Racetracks are DYING. Here's how we save them. WheelHouse
video description
Date: 2019-10-24
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 10
Lennart Swenson
On my way to IndyCar at Pocono I saw a trailered dirt Modified going the opposite way. Pocono has several Infield Courses. Best race I saw there was an AMA motorcycle race & an old F5000 race. Pocono could host everything from go-karts to NASCAR/ IndyCar Ovals WITH Road Races. What about adding a Dirt Modified race, or AFT (dirt motorcycle flat track)/ TT Races? Or 1 NASCAR Oval with 2nd race on the Road Course? Ditto with the IndyCars. Pocono has SO MANY OPTIONS than to hang their success on 2 series. They even have a Driving School on the premises. There's enough track length for NHRA in PIT LANE, but the long straight may be banked? Nazareth Speedway is closed (for a mall) but Roger and Mario may have bleachers for sale for smaller events at Pocono. Google an aerial view of all the Infield Courses that Pocono could use. What a waste of a multi-purpose piece of land where NO MALLS or HOUSING will be needed POCONO OWNERS- WAKE UP BEFORE THIS FADING TRI-STATE RACING FACILITY BECOMES A MEMORY PLEASE
reply
On my way to IndyCar at Pocono I saw a trailered dirt Modified going the opposite way. Pocono has several Infield Courses. Best race I saw there was an AMA motorcycle race & an old F5000 race. Pocono could host everything from go-karts to NASCAR/ IndyCar Ovals WITH Road Races. What about adding a Dirt Modified race, or AFT (dirt motorcycle flat track)/ TT Races? Or 1 NASCAR Oval with 2nd race on the Road Course? Ditto with the IndyCars. Pocono has SO MANY OPTIONS than to hang their success on 2 series. They even have a Driving School on the premises. There's enough track length for NHRA in PIT LANE, but the long straight may be banked? Nazareth Speedway is closed (for a mall) but Roger and Mario may have bleachers for sale for smaller events at Pocono. Google an aerial view of all the Infield Courses that Pocono could use. What a waste of a multi-purpose piece of land where NO MALLS or HOUSING will be needed POCONO OWNERS- WAKE UP BEFORE THIS FADING TRI-STATE RACING FACILITY BECOMES A MEMORY PLEASE
reply
TurboHawkV6
A lot of great information and points in this video. First video of yours I've watched and like it very much. It's not just Laguna Seca that has dumb neighbours issues. There is a local to me drag track that has been operating since the early '60's and over the last few years a few new houses have been built near it and these people have the audacity to complain about the noise, knowing full well that there is a function race track near by. Another facility also local to me has a similar issue, though the town was there first, the track has been operating since 1956 IIRC, but the track was able to install dirt mounds around the outside of the facilities towards on the side towards the town to help absorb and defect the sound. Of course there are still complaints, but the noise is always within allowable limits, and racing stops at 10 because of this, it used to be 11. :/
reply
A lot of great information and points in this video. First video of yours I've watched and like it very much. It's not just Laguna Seca that has dumb neighbours issues. There is a local to me drag track that has been operating since the early '60's and over the last few years a few new houses have been built near it and these people have the audacity to complain about the noise, knowing full well that there is a function race track near by. Another facility also local to me has a similar issue, though the town was there first, the track has been operating since 1956 IIRC, but the track was able to install dirt mounds around the outside of the facilities towards on the side towards the town to help absorb and defect the sound. Of course there are still complaints, but the noise is always within allowable limits, and racing stops at 10 because of this, it used to be 11. :/
reply
SEVENZEROTWO
You're missing one point. People don't want to watch. They want to bring their cars. The lack of affordable options thats even close to me and doesn't suck (Tampa, FL. Our closest option is Shittime Speedway that closes at 10pm) is appalling. Not to mention increasing legislation that prosecutes car enthusiasts is playing a big role, so Street Racing is really the only option, which happens ALOT here in Tampa. Go out on a Friday/Saturday night and it will be very easy to find a gearhead thats ready to send it. If a multi purpose track (Drift, Circuit, Drag, with Car Lot) opened up from 9pm - 3am and had general admission of 20 and free spectator admission (money from concessions and advertising) along with regular videos from some Big Wig youtubers, it would be a hit.
reply
You're missing one point. People don't want to watch. They want to bring their cars. The lack of affordable options thats even close to me and doesn't suck (Tampa, FL. Our closest option is Shittime Speedway that closes at 10pm) is appalling. Not to mention increasing legislation that prosecutes car enthusiasts is playing a big role, so Street Racing is really the only option, which happens ALOT here in Tampa. Go out on a Friday/Saturday night and it will be very easy to find a gearhead thats ready to send it. If a multi purpose track (Drift, Circuit, Drag, with Car Lot) opened up from 9pm - 3am and had general admission of 20 and free spectator admission (money from concessions and advertising) along with regular videos from some Big Wig youtubers, it would be a hit.
reply
Spitfirethedragon
You do not have to get USAC, World of Outlaws and all that to race on the tracks. Create or own rules, let locals race, bring ticket prices down to 6 for adults and 3 for kids under 12. You make up the differences from concessions and entry fees. The stands do get packed when the ticket prices are cheaper. Locals will not fork out 20 to 30 to see a race. Tracks are struggling to fill stands even the ticket prices are 12. The major issue is that fans are priced out of seeing the races because they do not have the money to shell out 80 to 120 per head for a family of 4. That is what happening to all the sports right now. I grew up around short track racing since it was cheap for a poor low income family to see.
reply
You do not have to get USAC, World of Outlaws and all that to race on the tracks. Create or own rules, let locals race, bring ticket prices down to 6 for adults and 3 for kids under 12. You make up the differences from concessions and entry fees. The stands do get packed when the ticket prices are cheaper. Locals will not fork out 20 to 30 to see a race. Tracks are struggling to fill stands even the ticket prices are 12. The major issue is that fans are priced out of seeing the races because they do not have the money to shell out 80 to 120 per head for a family of 4. That is what happening to all the sports right now. I grew up around short track racing since it was cheap for a poor low income family to see.
reply
scarface matt
racing is dying because tracks are closing shop because their poor management is driving fans away. just a thought from a guy literally born at a track and raced all over southern Ontario Canada both dirt and asphalt 15 per head for the stands 30 for the pits or 25 with driver or crew membershipyou gotta think about sponsors they are a huge income they sometimes pay a full event purse a different sponsor per class will most likely pay a portion of that class' weekly winnings, then event sponsors cover the rest. the best track I've ever raced at is ohsweken speedway in Ontario they live stream their race nights every Friday here on youtube and on facebook
reply
racing is dying because tracks are closing shop because their poor management is driving fans away. just a thought from a guy literally born at a track and raced all over southern Ontario Canada both dirt and asphalt 15 per head for the stands 30 for the pits or 25 with driver or crew membershipyou gotta think about sponsors they are a huge income they sometimes pay a full event purse a different sponsor per class will most likely pay a portion of that class' weekly winnings, then event sponsors cover the rest. the best track I've ever raced at is ohsweken speedway in Ontario they live stream their race nights every Friday here on youtube and on facebook
reply
spike001ton
I'm sorry but in europe thoese dumb track days where they let regular joes come in and run there cars around the track for the little tracks I think that could be the best way to make a quick buck and then run a Friday amature 4/8 cylinder races this is a good way to let regular joe come in and race for actual prizes and glory and as a bonus the prize pool can be as low as 500 bucks for a Friday 4 cyl amature race this is how all the dirt tacks around me make there money selling beer on Friday nites and the run a promoted bigger race Saturday and sadly beer is the big money maker followed by ticket sales
reply
I'm sorry but in europe thoese dumb track days where they let regular joes come in and run there cars around the track for the little tracks I think that could be the best way to make a quick buck and then run a Friday amature 4/8 cylinder races this is a good way to let regular joe come in and race for actual prizes and glory and as a bonus the prize pool can be as low as 500 bucks for a Friday 4 cyl amature race this is how all the dirt tacks around me make there money selling beer on Friday nites and the run a promoted bigger race Saturday and sadly beer is the big money maker followed by ticket sales
reply
Nate p
Not only California, but Laguna Seca is in Monterey. Home of Pebble Beach, Carmel, and some of the richest, snootiest people in the US. Every time I go to Laguna Seca, I see more mansions getting nearer and nearer to the track. Back in the day there was a military base near there so noise and homeowners weren't an issue, but since Fort Ord shut down, the rich people have been invading that whole area. Laguna is in trouble right now for sure. Mazda is gone, SCRAMP is gone, Weathertech is hanging by a thread, and Monterey County has no love for the track, but plenty of love for taxes from developers.
reply
Not only California, but Laguna Seca is in Monterey. Home of Pebble Beach, Carmel, and some of the richest, snootiest people in the US. Every time I go to Laguna Seca, I see more mansions getting nearer and nearer to the track. Back in the day there was a military base near there so noise and homeowners weren't an issue, but since Fort Ord shut down, the rich people have been invading that whole area. Laguna is in trouble right now for sure. Mazda is gone, SCRAMP is gone, Weathertech is hanging by a thread, and Monterey County has no love for the track, but plenty of love for taxes from developers.
reply
Snarky . Live
Meh, the only thing that is going to get racing interest up is making it more sustainable and more dangerous. Like it or not, many people are disgusted by the amount of fuel and tires consumed, plus race vehicles run with almost no emissions controls. Leukemia and lung cancer are the more likely ways for racers to go than vehicle crashes at this point in our society. People don't want to spend money to watch wealthy people safely race expensive vehicles poorly, while consuming finite global resources.
reply
Meh, the only thing that is going to get racing interest up is making it more sustainable and more dangerous. Like it or not, many people are disgusted by the amount of fuel and tires consumed, plus race vehicles run with almost no emissions controls. Leukemia and lung cancer are the more likely ways for racers to go than vehicle crashes at this point in our society. People don't want to spend money to watch wealthy people safely race expensive vehicles poorly, while consuming finite global resources.
reply
rob hovey
We have a Racetrack in trouble here in Australia due to people that have bought or built near it. The track is Lakeside Raceway and is amazing to drive. They were incorrectly zoned by the local council and keep getting fined due to breeching a ridiculously low noise limit. Petitions and grassroots campaigns to get it re-zoned correctly have fell on deaf (or maybe bribed) ears. The track is over 50 years old and heritage listed. It needs to stay and it needs to be able to keep hosting race events.
reply
We have a Racetrack in trouble here in Australia due to people that have bought or built near it. The track is Lakeside Raceway and is amazing to drive. They were incorrectly zoned by the local council and keep getting fined due to breeching a ridiculously low noise limit. Petitions and grassroots campaigns to get it re-zoned correctly have fell on deaf (or maybe bribed) ears. The track is over 50 years old and heritage listed. It needs to stay and it needs to be able to keep hosting race events.
reply
Randy Billings
Please tell me where in the U. S. a race track runs four classes 10k to win in one night. And if they did you think 30 for a ticket is too much. Wow You've never been to the Carolinas at all. It's 30 to watch a weekly show. If it ever happened to be four classes for 10 k, which would never happen btw, you can believe tickets would be way more than 30 even with your lame idea of adding more seats. You obviously have no clue about grass roots racing. Stick to drifting and road circuit racing.
reply
Please tell me where in the U. S. a race track runs four classes 10k to win in one night. And if they did you think 30 for a ticket is too much. Wow You've never been to the Carolinas at all. It's 30 to watch a weekly show. If it ever happened to be four classes for 10 k, which would never happen btw, you can believe tickets would be way more than 30 even with your lame idea of adding more seats. You obviously have no clue about grass roots racing. Stick to drifting and road circuit racing.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
