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Topic: My Knoxville observations Email this topic to a friend | Subscribe to this TopicReport this Topic to Moderator
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shanefan
August 16, 2017 at 11:03:36 PM
Joined: 11/30/2004
Posts: 103
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Posted By: maddog53 on August 14 2017 at 05:55:09 PM

It was my first time there.  Friday, we arrived around 5:30, got the trailer parked in its spot and pulled the chairs out to start grilling and partying.  My experience at Knoxville was at the least, FANTASTIC.  Fridays racing was good, and the program moved along pretty good, compared to what I am used to. Saturday we took in the Hall of Fame and later on, the racing was great. The price of food, the price of beer, the hospitality of every person I had any type of contact with, was fantastic.  Granted, we were only 2 1/2 blocks from everything, but I give my experience an A+.  It helps that I attended with a real great group of guys, in no particular order,  shanefan and son, larryitis and daughter, egras and his buddy Dean.  My cherry popping at the Nationals was memorable....I would not change one thing



Hopefully the first of many. Glad you made it!

For me it was special because of the group that I went with and also because it's the first time my son was able to see all four days. This was his third trip to the Nationals though. He had a blast and we made some good memories.  Hopefully it works out next year too! Also made some new friends and got to see several old ones I've made over the years.

My only disappointment was for my friends aunt. She's in her 80's and she's been to every Knoxville National. This year she had some drunken bums next to her being obnoxious. She took it in stride though and laughed it off.  I didn't think it was a big problem this year but just disappointed for them. 



Nick14
August 17, 2017 at 10:15:36 AM
Joined: 06/04/2012
Posts: 1734
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Posted By: egras on August 16 2017 at 07:57:35 PM

Forgot to mention-----glad you had a good time!  My 15th straight and I get up every year on Sunday morning and it's complete depression!!!  



Thanks egras, being from Ohio we never knew how popular Casey's were in the midwest. We kept on joking that they were like the Coca-Cola of Iowa because everywhere we turned there was a Caseys. My buddy called me yesterday to tell me he already got us a hotel room for next year and we are staying in Oskaloosa this time. Already counting down the days and we may even come for opening weekend or the Outlaw show in June.

Paintboss- The anthem singers were great as well. Liked the remix that she did doing part of America the Beautiful before the anthem itself. A nice little twist to it but effective.



sprintman11
August 17, 2017 at 10:19:43 PM
Joined: 12/01/2004
Posts: 691
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1991 was my first time to the Nationals, and have only missed one year in that time. Knoxville is a very special time of the year! I still  get excited every time I pull into town! As an adult this is my ChristmasSmile thats about the only way I can explain it. I have so many fun times to remember and its fun to see people from all over the country that you only get to see once a year. The place is just a blast! The only thing i can think of this year that was a black eye for our sport, was the stolen and damaged American flags!! To those involvedfrown WTF and get a life!!!!! Can't wait until Knoxville 2018




Nickules
August 18, 2017 at 07:21:05 AM
Joined: 08/05/2015
Posts: 1133
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Posted By: sprintman11 on August 17 2017 at 10:19:43 PM

1991 was my first time to the Nationals, and have only missed one year in that time. Knoxville is a very special time of the year! I still  get excited every time I pull into town! As an adult this is my ChristmasSmile thats about the only way I can explain it. I have so many fun times to remember and its fun to see people from all over the country that you only get to see once a year. The place is just a blast! The only thing i can think of this year that was a black eye for our sport, was the stolen and damaged American flags!! To those involvedfrown WTF and get a life!!!!! Can't wait until Knoxville 2018



Saw online they got donations to replace the flags and actually Janet Holbrook said she sent enough $ to cover all the flags.

https://twitter.com/CH1Muddy/status/897900021424828416



egras
August 18, 2017 at 10:54:32 PM
Joined: 08/16/2009
Posts: 3913
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Posted By: Nick14 on August 17 2017 at 10:15:36 AM

Thanks egras, being from Ohio we never knew how popular Casey's were in the midwest. We kept on joking that they were like the Coca-Cola of Iowa because everywhere we turned there was a Caseys. My buddy called me yesterday to tell me he already got us a hotel room for next year and we are staying in Oskaloosa this time. Already counting down the days and we may even come for opening weekend or the Outlaw show in June.

Paintboss- The anthem singers were great as well. Liked the remix that she did doing part of America the Beautiful before the anthem itself. A nice little twist to it but effective.



Nick--she always does a great job with the transition from America the Beautiful to the Anthem.  We need to meet up one of the days at my camper and have a cold one next year.  (whatever your drink of choice is---alcoholic or non.  Mine will be of the Coors light variety)   

Also, my son and I pulled the RV out there in June this year for the Outlaw show. He loved it.  



Dryslick Willie
August 19, 2017 at 05:45:14 AM
Joined: 12/17/2009
Posts: 2234
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Posted By: egras on August 18 2017 at 10:54:32 PM

Nick--she always does a great job with the transition from America the Beautiful to the Anthem.  We need to meet up one of the days at my camper and have a cold one next year.  (whatever your drink of choice is---alcoholic or non.  Mine will be of the Coors light variety)   

Also, my son and I pulled the RV out there in June this year for the Outlaw show. He loved it.  



I agree on the anthem singers and the overall way Knoxville does it.   I love the fireworks on the "bombs bursting in air part".   It's a nice accent and to me makes it a more moving presentation.    I really like the lady with the awesome alto voice that sings the anthem for them.   I believe her name is Katie but I can't recall her last name.

 

Aside from that I also thought the 8 year old girl doing it on Wednesday night was absolutely adorable.   She pretty much nailed it too.   Not many 8 year olds would be able to do that.   




Nick14
August 19, 2017 at 01:41:34 PM
Joined: 06/04/2012
Posts: 1734
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Posted By: egras on August 18 2017 at 10:54:32 PM

Nick--she always does a great job with the transition from America the Beautiful to the Anthem.  We need to meet up one of the days at my camper and have a cold one next year.  (whatever your drink of choice is---alcoholic or non.  Mine will be of the Coors light variety)   

Also, my son and I pulled the RV out there in June this year for the Outlaw show. He loved it.  



Absolutely, I drink just about anything. I'll let you know if we decide to come out in June or not but we will definately be out next August. If you and your son ever make it out here to Ohio let me know and I'll bring my son out as well. He's almost 2 but loves being at the race track seeing the sprint cars.



Johnny Utah
August 19, 2017 at 04:15:35 PM
Joined: 07/15/2014
Posts: 1221
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Posted By: Dryslick Willie on August 19 2017 at 05:45:14 AM

I agree on the anthem singers and the overall way Knoxville does it.   I love the fireworks on the "bombs bursting in air part".   It's a nice accent and to me makes it a more moving presentation.    I really like the lady with the awesome alto voice that sings the anthem for them.   I believe her name is Katie but I can't recall her last name.

 

Aside from that I also thought the 8 year old girl doing it on Wednesday night was absolutely adorable.   She pretty much nailed it too.   Not many 8 year olds would be able to do that.   



Katie Davis, I believe. She does a helluva job.



Scoanut
August 20, 2017 at 08:05:24 PM
Joined: 06/29/2016
Posts: 91
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I've been to all the nationals from 63 to today and crossed the us chasing this crack. Knoxville is something that is only there?and ascot was great manzy was cool eldora was fast but there is still only one Knoxville.donny 15 is so fast there but the person is right about Donny love him or not he's bad for Knoxville people like to feel someone else or more then just the 15 car will win, I can think back kinser was not really loved when he won all the time, Wolfgang was really not loved at Knoxville in 1977 with trotles 20 only lost one race at Knoxville that year.a person can just win to much? All these drivers became loved even more after they get old and didn't clean house each year.with Knoxville being the big race people look forword to all year it's a real kicker to see 15 win again. But the other 104 cars just need to work harder cause the 15 car is just that much better then the rest at Knoxville plus he's not short any money that helps.i hope all million people that came loves this place the way I do and keep coming.im not from Knoxville but I lost both my legs and told my wife I'd like to move to Knoxville and retire there and it's a little spot of heaven and all the people are just real good people the Dave hills hall of fame shooter. Chuck Stowe shooter, it's alway great to see Mrs. Kears ,shooters like mike mike aurther there's know replacement for history .the fair broad at the track they always help me all the people around that place really are better then the racing thank you to all the fans and people of Knoxville .dont forget the history that place has got it! But it's not the same place without bob trostle,Gilbert sonnets, mcarl to many gone to soon to close together. That way it's only good to be kind to the Dave hills,mike aurther said, chuck stores, the shooters of this history are kept in there cameras for the little kids of today. Sorry got going political there plus anyone crying like me lol.




vande77
August 21, 2017 at 12:37:41 PM
Joined: 01/20/2005
Posts: 2079
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Posted By: egras on August 16 2017 at 07:56:02 PM

Someone correct me if I'm wrong-----3 Casey's in Knoxville and 2 in Monroe?   5 Casey's in 12 miles.   I find it comical that our town fought for months to get ONE Casey's because it was going to destroy our local economy!  Smile



3 more in Pella just 12 miles to the East as well...



egras
August 21, 2017 at 05:41:14 PM
Joined: 08/16/2009
Posts: 3913
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Posted By: Scoanut on August 20 2017 at 08:05:24 PM

I've been to all the nationals from 63 to today and crossed the us chasing this crack. Knoxville is something that is only there?and ascot was great manzy was cool eldora was fast but there is still only one Knoxville.donny 15 is so fast there but the person is right about Donny love him or not he's bad for Knoxville people like to feel someone else or more then just the 15 car will win, I can think back kinser was not really loved when he won all the time, Wolfgang was really not loved at Knoxville in 1977 with trotles 20 only lost one race at Knoxville that year.a person can just win to much? All these drivers became loved even more after they get old and didn't clean house each year.with Knoxville being the big race people look forword to all year it's a real kicker to see 15 win again. But the other 104 cars just need to work harder cause the 15 car is just that much better then the rest at Knoxville plus he's not short any money that helps.i hope all million people that came loves this place the way I do and keep coming.im not from Knoxville but I lost both my legs and told my wife I'd like to move to Knoxville and retire there and it's a little spot of heaven and all the people are just real good people the Dave hills hall of fame shooter. Chuck Stowe shooter, it's alway great to see Mrs. Kears ,shooters like mike mike aurther there's know replacement for history .the fair broad at the track they always help me all the people around that place really are better then the racing thank you to all the fans and people of Knoxville .dont forget the history that place has got it! But it's not the same place without bob trostle,Gilbert sonnets, mcarl to many gone to soon to close together. That way it's only good to be kind to the Dave hills,mike aurther said, chuck stores, the shooters of this history are kept in there cameras for the little kids of today. Sorry got going political there plus anyone crying like me lol.



Look up "run-on sentences"  



texdel
August 22, 2017 at 12:02:31 PM
Joined: 05/29/2007
Posts: 326
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From my teenage kids perspective:

- Food was great (really like the roasted corn, Jordan's Ribeye steak sandwiches, tenderloin sandwiches)

- Bathrooms in Dyer Hudson Hall inadequate (female stalls didn't lock, and walls too short)

- Awesome 2017 Nationals Program. Really liked all the historical statistics.

- Really enjoyed Sammy's exhibit at the Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum  

- Loved the weather!!!

- All the staff from programs, 50/50, concessions, ticket scanners, we all very nice.

 




vande77
August 22, 2017 at 12:09:42 PM
Joined: 01/20/2005
Posts: 2079
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Reply to:
Posted By: texdel on August 22 2017 at 12:02:31 PM

From my teenage kids perspective:

- Food was great (really like the roasted corn, Jordan's Ribeye steak sandwiches, tenderloin sandwiches)

- Bathrooms in Dyer Hudson Hall inadequate (female stalls didn't lock, and walls too short)

- Awesome 2017 Nationals Program. Really liked all the historical statistics.

- Really enjoyed Sammy's exhibit at the Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum  

- Loved the weather!!!

- All the staff from programs, 50/50, concessions, ticket scanners, we all very nice.

 



Kendra has been soliting feedback on twitter:  @KendraJJacobs

I suggest you pass along your feedback (not sure if she peruses the message boards)

As a father to (2) teenagers and a husband, I echo your comments on the bathrooms (in reality, all bathrooms on the grounds need updated).  Basically impossible to get my teenage daughter or my wife to come to the races when the bathrooms are in their current condition.



egras
August 22, 2017 at 02:27:16 PM
Joined: 08/16/2009
Posts: 3913
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Posted By: vande77 on August 22 2017 at 12:09:42 PM

Kendra has been soliting feedback on twitter:  @KendraJJacobs

I suggest you pass along your feedback (not sure if she peruses the message boards)

As a father to (2) teenagers and a husband, I echo your comments on the bathrooms (in reality, all bathrooms on the grounds need updated).  Basically impossible to get my teenage daughter or my wife to come to the races when the bathrooms are in their current condition.



Wife won't come to the races?  You want to mess this up?  Smile



vande77
August 22, 2017 at 03:23:54 PM
Joined: 01/20/2005
Posts: 2079
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Posted By: egras on August 22 2017 at 02:27:16 PM

Wife won't come to the races?  You want to mess this up?  Smile



she likes the races, but won't come because the bathrooms are horrible (no hot water to wash hands, stalls won't lock, painted OSB board instead of a real bathroom - still better than a porta-potty (barely), but not adequate enough for today's world).

This is a HUGE opportunity for all short tracks.  They miss out on a lot of butts in seats by having less than adequate restrooms for women.  Guys are willing to deal with whatever, but women tend to be a lot more picky and tend to make a majority of the entertainment decisions that they and their significant other or they and their family attend.

Knoxville's restrooms are OK when compared to other dirt tracks in the area, but fail to realize their competition for entertainment $$$'s are venues like Wells Fargo Arena, Iowa Speedway, Jack Trice Stadium, Kinnick Stadium, etc., etc..

Studies show that women make 75%+ of the decisions when it comes to family spending.  Pretty sure the women's restroom can have an effect on what they make their decisions on.

 




Super Chuck
August 23, 2017 at 08:52:11 AM
Joined: 11/27/2004
Posts: 194
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Super Chuck thinks that if it's the sh!tter is what's keeping the old lady away from the races....he hates to break it to you but she's not a race fan.  Either that or you picked wrong.  Just sayin'. 

Could Knoxville's bathrooms use some work?  Sure.  But compared to most dirt tracks (not college football stadiums) they are above average.  Super Chuck has seen some dirt track bathrooms that you need a tetanus shot just to enter safely.  Just his two cents.

Super Chuck



BigRightRear
August 23, 2017 at 10:25:35 AM
Joined: 11/27/2004
Posts: 3751
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the dilapidation of 50s county fair style dirt facilities has been defended on this board forever...the knuckledragging will perhaps only stiop when a facility is converted into a shopping center...after the generation of people who ignore hygene die off and seats go empty.

I have a friend who moved half way around the world to become Aussie Posse tell me over and over again while we sit thru downtime at a local race that NONE of our local facilities would pass inspection for safe racing / occapancy code in Australia...

Big Screen Video is the norm at ALL major sporting events that are similarly priced to the major psrint car events and we can't expect a rest room without piss on the floor and puke in the shitter...(Kings Royal)...or a drunk fan puking down over a family in front of them (Kville)...or pissing into a trough / shitting into an open hole (Lincoln)...or fill in the blank.

When high school football games put a race facility to shame, you might stop racing before the first game of the season - as MANY tracks do.

The future of everything seldom requires throw back creature comforts...

I heard Kville renumbered the seats for wider asses...is that a bad thing too?


Lincoln 1845 ft/.35 mile T1=118MPH 
Eldora 2287 ft/.43mile T3=135MPH
Port 2716 ft/.51 mile T3=TBD
Grove 2792 ft/.53 mile T3=135MPH
Selinsgrove 2847 ft/.54 mile T1=136MPH
"I didn't move to PA from El Paso in search of better 
weather." Van May

vande77
August 23, 2017 at 10:47:49 AM
Joined: 01/20/2005
Posts: 2079
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Posted By: Super Chuck on August 23 2017 at 08:52:11 AM

Super Chuck thinks that if it's the sh!tter is what's keeping the old lady away from the races....he hates to break it to you but she's not a race fan.  Either that or you picked wrong.  Just sayin'. 

Could Knoxville's bathrooms use some work?  Sure.  But compared to most dirt tracks (not college football stadiums) they are above average.  Super Chuck has seen some dirt track bathrooms that you need a tetanus shot just to enter safely.  Just his two cents.

Super Chuck



It's what's keeping the next generation of fans away (male and female).

Like it or not, the bottom line is that racetracks are competing for one thing:   $$$$

Right now 99.9% of them are LIGHT YEARS behind their competition




highspeeddirt
August 23, 2017 at 11:13:05 AM
Joined: 01/06/2009
Posts: 399
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Some other improvements they could keep in mind. 

Pave (concrete or ashpalt) the gravel lot where all the t-shirt trailers setup. That would make it nicer when walking around checking out shirts. It would also help if it rained.

Access tunnel to the pits. Make it wide enough that pit crews could drive their mule thru if needed to run for parts.

Open the stairs at the top of the stands as passout gates. This would help aleviate the congestion getting down to the concessions/bathrooms during the night. I sit in row 31 and several times Saturday night people were stacked up all the way past where I sit.



vande77
August 23, 2017 at 12:22:52 PM
Joined: 01/20/2005
Posts: 2079
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Reply to:
Posted By: Super Chuck on August 23 2017 at 08:52:11 AM

Super Chuck thinks that if it's the sh!tter is what's keeping the old lady away from the races....he hates to break it to you but she's not a race fan.  Either that or you picked wrong.  Just sayin'. 

Could Knoxville's bathrooms use some work?  Sure.  But compared to most dirt tracks (not college football stadiums) they are above average.  Super Chuck has seen some dirt track bathrooms that you need a tetanus shot just to enter safely.  Just his two cents.

Super Chuck



I too have been to tracks where a tetanus shot would be needed (sometimes to enter the gates even).

But, the compettion isn't other dirt tracks, it is the college football stadiums, the Arenas and the other updated facilities that people are spending their $$$ at.  Anyone that has eyes that work can look around and see the average age in the grandstands at the track gets older by the minute while all those other facilities see their average attendees age grow younger by the minute.

All racetracks must adapt and upgrade their infrastructure to compete or they will cease being relevant entertainment options.

 





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