35 replies to this topic

[AK1]

2011 Waynesfield Schedule and Purse Structure released
WAYNESFIELD, OH
By Gerry Keysor

Waynesfield Raceway Park track owner Greg Shobe has returned to the helm of his 1/3 mile dirt oval, and has released his tentative 2011 schedule, which showcases a multitude of classes, and gives the fans a great program to enjoy, no matter what week they attend.

The season kicks off On Saturday May 7th with a phenomenal weekly program of 6 classes of cars, including the Non Wing Sprint Cars, UMP Modifieds, 4 Cylinder Tough Trucks, 1000cc Mini Sprints, Compacts, and the return of the always popular Thunder Stock Cars. The stock cars return after a 2 year absence from the Waynesfield lineup. Waynesfield will run Saturday nights weekly with this line up with the exception of a couple of weeks where the stock cars and modifieds will have the opportunity to compete at the famed Eldora Speedway in Rossburg Ohio

The All Star Circuit of Champions return to the 1/3 mile bullring at Waynesfield on Monday night June 20th for the 29th Annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek. Last year’s annual stop by the All Stars provided fans with one of the most exciting events of the year, with Brad Sweet picking up the win after a tremendous battle with NASCAR star Dave Blaney, and longtime national sprint car competitor Gary Wright. This one sets up to be a great event with Waynesfield moving to the Monday night slot on the Speedweek calendar.

The Road to the Hewitt passes through Waynesfield on July 9th, as the popular Non Wing Sprint Car mini-series returns in 2011. The Non Wing Sprint Cars will compete for supremacy at several area tracks, earning points to claim the winner’s share of “The Road to the Hewitt” points.

The Road to the Hewitt culminates on August 20th at Waynesfield Raceway Park when the 3rd Annual Jack Hewitt Classic takes place on the 1/3 mile bullring. Jonathan Hendrick picked up the win in 2010 winning a thrilling feature filled with slidejobs and daring passes during a race named for one of the most exciting drivers in history. Look for much of the same in 2011 as we honor Troy, Ohio racing legend Jack Hewitt.

In addition to the schedule, Waynesfield Raceway Park also released the tentative purse structure for all classes for 2011. Track promoter Greg Shobe has made it clear that these purses are by no means final. Shobe said, “If we can find additional sponsorship, or if we find that the attendance has increased to where we can support an increase, we will by all means put the money into the purse for the drivers and teams. A cutback for 2011 was necessary to ensure that we could continue to have a weekly program and hopefully start building towards a more thriving facility for teams, drivers, and most importantly our fans.”

While the schedule and purse has been released, there may be some adjustments, additions and/or subtractions to the schedule. We hope to have the schedule complete and concrete as we approach opening night. Keep up to date on any changes by visiting our website at http://www.waynesfieldracewaypark.com, and by visiting our page on Facebook at http://www.facebook....ld.Raceway.Park

[MWestfallfan54]

The schedule looks great with nonwings and modifieds running every week. Also its nice to see they are bringing back the stock cars. Sucks that the 360's got no races at all. I mean I'm not a huge fan of wing racing at all but it would have been to see them get a couple races at least since I know guys like Luke Hall and Dallas Hewitt that consistently ran there. Hopefully some sponsors sign on and the purse can raise for the nonwing's otherwise I don't see many indy guys coming over to race. Overall, not bad.

[Need for Speed]

I can understand the need to adjust the purse -a little bit-, but dropping it to $700 to win.................... That's kind of a slap in the face to the biggest, and most supported class at WRP, IMO. To put it into perspective, Earl had $1,000 to win sprint car races in the early-mid 1970's at Eldora. Hopefully Greg can get some sponsorship of the class /classes (ya got to hustle Greg, and you should have already been hustling!), and fans finally get their butts in the seats this year (cause if you don't, the place is going to close!). Because I don't think $700 to win a sprint car feature is going to impress too many car owners.

Edited by Need for Speed, 23 January 2011 - 08:25 PM.

[patrickw]

In before landon sees the new purse and goes off lol.

[hoosier race fan]

Or possibly not run as many weekly classes. 6 seems like a lot. Maybe drop a couple of them and take the money that would have been used for their purse and put it into the sprint purse. Spend the money on what will put more fans in the seats. It would not only attract more cars, but better quality cars, which should in return put more fans in the stands. I wouldn't try to change the best thing the track had going.

[Need for Speed]

Or possibly not run as many weekly classes. 6 seems like a lot. Maybe drop a couple of them and take the money that would have been used for their purse and put it into the sprint purse. Spend the money on what will put more fans in the seats. It would not only attract more cars, but better quality cars, which should in return put more fans in the stands. I wouldn't try to change the best thing the track had going.

hrf: That's the smartest thing I have ever seen you post!!

Greg: This 6 class a night stuff don't work! Look at Shadybowl, 6 to 7 classes a night, minimal numbers of cars per class, minimal purse pay out per class, and no fans in the stands.

There have been several articles written about this very issue, (and the fact it doesn't work/hasn't worked) in SSN in recent years.

The big late model race was a flop, fan wise. The big e-mod race was a flop, fan wise. The night Dean tried to run 3 support classes only, was also a flop, fan wise.

WRP's biggest races are sprint car races, with big paydays. True, you can't pay that every week, but the stands being full for big sprint car races (1 with no wings-Hewitt Classic, and 1 with wings-ASCoC Speed Week) tells you what the fans want.

Edited by Need for Speed, 23 January 2011 - 11:30 PM.

[wideopen24]

I hope Mr. Shobe remembers that last time he paid this bad pitpass's were $20.00 and they better be this year to....after all the only reason they went to $25 is to raise the purse.

Edited by wideopen24, 23 January 2011 - 11:26 PM.

[ACTS1:8]

IMO ... Team Westfall should be complaining the loudest ... they just took a $500/week PAY CUT! Oowwiiee!!!

[skinnykenny]

The last time I spoke with Greg he told me that his 1st priority was to "lower the admission prices at both the front gate and the pit gate because it costs too much $$ to take a family to the races every week. I'm sure I will have to reduce the purse payout but I absolutely MUST REDUCE THE GATE FEES first thing to get fans in the stands!!!" Now that was a couple months ago but was Greg's plan then.

[hiwayman]

what a joke of a schedule and a joke of a purse. your not going to get any big name drivers at 700 to win , and no big names = no one in the stands. really disapointed to see no 360 races on the schedule ,and limaland tried to get greg to schedule at least two races, but as you can see greg did not want to. what a shame!!!!!!!

[OGRE]

I'm glad the track will still be open and give racers options. I think we'll still have very competitive racing and we'll make sure to get the shows done in a timely manner. It's awesome to see the stocks back and the JR Butler Memorial race return to where it was originated. I'm hoping that we'll all rally around and try to support this venue. There will still be races that will be sponsored for more money I'm sure. Everyone wanted a schedule and that's what we got. There are sponsor details still being worked out and as more people come on board then as stated I'm sure that will be passed along to the supporters. I look forward to the meetings and hearing all of your positive ideas that will help support putting people in the seats and racers in the pits.

[wrench 1]

Tami and I will be operating the track in 2011. We will continue to run the same classes as 2010. No classes will be discontinued. If you have a question call 419 568 2893 (home.) 419 568 3201 (track). Please do not assume and spread false accusations. call me and I will return your call. Thank you for your patonage. Greg Shobe What happened to running the same classas as 2010 ? NO CLASSES WILL BE DISCONTINUED ? Starting off on the wrong foot already.

[double checkered]

The Shobes and WRP never stood a chance to be "right". I know its a shame the purse has been reduced from what it was in the past. But as we know, that "didn't work". So now Mr. Shobe is trying something different. Is it a horrible schedule because there isn't any 360 shows? Everyone can have an opinion on that. Heck, I like late models, but they aren't on the schedule. Any class that isn't on the schedule can feel left out I suppose. But a few positives.... 1) The track will have races. 2) The schedule is already posted (I hope it doesn't change too much to cause problems like in the past). 3) Mr. Shobe had committed to try to increase the payout. So maybe a little "give" from the drivers to continue to support the track while it tries to establish itself. Good luck to any and every race team wherever you choose to run. I sure hope to see you at WRP. Jeremy

[racing is life]

you want to see 360 sprints you will just have to go to Lima on Fridays or millstream on Sundays. Millstream is having 8 360 shows. The real winners are the mods and stocks this year,full schedule at Lima,waynesfield and millstream. looking foward to some awesome stock car races at wrp this year. I am very glad you brought them back.

[goober25g]

I hope the stocks will show up on Saturdays, I know some have a grudge since being cut in years past. I also think six classes is gonna make for some late nights at the field. One thing Dean always did right was run a quick night of racing,so hopefully we can continue that this year.

[fxdl03]

I am happy stocks are back,i always liked racing at WRP. I am not going to promise i`ll make it every saturday night but looking forward to racing there again. I also think trying to run 6 classes of cars might be a bit much....as far as payout goes i guess it could be worse, Greg could just let the track sit.

[OGRE]

It will be nice to see you back there again Pete! I'm excited and hope we can draw some stocks. I know they may be hesitant at first but hopefully they will know and understand that Greg is one of their supporters and they will return that support to him. Yes, Dean did run a quick show and ran things in a professional manner, WRP will always be greatful for having Dean Miracle there. We will do our best to keep the shows running fast and hopefully some ideas will come up in the meetings that will be scheduled.

[dirt track maniac]

To the owners...Thanks. Thanks for putting a schedule out early so teams can plan where they might race. Thanks for keeping alot of the great classes that have supported your facility. Thanks for adding the stocks back on. Thanks for staying in a business that has to be difficult to manage. And thanks for giving fans, drivers, teams, and neighbors a good place to enjoy racing. I will support the track and I hope the schedule stays unchanged and that you folks see your track prosper in 2011.

[AK1]

To the owners...Thanks. Thanks for putting a schedule out early so teams can plan where they might race. Thanks for keeping alot of the great classes that have supported your facility. Thanks for adding the stocks back on. Thanks for staying in a business that has to be difficult to manage. And thanks for giving fans, drivers, teams, and neighbors a good place to enjoy racing. I will support the track and I hope the schedule stays unchanged and that you folks see your track prosper in 2011.

I want to make sure you are aware, that the current schedule is still tentative. We may add, remove, or change some dates, but we hope to have the schedule concrete and printable as we get closer to the opening of our 2011 season. Keep checking our website for the latest updates.

With that said, thank your for your support.

[Dr. Speedy]

Have a solution to the 360 problem, take the wing off and run with the 410 s. On a short track, not a lot of difference in times. JMO