitors.

As to the accusation of the disqualifications - where is the "official" posting of the finish changes? I can't find anything.

[crewman]

i know atleast 3 chargers were dqed and i heard there was one other and a slm when we were in tech after the srl race...i called the track today and was told no official results were in yet!

even tho they are to be sent out to nascar in fl on monday morning

[DemonC]

May 10, 2010 19:00:15 GMT -8 Buzzy said:

Take a look around - there were MANY empty seats even with the visitors.

I would like to interject a comment here and it's not in any way, shape or form intended as a slam at you Buzzy, so please do not take it that way.

I hear comments of this sort, not a lot, but enough that it bothers me so I would like to point out something. The grandstands at the Bullring hold 5,500. Yep, 5,500... count the seats if you like. Now, imagine all the people you see watching the races actually sitting in the grandstands, not standing along the fences, sitting in the pit stands or over in the Stockyard, but actually sitting in the main grandstands. Even if that only made them HALF full, that is still 2,750 people. That is a heck of a crowd for a Saturday night race in this day and age. I've been to the races around the area and I know what the crowds are like at other tracks, and they are no where near even 1,000 people. Instead of looking at the empty seats, of which there will (with the exception of the Night of Fire) always be a fair amount, look at the seats that are taken and smile!! Contrary to the complaining that often crops up on these boards, I see a very loyal fan base, a massive amount of talented drivers (check MyLaps for car counts at other tracks, are they averaging 100+ cars so far this year?), and food so cheap you can feed your family for less than $10.

Yeah, I know I work for the track but c'mon... I've been a fan for many, many years and I know a good thing when I see it. I'm not saying there isn't room for improvement because there is ALWAYS room for improvement, but if you want to see more fans in the stands and drivers on the track you've got to come at it a different way... We're all ambassadors of this sport, and when we focus on the negative, short track racing everywhere suffers. Ask Altamont, Mesa Marin, Manzanita, Death Valley, etc...

Sorry, had to get that off my chest.

[crewman]

the fan count is up from last yr chet thats for sure have pics of the grandstands last yr where u can count the people in the stands this yr has been pretty good hope we can put the car count back up 13 slm and 12 chargers (12 minus the 1 and 14 that dns) is not a very good show

[Buzzy]

Chet,

I am respectfully going to disagree with some what you are saying about car count and fan attendance.

I have been attending races at the Bullring since it has opened. The fan count is going down. I know that the economy has a lot to do with this issue, but I still maintain that if the SRL cars were not running Saturday night, the "body" count would have been MUCH less.

As to the car count - are you kidding? If you again take away the SRL cars what numbers are you left with? Not much from my perspective.

When this track ran the Modified class you had to fight for a seat. The track does away with this class and now nothing. When the Mods are back you take a look at the head and car count if they even bother to show up.

Things have been made distasteful for the drivers, too many unnecessary "rules", cost to participate is outrageous, and the track doesn't pay dirt. Many of the drivers and sponsors have taken their cars and money to other tracks where there is less "red tape" and confusion.

What about the Bomber division? Now that is a class of people having fun racing their cars. It appears that this year many of the drivers have thrown in the towel or moved to a different track. This is too bad - they were great to watch.

I understand that you are an employee of the track and I don't hold that against you, but you are a relative "newcomer" to the Bullring as has been often stated. Please note that not so long ago the stands were full and not just on a "special" night, the track was full and there were many other classes of cars running, the Legends were broken down into their own divisions (as it should be) and finally it was fun to come out and watch the races.

Coming out for a dollar beer and a dollar hot dog is a far cry from why one goes to the race track. This may entice some, but then they are not looking to go to the track to watch the races.

[dave]

There are many reasons why counts and butts on seats are down. The track, purposely or not has created and helps foster antagonism between management and the racers. It's one thing when a couple of racers come onto a forum and tear each other down but it's quite another when for example the "scorekeeper" debacle is allowed. When Mike says things like "this isn't a Chris Blair or Mike Stafford decision, it's an LVMS decision" it's comical because that mile and a half cookie cutter didn't get up on its own and go do deals with Hoosier or VP. Those deals were done by the humans that manage the facility. The decisions were made on behalf of the the business but they were made by those in charge.

Some of the racers share in the responsibility of the rift but I think the track has lost perspective on what it is we do. This isn't Cup, or even SRL. It's part time hobby stock racing for most of of us yet it seems the track wants to play big time stock car with the entry level classes. There will be a few kids that come through every year or so but for the most part it's a bunch of people, some with more money than sense that want to come out and drive fast in circles for a while and hang out with friends.

I don't know if it's too late to heal the wounds with current management but better communication and a more transparent operation would go a long way to regaining the racer's confidence in track management. It's a two way street. We are customers as much as we are partners because without both parts, there will be no racing. Irwindale is making some of the same sorts of decisions which drives racers to smaller tracks like PVS and OSS. I think to open a dialog between management and the racers would be a good start. Not something where the racers vent and get angry but an honest two way dialog. Some of the racers probably don't have the emotional control to participate in a constructive manner but there are plenty of us out there that are calm, (mostly) rational and able to discuss opposing views without the drama and acrimony.

[crewman]

i was mistaken there was no dq in the slm main event

chargers there were 3 cars dq'ed for fuel??? really so a last min rule change that threw off everyones racing budget and the fact they changed slm tires so the chargers cant buy there used tires...that is an extra 3000 atleast for the yr that is horrible to do to a class that is already struggling i for one think it is bs and i know atleast 3 charger drivers that will agree...


25-LAP CHARGER FEATURE (REVISED): 1. Phil Goodwin, 2. Mario Opipari, 3. Vinny Raucci, 4. Dallas Simonette, 5. Steve Tilton, 6. Mike Sell, 7. Chuck Burgess, 8. James Wingard, 9. Hayley Lager, Chad Mattos (disqualified), Mike McKearn (disqualified), Gary Griffiths Jr. (disqualified).

[wayfast01]

I am reading alot of "poor us" and "the big bad mean ole track" talk on the forum. I think Dave hit it on the head when he said communication needs to improve between track management and the drivers/teams. But, venting on a forum and actually doing something about it in a professional manner is another. In order for the concerns of the drivers and teams to be heard and considered it must be done with professional courtesy. There are ways to go about this so as to keep it from appearing as if we are attacking the track managment, put them on the defensive and accomplish nothing! So, there are a few steps that we need to take if the drivers/teams are really serious about trying to impart change at the track and build a good relationship with the track going forward (which benefits us all).

1) Query the drivers/teams as to whether they would like to organize a drivers meeting to discuss the issues/concerns
2) At the meeting create a list of the concerns and prioritize these concerns in a number of ways; those that impact the most divisions, those that carry the greatest financial burden to the racers/teams, etc....
3) At the meeting elect one representative from each division to be the representative to attend a meeting with track management. The representative should be some one who can control their emotions while being able to intelligently deliver and debate the discussion points.
4) Formally request(in writing) a meeting with management to discuss the concerns and provide them in advance a list of our concerns/issues.


If this is approached in a non-confrontational manner, we can inmpart change. The key to remember is that the track is a business first and foremost so do not expect to get everything that you ask for. But if we change the way we address our issues and concerns we can create a more cooperative environment and maybe even become part of some of the decision making process in the future.

But that is just my two cents and based on my business experience the way things get worked out.

[wildgeezer]

May 12, 2010 9:23:41 GMT -8 wayfast01 said:

I am reading alot of "poor us" and "the big bad mean ole track" talk on the forum. I think Dave hit it on the head when he said communication needs to improve between track management and the drivers/teams. But, venting on a forum and actually doing something about it in a professional manner is another. In order for the concerns of the drivers and teams to be heard and considered it must be done with professional courtesy. There are ways to go about this so as to keep it from appearing as if we are attacking the track management, put them on the defensive and accomplish nothing! So, there are a few steps that we need to take if the drivers/teams are really serious about trying to impart change at the track and build a good relationship with the track going forward (which benefits us all).

1) Query the drivers/teams as to whether they would like to organize a drivers meeting to discuss the issues/concerns
2) At the meeting create a list of the concerns and prioritize these concerns in a number of ways; those that impact the most divisions, those that carry the greatest financial burden to the racers/teams, etc....
3) At the meeting elect one representative from each division to be the representative to attend a meeting with track management. The representative should be some one who can control their emotions while being able to intelligently deliver and debate the discussion points.
4) Formally request(in writing) a meeting with management to discuss the concerns and provide them in advance a list of our concerns/issues.


If this is approached in a non-confrontational manner, we can impart change. The key to remember is that the track is a business first and foremost so do not expect to get everything that you ask for. But if we change the way we address our issues and concerns we can create a more cooperative environment and maybe even become part of some of the decision making process in the future.

But that is just my two cents and based on my business experience the way things get worked out.

Don't think this going away anytime soon, in about 2000 we had a meeting about Grand American Mods concerning running a spec motor. out of 19 or 20 drivers all but 1 voted for 412 max CI and all cast iron. After a short walk out side the Offies came in and told us it was spec or we are so sorry but you can't race. These people are running a business and need to make money to keep it going. Look around at all the stuff out there. When I started all your help volunteered, pit passes were 5 bucks, we wore white pants and white tee shirts. It cost 2 to 3 thousand a year to race claimers. B mains every race. The bottom line is unless you find some other addiction that is cheaper your need to suck it up. If you want to play you gotta pay! I've been snorting race cars for a long time now, I need money for gas I need money for tires, I need I need, I promise to pay you next week if I can get some today . I feel your pain, hey, maybe I see you at the races!!!!!!!! Fabian Bray

[teammtrsprts]

I agree what should happen but in18 years I have never seen the right thing done. The bottom line is $$$$$!

Unless the customer base "back and front gate" goes down everything will continue to be all about $$$$$!

It seems Stafford and Blair are constantly trying to outdo each other for Powell. The more money they generate the better they look. JOB security!

Instead of trying to build their customer base "IE car count" They continue to raise the cost of entry fees, tires and fuel. Its no surprise LVMS has their hand in everyone's pockets. They made over 30k on tires alone at the fall classic!

As for union representation, I think I herd this song last year. What happen to the president? or was that another scam to get Connor back in everyone's good graces? Humm I wonder who showed the president how to set up his car with the big bar soft springs before the fall classic?

I do remember everyone threatening to park their cars because the bullring rule book was not enforced! Then LVMS promoted the violence on the Radio like a WWE event!

My team decided at that point to park all 4 super late models for the final points race and make the modifications to race California. We have not raced at all this year!

Double mains and more money in California and they actually enforce their rule book! Bottom line its all business!

If you really want to do something, stop pregnant doging and spending your money at LVMS! There are better facilities where racing is fun again!

[dave]

Bill have you been following what's happening in Irwindale? They are way short on love this year.

[crewman]

car counts there are as bad as here from what i have seen and heard