28 replies to this topic

[long-26]

Are you guys bringing stocks back next year?

[Dirtracer48]

Everything I have heard says yes, however how often is the question.

[Racer31]

We often hear from fans and racers alike that 6 classes is too much for one night. We have been quite successful in getting programs completed on average by 11:15pm even running 6 classes. The only drawback is this doesn't allow you much fan interaction (meet the drivers) time or even track prep if needed. We have went over several times different options for a rotation so that classes will get fair amount of races yet not confuse everyone on what classes are running on a specific night. What we do know for a fact: When we raced the same night that Eldora had family fun nights our car counts were super low in stocks and mods. Now you can take that two different ways: #1 since we said no points people may have said they are going to Eldora since they won't lose points...or #2 The family fun night at Eldora is just so polular with the drivers that it's just not worth running stocks and mods that night at WRP. We want to make this very clear though, we love all 6 classes that run at our track. We are always trying to find that perfect balance that will allow the drivers and fans to be able to enjoy their evening at the track. I timed everything last season and I can get all 6 divisions ran in a timely manner, however, I can't afford a rain delay, multiple red flags, many cautions or even major track prep. That being said the classes that one would consider rotating generally don't take a long time to run their events. Our weekly average for the stock class was only 11.8 cars. This is why we sent out requests for opinions and suggestions....it means alot. We only received about 15. So if you have some thoughts please post on here if you like.

Edited by Racer31, 10 December 2012 - 09:07 PM.

[Dirtracer48]

We often hear from fans and racers alike that 6 classes is too much for one night. We have been quite successful in getting programs completed on average by 11:15pm even running 6 classes. The only drawback is this doesn't allow you much fan interaction (meet the drivers) time or even track prep if needed. Our intentions are to still utilize all 6 classes this season. We have went over several times different options for a rotation so that classes will get fair amount of races yet not confuse everyone on what classes are running on a specific night. What we do know for a fact: When we raced the same night that Eldora had family fun nights our car counts were super low in stocks and mods. Now you can take that two different ways: #1 since we said no points people may have said they are going to Eldora since they won't lose points...or #2 The family fun night at Eldora is just so polular with the drivers that it's just not worth running stocks and mods that night at WRP. We want to make this very clear though, we love all 6 classes that run at our track. We are always trying to find that perfect balance that will allow the drivers and fans to be able to enjoy their evening at the track. I timed everything last season and I can get all 6 divisions ran in a timely manner, however, I can't afford a rain delay, multiple red flags, many cautions or even major track prep. That being said the classes that one would consider rotating generally don't take a long time to run their events.

This is why we sent out requests for opinions and suggestions....it means alot. We only received about 15. So if you have some thoughts please post on here if you like.

I didn't get the questionnaire. I'd like better track prep (more moisture, less random piles on the top that wreck cars in hotlaps), but that is my only suggestion. Long26 might be a good guy to ask as he wasn't extremely regular there. What would it take?

[long-26]

Keep the 6 and run 5 with two classes rotating. A bump in payout would be nice but a longer\later season would be awesome. Weather is great in september and attracting teams late in the year might entice them to run there more the next year. Also inspecting cars for safety might ge good for starter classes where guys might not know the basics like a lot of us do.

[KO_23]

I say make the season longer. The last few years the weather has been amazing almost straight through October, im not saying run all the way through October but running through September and then maybe 1 or 2 races at the beginning of October. I agree with Dirtracer more moisture in the track and less mounds of dirt would help a lot also. The one major thing i wish WRP would do is allowing drivers to change a tire in the features if they have one go flat. We bust our tails every week to run a show and sometimes tires go flat, but that should not end our night. Give them 2-3 pace laps to try and change the tire and get back on the track.

[Dirtracer48]

I agree with later, but also if the track is going to suck and everyone (fan and team alike) are all going to be miserable since it is ridiculously HOT out....cancel. I really think this killed some of the fanbase this year. People will always remember that they had a miserable time there last time, but not necessarily the reason why.

[sammie]

my two cents worth is: run 5, rotate 6. Raising the purse is great but everyone know its not all about the money. You never make enough to cover your cost, a little bit longer season would be great. The main thing to me is pit flow and the terrible scales, no real inspection area. oh yeah, changing tires would be great too, especially if your chasing points. One DNF could kill your chances at a good finish for the year.

[long-26]

Pit parking is a pain. But a timely run program, more moisture on the dirt, and running later in the season are at the top of my wish list....one other thought...what about a small playground/swing set for the kids...be perfect for intermissions or while your grabbing a hot dog. There is even room to the the side of the mens restroom if i recall.

[Dirtracer48]

Pit parking is a pain. But a timely run program, more moisture on the dirt, and running later in the season are at the top of my wish list....one other thought...what about a small playground/swing set for the kids...be perfect for intermissions or while your grabbing a hot dog. There is even room to the the side of the mens restroom if i recall.

I really wish the kart track area would be turned into additional pit parking. I'd gladly buy a reserved spot, as long as it wasn't on windshield break lane, or the back 40. I'd LOVE to see a lot of moisture in the track. When the field first opened, it was always hammer down. Nice idea on the small playground too....

My friend had a suggestion on the "work area" for changing tires, and it is pretty good......right between the outer wall in 3-4, and the pit stands. Wouldn't have too much work to open up a lane there, and the traffic issue rushing through the pits to repair/return is completely solved.

I agree it would be nice if the pay went up, but I can't really complain about it with the car counts some nights.

[sammie]

turning the cart track into parking would be great. you would not have to walk a mile to get something to eat. allow everyone to have their own area without putting cars way out of the way, that should be over flow. the hot pit lane in front of the stands sounds like a great idea.

[Dr. Speedy]

I hate to keep bringing it up, but does anyone agree that no alcohol in the pit(accept for racing). There have been numerous people walking around with beer cans. Not racers, but fans. some pretty (tooted). It can be a dangerous place especially when ya can't see in the dark. They could get run over. I think it should be a rule for 2013. JMO

[skip]

I have said all along that the kart track needs to go, if you want a kart track use the front straight and some of the infield for a kart track and let the fans use the large stands. It would be a lot nicer if they could every regain the karts that they once had before but it hasnt happened. Its a lot a wasted space that could be used on sat nights. The drop to 5 class,s is a big improvement with a rotating of the other class dropped. With the gain of 5 classe,s in time just allow a couple of extra laps on a tire change in the feature. The changes of tires doesnt really happen that much but the extra laps would maybe slow down the speeding in the pits to change a tire. And i agree no beer in the pits only after the races. If you wanna drink stay in the main grandsatnd.

[kartracer229]

Heres my thinking with the kart track. It really needs to go. I know this is what started Waynesfield, however local kart racing is pitiful anymore. Cridersville used to get 150-200 karts a night, and now they are lucky to get 30-40, and this is every kart track in the area. There is no possible way you can re-open it to be in anyway successful unless you throw high dollar money shows at it (500-1000 to win), and its very hard to make money with a karting money show. There is also no good day to attempt to re-open this track, Friday shows dont work (especially anymore). Saturdays are taken up by Cridersville, Lil Indy, Martinsville, Stateline, and several other local tracks. Sundays would be a day show, and those dont work very well either. Point is, its taking up space and its just not worth it to keep it around. Plow it over, and use it for extra pit parking. Hell its even lighted!!!! I know lighted pits would be excellent, and you could probably make 4-5 rows of parking, 20-30 trailers long in just that area, and use it for big trailers, I know getting a 28+ footer is kind of a pain in the back area, as well as people who leave in the middle of the features and it gets realllllllllly cramped back there. You could make that a reserved area, and you could make some $$$ off that too, as well as you maybe dont park in a certian row if you dont have a reserved spot, because I know several times people have pulled into others reserved spots and it makes for a mess people trying to back out, when others are pulling in (specifically talking about the area to the right as soon as you exit the track). Heres my idea for the "pit road" I dont think you can run one behind the grandstands, as youd have cars flying through the pits with flat tires, and it just wouldnt be good, this would completely avoid entering the pits, and solves alot. Basic idea is, move all the reserved spots back 10-15 feet from where they currently are, and take a grader to the area where that crappy wire fence is, and make a lane that runs infront of the pit grandstands. Then move 2-3 of those concrete K line barriers that separate the staging area and the grandstands, since the guardrail is offset, your able to pull right back on the track, no bubbles no troubles. Your entrance for this "pit road" would utilize the same exit as the track, but instead of going straight towards the scale area, you turn left onto this pit road, and never once do you encounter spectators walking through the pits. Here is my Micheal Angelo style artistic skills of how I envision this to look.

Attached Files

•  IMG_0226.JPG   38.78KB   45 downloads

[KO_23]

In my honest opinion this is something that WRP needs to look into doing, I would be willing to lend a hand to help get it done this spring. WRP has something very very very special taking form. When fans go to the track they wanna come back, the racing there is amazing. But just because there is something special does not mean you sit idle and keep everything the same. Listen to the drivers and fans, continue to make this track grow and within the next 5 years you wont have to worry about filling the stands up on a regular night, the only thing you might have to worry about is whether or not you will have enough grandstands for all the butts to sit on. I have not talked to one person that disagrees with the picture above. Making a pit road kinda lane in front of the pit grandstands is a perfect idea, this idea will allow people to change a tire during a feature if they get a flat and then still get right back onto the track, no congestion and not slowing the show down by not being able to line up the next race. The kart track is idle so get rid of it focus on the amazing dirt track you have going right now. Both times we were able to race over at WRP we had to park out by the road because we showed up a little late, with a bigger pit area that would not be an issue.

[Racer31]

In the next week we should be ready to make a press release about some important changes in 2013. There are some great things that are going to happen in 2013. I have been actually looking at the land that kartracer mentions and even though there is some grading that needs to take place and a fence that needs moved it looks as if this may be a great solution to our issue. I also like the idea on this lane as we can use it for beginning of the night inspection lane. We would run certain classes of cars through this lane to inspect a few different things each night. It would be perfect as they could enter it near the current scale area and exit in the line up chute. As for making the kart track another pit area, there is quite a bit more to it than just knocking down a guardrail and instant pit area. Again grading and more fence to install to secure the pit area. We would also have to haul in lots of gravel and the prices are really high on that right now. I'm not saying that this is not a great idea for the near future but I just don't think it will happen prior to the 2013 season. We do however have a possible solution to getting haulers out of the facility in a more practical manner at the end of the evening.....especially in the "back 40" area. We appreciate everyones support and please keep the ideas coming. It's not just the owners and promoters that make a race track great.....its the fans, racers and crews that also come up with great ideas to improve logistics. Thank you.

[jgilley]

We are looking at moving up in class and have purchesed a 35' trailer for our next vehicle . This trailer has a viewing deck on top so noone from our group in wandering thru the pits ( safety ) Also my fiance broke her ankle last year and had a terrible time getting to the Handicap area in the main grandstand area . Consideration of a larger similar area on pit side would be something to possibly look at . Easier parking for the bigger trailers with decks on top closer to the track is something to maybe look at as well .

[Devin Carl 7D]

ive been at waynesfield for alittle over 2 years now, racing and as a fan. Its a great track with great racing. If the track can make a few small changes then i think Waynesfield Raceway park will be the track to come to in 2013 beccause lima running a shortend season. something i have noticed with waynefield is we all know each other and if theres a problem then we can handle it like men. the racing is great, we always have good racing and close finishes. they let us bump and rub like racing should be unless we get alittle to crazy. so the racing is great. Yes my personal thought, the track needs more watering to keep the dust down for the drivers and most importanly for the fans. i sat in the stands a couple of races with my family and the track was so dusty you couldnt even watch the race. sorry to say but, if you cant see and watch the race because of the dust, people wont come back. A heavy track means no dust and a heck of a great, fast race. make it faster, better racing mean happier crowd, happier crowd means more of that green stuff none of us have. besides that, the track and racing is good. its off the track. Classes of racing- 6 classes a week is to much. i have a big family with many little kids. by 10 o clock there whinning and ready to go home and we are just starting features. not to step on anyones toes but there are 2 classes who only bring maybe 5 to 10 cars a week. so hotlaps, heats and features all have the same cars. its really boring when you only finish maybe 4 cars in a feature because only 7 started. it sucks for the class who has to race last because you really dont know what time youll be racing. there was a time this season i was just getting in line at midnight. the stands were empty and im sure i wasnt the only one who was tired and wanted to leave. cut the classes back. the idea of rotating is good. it would help with the timing issue and if you get rid of one class per week, theres more parking in the pit area pit parking- so the idea of leveling the go-cart track. yes good idea. it may not happen this year because ive read about money and grading issues but it prolly needs to be done soon. it moves everything back and makes everything so much bigger. it gives guys with the bigger haulers more room and for the big shows we have, we know parking and leaving wont be a problem. im sure its a real big pain for the guys with the haulers to back out in those tight spaces when everyones trying to leave at once. plus its super tight and dangerous when one class is lining up and another class ( mostly sprints because there all down that direction ) come storming in like a bat out of hell, trying to get to there hauler. plus trying to walk trough the pits is like LA rush hour. between people walking, 4 wheelers and cars running around, someones gonna get hurt and thats not good for the track. make it bigger. theres no room. level the go- cart track, i think we will have more room than we need. which is a problem i think waynesfields never had. its a good problem to have. but....if we make the pits to much bigger, i think we need a shuttle bus running from one end of the pits to the other for us fat guys. Infront of the grand stands- thats an amazing idea. let the cars get as close as close as they can to the crowd. the them feel how powerful these cars are. let the little kids get right up on to the fence in the bleachers to where they are feet from a race car. that would make there day. let the crowd get close to take pictures of there favorite cars and feel the raw power. it wont take any money and its an amazing step up for the fans. there coming to watch race cars why not let them get up close while we are just going on to the track to do our thing. i think that is a must for the track. its an easy thing to do and it would be the coolest thing for the little racers. I just put in a couple of my thoughts. i know im a "rookie" and im only 19 but i just want whats best for my home track that i race at. i hope i didnt step on anyones toes. i didnt mean to. i think with a couple of things here and there, Waynesfield could be a better track than it already is.

[kartracer229]

Im glad I could give a good idea and get some feedback on it. Dan with the "kart track" parking. I would say leave the kart scoring tower, and do payout there, its now centralized in the pit area, and would be an easy in and out, you could also do your sign in up there as well. I would say the fence that surrounds the entire kart track (in the turn 1&2 area) is large enough to secure your area on that end, take the fencing you have from the current front stretch, and run it along the backstretch fenceline of the kart track, and all you would probably have to get for the fence on the turn 3 & 4 side is fence for there. Turn the scale barn for the kart track into a pit pass booth, so you could enter the pits from that corner (I know it means another worker, but it can allow people to enter from the main parking lot (walk in only, no haulers can enter there). Honestly, I would leave one of the swinging gates there from the kart track, and when you have a big show like the all stars and only have 2 divisions, use that for parking as well to save people from parking along side of the road. I know it would take time, and money in stone (which I understand is very costly). But I think those two ideas would help that place out an absolute ton.

[KO_23]

Instead of adding stone right why not just keep it grass for this coming year??? You dont have to worry about killing the grass with the haulers parking on top of it because your going to be dumping stone on it next year anyway. As for Devins idea on letting fans get close before we go green i think thats an awesome idea, i have a 6 year old son and he loves to get as close as possible while cars are on the track. But I am not a fan of the cutting classes idea. keep the 6 it gives more people in the area a chance to race every saturday night. Compacts are a great starter class and its closer for most of the stock guys than indiana is. Keep all the classes racing is not meant to have a bedtime. I know kids get cranky but its racing, one of the most unpredictable sports on the planet. I have seen a 2 class show last longer than a 6 class show, its unpredictable. I say leave the 6 classes