The future of Martinsville

buckaroo

buckaroo

Here kitty, kitty, kitty
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The wife and I were talking during our drive today about how worried we are about the future of Martinsville Speedway. The town of Martinsville really doesn't have much there and the nearest bigger city is Greensboro and Winston Salem, both about an hour away. They took away the two races at North Wilkesboro because there was nothing there. They took away the two races at Rockingham because there is nothing there, and I'm sure they wanted to take the two races from Darlington but probably knew that there would be a riot if they did, so they only took one. Martinsville has been on the list of possible tracks that could lose a race. I don't know what the gate was this Sunday, but I did see plenty of empty seats. Beautiful day so the weather wasn't a factor. I'm of the opinion that the two races are safe for the moment as long as the fan base isn't growing by leaps and bounds like it did in the 80s and 90s but if the sport gets that big up turn again, I look for NASCAR to at least take one of those races. Now if the city of Martinsville would build a bunch of casinos where the big spenders can take their clients for a fun outting that would include a couple of races, then they might try to make some changes here and there, mostly for the corporate sponsors and their clients. But I'll tell you something if you don't already know it, I'd say at least half to three quarters of corporate guests in the suites know absolutely nothing about the racing and I've seen some of the younger guys start making bets just based on what the car looks like, or will bet on a famous driver they have heard of. It just slays me to see these people get free tickets to something that looks like it would be fun, getting all the free drink and east one can stand plus little souvineers that would cost 15 or 20 bucks at the hauler. I have been fortunate enough to have had tickets for one of those suites at Charlotte on two occasions. I'll tell you, it's a whole different atmosphere up there. But back to the issue at hand, you have to have something to do with your clients on and off the track, or they just might stay home the next time you try to woo them into a contract.
 
You are right about some of the people who populate the luxury suites, Buck.

Sitting in a luxury suite, with a glass panel to isolate you from the track, well it just ain't the same as sitting in the stands. I have been in a couple suites in my day and I was always anxious to get out ASAP. Of course, I always came back for the prawns and the beer... lol

Another interesting sidlight to this is that when Texas Motor Speedway had only one CUP race, the place was jam packed! 250,000 or so were there to witness. When a second race was added, the attendance fell. It fell to the point that TMS ripped out most of the backstretch seats and put in a High-Rollers RV area.

When all is said and done, it's all about supply and demand.
 
Martinsville must go

-It has a rich tradition.
-The purist short track on the circuit.
-Character or unique qualities
- Technically difficult, some drivers never figure out the track.
-Most importantly great racing.


Surely the above offenses demand the closure.


But NASCAR loves the fans, and they will buy the rights to sell the hot dogs to the common folks at the cookie cutters.


The Hot Dog transfer will probably get Brian in the HoF on the first ballot as his greatest accomplishment. With many a speech about saving the Martinsville Hot Dog for the little folks, God bless him.
 
$4.00 gallon gas I would bet has something to do with poor attendance, especially if there is nothing for miles around the track.
 
we had suites in Bristol, Atlanta, & Charlotte from 96 through 07 your exactly right, entertained more customers than i care to talk about 90% of them didn't have a clue they were just there for the party
 
The crowd at Martinsville was one of the better ones they've had the last few years.
 
I'd like to see them run Martinsville under the lights. But it is a sad fact that Nascar has become more about making money than tradition.
 
dirtguru said:
I'd like to see them run Martinsville under the lights. But it is a sad fact that Nascar has become more about making money than tradition.
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Maybe if it was run in the summer months when it's warmer and they actually had lights.
 
I honestly wouldn't mind seeing 1 race taken from Martinsville, but only if it is given to a similar short track or a track not already on the schedule like Iowa. If they took a date away and say gave Chicago a second date I'd be pissed.
 
Jeffrey00 said:
I honestly wouldn't mind seeing 1 race taken from Martinsville, but only if it is given to a similar short track or a track not already on the schedule like Iowa. If they took a date away and say gave Chicago a second date I'd be pissed.
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No way. Pull it from one of the several 1.5er's that are out there and I'll buy into your line of thinking. Martinsville put's on a great show.
 
Matthew2470 said:
Stupid NASCAR and their desire to turn a profit!:mad:
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Guess with all your other posts I can see where you would think they were stupid to turn a profit. Stupid is as stupid does, but I was refering to the tracks like Rockingham, North Wilkesboro, Darlington and other that held a tradition for years only to be taken over and shut down by the likes of Bruton Smith all for $$$$$$$. Oh and don't forget he was threatning to close down Charollette and move it across the NC SC border. I don't know you Matthew but I bet your mom and dad don't know you're spending this much time on the computer.
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
Maybe if it was run in the summer months when it's warmer and they actually had lights.
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If they can light up a 1/2 mile dirt track near me, I don't think putting lights up at a 1/2 mile Nascar track would be a great feat.
 
dirtguru said:
Guess with all your other posts I can see where you would think they were stupid to turn a profit. Stupid is as stupid does, but I was refering to the tracks like Rockingham, North Wilkesboro, Darlington and other that held a tradition for years only to be taken over and shut down by the likes of Bruton Smith all for $$$$$$$. Oh and don't forget he was threatning to close down Charollette and move it across the NC SC border. I don't know you Matthew but I bet your mom and dad don't know you're spending this much time on the computer.
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You should call SMI and offer your business wisdom.

And I'm pretty sure that my parents really don't care about my computer usage. But the next time they come for a visit I'll ask them about it.:)
 
I'd hate to see Martinsville go. I'm sure it will. NASCAR and the modern fans care about skyboxes, 120,000 seat stadiums they won't fill and how many amenities they are at and around the track. And NASCAR appealing to these people is driving the true fans away.
 
AndyMarquisLive said:
I'd hate to see Martinsville go. I'm sure it will. NASCAR and the modern fans care about skyboxes, 120,000 seat stadiums they won't fill and how many amenities they are at and around the track. And NASCAR appealing to these people is driving the true fans away.
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Couldn't have said it better really. Thanks Andy.
 
AndyMarquisLive said:
I'd hate to see Martinsville go. I'm sure it will. NASCAR and the modern fans care about skyboxes, 120,000 seat stadiums they won't fill and how many amenities they are at and around the track. And NASCAR appealing to these people is driving the true fans away.
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I don't think anyone cares about skyboxes anymore. While they've been built, they have not come. I really don't think that Martinsville is going anywhere soon. They sell the seats that are uncovered. Hopefully some day soon they'll be able to start uncovering some more of those seats again. I have to admit when looking at those overhead shots during the truck race I was concerned about the Sun crowd, but they showed up. Here's a little tip..... There's going to be a heck of a good race there again this October. How about some more of you TRUE fans out there buy a ticket or two and come join me for some adult beverages before and after that event. :cheers:
 
Those seats are covered for a very good reason. That's where the grounds keepers live.

It's a tough economy.
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
There's going to be a heck of a good race there again this October. How about some more of you TRUE fans out there buy a ticket or two and come join me for some adult beverages before and after that event. :cheers:
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Can't do it this year, but I'd like to get there someday soon. Maybe Darlington first got to finish off the D named tracks
 
I keep saying this and hopefully the idea will catch on someday . I would love to take my grandson to a race someday but I don't have $1,000.00 to lay out for tickets,gas,room, and meals. If the tracks could find a way to offer free or cheap camping , they would attract a whole new legion of fans. Instead , they cater to millionaires who drive expensive motorhomes and park in the infield and leave the rest of us to the mercy of the motel owners . If they want to send a message to the motel owners , free camping is one way to do it.
 
ted@economy said:
I keep saying this and hopefully the idea will catch on someday . I would love to take my grandson to a race someday but I don't have $1,000.00 to lay out for tickets,gas,room, and meals. If the tracks could find a way to offer free or cheap camping , they would attract a whole new legion of fans. Instead , they cater to millionaires who drive expensive motorhomes and park in the infield and leave the rest of us to the mercy of the motel owners . If they want to send a message to the motel owners , free camping is one way to do it.
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I totally disagree on your ideas about camping because that is the only way that I go to a race and some tracks already offer free camping. Others are at a very inexpensive rate. For example $99 for a week @ Bristol. $75 @ Martinsville. Dover $100. Richmond $100. I don't think those rates are bad at all. I do agree with you on the hotel/motel prices though but camping can be and is very inexpensive.
 
ted@economy said:
What is the minimum size camper that you can bring in?
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I'm not really following you on that question. Bring in where?

My wife, kids & I used to go in a popup tent camper for years. We then moved to a 28' tow behind. We now have a 35' 5er. Heck, you can stay in a tent if you want.
 
Smoke14 said:
A six foot sleeping bag in the back of an eight foot Silverado bed. I have done it many times.
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Now that's a TRUE fan!

We had a guy pull in next to us @ Bristol 3 years ago in a van by himself. He bought his ticket and camping spot on EBay. He now owns a 20' travel trailer and we still camp together 3 years later. We've made a lot of friends camping at the race. I wouldn't go to a race unless I were camping. IMO that's by far the best way to experience a race weekend hands down.
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
Now that's a TRUE fan!

We had a guy pull in next to us @ Bristol 3 years ago in a van by himself. He bought his ticket and camping spot on EBay. He now owns a 20' travel trailer and we still camp together 3 years later. We've made a lot of friends camping at the race. I wouldn't go to a race unless I were camping. IMO that's by far the best way to experience a race weekend hands down.
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Agreed. I have been to races for an entire weekend where I never cooked a meal and never went hungry.
 
Way off topic.

At Dega about five years ago we had a couple of race virgins parked across from us in the lot. I ended up cooking their food for them before the Nationwide race. They ended up buying the food for the cup race. To this day we exchange emails and talk trash via texts.

I have met some of the nicest people at race tracks.
 
dirtguru said:
If they can light up a 1/2 mile dirt track near me, I don't think putting lights up at a 1/2 mile Nascar track would be a great feat.
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Musco Lighting has lit up Martinsville in the past. When the mods ran there a few years ago, they ran the race at night for two years. We loved it, but evidently not enough money was made to continue and after one year later running during the daytime, they dropped the mods and the mods moved to Bristol.
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
How about some more of you TRUE fans out there buy a ticket or two and come join me for some adult beverages before and after that event. :cheers:
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You pay for my gas for the 14 hour drive, and I will buy you all the hot dogs you can eat.
 
Smoke14 said:
A six foot sleeping bag in the back of an eight foot Silverado bed. I have done it many times.
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Im doing that next time! Now for some lights and a saturday night NW race at MIS. Let's figure that one oout.
 
MOEJOE said:
You pay for my gas for the 14 hour drive, and I will buy you all the hot dogs you can eat.
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Thanks for the offer but no can do. I'm still in the process of saving my money for my trip down there this fall. I'll tell you what though..... I'll have two of those dogs and dedicate them to you. :cool:
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
Thanks for the offer but no can do. I'm still in the process of saving my money for my trip down there this fall. I'll tell you what though..... I'll have two of those dogs and dedicate them to you. :cool:
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I'll send you a 5th of McMasters Whiskey. You can pass it around the campfire and tell your friends it's from MOEJOE.
 
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