Post by Clipper on Apr 10, 2023 10:26:08 GMT -5
This mornings news listed the number of fans for the spring dirt race. Sadly it was only about 1/4 of what it usually is. Only 25,000 attended the cup race last night. Many fans don't like the idea of the dirt race, others don't like the fact that rules changes have taken alot of the excitement out of racing, and I am sure that some no longer can afford the tickets. The cost of a weekend ticket to see the truck race, the x-finity race, and the cup race are around $200 per person.
I have to wonder if they even broke even considering the cost of hauling the dirt in and preparing the track, which takes over two weeks, and then the cost of hauling it all back out and cleaning up the asphalt and concrete on the track and in the pits. They stockpile the dirt on a hill near the speedway and re-use it. A local contractor has 10 or 12 dump trucks hauling the dirt and several other pieces of equipment to grade and compact the dirt to create the racing surface. The contractor has his equipment working at the track for over a month to prep for, and clean-up after the race
Most locals think it is ridiculous to turn the track into a dirt track for one weekend per year when there is a NASCAR affiliated dirt track 45 minutes down the interstate. The spring race has always been a favorite of fans and has always been well attended. The disappointing numbers tell the story. I figured that there was the usual number of fans rolling into town last week but I never went near the speedway or saw how few were actually at the campgrounds. It had to be a major disappointment to local merchants, restaurants, and hotels that depend on the race weekends for a significant contribution to their overall bottom line.
It is a beautiful sunny but cool day here today. Time to get moving and get some more yard work done. Have a great day.
I have to wonder if they even broke even considering the cost of hauling the dirt in and preparing the track, which takes over two weeks, and then the cost of hauling it all back out and cleaning up the asphalt and concrete on the track and in the pits. They stockpile the dirt on a hill near the speedway and re-use it. A local contractor has 10 or 12 dump trucks hauling the dirt and several other pieces of equipment to grade and compact the dirt to create the racing surface. The contractor has his equipment working at the track for over a month to prep for, and clean-up after the race
Most locals think it is ridiculous to turn the track into a dirt track for one weekend per year when there is a NASCAR affiliated dirt track 45 minutes down the interstate. The spring race has always been a favorite of fans and has always been well attended. The disappointing numbers tell the story. I figured that there was the usual number of fans rolling into town last week but I never went near the speedway or saw how few were actually at the campgrounds. It had to be a major disappointment to local merchants, restaurants, and hotels that depend on the race weekends for a significant contribution to their overall bottom line.
It is a beautiful sunny but cool day here today. Time to get moving and get some more yard work done. Have a great day.