One of the many constants in the 45 years that I’ve been around dirt-track racing is that the sport, as a whole, is reactionary.
It’s almost like a hear no evil, see no evil concept. Whether it’s promoters, fans, drivers, and teams, all sides are content to keep things status quo. Then when a small problem escalates in seriousness, it becomes DEFCON-1.
I saw it again this week when news leaked on the Internet that Grandview Speedway is a simple township approval away from being sold to Copart, a global online vehicle auction and remarketing service for consumers and automotive businesses. Fans couldn’t wait to crucify management and Copart, all while romancing about the history and meaning of the speedway.
I’m always curious: Where was that passion and support for Grandview, and other tracks that have closed or are up for sale, before what seems like the inevitable? Because if you think the overall mood of fans on social media and in person doesn’t have an influence on the finality of these facilities … think again. They are the first, and sometimes last, nail in the coffin.
That’s not to say that social media angst is the only factor. Urban sprawl, older track owners receiving offers they can’t refuse, or making a quick buck, can be determining factors. But after talking to some of these same promoters, the demeanor of some fans and teams plays a significant role.
It’s a tipping point.
I get it … freedom of speech. And it’s pretty easy to type your thoughts out and push the button in the heat of the moment. The problem is that there are consequences, and in some cases, promoters and their families are sick of putting up with it.
The social media climate has certainly become more toxic. People have become more brazen over the last five years and can’t wait to give a scathing opinion when a show doesn’t go as planned.
That’s not to say all criticism is bad. Sometimes, the complaints are warranted, but there are other times when the words of choice are way over the top. The other head scratcher is that these same people are the first ones to wax poetic about the same speedway they just put on blast the week before.
Which is it?
I get the feeling people believe they are owed something. Sure, racetracks are there to provide entertainment, but they are still businesses that need to make a profit. To do so, decisions — some of them difficult — must be made to put the bottom line in the black.
If that means canceling early because of weather, so be it. There is no reason to get on the computer or your phone and take shots at the track because you can’t find something else to do that night.
It’s not just weather and canceling early. It takes a lot to shock me, but I’ve seen the way some people act at racetracks that. Things like sneaking into the facility without paying, stealing banners, or just being rude to employees makes me shake my head.
I don’t know if it’s entitlement or just being miserable. Or, maybe society has just changed that much over the years. Maybe people believe promoters are trying to put out a bad product or turn people away … funny, I’ve never seen a track operator say, “I can’t wait to have the track rubber up.”
Running a racetrack is a like shooting a bow-and-arrow at a target moving 30 mph. Good luck. You have to deal with weather, employee problems, tire shortages, insurance, different personalities in the pits and stands … and that’s just for starters.
Again, I’m not putting the sole blame for speedways closing at the feet of fans or the guys in the pit area. There are plenty of factors in play, and most of them are outside of the normal patron’s or competitor’s control.
But that doesn’t mean people can’t do their part. Before getting on the computer to rip a track or a promoter, take five minutes and think about how his or her family might feel. Maybe temper the words.
As for the promoters, they need to have a tougher skin. Know the difference between vitriol and constructive criticism. The latter can be used to not only make changes, but also grow your product.
Point is, it’s a lot of give and take. There is a measure of working together that needs to be in place for a track to be successful. Because if that isn’t the case, fans might be planning a lot of movie nights.