Forum: Oklahomatidbits.com General Forum (go)
Moderators:  /  David Smith Jr

Did you come to admire the facility or the talent on the track?

Hard to draw a conclusion from just driving past a facility.  The OK Corral building, which was first called Johnson's arena which was constructed in 1972 has been host to motorcycle racing ever since.   There are thousands of photos taken my TKC Racenight Photos on their web site,  and lots of footage posted on Youtube videos of the racing action at the OK Corral.   If one would read the posts made and other information online and in numerous motorsports publications they would get a feel of the history of that venue.  Not every venue has fancy brass and glass sturctures such as the BOK Center in Tulsa or the Ford Arena in OKC.

What the OK Corral does offer is a freindly atmosphere where one is not afraid to get a little dirty sitting within 3 feet of the front straight, while dirt sprays in ones face watching a close handlebar to handlebar race with six of more riders tied together in constant battle around the small indoor short track.   The OK Corral also affords the racers with some great dirt, which is hard to find at most concrete floor brass and glass arenas that require hauled in dirt.   One can get a soda in a glass with ice for a dollar along with a big thick 1/4 pound hand made Cheeseburger for $3.50, fries and more at the OK Corral concession stand.  Order that at the fancy venues and one may need to bring along their credit card.  Beer at the State Fair Arena last weekend sold for $5.50 for a 12oz bottle, and pop was $3.95 a glass.  That is what it takes to pay for all that fancy space.  

The floor dimensions on the BOK and many other arenas in Oklahoma that are fancier than the OK Corral are smaller than the OK Corral.  We use the building to race in, not to display Art.  :}   We like to squirt dirt, make loud noise and go fast.  Not interested in what color the walls are, or what kind of flooring is in the lobby.  Heck the OK Corral does not even have a fancy lobby, most folks are there to watch what is happening in the Arena and not what the landscaping of the grounds looks like.     The event is designed to Showcase the Racers talent, machines, engine and chassis builders skills, and the sponsors of the race vehicles, and not the building. 

The 6th Annual AMP Outlaw Winter Nationals, which have been produced since 1984 have drawn racers from 16 states.  Not sure of your definition of a National, but mine is a race that is open to all competitors.  There are no membership dues or sanctions to join, or weekend membership in any organization.  Believe there are other Indoor races in Oklahoma that have a similar format.  Prior to the inflation of fuel prices and the downturn of the economy, the series traveled to three states including Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas and Mississippi.   When gas prices soared, the majority of participants were polled and we made the decision to host all the races at one location.   We chose the OK Corral Indoor Arena for it's location in Oklahoma City, which is smack dab in the center of Oklahoma and close to the center of the United States of America.  Equal drive distance from most locations in America.

While many venues may be more attractive from the outside, it is the level of competion that attracts racers and racefans.  We were sold out Saturday night with a standing room only crowd.  Racers representing four states were racing atop the cushion red clay inside the historic OK Corral Indoor Arena.   TV News 9 was on hand filming the races Saturday night, as well as KJRH Channel 2 video journalists.  Channel 9 will air their footage on the News on Wednesday, Tulsa KJRH 2 or 9 possibly Wednesday due to all the Stick and Ball Sports happening this weekend. 

We constantly attract more racefans at the OK Corral for the Annual AMP Outlaw Winter Nationals than did the $30,000 purse BooKoo AMA Pro AM held at the Lazy E Arena last season. 

Sure there are much fancier places to go race, but so are the pit pass and entry fee and membership fees to those, some as high priced as joining Southern Hills Country Club.  If one is looking for an inexpensive fun filled exciting race card for a Saturday night's entertainment, check out the AMP OWN at the OK Corral Indoor Arena.  Sure there are numerous tracks to attend in Oklahoma during the summer, but only a few run Indoors during the Winter.  Some are fancier than others, and some have better racing than others.  Just depends on what one is seeking. 

There were six AMA GNC racers at the OK Corral Indoor arena Saturday night, representing four states, along with the 2009 #1 Plate holder in the 600 Pro Vintage with the VDTRA Joey Rayborn out of Sherveport, Louisiana.  Rayborn was upset by Tulsa based Cacy Carpenter in the 600 Pro Vintage A Feature.    Carpenter is a past AMA GNC rider who's parents owned Tulsa Suzuki.   That is a pretty stout field of racers.   World of Outlaws director Shane Carson was sitting on the front row of the bleachers along side of Scotty Adams enjoying the night's races, he is and has been for many years frequent fan of the racing at the OK Corral.  AMA GNC National rider Ronnie Jones attends the races at the OK Corral along with  a long list of AMA GNC and VDTRA regulars including Garry Baehler, Orbin Adams, and Scott Sowders.    Scott Sherb, president of the VDTRA was on hand Saturday night enjoying watching his son Corby race in the Open Pro Singles divisoin.  Scott took a few hot laps on one of his machines he brought along with them.  The Chirstian Motorcyclist Association was onhand with Bike Blessings, a booth and they presented the invocation to kick start the races Saturday night.  

Don't worry, a little dirt never hurt anyone.   There is always Asphalt Racing for those afraid of getting a little dirt on them.   Soap and water takes the dirt right off.    Most of all God made Dirt and Dirt Don't Hurt !     

The Annual AMP Outlaw Winter Nationals Point Series provides affordable fun indoor racing that happens rain, sleet, ice, snow, or shine.   

You may know all about dirt, but u dont know a damn thing about racing!!! I go out there, Larry Neighbors goes out there, and plenty of other racers go out to watch or compete against these guys. Its about competition and the love of racing. If u need something fancy to go racin dirt, then u dont know dirt either!!!

Probably wouldn't think much of our "fancy" racin' facility, either. It's not much to look at, but boy we have some good racing!!!!

Actually the dark clay at Knoxville Raceway was created over the years by mixing in the mulch, from the barns at the Marion County Fairgrounds, of the sawdust and manure into the clay at the end of each season. The natural enzymes help retain moisture and create a great surface for Hoosiers.

They raced horses at Knoxville from the late 1800's and the first auto race was held in 1914, so there is a lot of horse manure and urine mixed into that dirt way before a race tire rolled onto it.

Larry Neighbors son Ry Neighbors is one of the coolest racers at the AMP OWN races in Harrah. . When he met the Channel 9 Video Journalist he said, "I'm gona give you a feature win to remember!" Corey Metscher is another great competitor, younger brother of Cody Metscher 2008 Sprint Car Champ at Brill Motor Speedway in Meeker, Oklahoma.

These youngster are the future face of racing, and it is looking great in Oklahoma.

You know the first time we drove down there from northwest oklahoma,i thought what the hell did i get into.my kids absolutly loved racing at the Ok Corral and racing for Bob.Bob is the best promotor i have seen with the kid's.my kid'd learned more about sportsmanship and comradery at that old barn than any of the fancy collesiums they have raced in.a true racer does not care where he races as long as he or her is racing.so don't knock it till you go there and try it.Gary Clift

You used to drive you must have figured out your as big a dumb ass at driving as you are at posting messages. You dont have a clue about anything you moron. Sincerely Darin Robison

AMPman don't sweat it. The Corral is a class operation. I've been there as a fan and the pace and professionalism that is used to run the night is impressive and obvious. In addition to the grown up racers, the youngsters are getting seat time and valuable experience in sportsmanship and comraderie. I would recommend that any racer or fan that gets the cabin fever during the cold months support the AMP series and pay a visit some Saturday night. The racing is intense. And the kids that are turning laps there are the future of racing. For providing a place for them to learn the ropes the proper way, I give you kudos. Good job.

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Hmm.... I have thaught about this for 2 days now and as most on here know me I am very forwad and REAL. I started to bash the NOBODY mod156 but after thinking it over I know it's not worth it!!!! But I will just say you are a true IDIOT!!!!!!!

Bob you do a great job and we all really appreciate everything you do for racing and for the future stars of racing. I don't care if my son rises any further than he has in racing we have had more darn fun at Harrah and had times that we will look back on for a life time of total enjoyment.

I would really like to Know who you are! You stated you have a knowledge of dirt and tried to race a modified then bashed a standup guy and a facality for putting races on.

So who are you casino boy?

Larry Neighbors

Apology accepted.

Believe many of us understand the stress deal, another reason we are offering

Free Admission to folks drawing un-employment benefits.

Let's Go Racing and Have Fun !