so this appears to be their first attempt at this. If so, why were they used instead of those used for Bristol or Charlotte?)
B) Who are they using now? Why the change? Have they done work at other SMI venues or other NASCAR venues before? If so, why weren't they used initially?
C) The solution now proposed at a significant cost to KY taxpayers includes construction of additional lanes on I-71 exit ramps and surrounding state roads? Why is this necessary when the Lexington Herald Leader photos of race traffic show that existing lanes were not used, nor were counter traffic patterns (placing cones so one of the outbound lanes is used as an additional in bound lane) used to maximize the available lanes. Whose made that call?
D) Compounding the situation, the photo shows no temporary signage or traffic control personnel to help direct traffic off the interstate onto the roads leading into track property. Who made that call and why? Will the same situation exist next year? And if so, why? If not, why is it now a good idea when it wasn't this year?
E) What company was used this year to handle parking? What was there experience, who chose them and why? Why was Veterans Security and Patrol Company, a local company selected? Press releases said they handle parking at Daytona, Watkins Glen, Pocono? How does a Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky based c ompany get that kind of work at those locations? One would think that those jobs (especially Daytona) would warrant mention on the company's web page but the is no specific mention? Why? Isn't it odd that a company used by ISC is now being used by SMI?
F) Law Enforcement - which law enforcement agencies were used and where were they used and why? When have attended races at Charlotte, Atlanta, Talladega, Bristol there always seemed to be a significant state police presence. Was this the case here and if not why? Again, who made those calls, the state or Mr. Smith?
G) Tunnel construction - why is the state picking up the tab for this when it appears that it will be connecting private property? Did NC foot the bill for the construction of the foot bridges over the highway at Charlotte Motor Speedway or did Mr. Smith have to pay for it? What's the difference?
H) Parking - Mr. Smith has numerous tracks, has promoted numerous races, so he has a wealth of experience. He knew how many parking spots he had available and how many available tickets that could be sold and how many were sold. From his wealth of experience he knows or should know that if you sell X number of tickets they will come in Y number of vehicles, needing Y number of parking spaces. If the number of spots available is less than needed, there is a problem. The larger the differential, the bigger the problem. Mr. Smith had all the information and knew there was going to be a problem when ticket sales reached a certain point-long before sellout. When was that point reached or exceeded? Once reached what steps, if any, did they take to minimize the problem? If none were taken, why wasn't it taken?
I) Parking Organization - part of the corrective action presented includes putting gravel roadways down to organize the parking so more vehicles can be parked in less space? Is this a new technique? If not, does Mr. Smith employee it at any of his other tracks? (Answer-Yes, Charlotte, Bristol). If it is used at other tracks successfully, why were they not used here before the first race and who made the call not to use it until after the fiasco?
J) Other issues - Not Enough Toilets, Concessions, Trash Receptacles. KY may share blame for the traffic issues but these issues fall are clearly under the control of Mr. Smith. Again, he has been in the business long enough to know how many of each are needed based on the number of tickets sold. Recall, one of the first things they did when they acquired Bristol was haul in the porta-johns. That first year there, you couldn't get around the grounds without running into one. Similarly, on concessions-I would wager that if you could tell Mr. Smith how many tickets were sold, he could get within a hundred hot dogs of how many will be consumed on a race weekend. Again, Mr. Smith knew how many tickets were sold yet with his vast experience there were not enough toilets available, concessions (except beer) was gone before the midpoint of the race (with a ton of fans still not in their seats yet) and there was nowhere near enough places to dispose of trash.
2012 Formula One Schedule
Formula One has published their 2012 schedule and it’ll be very interesting to see how Speed TV handles the broadcasting since F-1 will be running at the Course of the America’s during the same week as the NA$CAR season finale at Homestead.
March 18, Melbourne
March 25, Sepang
April 15, Beijing
April 22, Bahrain
May 13, Barcelona
May 27, Monaco
June 10, Montreal
June 24, Valencia
July 8, Silverstone
July 22, Hockenheim
July 29, Hungary
Sept. 2, Spa
Sept. 9, Monza
Sept. 23, Singapore
Oct. 7, Japan
Oct. 14, Korea
Oct. 28, India
Nov. 4, Abu Dhabi
Nov. 18, Austin, TX
Nov. 25, Sao Paulo
Missing off of next year’s schedule is the Turkish Grand Prix. I believe political and religious turmoil in the country are a big player in why the race isn’t returning there.
And speaking of Schedules, Hello? Ivory Towers? When’s the 2012 NA$CAR schedule coming out?
The Number Dilemma
Since NASCAR’s celebrity spokes model wants the #7 for her Cup ride so badly, maybe Tony could give up the #14 to her since 7+7=14? Just something to ponder.
Failed Attempts
How many folks remember Faux King Brian saying that the 10 race format at the end of the season was to be called “The Chase” rather than play-offs? And what has the media been calling it? Play-offs. Failed attempt #1.
Failed Attempt #2 comes in the form of GM. How many folks remember GM stating they wanted NASCAR and the associated drivers and owners to refer to their make of car as a Chevrolet? And what do the TV, media, drivers, owners, and even NASCAR refer to the Chevrolet as? A Chevy, like it has been referred to as for over 70 years.
Mayfield Appeals Hearing
Expect to see something around Sept 13 in regards to the scheduling of Mayfield’s appeals hearing in December. I’m planning to be at the December hearing and maybe His Majesty will be there picking his nose again on the witness stand.
Sunoco for Sale?
Sunoco is selling its two refineries and if there aren’t any buyers, they will just shut them down. They want to concentrate on their more profitable pipeline and retail stores businesses. So, Sunoco will no longer be refining their own gas, fuel, or ethanol. This means contracting their racing fuels operation out to another company such as VP Racing Fuels.
Brian Barnhart Alive in NASCAR?
That’s what it seemed like at Atlanta. Rain drops were clearly visible on the camera lenses and yet even after Andy Lally scraped the wall and brought out a caution and Bobby Labonte spun and hit the inside wall bringing out a caution, they continued to race. And when they finally stopped, 2 underdogs had been smart enough to stay out instead of pitting. But then, NA$CAR brought the cars out again, the 2 underdogs pitted, the field ran a couple of laps, then another red flag for rain. You have to ask yourself just why NA$CAR would risk the drivers’ lives when rain was on the track. Just like Brian Barnhart did at Loudon.
Gordon Ties Allison’s Record
With 85 wins, Jeffy has tied Bobby Allison’s record of 85 wins. This now means we’ll probably be hearing some very catty remarks out of Jabber Jaws, whom Jeffy was tied with before the win. Kitty treats for anyone in the Focks booth?
9-11 Anniversary
Sunday will mark a decade since the 9-11 disaster. The mastermind is dead. The planner is behind bars. But it still doesn’t make up for the loss of lives that occurred that day. Take a few moments on Sunday to remember all those folks who were killed on 9-11.
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