Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (August 30, 2010) - This coming Labor Day
Holiday weekend kicks off with the American Sprint Car Series Midwest Region
taking to Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway on Friday night.
Friday's card atop the 4/10-mile dirt oval marks one last tune up
opportunity prior to the Nebraska Cup weekend on September 10-12 that
includes events at Warrensburg, MO, McCool Junction, NE, and then Eagle, NE.
Friday's card marks the fifth night of ASCS Midwest action at I-80 Speedway,
where the series will finish off the 2010 season with championship night on
September 24.
Thus far, four different drivers have reached ASCS Midwest victory lane in
as many events at I-80 in 2010, with Dustin Morgan, Jack Dover, Shane
Stewart and Brian Brown each collecting Greenwood cash.
Eric Lutz of Sioux Falls, SD, leads the way in the ASCS Midwest title chase
entering Friday's action with a 221-point edge over Waverly, Nebraska's Doug
Lovegrove. Jack Dover, Tyler Drueke and defending ASCS Midwest champ Jason
Danley round out the current top five in points, with the rest of the top
ten including Lee Grosz, Brian Brown, Gage Dorr, Chad Humston and Ryan
Roberts.
Friday's action at I-80 Speedway fires off at 7:00 p.m.
Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway is located in Greenwood, NE, between
Lincoln and Omaha off I-80 Exit 420, then 0.4 mile north on SR 63 then west.
For more information, contact the track at 402-944-2233.
The ASCS Midwest Region has completed 15 nights of competition in 2010 at
seven different tracks throughout Nebraska and the surrounding areas of
Missouri, South Dakota and Iowa, with just five nights of competition
remaining.
In its 19th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing, the American Sprint Car
Series brings the best of Sprint Car racing to approximately 100 different
tracks throughout 30 states and Canada. Anchored by the Lucas Oil Sprint
Car Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of ten different
Regions throughout the nation.
Past ASCS Regional Winners at I-80 Speedway:
7/2/10 - Brian Brown (Midwest)
5/27/10 - Shane Stewart (Midwest)
4/17/10 - Jack Dover (Midwest)
4/16/10 - Dustin Morgan (Midwest)
7/2/09 - Brian Brown (Midwest)
5/21/09 - Chad Humston (Midwest)
4/11/09 - Jonathan Cornell (Midwest)
4/10/09 - Billy Alley (Midwest)
8/14/07 - Jack Dover (Midwest)
4/15/07 - Chuck Swenson (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/14/07 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/15/06 - Billy Alley (Midwest)
7/3/06 - Jake Peters (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/8/06 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/3/05 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. National)
7/8/05 - Brian Brown (Midwest)
4/15/05 - Terry McCarl (Midwest)
Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available
at www.ascsracing.com .
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
Good news - with a warning
- Good news Jack Dover is doing well and according to the Facebook page where regular updates have been posted, (viewable whether you have an account or not) he’s cleared to race.
Remember that the issue of whether or not a doctor’s clearance was given was a subject of discussion locally and on message boards across the country after Jack returned to racing one night after suffering head injuries on June 11. They plan on making it to two ASCS Races at Granite City, IL and Little Rock, AR to “start and park” for points. He’s planning to run the Nebraska Cup at Eagle on Sept. 12th.
I’ll just say this and not speak of this again: Eagle dodged a bullet in June when questions remained unanswered, or unwilling to be addressed when the issue of medical clearance came up. But I’m not condemning anyone - it would be hypocritical for me to point an accusing finger when I gladly stayed and watched. If I had enough issue with it I should have left. I didn’t.
Yes, there are plenty of stories told over beer about dirt track heroes racing with banged up heads, broken limbs, and an IV bottle hanging from an iron lung with a motor strapped to it and lapping the field (yes I’m exaggerating).
But that was then.
All that legend means nothing in today’s society when a lawsuit can turn racetracks into lakes, housing developments, or weed-infested patches of unused ground faster than Sammy Swindell’s lap around Eagle.
Hey, while you and I may agree with Shakespeare’s take on attorneys from Henry VI - "Kill all the lawyers!" our opinion isn’t worth squat in the real world. Whether or not anyone signed waivers or the law is on your side, your rights are only as good as your ability to defend them. All too often he with the most lawyer wins and sometimes winning the good fight might as well be a loss because of the heavy cost to defend oneself.
When these decisions are made it no longer affects one person. It can affect the racing community as a whole. In this day of sensationalistic, twenty-four hour media, uninformed opinion and hearsay ruling the air and cyberspace, lawsuits, insurance, and sick opportunism, we need to take the time to ask if maybe it isn’t a good idea to have all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed, for everybody’s sake.
But if that is done, fine - let the critics be damned and on with the show.
Remember that the issue of whether or not a doctor’s clearance was given was a subject of discussion locally and on message boards across the country after Jack returned to racing one night after suffering head injuries on June 11. They plan on making it to two ASCS Races at Granite City, IL and Little Rock, AR to “start and park” for points. He’s planning to run the Nebraska Cup at Eagle on Sept. 12th.
I’ll just say this and not speak of this again: Eagle dodged a bullet in June when questions remained unanswered, or unwilling to be addressed when the issue of medical clearance came up. But I’m not condemning anyone - it would be hypocritical for me to point an accusing finger when I gladly stayed and watched. If I had enough issue with it I should have left. I didn’t.
Yes, there are plenty of stories told over beer about dirt track heroes racing with banged up heads, broken limbs, and an IV bottle hanging from an iron lung with a motor strapped to it and lapping the field (yes I’m exaggerating).
But that was then.
All that legend means nothing in today’s society when a lawsuit can turn racetracks into lakes, housing developments, or weed-infested patches of unused ground faster than Sammy Swindell’s lap around Eagle.
Hey, while you and I may agree with Shakespeare’s take on attorneys from Henry VI - "Kill all the lawyers!" our opinion isn’t worth squat in the real world. Whether or not anyone signed waivers or the law is on your side, your rights are only as good as your ability to defend them. All too often he with the most lawyer wins and sometimes winning the good fight might as well be a loss because of the heavy cost to defend oneself.
When these decisions are made it no longer affects one person. It can affect the racing community as a whole. In this day of sensationalistic, twenty-four hour media, uninformed opinion and hearsay ruling the air and cyberspace, lawsuits, insurance, and sick opportunism, we need to take the time to ask if maybe it isn’t a good idea to have all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed, for everybody’s sake.
But if that is done, fine - let the critics be damned and on with the show.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Pace Lap - August 20, 2010
- August is often called the “month of money” with the numerous specials run during or near the month. It’s been the “month of misery” around here...a track shuts down, a driver suffers serious injuries, big shows get rained on...been kind of tough on the fans and the racers too.
- Eagle hasn’t had a rainout since the beginning of the season. I wonder if maybe a little of the financial strife some of the teams are going through right now is due to the fact they’ve had so much racing. The most expensive part of running a race car is...running the race car.
- Stayed home Monday from the Tour N’Topless sprint show at I-80 after I saw that giant yellow blob on the radar around 4PM. I used what little meteorology knowledge I hadn't forgotten from my degree and determined that this race would get cut short. I was right. Thursday night they ran the A features for the Sprints and Late Models, with 12 of the original 16 (with one obvious and certainly understandable absence) returning to finish the show. I had other plans for Thursday and did that instead.
- I’ve always thought the “complete heats=complete show” custom shouldn’t apply to touring series, because at most weekly shows they run double features (with their purse) the following week - thus justifying charging twice. But with touring events, I’d like them to run it all or run none.
- In the same vein: Same thing goes for the cut-short POWRi midget race at JMS last month. I don’t care if you paid out the purse - the fans came to see a full show. Logistics an issue? Time the next night? OK - then be creative.
But being creative is something nearly all midget sanctions are rarely accused of. Tech inspections, 2, 5, 10 and 20 lap records, more time spent on the hometown of the car owner than working a crowd, and hour-long intermissions to give crews time to set the car up - THAT’S what I call fan friendly!
- With Butler County’s woes, there as been some question about the 9/11 ASCS show.The track is looking for funding, but it’s possible there is a plan B in the works for another track. Which one? Not sure yet and nothing is finalized - could be a standalone show at one track, could be a two day Nebraska cup, could be something different and until we hear otherwise, the 9/11 show is still scheduled for BCM.
Interesting point: after lights were permanently installed at Memorial Stadium a few years ago and with the increase in TV coverage (particularly pay-per-view), Husker football games were moved to the night and running against them was financial suicide. This year, the 9/11 Husker game is in the MORNING...
- Went to Eagle for the first “sprint free” weekly show in a long time. Despite some anecdotal accounts on message boards, the crowd was down a little bit according to my comparisons, despite a buy one adult ticket, get one half off special via text message. That’s not saying it was desolate, you know - like a midget crowd.
I took off my shoes so I could use my toes and counted the people in the middle sections - like I do most weeks to get a gauge on the crowd. Having also worked at the track for 9 years and having to look at the gate receipts, I got pretty good at eyeballing it.
But was it because of no sprints? Maybe a little of it (Knoxville attendance on Saturday was up BTW), but you could pin other things too. Lincoln’s Ribfest and concert, a blazing hot week that really didn’t relent until the races were well underway, the last weekend before school, and the fact that most of the time, the crowd trails off significantly in August anyhow. Why do you think all those years Eagle ran its fan appreciation nights around that time?
What I’m saying is, you can’t read much into it either way.
- Still undecided on what I will do this weekend. Gotta be honest, I’m getting kind of burned out. We'll see how I feel. I'm looking forward to the end-of-season specials.
- Eagle hasn’t had a rainout since the beginning of the season. I wonder if maybe a little of the financial strife some of the teams are going through right now is due to the fact they’ve had so much racing. The most expensive part of running a race car is...running the race car.
- Stayed home Monday from the Tour N’Topless sprint show at I-80 after I saw that giant yellow blob on the radar around 4PM. I used what little meteorology knowledge I hadn't forgotten from my degree and determined that this race would get cut short. I was right. Thursday night they ran the A features for the Sprints and Late Models, with 12 of the original 16 (with one obvious and certainly understandable absence) returning to finish the show. I had other plans for Thursday and did that instead.
- I’ve always thought the “complete heats=complete show” custom shouldn’t apply to touring series, because at most weekly shows they run double features (with their purse) the following week - thus justifying charging twice. But with touring events, I’d like them to run it all or run none.
- In the same vein: Same thing goes for the cut-short POWRi midget race at JMS last month. I don’t care if you paid out the purse - the fans came to see a full show. Logistics an issue? Time the next night? OK - then be creative.
But being creative is something nearly all midget sanctions are rarely accused of. Tech inspections, 2, 5, 10 and 20 lap records, more time spent on the hometown of the car owner than working a crowd, and hour-long intermissions to give crews time to set the car up - THAT’S what I call fan friendly!
- With Butler County’s woes, there as been some question about the 9/11 ASCS show.
Update: The 9/11 show has been moved to Junction Motor Speedway, paying the winner $3000. Details here
Interesting point: after lights were permanently installed at Memorial Stadium a few years ago and with the increase in TV coverage (particularly pay-per-view), Husker football games were moved to the night and running against them was financial suicide. This year, the 9/11 Husker game is in the MORNING...
- Went to Eagle for the first “sprint free” weekly show in a long time. Despite some anecdotal accounts on message boards, the crowd was down a little bit according to my comparisons, despite a buy one adult ticket, get one half off special via text message. That’s not saying it was desolate, you know - like a midget crowd.
I took off my shoes so I could use my toes and counted the people in the middle sections - like I do most weeks to get a gauge on the crowd. Having also worked at the track for 9 years and having to look at the gate receipts, I got pretty good at eyeballing it.
But was it because of no sprints? Maybe a little of it (Knoxville attendance on Saturday was up BTW), but you could pin other things too. Lincoln’s Ribfest and concert, a blazing hot week that really didn’t relent until the races were well underway, the last weekend before school, and the fact that most of the time, the crowd trails off significantly in August anyhow. Why do you think all those years Eagle ran its fan appreciation nights around that time?
What I’m saying is, you can’t read much into it either way.
- Still undecided on what I will do this weekend. Gotta be honest, I’m getting kind of burned out. We'll see how I feel. I'm looking forward to the end-of-season specials.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
BCM Cancels Regular Season - Trying for 9/11 Race
From Jacy Todd via dirtdrivers.com
We have to announce that we were unable to salvage the regular season. We would like to thank everyone for their efforts in trying to come up with sponsors and ideas to finish the season off.
We are trying to work on the 9/11 show. If anyone would like to help with sponsorships or sponsoring please call me at 308-940-1970 or email acejc70@yahoo.com. Thanks again for everyone's support and efforts at Butler County Motorplex.
The classes we are looking at running for the 9/11 show will be B Mods, Hobbies, 4 cyl., and ASCS Sprints.
Update: The 9/11 show has been moved to Junction Motor Speedway, paying the winner $3000.
So unfortunately, barring any other additions...it looks like Butler County Motorplex is closed for 2010 and the foreseeable future.
We have to announce that we were unable to salvage the regular season. We would like to thank everyone for their efforts in trying to come up with sponsors and ideas to finish the season off.
We are trying to work on the 9/11 show. If anyone would like to help with sponsorships or sponsoring please call me at 308-940-1970 or email acejc70@yahoo.com. Thanks again for everyone's support and efforts at Butler County Motorplex.
The classes we are looking at running for the 9/11 show will be B Mods, Hobbies, 4 cyl., and ASCS Sprints.
Update: The 9/11 show has been moved to Junction Motor Speedway, paying the winner $3000.
So unfortunately, barring any other additions...it looks like Butler County Motorplex is closed for 2010 and the foreseeable future.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Dover injured in I-80 Crash
Sprint car driver Jack Dover was hospitalized Monday night after a violent crash at I-80 Speedway. He was transported to an Omaha hospital and is being treated for internal injuries.
The Lincoln Journal-Star article is here.
Lori Dover posted status updates on Jack's condition on the team's Facebook page.
It's been a rough year for Jack, as he also suffered head injuries after a flip at Eagle Raceway during the opening night of the Eagle Nationals on June 11.
My thoughts will be with the Dover family during this time. Despite all the safety advances, it's a dangerous sport with real people behind the wheel.
The Lincoln Journal-Star article is here.
Lori Dover posted status updates on Jack's condition on the team's Facebook page.
It's been a rough year for Jack, as he also suffered head injuries after a flip at Eagle Raceway during the opening night of the Eagle Nationals on June 11.
My thoughts will be with the Dover family during this time. Despite all the safety advances, it's a dangerous sport with real people behind the wheel.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Pace Lap - August 13, 2010
- Last Saturday Eagle Raceway held its second Fan Appreciation night with a near-capacity crowd braving the heat. How are they pulling this off when other tracks may see modest bumps in crowd, or put in what would be at best an average crowd at Eagle?
Yes, being located next to two significant population centers helps, but I believe it’s the free tickets given by the drivers and such that is the biggest difference. Not just because it’s free, it’s more than that - it’s because advocates of the track (drivers) are giving GIFTS to fans, essentially providing endorsement and obligation to fulfill the gift (going to the track).
I’ll write more on this, but it’s the personal connection that the drivers are making to the fans that is putting this ahead of just opening the gates and shouting “free” and hoping people come to you. We are moving into a cultural phase where endorsement from peers is the most important marketing tool - displacing the “voice of authority” that we grew up with. I've got the studies to back this up.
- Follow up: The Lincoln Journal Star did an article on the BCM closing today with some more detail. I realize it was a driver’s estimate, but the “800-1000” people per night is a bit...generous...based on the photos I see with the crowd in the background. I’m not trying to grind it in here, I’m just saying that perceptions of the crowd are often very far off from reality.
- Follow up to the follow up: it appears that the Todds are at least going to try to salvage some of the season, but need sponsor commitments to do so. It would be a nice change if a track had to close, at least it could have a proper farewell.
- I've heard this statement more than a few times in the past few days: "have we just got too many tracks?"
- I’ll be at Eagle Saturday, filling in for Joe Orth who’s at Knoxville this weekend along with most of the sprint car contingent. Wish I could have gone to Knoxville, but this is my peak time at work and we’re dealing with a huge project on top of that. What pays the bills comes first.
- To wit: I’m surprised at the number of people I hear about or talk to with financial issues who are still racing. Seriously. I’m not going to make a value judgement about anyone - we all have our issues, but for what’s a hobby for 99 44/100% of the people out there...I guess I just don’t understand. If that doesn’t make me a “real” race fan, then I gladly accept that distinction.
- From the "reading way too much into this" department: Got a text message this afternoon, with Eagle offering buy one, get one 1/2 off on adult tickets Saturday. One of the common cries from the sprint elitists (as they're called by everyone else) is "without sprints, no crowd!" So could the fact Eagle is running a gate special on the night sprints aren't running be an indirect admission of that?
Of course not - that alone isn't proof. Factor in weather, Lincoln's Ribfest, the fact that crowds tend to die off in August, etc. It's specious reasoning, just like saying that since I hang garlic around my house, I've never been attacked by a vampire. Well yeah...but that assumes a lot, such as vampires existing in the first place (sorry Twilightweirdos fans). At best it's a supporting argument, but not proof of the fact.
But, let the record show I do believe sprints drive a significant portion of the crowd.
- The T N’T or is it T’N T or T.N.T. (I’m dyn-a-mite*) series makes its annual appearance at I-80 Monday night. Either way, it’s one of the best shows out there and the only chance to see the best wingless sprints in the country running in Nebraska. Add super late models and probably the most competitive group of IMCA Modifieds in the country to the mix and you’ve got a first-class event.
- "If I won the lottery I would buy ____(track) and ____." It's always interesting. I'll share my ideas on that later.
- With BCM's future in doubt, I wonder if Eagle will pick up the Sept. 11 ASCS show? Make the Nebraska Cup a two-day event, perhaps? I'd like to see it happen.
Yes, being located next to two significant population centers helps, but I believe it’s the free tickets given by the drivers and such that is the biggest difference. Not just because it’s free, it’s more than that - it’s because advocates of the track (drivers) are giving GIFTS to fans, essentially providing endorsement and obligation to fulfill the gift (going to the track).
I’ll write more on this, but it’s the personal connection that the drivers are making to the fans that is putting this ahead of just opening the gates and shouting “free” and hoping people come to you. We are moving into a cultural phase where endorsement from peers is the most important marketing tool - displacing the “voice of authority” that we grew up with. I've got the studies to back this up.
- Follow up: The Lincoln Journal Star did an article on the BCM closing today with some more detail. I realize it was a driver’s estimate, but the “800-1000” people per night is a bit...generous...based on the photos I see with the crowd in the background. I’m not trying to grind it in here, I’m just saying that perceptions of the crowd are often very far off from reality.
- Follow up to the follow up: it appears that the Todds are at least going to try to salvage some of the season, but need sponsor commitments to do so. It would be a nice change if a track had to close, at least it could have a proper farewell.
- I've heard this statement more than a few times in the past few days: "have we just got too many tracks?"
- I’ll be at Eagle Saturday, filling in for Joe Orth who’s at Knoxville this weekend along with most of the sprint car contingent. Wish I could have gone to Knoxville, but this is my peak time at work and we’re dealing with a huge project on top of that. What pays the bills comes first.
- To wit: I’m surprised at the number of people I hear about or talk to with financial issues who are still racing. Seriously. I’m not going to make a value judgement about anyone - we all have our issues, but for what’s a hobby for 99 44/100% of the people out there...I guess I just don’t understand. If that doesn’t make me a “real” race fan, then I gladly accept that distinction.
- From the "reading way too much into this" department: Got a text message this afternoon, with Eagle offering buy one, get one 1/2 off on adult tickets Saturday. One of the common cries from the sprint elitists (as they're called by everyone else) is "without sprints, no crowd!" So could the fact Eagle is running a gate special on the night sprints aren't running be an indirect admission of that?
Of course not - that alone isn't proof. Factor in weather, Lincoln's Ribfest, the fact that crowds tend to die off in August, etc. It's specious reasoning, just like saying that since I hang garlic around my house, I've never been attacked by a vampire. Well yeah...but that assumes a lot, such as vampires existing in the first place (sorry Twilight
But, let the record show I do believe sprints drive a significant portion of the crowd.
- The T N’T or is it T’N T or T.N.T. (I’m dyn-a-mite*) series makes its annual appearance at I-80 Monday night. Either way, it’s one of the best shows out there and the only chance to see the best wingless sprints in the country running in Nebraska. Add super late models and probably the most competitive group of IMCA Modifieds in the country to the mix and you’ve got a first-class event.
- "If I won the lottery I would buy ____(track) and ____." It's always interesting. I'll share my ideas on that later.
- With BCM's future in doubt, I wonder if Eagle will pick up the Sept. 11 ASCS show? Make the Nebraska Cup a two-day event, perhaps? I'd like to see it happen.
*I was making an AC/DC reference there. By the way, I have a theory that every AC/DC song is really just a mashed-up version of Nazareth's "Hair of the Dog." Seriously - go listen.
BCM Update
From Jacy Todd
We would like to thank all the racing community for the great support on
Butler County Motorplex. As of now we are trying to work on next Friday
putting a show on. We are getting some sponsors but need more. We will be
taking this Friday off and hope that we will be able to pull through and
finish the last two nights. If anyone wants to help out with sponsoring they
can call me at 308-940-1970. Thanks a lot everyone!
Jacy
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thoughts on the BCM Closing
The biggest news this week is undeniably the closing of Butler County Motorplex. After three years, Jacy and Paula Todd have called it quits, citing physical and financial reasons; closing the doors effective immediately.
I have to give them credit - BCM is a racy place but suffers two big handicaps: an out of the way location and very limited seating. The grandstands are just too small to support the front gate revenue needed to make privately-owned facilities survive (as I said here). Fairgrounds tracks are paid for, and unless the upkeep exceeds revenue (profit margin isn’t as big a deal) or the land is more profitable if re-purposed, such as Nebraska State Fair Park - the going is a little easier especially with so many “suitcase promoters” running the show.
BCM was put up for sale in 2006 - the asking price was $550,000 at the time. The Todd’s took it over for the 2007 season and had an impressive run. We’ll see what the future holds.
Some of the regulars are trying to mount a grassroots effort to finish out the season offering to race for trophies and no purse money. Pit fees would remain, in order to pay for the show (but I’m unaware if there’s any outstanding debt).
I understand the sentiment, and I’m in the minority - but running for free is setting a dangerous precedent when one of the complaints I hear most often is purses just aren’t large enough to maintain race-to-race expenses. I’ve said before that purses aren’t the only reason for lower car counts, but lowering purses further isn’t going to help.
Maybe running one “last blast” show for free would be OK, but I will guarantee that the willingness to run for free will be used by any promoter against them when the issue of raising the purse comes up. It’s one of the beefs I have with sprint cars willing to travel two hours northwest to run for a portion of the front gate - which in many cases is much less than what Eagle and ASCS are paying.
Racing is as much an emotional investment as anything - I’ve been there. But I’ve also been part of the other side from the local level to national series and the “you were willing to run at ____ for less!” argument does happen. It will happen. Think of the long term, people.
“We would race for nothing!” Really? When the check is zero and the stands are full?
"Hey, we don't race for much anyway!" OK...how about less than that?
Be careful that the knee-jerk reaction doesn’t come up and smack you in the face later. Consider taking all that pit fee money and having a last season ending banquet instead.
It’s an unceremonious end to a place that seems to be dear to people’s hearts. But with racetracks, those kind of endings are the norm.
I have to give them credit - BCM is a racy place but suffers two big handicaps: an out of the way location and very limited seating. The grandstands are just too small to support the front gate revenue needed to make privately-owned facilities survive (as I said here). Fairgrounds tracks are paid for, and unless the upkeep exceeds revenue (profit margin isn’t as big a deal) or the land is more profitable if re-purposed, such as Nebraska State Fair Park - the going is a little easier especially with so many “suitcase promoters” running the show.
BCM was put up for sale in 2006 - the asking price was $550,000 at the time. The Todd’s took it over for the 2007 season and had an impressive run. We’ll see what the future holds.
Some of the regulars are trying to mount a grassroots effort to finish out the season offering to race for trophies and no purse money. Pit fees would remain, in order to pay for the show (but I’m unaware if there’s any outstanding debt).
I understand the sentiment, and I’m in the minority - but running for free is setting a dangerous precedent when one of the complaints I hear most often is purses just aren’t large enough to maintain race-to-race expenses. I’ve said before that purses aren’t the only reason for lower car counts, but lowering purses further isn’t going to help.
Maybe running one “last blast” show for free would be OK, but I will guarantee that the willingness to run for free will be used by any promoter against them when the issue of raising the purse comes up. It’s one of the beefs I have with sprint cars willing to travel two hours northwest to run for a portion of the front gate - which in many cases is much less than what Eagle and ASCS are paying.
Racing is as much an emotional investment as anything - I’ve been there. But I’ve also been part of the other side from the local level to national series and the “you were willing to run at ____ for less!” argument does happen. It will happen. Think of the long term, people.
“We would race for nothing!” Really? When the check is zero and the stands are full?
"Hey, we don't race for much anyway!" OK...how about less than that?
Be careful that the knee-jerk reaction doesn’t come up and smack you in the face later. Consider taking all that pit fee money and having a last season ending banquet instead.
It’s an unceremonious end to a place that seems to be dear to people’s hearts. But with racetracks, those kind of endings are the norm.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Butler County Motorplex Closing
Sad and abrupt news…
Butler County Motorplex will be closing the doors effective immediately. Due
to physical and financial strains we regretfully have to make a tough
decision and close. We apologize for any inconvenience this might bring upon
the fans and drivers. On behalf of our family we would like to thank the
racing community, drivers, and fans for supporting us for the three years we
have been involved.
Sincerely,
Paula and Jacy Todd
Monday, August 09, 2010
Jim Sasse Benefit Aug. 22
From Sarah Sasse-Kildow
Longtime engine builder, racer and owner of the 5s Modified Jim Sasse has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer, which has spread to his liver, in addition to prostate cancer. He is currently recovering from surgery and will begin chemotherapy treatment late August. The Sasse family requests your support during this challenging time.
WAY TO PROVIDE SUPPORT:
August 22, 2010 12AM-2PM
THE FALLS RECEPTION HALL, 5925 ADAMS, LINCOLN NE
LUNCHEON (ADULTS $10, CHILDREN $5)
SILENT AUCTION: HUSKER TICKETS, GOLF ITEMS, PLUS MUCH MORE
RAFFLE 42" LG PLASMA TV (can get raffle tickets ahead of time, presence not necessary to win, $5 ea)
If you cannot make the luncheon, contributions by mail can be sent to...
2031 NW Bewley Ct., Lincoln NE 68528
Checks Payable to: "Jim Sasse Remission Fund"
Any questions call Sarah Sasse-Kildow (402)202-1522
Longtime engine builder, racer and owner of the 5s Modified Jim Sasse has recently been diagnosed with colon cancer, which has spread to his liver, in addition to prostate cancer. He is currently recovering from surgery and will begin chemotherapy treatment late August. The Sasse family requests your support during this challenging time.
WAY TO PROVIDE SUPPORT:
August 22, 2010 12AM-2PM
THE FALLS RECEPTION HALL, 5925 ADAMS, LINCOLN NE
LUNCHEON (ADULTS $10, CHILDREN $5)
SILENT AUCTION: HUSKER TICKETS, GOLF ITEMS, PLUS MUCH MORE
RAFFLE 42" LG PLASMA TV (can get raffle tickets ahead of time, presence not necessary to win, $5 ea)
If you cannot make the luncheon, contributions by mail can be sent to...
2031 NW Bewley Ct., Lincoln NE 68528
Checks Payable to: "Jim Sasse Remission Fund"
Any questions call Sarah Sasse-Kildow (402)202-1522
Friday, August 06, 2010
I-80: TnT Wingless Sprints, SLMR Late Models and IMCA Modifieds Aug. 16
From I-80 Speedway:
This will be an action packed night of racing with TnT Wingless Sprint
Bandits, SLMR Super Late Models, IMCA Modifieds!!
Grandstands Open at 5:30
Pit Gate Opens at 3:00
Hot Laps at 6:30
RACING at 7:00
TICKETS
$20 Adults - $8 Juniors(6-15) - FREE Kids 5 & Under
For Racing Info Go to www.i-80speedway.com
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Eagle 7-31-10 Photos
Here's shots from last weekend at Eagle. I've gone back with the Zenfolio gallery, hoping performance issues have improved.
Eagle-7-31-10 Photos
Eagle-7-31-10 Photos
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