by SC Racefan » Fri Jul 30, 2010 6:29 pm
I'm not going to start or get in an online argument about a track or racing. It's retarded and I hate it. But I feel compelled to make one last comment then I will shut up. I read Shawn's post and agree with a lot of what he says. But I want to make a statement regarding his opening theme of "Why do fans complain about length of show?" It's simple. We fans want to bring our families and friends who are probably not as hard core as we are about racing. It's not as much fun to attend a race by yourself than if your family and friends go with you. And those folks will not tolerate shows that exceed the length of a normal sporting event or evening outing (i.e.- 3 hours). I respect and understand Shawn's thought about "most bang for your buck". He's hard core like me. But, others aren't, and ultimately, racing is entertainment competing for the dollar alongside of movies, restaurants, ball games, etc. You have to draw that "moderate" fan week after week, not just the "hard core- race all night" fan. It is the failure to recognize this which has doomed many otherwise well run tracks. I repeat what I said earlier. You don't always have to agree with the fans, BUT YOU MUST LISTEN TO THEM!!! If not, then no track will ever stay in business. And folks, it IS a business. To think otherwise is foolish. Please learn the lesson that NASCAR is still trying to learn: what racers want and what fans want, are usually two different things, and NOT listening to the fans dooms your sport. Just look at attendance even at national touring series events. To think that that dynamic does not hold true locally is ducking your head in the sand. Okay, I surrender, I'm sure I will be shouted down by hordes of drivers now. That's fine. But understand, many fans like myself will not tolerate business as usual thinking at the racetrack. We want to see real signs that are interests are at heart. That's how you grow the fan base. And as I've said in every other post I've made, SCS is one of the raciest facilities in the midwest. Keep on rollin' baby!