Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

We've been blocking every other row at Monarch and 82 the whole time since this ordeal has been going on and it's been working great with fans complying and not as much as one complaint in several events.

The real key, IMO, has been the opportunity this 'rule' creates: I just wrote a small reminder for the announcer to read occasionally while the fans come in stating: on the rows marked 'no seating this row' use the row to get to/from your seats. That way you are not walking directly in front of fans seated in the same row.

So between 'groups' having space between them in the same row, and a full row empty below and above where you are seated, and no one's butt directly in front of your face as they pass by, it creates quite a comfortable viewing experience and plenty of personal space while you're enjoying the event outside. 

And down here if someone is smoking, there's quite a bit of distance for the smoke to dissipate before it gets to you, and that helps too. 

If there are tracks that choose to do nothing during this time I think I'd probably skip attending. But a 50% capacity rule for a lot of tracks is still a lot higher attendance than most of them were getting before this started, so it also helps create some advance-sales opportunities - if the track takes the time effort to do it.

I'm going to go grab a video still of a parade lap from our Sprint Car Bandits event at Monarch from 2 weeks ago along with a pic from the national anthem - you'll be able to visualize what I'm talking about. I'll post them in a bit.

>personal note: my mom is 81 (and kind of a germophobe) and she wanted to go to this race with a couple of her friends, and this was literally their first outing since this ordeal hit. They were a bit leary of the 'personal safety' aspect of being in a crowd before coming, then I asked them afterwards if at any point did you feel you were in an unsafe position? They all replied back that it literally was a non-issue and they'd go next time without any fear of anything as long as the same procedures were in effect.

In this video still it appears that it's a big crowd with fans everywhere in the stands (due to the perspective). However in the shot to follow, you'll see during the national anthem where every other row is actually empty with our current 'blocked row' rule:

Here's what it actually is looking directly across the rows...note the 'X' rows, which are used for getting to/from your seats only. Simple and effective.

Most masks like the plain cloth maskes reduce the chance that others can get sick from you if you are infected. Many other types of masks have the ability to filter viruses and protect you from others who are infected. At an event where everyone is not wearing masks that would the time to wear yours. I took a chance and went to Cedar Lake Speedway Saturday night and nobody including myself was wearing a mask. Even with distancing there was no possible way to not get close to others. I will seriously consider bringing my "protect me" mask to any public event like this in the future. 

I agree with the second part.  But, as far as predictions and projections, these are really based off of history and not just pulled out of thin air.  Almost every other global outbreak in history has had a small wave of infection, followed by a drop in cases, followed by a fizzling out of the disease, followed by a 2nd spike.  In most of these outbreaks, the 2nd wave has been the worst.  So, when a previous poster mentions "300 million reasons to go" this is not a good argument for going.  It's a good argument for staying home.  300 million people with no immunity is what is likely to make the 2nd wave far worst than the first---especially since most 2nd waves are due to the return of weather that facilitate flu/cold season.   Then, in some cases, there is a 3rd, less severe wave of the disease.  It would be great if this wasn't most cases, and we could avoid that worst, second wave.  Time will tell.  I'm not over optimistic.  

So, back to racing.  I hope the fans take it seriously.  I know my son and I are going to.  If the WoO race in K-ville gets the green light, we will roll into town at 6:00 Friday night, check in at the hotel, and head to the track.  We will do some fishing somewhere on Saturday to kill the day, and return to the track Saturday night.  Not going to be out and about like usual.  Just going to treat it a little different for 2020.  

I attended one and raced at one race last week in Iowa.Both races had large fields of cars and pits were full and social distancing  was in place and there were no problems.Everyone paid for $30 pit pass to make up for no grandstand  money to offset costs.I didnt see many masks but a lot of smiles as people are ready to get going.IMHO if you are worried about the virus just stay home.

This has actually already been proven by numerous studies around the world, so you are correct.  The CDC updated the death rate for this virus at .26% I believe.  This sounds low and people still scratch their heads at the precautions being taken and the prepping taking place for .26% death rate?  Keep in mind this is 2.6 times worse than a bad flu season. And, in most areas of the country, our hospitals can barely handle a bad flu season.   

I have only been out once a week since my two week quarantine that ended March 30th, anytime I have to go into a store, I wear an N95 mask to protect ME......I'll let you fuckers without masks complete the science experiment...

I think Knoxville is pretty well equipped in pulling the Outlaw show off with the 50% guideline. Whether it is assigned seats, capping the tickets, online sales only, preorder only, backstretch opened, etc they have a lot of resources to get the job done. I think they also proved with the no fans race that they take this thing seriously and will do everything to their ability to keep things safe.

I would like to go but the 9-10hr drive for me is a little much even with not seeing a race since October, although it has spiked my interest so maybe my mind will change. I still want to give it another few weeks to see what happens since some of the restrictions have been lifted. Like Truth_Detector said, I'll let others complete the science experiment to make a decision for me. Good thing is if 50% capacity is allowed now, then the Knoxville Nationals might be a possibility come August as long as everyone minds their P's & Q's. If I only am able to go to  Kings Royal week & The Nationals then I'll be able to see the events I enjoy the most and limit my exposure. All other events just may need to be written off for me which is ok as I am saving my money for the next couple years to attend more after this has settled down.

It's unfortunate that the debate has gotten so partisan, with one side calling people grandma killers and the other downplaying the severity of the virus and refusing to wear masks etc..

I think most people (who are silent on social media) are in the middle of that nonsense, understanding it's a far more severe form of flu for the elderly and knowing the risks  but also knowing that keeping the country shutdown for too long will probably cause a depression.

I think warm weather will help, I think understanding the really at-risk population has already helped and hopefully the summer will provide a relief. I do think it's coming back in the fall but hopefully we'll be much more prepared as a country for round 2.

I agree with everything you just said. 

It is sad as you said.    I think the "if you're scared, simply stay home" has a lot of holes in it.  What about those that require at-home care?  I know they are home, but what about the nurse or care-giver that has to visit?  If they are out at a crowded bar on Saturday night, then what?  

I understand everyone wants to get out, and I am going to actually get out and go see some racing.  But, if I were going to be exposed to high-risk people when I returned home, I would think twice about leading my life like normal.  If I worked at a hospital, clinic, dentist's office, or anywhere where I am going to expose someone in the high-risk group, I would be a little more cautious about where I'm going and who I am going to be around.  

If you sit on the back straight tell my seats on the bottom row of section P that I said hi!

THANK YOU! 

How's the view from P? I imagine it's gotta be pretty good. We got section P row 15 for Nationals. Looking forward to it.

We sit in Section R about Row 20 and the seats are great. From P they should be great too. Especially coming out of turn #2. Your pretty up close and personal to the race cars on the back stretch. 

Will do!  I am an annual backstretcher myself, though I usually sit in section X.  

Actually the view is very good.   When the cars exit turn 2 they look like they're coming right at you.   You don't have perfect sight lines over to turn 3, but if you're up 15 rows that won't be an issue for you.   I suspect you'll love it.