Quote:
Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich
Several things are hurting attendance.
Sadly, this country no longer has a large car culture as it once had. You'd be surprised how many people working in the offices of major automotive corporations either use public transportation, or ride bicycles to work. That is a horrible thing for the car culture. The car is no longer the source of pride it once was, nor the object of affection. For most, it is merely a conveyance.
The economy has a large effect. One big part of this is how hard different forms of entertainment compete for business. There was a time when the average person could afford to go out to eat, go to a movie, and go watch a couple of days of racing, and not burn his entire paycheck. This is no longer the case.
Finally, much of the group that "leads" our sport, especially with regard to putting on a race and promoting it, are doing a poor job. Our sport is, in most cases, doing a terrible job of competing for the entertainment dollars of potential fans. From lack of promotion and advertising, to poor scheduling, and right down to putting on a weak show, they're doing nothing to give fans a reason to show up. There are a few exceptions, but as a rule, they're just not getting the job done.
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Alan you are correct on all three counts. This past weekend's LDRS Points Meet at Columbus was pitiful in it's execution, in the condition of the facility, and the so called "show" that drew about 5 people. It makes it all the more poignant after attending the recent LDRS at Norwalk. I admit Summit Motorsports Park is an anomaly among drag strip facilities. But that doesn't excuse the National Trails staff from grass not being mowed in the pit areas (that get used every year the points meet is held here), pot holes in the middle of return roads deep enough to bend a wheel, or just a general indifference to their CUSTOMERS. The prevailing attitude seems to be "we got the track surface in great shape, what else do you need?" As I said, pitiful.
I found this promo on Norwalk's Facebook page (I think) awhile back.. It speaks volumes of how these folks continue to successfully garner support for their track. Go to their website
www.summitmotorsportspark.com and check out the updated version. Sounds like some folks over 55 with race cars are going to have a lot of fun September 27-28th in northern Ohio. Hell, perhaps all of us fossils with Stock/Superstockers should ask for our own eliminator at this race. What say you Mr. Bader? LOL