down in 1996, and decided to contact Alton McBride Jr., the President and Director of Operations of Speedway Associates Inc., and ask him a few questions.
Mad Mikie: How did Speedway Associates Inc. come to be?
Alton: Great question, well best I can tell in my memory it goes way back to 1993 when I got out of the race car full time perusing my career move to NC. My family or I as a 2nd generation racer were never highly funded in our motorsports careers and I was frustrated that professional motorsports was on a new incline where it was all about money and not as much about old school talent and ability to work on the car, program, business, and driving skill. I dreamed of a new time where a more affordable back to basics opportunity was at hand for the better of the sport and people. I continued racing part time in the south, testing helping teams, and some ARCA, and working for top teams in Cup, Nationwide, & Truck. Some 3 plus years ago I realized with the change of the economy (getting terribly worse) that years ago my thoughts of going back to basics (Old School) was just ahead of its time. I began to look in my inner circle and outside of it to find like minded key priceless people and that is how SAI was formed. In my eyes it was formed out of necessity to do something completely different. Not that we are smarter or not that we want to reinvent the wheel of motorsports, but lets face it, what has gone on out there in the last 15 years and the direction of choice is simply not working and producing and extinct short track in every town nation wide. Changes have to be made, and now. This will be a long term task. This is pretty accurate on how SAI was formed. Every principal shares the vision of a New back to basics health at all short tracks not just NWS.
Mad Mikie: Why did your company pick out North Wilkesboro Speedway?
Alton: Opportunity. Having looked at some 15 track opportunities in an 8 hour radius of Charlotte, none have the opportunity potential of NWS. The history of NWS being around since the inception of NASCAR combined with the desire of the racing world to see it preserved.
Mad Mikie: How much experience does your company or staff have with racing?
Alton: Not sure how you want it quantified so I will just give you the facts. Out of the SAI 7 I would guess there's a combined 200 years of motorsports experience ? 6 of our 7 SAI principals are past and or present long term drivers, team owners etc., our 7th who hasn't sat in the seat in competition she is the working wife of a past Winston Cup Champion. 1 has been in charge of Operations for The King Richard Petty, others have managed major business from NC to California. All SAI principals understand the honor and importance in this long term venture at NWS.
Mad Mikie: How supportive has the Wilkes community been?
Alton: Well, I think they have all been fair. SAI is very aware of the grief that the Wilkes community have had to deal with since the last Cup race at NWS. These fans and the community owe SAI nothing. We have worked 3 years to earn their respect. (Our preliminary efforts in achieving the contract and facility) It will take time but we feel in 2010 we will earn their support.
Mad Mikie: I noticed on your web site, www.historicnws.com, that you have 3 races lined up for next race season. Are you looking to have more races or other events?
Alton: Yes, there will be other events. We will announce those as we are able. We have been encouraged with no shortage of proposed events. With that said, each event must be a winner for all involved so we will make year 1 full of care full choices as we must crawl before we have a foot race.
Mad Mikie: Are there any plans to get a race from NASCAR, such as one of the traveling series like the Camping World East Series or is it too early to know yet?
Alton: SAI is not opposed to hosting a Camping World East race if that opportunity presents itself. All events are treated the same way. Does it fit our mission statement and will it equally benefit all. All being our NWS fans, Marketing partners & affiliates and the race series objective have to be achieved as well. SAI is interested in having events (every race must be a memorable event) not just booking a race. (A race is just that, another race)
Mad Mikie: Save the Speedway, the group trying to save North Wilkesboro Speedway, seems to have been pretty instrumental in keeping this historic track in the news through their efforts to save the track. Have you been in contact with them and do they approve of your plans?
Alton: Absolutely, STS is responsible for keeping this speedway from the bulldozer. SAI is proud to say that we have an alliance with STS. To date since our recent NWS media day we have met with all SAI members in private and formed what we feel is a sound alliance for a long journey in this exciting venture. STS and SAI share a lot of common struggles in getting NWS to this point. There is a mutual respect with egos checked at the shop door. SAI has a lot of work to complete ongoing. STS will be an intricate part in areas of the present and future.
Mad Mikie: In the past, Junior Johnson had tried to put together a group to buy the speedway. What does Junior think of your efforts and is Junior supporting you?
Alton: There are media news clips with Junior interviewed live from NWS media day. The words of JJ himself you can see doing your own research is " SAI, these people are the real deal, and if they were not I would not endorse them and I'd be gone ! " It is an honor to have JJ on board.
Mad Mikie: Your group had some impressive racing legends at the press conference, like Ned Jarrett, Junior Johnson, and the Allison brothers, announcing the re-opening of the speedway. Will they be involved with the track and in what capacity?
Alton: We are very proud of everyone who has stood behind this effort of SAI at NWS. It is nothing short of a magical time in short track history. Tony Stewart is doing great things to pay back into short track racing. Tony is the real deal, he gets it. That is why he receives so much respect. Ray Evernham is paying back, Johnny Benson has for years. SAI knows the value of the venture at NWS. We too are in the process of paying back. We have some awesome fun and honorable things planned over the next 3 years and beyond. The legends will always be a huge part of SAI and its focus. We will some day be known as the place closest to Race City USA to go scout for your drivers, crew members etc. The integrity of NWS will always be a complete preservation of the industries short track history. All these legends, everyone will be recognized and at home when on the grounds of Historic NWS.
Mad Mikie: Is there anything you’d like to tell the race fans out there?
Alton: Stay tuned, stay involved. There is something for everyone at NWS. Please use the website and check back often as it is a building process. Look into our Volunteer program that pays you in experience and NWS rewards points.
Mad Mikie: Thanks for your time Alton. I wish you and Speedway Associates Inc. the best of luck in reviving this historic track that many fans hold near and dear to their hearts.
Alton: It is my pleasure in talking to you on behalf of SAI. It’s an exciting time and it takes all people in every area big and small. Together we will all achieve great things.
Well folks, you got it from the head honcho
himself. Speedway Associates Inc. has some
big plans for North Wilkesboro Speedway and I
myself hope that they will succeed. North
Wilkesboro Speedway sat dormant for way too
many years and it’s high time it was given a
second chance to give the current generation of
race fans as well as future generations the
chance to relive their old memories and to create
some new ones.
Racing greats like Junior Johnson and Rex White
both came from the local area, and Ned Jarrett is
from just down the road. So there must be
something in the water around there that turns
out some great drivers. I plan to get back with
Alton later on to follow up on how things are progressing, so until then, you can keep up by checking out www.historicnws.com .
My thanks to Biker Bill and the Patriot Guard Riders for their recent laying of wreaths at a number of National Cemeteries around the country and assisting families in locating their veterans who were laid to rest there.
Gotta comment, question or want to say hey there...email Mike here
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