The have been three races for 2007 and many opinions and comments concerning them. I would like to get away from controversy and conspiracy one second and address the schedule. NASCAR is already planning the 2009 schedule and select tracks are addressing long term strategy for future races when they haven’t even run the 2008 race yet. There is a reason for that. The answer may lie in long term strategic planning for facilities recapitalization. What’s that I ask? Basically it takes a long time to plan a major project such as repaving and contract it out. Many popular tracks have older structures and grandstands and need dire improvements. So since NASCAR is in an incestuous relationship with International Speedway Corporation and the track's presidents are already planning future year dates, I wanted to make a business recommendation to NASCAR.
From my perspective it makes sense to space out the race dates among the tracks so adjacent tracks do not have back to back races. This recommendation works to
everyone’s benefit. It gives the people that are avid fans time to financially recoup from the previous race. It is plain and simple; it cost money to attend a race. I am not going to get into a discussion of ticket prices. Supply and demand dictate the price. As long as people are willing to pay 100+ dollars per ticket and the grandstands get filled than I have no argument. I am one of those people paying the price.
What I am asking is NASCAR spread out the races a little. Richmond, Darlington, Charlotte and Dover are back to back. I have asked this question many times and was told weather dictates schedule. NASCAR, Please remember these are NASCAR fans that endured 100 degree heat at the Darlington Labor Day Southern 500 and filled the stands. I have been told it is too cold in Michigan or Pocono to race in the spring or fall yet I have sat in a snow storm at Bristol. I bet the Pocono and MIS fans would prefer the races spread out. Cool weather is never an issue to them. These are the same fans who sit for winter football in zero degree weather.
I admit I am being selfish. I realize it takes a lot for the car haulers to travel all over the country. However, many of the drivers now fly by Helo or private jet. They have their Motor homes pre-positioned at the track. Further, I realize Charlotte is central to a number of teams and they call NC home. Team members get time to spend with
their families. NASCAR, I am not asking for drastic change.
I am asking for a schedule that makes business sense, addresses team concerns and one that would allow fans to attend multiple races a year. A win-win for everyone. I know many people that live in SC, NC and VA that would attend Darlington and Richmond but can't because of the cumulative cost in back to back race dates. If the races were spread out even a little, then, NASCAR, you would have more fans attending, more profit, and possibly more satisfied race fans.
Okay, I have to digress for a minute. What does limiting me to a 6X6X12 soft sided cooler at ISC tracks have to do with my safety? Note: please make sure it doesn’t have two straps. Two straps classify it as a backpack which is prohibited even if it
contains soda and ice. Additionally, per the regulations, do not carry extra ice in a clear plastic bag since it is prohibited for my safety as well. I wonder how much beer and food sales have increased since this rule went into effect and limited the amount of items you could carry.
Therefore, I wish to thanks Mr. Smith for still thinking of the fans at his tracks as well as the Dover officials. I am still paying 100 dollars a ticket but can bring in a cooler big enough for soda, bottled water,
sandwiches, fried chicken, peanuts,
pistachios, candy, brownies, extra
batteries, toy cars, suntan lotion and
other paraphernalia to support myself,
wife, and two kids for 5-6 hours at the
track. If I couldn’t bring all that in then
I couldn’t afford to go.
Additionally, I wish to thank the tracks
that offer significant military discounts.
I want to encourage it even more and
suggest everyone email the tracks.
Specifically, ISC tracks, please consider
further discounts for cup races for
military. The troops deserve it. I
appreciate all of the sacrifices they make including multiple deployments to combat
zones, long periods of time away from their families and missing birthdays, anniversaries and even births of their children.
One more thing, Thank you for all the emails for the last article I wrote.
Respectfully,
Paul Faneuf AKA Navy Paul
Gotta comment, question or want to say hey there...email Paul here
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