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Topic: Trouble at Kings Speedway
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KOP
MyWebsite
April 15, 2007 at 02:39:19 PM
Joined: 12/01/2004
Posts: 1913
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This message was edited on April 15, 2007 at 03:04:05 PM by KOP

Last night, the promoter at Kings Speedway called off the nights activities due to weather conditions. Problem was, the event COULD have been ran. Around 4:50pm there was a light sprinkle. Promoter Frank Dias told the race teams he would decide at 6pm whether or not to race.

It only *sprinkled* for about 20 min. Then the sun returned. Just barely after 5:30, Dias called the program a washout. The race teams were informed as such. The fans were left sitting in the stands for about 30 min. before they were told. SCRA sprint car teams and Western All Star late model teams wanted to know why. Dias informed the racing teams that the racing officials were the ones who called the show. THIS IS NOT TRUE! It was DIAS himself that pulled the plug. Once Dias told the teams what he did, he jumped in his truck and left the premises.

Some officials of Kings Speedway staff were so outraged that they took off their uniforms vowing never to work for Dias again. The Western All Stars are said to be contemplating never to return again. Maybe cooler heads will prevail, maybe not, but this is a poor management decision by the promoter.

You not only have race teams that have rigs that burn fuel at a rate a 4-5 miles per gallon (one late model team came from Oregon), but you have the racing fan who spent their fuel and time to attend the races.

The SCRA and Western All Stars had both decided to forgo time trials and pill draw so they could make sure the program would be ran within the allotted curfew time. The promoter still pulled the plug anyway.

Its a good thing that Dias stepped up to the plate to help save Kings Speedway when the track needed a saviour. However, with decisions like this, it isn't a very good PR move for the tracks reputation. It still remains to be seen if the USAC/CRA sprint cars will return either after their main event was cut short at their last stop so the late models could get their FULL main event in. Yes folks, if you didn't know......the sprints were the "support class" for that night....amazing!



trackt
April 15, 2007 at 03:46:06 PM
Joined: 12/11/2004
Posts: 42
Reply

.........hmmmmm.

Bob Whitaker



SCRA#97
April 15, 2007 at 05:11:31 PM
Joined: 12/07/2004
Posts: 63
Reply

The sun may have come out, but in my opinion the track was too sloppy. It got to the point where I couldn't walk up the ramp of our trailer without sliding back down. As late as it was already, by the time the track was packed in again if possible it would have been about 8:00. All the mains would have been cut way down and wouldn't have been a good show for drivers or spectators to participate it. My only thought was that the show should have been cancelled a long time before that. The National Weather service doppler radar ball is right off the track surface, so they should have had a pretty good idea whether it was going to rain or not. I would much rather find out early that it has been cancelled before we drive that far,buy pit passes and rent transponders! We spent most of the day cleaning up the trailer and car. I know it's hard for a promoter to lose money on an event, but it seems to me it could have been minimized by calling the show earlier by not having officials, workers, and food being prepared. I know many other tracks had already cancelled and it was already raining in places like Modesto and Fresno, so the rain was coming.



harryfan
April 15, 2007 at 05:42:39 PM
Joined: 12/05/2004
Posts: 1217
Reply

I wasn't there. But I do know that the pits can be a very dangerous place if they are sloppy. Sprint cars don't stop well, push vehicles don't get very good traction and people slip and fall.



dirttrackclay
April 15, 2007 at 08:21:19 PM
Joined: 12/24/2006
Posts: 68
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: KOP on April 15 2007 at 02:39:19 PM

Last night, the promoter at Kings Speedway called off the nights activities due to weather conditions. Problem was, the event COULD have been ran. Around 4:50pm there was a light sprinkle. Promoter Frank Dias told the race teams he would decide at 6pm whether or not to race.

It only *sprinkled* for about 20 min. Then the sun returned. Just barely after 5:30, Dias called the program a washout. The race teams were informed as such. The fans were left sitting in the stands for about 30 min. before they were told. SCRA sprint car teams and Western All Star late model teams wanted to know why. Dias informed the racing teams that the racing officials were the ones who called the show. THIS IS NOT TRUE! It was DIAS himself that pulled the plug. Once Dias told the teams what he did, he jumped in his truck and left the premises.

Some officials of Kings Speedway staff were so outraged that they took off their uniforms vowing never to work for Dias again. The Western All Stars are said to be contemplating never to return again. Maybe cooler heads will prevail, maybe not, but this is a poor management decision by the promoter.

You not only have race teams that have rigs that burn fuel at a rate a 4-5 miles per gallon (one late model team came from Oregon), but you have the racing fan who spent their fuel and time to attend the races.

The SCRA and Western All Stars had both decided to forgo time trials and pill draw so they could make sure the program would be ran within the allotted curfew time. The promoter still pulled the plug anyway.

Its a good thing that Dias stepped up to the plate to help save Kings Speedway when the track needed a saviour. However, with decisions like this, it isn't a very good PR move for the tracks reputation. It still remains to be seen if the USAC/CRA sprint cars will return either after their main event was cut short at their last stop so the late models could get their FULL main event in. Yes folks, if you didn't know......the sprints were the "support class" for that night....amazing!



The time for decisions is never a easy one. the decision to cancel is always good or bad the tracks . After talking with my track man and some of the officials. I decided to cancel the race. Beleive me when I say I wanted to race , but due to standing water on the track, the call was made. The officials do a great job, but they have no control over this type of call. The track was packed in and ready to race when we received the last rain. therefore due to water and safety issues, the race was my decision to call.

Those officials that you speak of , have not complained to us. I understand your fustration, but remember we all have a long journey to travel, and we will get better. rain is always going to be a issue. I spent a hour at the radar station, and they forcasted at 8;00am that all would be clear by 2;00.pm As we all know mother nature has her own mind. thats the reason we continued with the race program.

Remember that I 'm always at the track. I have numerous duties, and I was requested to return, which I did , and spoke to some racers. King Speedway is a large facility, with numerous events and programs going on during race day. When we cancelled there are numerous personnel to notify, venues to close down.

With due respect to all racers and fans , this tough decision was for the good of the racer and fan. Safety and track facility's and fans are always at the front of tracks mind.

thanks for your patience.

frank

 



dirttrackclay
April 15, 2007 at 08:25:14 PM
Joined: 12/24/2006
Posts: 68
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: KOP on April 15 2007 at 02:39:19 PM

Last night, the promoter at Kings Speedway called off the nights activities due to weather conditions. Problem was, the event COULD have been ran. Around 4:50pm there was a light sprinkle. Promoter Frank Dias told the race teams he would decide at 6pm whether or not to race.

It only *sprinkled* for about 20 min. Then the sun returned. Just barely after 5:30, Dias called the program a washout. The race teams were informed as such. The fans were left sitting in the stands for about 30 min. before they were told. SCRA sprint car teams and Western All Star late model teams wanted to know why. Dias informed the racing teams that the racing officials were the ones who called the show. THIS IS NOT TRUE! It was DIAS himself that pulled the plug. Once Dias told the teams what he did, he jumped in his truck and left the premises.

Some officials of Kings Speedway staff were so outraged that they took off their uniforms vowing never to work for Dias again. The Western All Stars are said to be contemplating never to return again. Maybe cooler heads will prevail, maybe not, but this is a poor management decision by the promoter.

You not only have race teams that have rigs that burn fuel at a rate a 4-5 miles per gallon (one late model team came from Oregon), but you have the racing fan who spent their fuel and time to attend the races.

The SCRA and Western All Stars had both decided to forgo time trials and pill draw so they could make sure the program would be ran within the allotted curfew time. The promoter still pulled the plug anyway.

Its a good thing that Dias stepped up to the plate to help save Kings Speedway when the track needed a saviour. However, with decisions like this, it isn't a very good PR move for the tracks reputation. It still remains to be seen if the USAC/CRA sprint cars will return either after their main event was cut short at their last stop so the late models could get their FULL main event in. Yes folks, if you didn't know......the sprints were the "support class" for that night....amazing!



Oh I forgot to address one issue.

Usac is appearing again this year. They are happy to work with the speedway. The event that you speak of was a hard time for all involved. they understand the issues and they will be back this year.

I will speak to Chris this week, and we are scheduled for racing in may

 

frank



JUSTWONDERING
April 16, 2007 at 01:16:22 PM
Joined: 11/24/2006
Posts: 79
Reply

John, here is your chance to show us the real you, the positive, helpful concerned guy etc. Give Frank the $20,000 bucks to back up the show in case of a rain out and that way it will be YOUR money that's on the table. Cause YOU care so much, this should NOT be a problem, yes? Thanks for caring about things so much out there on the west coast, your such a great fan. PS, in case this does not sit well with you, maybe you should mind your business and worry about your own problems.



top 5
April 16, 2007 at 03:10:32 PM
Joined: 12/07/2004
Posts: 103
Reply

maybe its just me but everytime theres a bad thing to say about a track or situation , i look at the top left corner and there's KOP written there.



sc photo
MyWebsite
April 16, 2007 at 06:40:52 PM
Joined: 11/17/2006
Posts: 193
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: KOP on April 15 2007 at 02:39:19 PM

Last night, the promoter at Kings Speedway called off the nights activities due to weather conditions. Problem was, the event COULD have been ran. Around 4:50pm there was a light sprinkle. Promoter Frank Dias told the race teams he would decide at 6pm whether or not to race.

It only *sprinkled* for about 20 min. Then the sun returned. Just barely after 5:30, Dias called the program a washout. The race teams were informed as such. The fans were left sitting in the stands for about 30 min. before they were told. SCRA sprint car teams and Western All Star late model teams wanted to know why. Dias informed the racing teams that the racing officials were the ones who called the show. THIS IS NOT TRUE! It was DIAS himself that pulled the plug. Once Dias told the teams what he did, he jumped in his truck and left the premises.

Some officials of Kings Speedway staff were so outraged that they took off their uniforms vowing never to work for Dias again. The Western All Stars are said to be contemplating never to return again. Maybe cooler heads will prevail, maybe not, but this is a poor management decision by the promoter.

You not only have race teams that have rigs that burn fuel at a rate a 4-5 miles per gallon (one late model team came from Oregon), but you have the racing fan who spent their fuel and time to attend the races.

The SCRA and Western All Stars had both decided to forgo time trials and pill draw so they could make sure the program would be ran within the allotted curfew time. The promoter still pulled the plug anyway.

Its a good thing that Dias stepped up to the plate to help save Kings Speedway when the track needed a saviour. However, with decisions like this, it isn't a very good PR move for the tracks reputation. It still remains to be seen if the USAC/CRA sprint cars will return either after their main event was cut short at their last stop so the late models could get their FULL main event in. Yes folks, if you didn't know......the sprints were the "support class" for that night....amazing!



I want to address that last paragraph.

The USAC feature was cut short because they couldn't get their s**t together and get a race in. It took 54 minutes to get in only 20 laps that night. The Western All Stars are a traveling series as well, why should they have been penalized for CRA's cluster that night. As it was the WAS feature started after the 11pm curfew and they managed to get their 30 laps completed in less than 20 minutes. I also know that if the WAS A-main was the yellow fest that USAC had, their feature would have been cut short as well.


http://www.raceimages.net

CRA91
April 16, 2007 at 08:43:43 PM
Joined: 12/01/2004
Posts: 428
Reply

Well sc photo, when your racing on a piece of crap race track that has a racing groove that's a car width wide, with cars that don't have fenders,what do you expect?

The racers did the best they could with the garbage they had to race on,you make it sound like the USAC drivers are nothing more than a bunch of no driving idiot's.

dirttrackclay,

I'm sure that Chris and USAC does understand the situation,but then again they weren't the ones that got gouged for 40.00 bucks for a pit pass or had to pay for the six or seven tires that got burnt up on that fine piece of junk you called a race track or pay for all the equipement that got torn up either,so of course they shouldn't be to upset.

Then the racers get thanked for all the money they spent out by getting their feature shortend all because somebody tries to race to many classes of cars in one night. I also noticed that most of the fans must have been there to the see the sprint cars race,since after the sprint car feature most got up and left.So maybe next time give the fans what they want to see,a sprint car race and the racers enough time to run a full 30 laps instead of doing trophy presentations and the other hoopla stuff you guys did and not another quagmire!

 



sc photo
MyWebsite
April 16, 2007 at 09:28:13 PM
Joined: 11/17/2006
Posts: 193
Reply

I am not implying or saying anything of the such. You can't blame the constant single car spins on "lack of fenders". Yes the racetrack was horrid that night, but guess what, it was that way the entire night and should not have been a surprise to anyone. I saw drivers on restart after restart blast into the first turn and expect something to be there and around they went. It still comes down to a simple matter of time, 54 minutes to run 20 laps on a 3/8 mile track is a joke.


http://www.raceimages.net

RadRobinlb
April 16, 2007 at 09:44:21 PM
Joined: 02/27/2007
Posts: 449
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: CRA91 on April 16 2007 at 08:43:43 PM

Well sc photo, when your racing on a piece of crap race track that has a racing groove that's a car width wide, with cars that don't have fenders,what do you expect?

The racers did the best they could with the garbage they had to race on,you make it sound like the USAC drivers are nothing more than a bunch of no driving idiot's.

dirttrackclay,

I'm sure that Chris and USAC does understand the situation,but then again they weren't the ones that got gouged for 40.00 bucks for a pit pass or had to pay for the six or seven tires that got burnt up on that fine piece of junk you called a race track or pay for all the equipement that got torn up either,so of course they shouldn't be to upset.

Then the racers get thanked for all the money they spent out by getting their feature shortend all because somebody tries to race to many classes of cars in one night. I also noticed that most of the fans must have been there to the see the sprint cars race,since after the sprint car feature most got up and left.So maybe next time give the fans what they want to see,a sprint car race and the racers enough time to run a full 30 laps instead of doing trophy presentations and the other hoopla stuff you guys did and not another quagmire!

 



Has much as I respect what the people at Kings Speedway are doing, I have to agree with this post. There is no way the USAC/CRA sprint cars should have been an under-card to those guys that play follow the leader all night long. I just hope to God the Western All-Stars are not scheduled in May when USAC/CRA comes back to Kings Speedway. Of course, those are just my opinions, don't want to offend anyone.

P.S. Nice run Saturday Cardey


RADROBINLB

CRA91
April 16, 2007 at 10:01:16 PM
Joined: 12/01/2004
Posts: 428
Reply

sc photo,

ok,your not implying that the drivers couldn't get it done,as far as your gripe about 54min. to run 20 laps,well a crap track equals crap racing,a 1200lbs. car with a 800+ horsepower motor is a little harder to control than a late model is.



2dafront
April 16, 2007 at 11:07:13 PM
Joined: 04/23/2006
Posts: 28
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: CRA91 on April 16 2007 at 10:01:16 PM

sc photo,

ok,your not implying that the drivers couldn't get it done,as far as your gripe about 54min. to run 20 laps,well a crap track equals crap racing,a 1200lbs. car with a 800+ horsepower motor is a little harder to control than a late model is.



GEEZ YOU GUYS ACT LIKE THE USAC CRA GUYS ARE GODS OR SOMETHING. I ENJOY THIER RACES ALSO BUT LET IT GO .


STOMP AND STEER!!!!

turn4rob
April 16, 2007 at 11:47:42 PM
Joined: 12/04/2004
Posts: 1680
Reply

what i can get a grasp on is why would a promoter book 2 premier classes on the same night.I know some of you think WSA is junk but like it or not they do have a big fan base but please Mr. Promoter wake up and DO NOT book them on the same night as USAC/CRA

ROB



SJ Valley Dave
April 17, 2007 at 11:07:54 AM
Joined: 04/17/2007
Posts: 7
Reply

First of all, I enjoy all forms of motorsports, winged and wingless sprinters, asphalt super modifieds, etc. Some of the best wingless races I have seen in the past were on icy dry slick tracks that really let the drivers shine. Not some stomp and steer tacky hp track. That said, how long was the promoter supposed to allow the main event for the USAC cars run?? One reason that a lot of fans left was that it was 11:00 PM and they were doing a trophy presentation on the front straight. A lot of people I spoke with thought that the DLM main was going to be cancelled. The WAS have 8 shows booked into Kings this year. They are paying between $2,000-$5,000 to win. It amazes me that some "race fans" have such a narrow view on our sport and have such a sh***y attitude on everything except their class! Oh well...



CRA91
April 17, 2007 at 12:38:27 PM
Joined: 12/01/2004
Posts: 428
Reply

SJ Valley Dave,

Some of us on this board are alot more deeply involved than just fan status.Like I said above,it's pretty stupid to be having trophy presentations when they're already up against the curfew.Run all the races,then bring up the winners of each division for a trophy presentation.

2dafront,

As far as letting it go,some people had alot more money invested in this situation than you probably did.



SJ Valley Dave
April 17, 2007 at 04:47:43 PM
Joined: 04/17/2007
Posts: 7
Reply

CRA 91, I realize that there are a lot of people that have more than fan status on this board. I have $$ invested in my cousins DLM so I was concerned we were not going to get to even try and get any laps in our main. I do agree that if they are going to try and run 2 headliner type classes they need to keep an eye on time from the get go. Maybe try and start the show earlier...



KOP
MyWebsite
April 17, 2007 at 04:54:55 PM
Joined: 12/01/2004
Posts: 1913
Reply
This message was edited on April 17, 2007 at 04:56:29 PM by KOP

Interesting reading by those whom have replied. Terry makes some good points from a teams perspective and others have surely put in some interesting 2 cents worth also. As for JW and BOB (Top 5), its your right to feel how you wish about anyones post. This is after all a......"FORUM". See it above in the title???? Forums are used to present opinions and views, NOT to be all politically correct.

JW: (gawd I'm glad you opened your mouth), you are the LAST one to talk about being positive! Do I need to go back and pull up some of your posts, cut and paste them here for all to see? Yea, I didn't think you wanted me to either.

If I were posting lies and half truths, I (as anyone) would be so wrong dead to rights. I just shared information that took place at a particular event as provided by those on the "inside". Frank, as I stated, it is good to see someone step up and keep racing going. You deserve your props for that. The focus of what took place needs to be with the race teams, some officials (the taking off the uniforms and comments they made were NOT made up) and the fans that were there. There are some fans still wanting to know why they sat still for almost 30 min. after the teams were informed so. Hopefully (as I mentioned), everyone will calm down and everyone can go forward from here. There is some PR damage control that needs to be done however.

Finally, I cant go into it right now everyone, but in about 3 years (if not sooner), sprint car racing (sanctioning) is going to change like it has never changed before in the golden state of California. Stay tuned..........



turn4rob
April 17, 2007 at 06:49:46 PM
Joined: 12/04/2004
Posts: 1680
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: KOP on April 17 2007 at 04:54:55 PM

Interesting reading by those whom have replied. Terry makes some good points from a teams perspective and others have surely put in some interesting 2 cents worth also. As for JW and BOB (Top 5), its your right to feel how you wish about anyones post. This is after all a......"FORUM". See it above in the title???? Forums are used to present opinions and views, NOT to be all politically correct.

JW: (gawd I'm glad you opened your mouth), you are the LAST one to talk about being positive! Do I need to go back and pull up some of your posts, cut and paste them here for all to see? Yea, I didn't think you wanted me to either.

If I were posting lies and half truths, I (as anyone) would be so wrong dead to rights. I just shared information that took place at a particular event as provided by those on the "inside". Frank, as I stated, it is good to see someone step up and keep racing going. You deserve your props for that. The focus of what took place needs to be with the race teams, some officials (the taking off the uniforms and comments they made were NOT made up) and the fans that were there. There are some fans still wanting to know why they sat still for almost 30 min. after the teams were informed so. Hopefully (as I mentioned), everyone will calm down and everyone can go forward from here. There is some PR damage control that needs to be done however.

Finally, I cant go into it right now everyone, but in about 3 years (if not sooner), sprint car racing (sanctioning) is going to change like it has never changed before in the golden state of California. Stay tuned..........



damn John did you really have to throw out that last paragraph?Now your really gonna get us going nuts lol.

ROB



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