Atco is done

[tavirace]

I attended a event locally with a friend, they said I don't think it should cost this much just to watch. I reminded them the vast majority of the year this property doesn't earn a nickle, even then it depends on the weather. NHRA lodrs series and the recent sportsnationals definitely show they don't fill the stands. I recently visited Dragway 42 in Ohio, they have a very large and varied schedule, it's interesting to look at.

[B Parker]

Originally Posted by tavirace

I attended a event locally with a friend, they said I don't think it should cost this much just to watch. I reminded them the vast majority of the year this property doesn't earn a nickle, even then it depends on the weather. NHRA lodrs series and the recent sportsnationals definitely show they don't fill the stands. I recently visited Dragway 42 in Ohio, they have a very large and varied schedule, it's interesting to look at.

Drag racing in general don't fill the stands. Unless you have fire coming out of the headers. I think a lot of the track owners expect to just open the gate during a LODR and fans should know about it and show up. Well the ones that understand this is not the 60's and 70's and work at getting fans in the seats still do ok. Sportsman racing is the greatest traveling car show on earth. Have you ever heard a track use those words to promote it? BP

[cad]

An unrelated artice that I came across stated that Copart is targeting former race tracks because they can purchase the land with less EPA restrictions revolving around oil contamination that pre-existed/grandfathered, and will not impact cars being stored on the property.

[Henrys Toy]

Originally Posted by B Parker

Drag racing in general don't fill the stands. Unless you have fire coming out of the headers. I think a lot of the track owners expect to just open the gate during a LODR and fans should know about it and show up. Well the ones that understand this is not the 60's and 70's and work at getting fans in the seats still do ok. Sportsman racing is the greatest traveling car show on earth. Have you ever heard a track use those words to promote it? BP

Good afternoon Barry and to all,
You've said a mouthful my friend. You were at Maple Grove for the points race and there was spectators! Besides adding some improvements to an already good facility they got people into the stands. People that eat food, buy T-Shirts and pay admission, maybe there plan should be one to look at and follow. Lebanon Valley also had spectators , Okay - the place wasn't packed , but there was people there and that's a "good sign" !
Yes its going to take some work, people want to be entertained and if the "people" don't feel there're getting enough bang for there buck - they aren't coming back. I'm sure racers feel the same way. After all Stock Elim. is the Original Small Tire class in Drag Racing, there has to be a way to capitalize on what we already have.

Respectfully,
Henry Kunz 1534 H/SA

[Nick Heath]

I thought there was a "decent" crowd at the Atco N/O in May. The rub of course being that admission was free. It seems there are multiple factors at play with the Atco sale beyond just "sportsman drag racing doesn't pull in crowds."

[Dave Gantz]

Anyone need any grandstands? They're not wasting any time.
https://fazziosurplus.com/5000-seat-...stands-jf35596

[B Parker]

We are still going to lose a lot more tracks over the next several years. No matter what the owners do. The Real Estate values on so many tracks have far exceeded the money value they can make operating as a racing facility. Along with dealing with Government regulations and neighbors. We go to a race for the weekend and spend some money. At the end of the weekend we drive away. The owners are left with all the financial exposures and the long hours of work needed to be successful. As a racer I hate to see any tracks close. For the ones that stay open I stand by what I have said about promoting races. BP

[ken robinson]

Maybe for his next business adventure he will buy the Yankees and then sale the statium

[joe huestis]

Originally Posted by B Parker

We are still going to lose a lot more tracks over the next several years. No matter what the owners do. The Real Estate values on so many tracks have far exceeded the money value they can make operating as a racing facility. Along with dealing with Government regulations and neighbors. We go to a race for the weekend and spend some money. At the end of the weekend we drive away. The owners are left with all the financial exposures and the long hours of work needed to be successful. As a racer I hate to see any tracks close. For the ones that stay open I stand by what I have said about promoting races. BP

Barry, you made a wise decision heading south to live. We still have 18 active dragstrips in NC. Granted, most are 1/8 mile, but Rockingham, VMP, Darlington, Zmax, and Galot are decent facilities to race at and not a distant tow. Another fine thing about this area is several divisional races are held not too far away in D1,2,3.

[Frank Castros]

In terms of prosperity for the sport of Drag Racing and especially in the North East region perhaps the N.H.R.A. and New Jersey Motorsports Park should have a conversation.