Nuckles, Promoters of the Year

Transcription

Nuckles, Promoters of the Year
Issue40.02
The Idea Newsletter For
Auto Racing Promoters
Nuckles, Promoters of the Year;
Speedweek Workshop Report
The first time we stepped to
the Workshops podium nearly 20
years ago, the regional nominees
included the preeminent names in
race promotion since the Second
World War, many considerably
overdue for recognition. Still
waiting for their turn as Auto
Racing Promoters of the Year were
the biggest names in our sport:
Earl Baltes, Robert Lawton, C-Ray
Hall, Ralph Capitani, Lanny
Edwards, Tom Curley, John Padjen,
and more, the creators of the
biggest events in short track
racing, events that endure today.
These men promoted tracks by
which racing measured success in
the ‘70s and ‘80s. Eventually,
each became Promoter of the Year.
Next came what one might
call the “new” generation,
promoters who established
themselves in the '90s as industry
leaders, promoters like Charles
Cathell, Charles Powell, Steve York,
Larry Kemp, Andy Vertrees, Chuck
Deery, and ladies like Jody Deery,
and Nadine Strauss. These were
the students of the earlier
generation, learning much of what
they knew at the Workshops.
They became leaders in their own
right in their own time.
Now in a new decade, we
see yet another generation taking
over, promoters of the generation
of Regional Promoters of the Year
ORVILLE CHENOWETH, RODNEY
WING, STEVE BEITLER, AL
VARNADORE, TODD HUTTO, AND
ANDY HARPELL. As the world
changes, and the sport of short
track racing changes; these
promoters will chart the course for
promoters in the mid-21st Century,
(See Promoters, P6)
We Support Our Troops
A Service to
Promoters
Sponsored by
The
Promoters’
Voice
And Forum
Since
1971
Archive this newsletter for la ter reference
D o w n l o a d y o u r c o p y f r o m : h t t p : // p u b l i c . m e . c o m / r p m n e w s l e t t e r
Brea ki n g News & Notes
BALTES VISITS WORKSHOPS: It was a pleasant
surprise when EARL and BERNIECE BALTES visited the
Speedweek Workshop Tuesday, accompanied by son
and daughter-in-law TERRY and XXXX Baltes. It is
their first visit to RPM in four years. When we
introduced the only promoter that ever paid $1
million in cash to a race winner to the assembled
promoters, they received a standing ovation. Earl
and Berniece looked well, and they enjoyed the
many well wishes of promoters, many of whom met
them for the first time... IN APPRECIATION: It was
also our pleasure to introduce New Smyrna
Speedway owner ROBERT HART, accompanied by old
friend JOE LEWANDOSKI to promoters as well Tuesday
morning. Hart cannot often attend the Workshop
because he and staff are in the midst of their allconsuming World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.
Hart graciously hosts promoters as his guests during
series events during the Workshop... RPM
ECONOMIC IMPACT: According to estimates by the
Daytona Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, the
Daytona Beach RPM Promoters Workshop contributed
$415,000 dollars in economic impact to the Daytona
Beach-area economy... UNITED WAY DONATION: To
show RPM and promoters’ appreciation for the
assistance of the Daytona Beach community in
returning the Workshop to Daytona, promoters
donated $800 to the United Way of Volusia/Flagler
Counties. RPM matched the promoters’ funds,
bringing the donation to $1,600... THIRTY-EIGHTH
WORKSHOP SERIES DATES: Next winter’s promoters
gatherings will convene in Reno at the Eldorado
Hotel Casino, December 2-4, 2010, and at the Hilton
Daytona Beach, February 14-16, 2011. (Note that the
Speedweek dates published here are different from
earlier dates published)... ADD RPM TO YOUR PR
LIST, SEND PICTURES TO RPM: Instruct your PR
person to add RPM to your news release list. We
receive news releases by e-mail at rpmeditor@
verizon.net. Use your smart phone to send RPM
pictures. Since photographers rarely send the
pictures promoters ask them to send us, we
encourage promoters to “go direct.” Use your smart
phone to take pictures of big crowds, promotions,
how-to tips, then e-mail them to RPM right from your
phone on the spot. Smart phones are now good
enough for publication. Enter RPM in your smart
phone contacts at rpmeditor@verizon.net.
If you are reading RPM for the first time, we welcome you. RPM was created as a resource for promoters 39 years ago. It
is the monthly embodiment of the RPM slogan--Learn-Share-Profit--in which promoters share expertise and
experience to help each other produce better entertainment and increase ticket sales and profit. The ideas discussed
in RPM come from readers. We invite new readers to join longtime readers. Share your ideas as well. Read and enjoy
RPM. Keep us in touch with what you do at your track. We look forward to meeting at the next Workshop.
Proud Sponsor of Racing Promotion Monthly & RPM Promoters Workshops
Close The Coverage Gaps
Certificates of Insurance confirm policy limits, identify the
insurer, and specify the term. Requiring certificates and
being named an additional insured should be standard
practice. But certificates do not mean you are covered.
Coverage gaps are commonplace. Read policies and event
contracts. Understand where gaps occur. Pay attention to
"exclusions." Your insurance agent will help you
understand what's covered and who’s responsible.
Insuring the World’s Fun.
Protecting Your Business.
1712 Magnavox Way, PO Box 2338, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2338
Cal #0334819
K&K Insurance Group Canada, #101-5800 Explorer Drive,
Mississauga, ON, L4W 5K9,, F: 905-602-9141,
4002. 2
1.800.348.1839
In Canada
1.800.753.2632
http://www.kandkinsurance.com
http://www.kandkcanada.com
h t t p : // w w w. r a c i n g p r o m o t i o n m o n t h l y. n e t
Ohio Court Backs Track
A recent Ohio Appellate Court Decision gave TONY
and MELISSA BOETCHER’S 35 Raceway a positive
outcome that can offer other promoters guidance in how
to handle lawsuits about noise. The Boetchers built their
1/5-mile dirt, mini-sprint track 35 Raceway in 2005 on
unzoned land near Frankfort, OH. Surrounded by
neighbors, they understood they would have to be
proactive and good neighbors, so they voluntarily built
sound abatement into the track, muffled race cars and
limited their number of race days and hours of operation.
Despite these efforts 18 neighbors sought an injunction
to shutter the track, primarily on grounds that its noise
was a “private nuisance.” A local court found for the
Boetchers based on their noise abatement measures,
their willingness to work with the court to minimize
noise and other nuisance factors, the economic impact
of the facility and its value as a recreational asset in the
community. The neighbors appealed the initial court
decision, but on February 12, the Ohio Court of Appeals
affirmed the lower court’s decision while remanding the
proceeding back to the lower court for clarification of a
few ambiguous technical points, specifics about decibel
limits, curfews, and race nights permitted. Whether the
neighbors will appeal, the Appellate Court’s decision to
the Ohio Supreme Court remains to be seen. According
to DON ANSPAUGH attorney for the Boetchers, the value
in the Appellate Court’s decision is the acknowledgement
that race track businesses are significant contributors to
the community having positive economic impact,
contributing jobs to the community and offering a
positive recreational asset to the community. The turning
point in the case, Anspaugh said, was the fact that the
court was persuaded the track was an asset to the
community in addition to the Boetchers’ goodneighborly conduct in construction and operation.
DISCLAIMER: While these legal questions have been researched,
we do not represent this as legal advice. Laws vary. Readers
should consult with local counsel in all matters. RPM assumes
no responsibility for actions taken because of, or despite,
answers appearing herein.
YOU CAN HELP! If you’re are involved in a legal challenge of any
kind, or if you know of, or hear of, any challenges involving
racing operations, or challenges to other sports or attractions that
could threaten motorsports, call or write RPM editorial offices.
As you read RPM, you will sometimes see reference to the “ARPY Awards.” ARPY is the acronym for Auto Racing Promoter
of the Year--awards established by RPM in 1977 to recognize outstanding promoters. Each fall, readers nominate Regional Promoters of the Year in eight regions of the U.S. One becomes the Auto Racing Promoter of the Year at the Speedweek RPM Promoters Workshop. RPM also presents “Achievement Awards,” recognizing the accomplishments of
promoters throughout the U.S. Plan now to attend the Workshops and help recognize your colleagues.
Proud Sponsor of Racing Promotion Monthly & RPM Promoters Workshops
Tires Designed For Champions
CANADA Ontario, Canada 905-685-3148
CANADA-NY Niagara Falls, NY 716-285-7502
EAST Manchester, CT 860-646-9646
MID-ATLANTIC Finksburg, MD 410-833-2061
MIDWEST Springfield, IL 217-522-1955
MIDWEST INDY Brownsburg, IN 317-858-1234
NORTH Rogers, MN 763-428-8780
OHIO VALLEY Parkersburg, WV 800-430-7223
SOUTH ASPHALT Welcome, NC 336-731-6100
SOUTH DIRT OVAL Clinton, TN 865-457-9888
CANADA WEST Alberta, Canada 780-986-7223
SOUTHWEST Mesquite, TX 972-289-7223
GREAT PLAINS Wichita, KS 316-945-4000
WEST Fresno, CA 559-485-4612
Contact The Nearest Hoosier Distributor
65465 US Highway 31 South
Lakeville, IN 46536
574-784-3152 FAX 574-784-2385
http://www.hoosiertire.com
4002. 3
h t t p : // w w w. r p m p ro m o t e r s wo r k s h o p s. c o m
John McKarns, 1944-2010
JOHN MC KARNS, an Ohio farm boy
turned promoter, who first attended races
with his father as a reward for a good
day’s work on the farm, died February 9,
2010, from complications of bladder
cancer. He was 65 years old.
John McKarns
His influence was widespread and
changes he brought about will be
felt for years to come.
(Hedlund Photo)
With ART FRIGO, in the late ‘70s, he
created the ARTGO Challenge Series, which
quickly became the dominant force in
Midwestern late model racing the last two
decades, finally becoming the NASCAR
Midwest Series. He promoted short tracks,
the track now known as Madison (WI)
Speaking at his memorial service
International Speedway which he managed
February 12, former business associate TOM
in the early ‘80s and LaCrosse Fairgrounds
DEERY said. “His influence on short track
Speedway where he was co-leaseholder
racing was widespread and will be felt for
with JODY DEERY for more than 20 years
years to come, not only for the reputation
until his death. In his “retirement” years,
of his series but also for the changes he
he traveled the country, seeing races
brought to racing, such as the ABC body
everywhere, served as a valuable expert
and [other rule innovations].”
witness in the defense of short track racing
Promoters respected his
and consulted with promoters.
accomplishments, but also acknowledge
McKarns is survived by his wife and
that few understand the race fan as well as
lifelong business partner SUE, his sons
John McKarns did. We have yet to meet
GREGG (who is carrying on his father’s
another promoter as astute as John was
tradition and fast becoming a talented
observing the sport to the most minute
promoter in his own right) and GEOFFREY,
detail. All who knew him admired his note
their spouses and grandchildren. We offer
taking, and marveled at his ability to
our condolences to the McKarns family.
catalog promotional, technical, and track
operation ideas he had seen and recall
them easily, either from memory or from
his files.
4002. 4
4002. 5
Workshop Report: Old Home Week
It’s been five long years for promoters, and
it was great to be back in Daytona Beach.
Pushed out of town by the perfect storm of
management changes at our former Daytona
Beach host hotel, NASCAR Cup growth, which
consumed available hotel space, and the
hurricanes of 2004, RPM was fortunate to find a
temporary home down the road at Lake Mary,
but tradition was calling us back to Daytona
always.
trackers at VSP (and Robert Hart’s folks at New
Smyrna Speedway, who raced at 4:30 p.m. in
an effort to finish up before the game)
persevered. New Smyrna hosted what they
said was a “fair” crowd (to be sure painting the
rosiest picture they could) and experienced one
of their toughest Speedweek’s on record
because of the weather. The Outlaws told
promoters that they drew 4,000 people
(counting pits and stands) against the game, a
number some found hard to believe, but some
When we began our effort to return in
witnesses said was impossible. The teams also
early 2009, it was uncertain whether we could
raced by prior agreement for a reduced purse
succeed. The business surrounding NASCAR’s
because of the game, so the night might have
Great American Race is formidable competition,
been the high point of their Speedweek after
but after considerable effort by LINDA MC
all was said and done.
MAHON of the Daytona Beach Convention and
Visitors Bureau, and ED KENNEDY, ARCA racer,
The weather for our week in Daytona, like
friend of our sponsor Hoosier Tire, and
the weather much of this winter in Florida, was
proprietor of the Daytona Beach Lagoon, the
nothing to write home about. Chilly and with
mission was accomplished.
the threat of rain but for one day, several short
track races were cancelled, and others suffered
Speedweek began with us on the
from unseasonably cold nighttime temps.
sidelines with other promoters watching a
Promoters who were in Florida for the meeting
battle of the titans; The World of Outlaws at
spent as much or more time worrying about
Volusia Speedway Park versus Super Bowl 44.
how their track buildings were fairing under
Promoters anxiously waited to see whether the
severe snow loads as they did our agenda.
World Racing Group’s decision to race against
Many promoters were conspicuous in their
the biggest game in all ball sports--a game that
absence, electing to stay home, and ride out
even NASCAR decided to avoid head-to-head
the storms, fearing the worst. So far,
competition with--was foolhardy or fruitful.
fortunately, we hear few reports of damage. It
(NASCAR kept DIS dark Super Bowl Sunday.)
almost seemed fitting that the
The weather was marginal, at best, for a Florida
outdoor event (in the high 40s) but the dirt
(See Speedweek, P8)
Remarks by Sirius NASCAR
Radio host DAVE MOODY,
who urged promoters to
scrutinize the work of their
announcers, proved as
popular during Speedweek
as at Reno. (Lukens Photo)
Read RPM On Computer
Join the scores of other subscribers Latest Issue” button, also found on the
that read RPM on their computers. Use the login page.
“Read Online” link on the RPM website to
Keep this RPM Read Online login
access our login page. Enter the login
and password where its handy:
and password shown at the right and set
Login: rpmeletter
up an account. It’s easy. It’s convenient.
It’s no cost, courtesy of RPM sponsors. If
Password: 2rEadRpm
you prefer to download a complete copy
of the newsletter, click on the “Download
4002. 6
4002. 7
Auto Racing Promoters of Year
Rewarded at last...
The Nuckles family, (above L to R),
standing, JERRY, JOHN, seated, JEFF,
JAMES, the late BARBARA, were honored
by RPM readers as 34th Auto Racing
Promoters of the Year. The Nuckles
received eight regional nominations over
a span of 11 years. At right, SEAMUS
CURLEY, (R) Charlotte Motor Speedway,
presents the family with their
commemorative Speedway Club
Membership. (Lukens Photos)
(Promoters, from P1)
These are the men and women who will figure out
where participatory outdoor entertainment fits in the
greater scheme of things in a virtual and digital age.
But as happens each decade, there is
unfinished business; promoters not yet recognized in
“their time.” Short track racing is populated by
scores of “quiet” promoters, at best late to be
recognized, if not completely overlooked. Some
deliberately stay out of the limelight. Some are
focused locally, ignoring the national stage, missing
out on national recognition. Some, seemingly
without ego or a hunger for the spotlight, exhibit a
quiet passion for race promotion and enjoy making a
living.
The Nuckles family, the Thirty-Fourth Auto
Racing Promoters of the Year, fit in this overlooked
4002. 8
category. Indeed, one reason it took eight
nominations over an 11-year span before they
became promoters of the year was because they
operate quietly--even modestly--and were not as
widely appreciated for what they have accomplished
as some predecessors. Hopefully, this award will
bring them some of the recognition they deserve,
even if they do not seek it.
The Nuckles, led by 81-year-old JIM NUCKLES
and his late wife BARBARA for 63 years, used what
RPM calls “the steady-handed approach,” electing
not to participate in many short track industry fads
and so-called “trends,” instead just doing what was
right for fans and entrants at their suburban
Columbus, Ohio paved oval.
(See Promoters, P7)
(Promoters, from P6)
Jim Nuckles, sons JOHN, JERRY, JEFF, and
spouses and family members take a quiet
pride in the fact that they have built a
profitable, popular, track that promoters can
learn from. Columbus Motor Speedway
commands considerable respect in its market,
for its longevity, stability, clean family
environment, and solid racing programs that
avoided many pitfalls that plague other
facilities.
Moreover, the family is appreciated for
its passion for the sport. From the track’s
beginnings as a motorcycle track, the
Nuckles paid as much attention to the wellbeing of racing sports as they did their
facility. Jerry and Jeff raced midgets with
USAC in the ‘70s and early ‘80s. The family
ardently supports quarter midget racing, for
more than three decades hosting the local
club at a track on CMS property. (Jim and
Barb Nuckles were inducted into the Quarter
Midgets of America Hall of Fame in 2006.)
Jeff’s son Tyler races late models. Jerry’s son
Bryan also races. Like other Promoters of the
Year, the Nuckles are remarkable because
their passion survives despite factors that
burned colleagues out.
We often describe the race promotion
business as a “family business,” and indeed it
is. Many tracks would not succeed without
the contribution of an extended family on
race night. Most often, it is a business where
the spotlight recognizes rugged individuals-the front persons who persevere with family
in the wings. In the Nuckles, we have our
first example where all the family is reluctant
to enter the spotlight, but equally deserving
of the honor bestowed. So the saying goes,
“Better late than never.” We have only on
regret about the timing of the award. It is
unfortunate the honor came too late for
BARBARA NUCKLES to enjoy. She was one of
the great ladies of race promotion and she
passed away in 2008.
We congratulate the Nuckles family on
this overdue award, and congratulate all the
Regional Promoters of the Year for their
dedication, perseverance and service to short
track racing.
Regional Promoters of the Year...
(Top, L to R) TODD HUTTO and AL VARNADORE, East Bay (FL)
Raceway Park; RODNEY and CASSIE WING, Whynot (MS) Speedway.
(Center, L to R) BOB WATSON and “RED” MAC DONALD, Lee USA
Speedway (NH); ANDREW HARPELL, Five-Mile Point (NY) Speedway;
ORVILLE CHENOWETH, Dakota State Fair (SD) Speedway. (Bottom, L
to R) STEVE BEITLER, Skagit (WA) Speedway, also received the
National Speed Sport News Award for Outstanding Short Track Event,
presented for NSSN by ROGER SLACK, recognizing the Jim Raper
Memorial Dirt Cup at his Washington short track. C-RAY HALL,
Eighty-One (KS) Speedway. (Lukens Photos)
4002. 9
Stay & Play
At The Best of Reno
Reservations 800-648-5966
www.eldoradoreno.com
4002. 10
(Speedweek, From P5)
the week ended with Duels that were yawners
and the Pothole 500. Promoters, above all,
know, every event can’t be a winner.
Friends
RPM turns first to its
readers as it selects
topics. We value the
advice of promoters
we confer with, and
encourage promoters
to share business
management and
promotion ideas.
FRED COGSDILL
Laurens County
Speedway
Here is a partial list.
DAVID DEERY
Rockford Speedway
LYNN PHILLIPS
ALFRED GURLEY
Talladega Short Track
C.J. ROBINSON
Riverside Speedway
EARL BENSON
Casino Speedway
TERRY VOELTZ
WISSOTA Promoters
Association
ALAN KREITZER
Pennsylvania
ORVILLE CHENOWETH
State Fair Speedway
DAN MANN
Electric City Speedway. JOHN PADJEN
Silver Dollar Speedway
CHARLES CATHELL
U.S. 13 Dragway
KENT PORENTA
Delaware Intl. Spwy.
Sweetwater Speedway
HOWARD
COMMANDER
Lebanon Valley
Speedway
JODY DEERY
Rockford Speedway.
C-RAY HALL
Eighty-One Speedway
& NCRA
CHARLES POWELL
Florence Speedway
ROBERT LAWTON
Boone Speedway
LARRY, KATHLEEN
KEMP
Eldora Speedway
BOB SARGENT
Track Ent. (IL)
TED AUSTAD
Atlanta Motor
Speedway
EARL BALTES
Ohio
ANDY STONE
Oglethorpe Speedway
CHUCK DEERY
LaCrosse Fairgrounds
Speedway
STEVE BEITLER
Skagit Speedway
TOM CURLEY
Thunder Road Intl.
Speedbowl
BASSUENER
FAMILY
Golden Sands
Speedway
NADINE & BOB
STRAUSS
California
B.J. PARKER
Southern All Stars
Racing
EMMETT HAHN
Chilibowl Midget
Nationals
JIM NAYLOR
Ventura Raceway
LANNY & BEV
DENNIS & BARB
EDWARDS
MOORE
Devil’s Bowl Speedway Park Jefferson
Speedway
TOMMY SIMONS
Texas
JOE & WALT
DOELLEFELD
RON FLINN
Stateline Speedway
Crystal Speedway
BILLY THOMAS
JACK DEERY
East Alabama Motor
Cayuga County
Speedway
Speedway
ROBERT HART
PAUL
FASCAR, New Smyrna
ZIMMERMAN
Speedway
Spartan Speedway
DON NERONE
C.J. RICHARDS
New Smyrna
BRUCE RICHARDS
Speedway
Devil’s Bowl & Albany
Saratoga Speedways
MICK TRIER
State Fair Speedway
JOE & PHYLLIS
DAVIDSON-LOVEN
JIM WILSON
Volunteer Speedway
World Dirt Racing
League
Even doing our best to factor out the effect
bad weather had on attendance and attitudes,
our overriding observation about the week is
that--even for the Daytona 500--there is not the
excitement there once was, and but for the days
of the big races, Daytona was strangely quiet
with few haulers along the beach and fewer
“Welcome Race Fans” banners. Either much
changed while we were away or Obamanomics
is having a much greater effect than we realized
it would.
On the bright side, our attendance was up
a tick from the last several years with 587
people, representing 137 tracks from the US and
four Canadian provinces and promoters
expressed optimism about the 2010 season just
as they had at Reno. Promoters were more
attentive than they have been during past
Speedweek Workshops, with larger than usual
audiences throughout the Workshop. This is
partially attributable to the less-than-inviting
weather outside, but also a sign of the times, as
we see increased seriousness among promoters
who are looking for answers to the challenges
they face.
want to be bothered with problems that beset
other attendance-driven businesses.
Each year, despite our inherent optimism
and all the good work we see being done by
promoters, we wonder whether the sport will
ever grow up. It remains today, as it was 40
years ago when STEW REAMER typed the first
issue of RPM, an adolescent sport, not yet
acclimated to the adult workaday world, where
racers race for fun, and many promoters promote
for fun, and are committed only as long as it is
fun. Because of this “for-fun” attitude, they do
not involve themselves with cumbersome
aspects of promotion (such as the marketing of
tickets)--an activity that often is not fun. We
wonder whether this doesn’t become more
exaggerated each year when more eager-to-bequickly-gratified, gen-whateverers enter the
sport.
We must compliment the promoters who
spoke at the meeting and served as panelists
and also the hotel staff, who produced a topnotch event that came off smoothly despite their
inexperience with us. We hosted 54 companies
in the exhibit area, more than any Speedweek
Workshop since 2004, including Ford Racing,
new to our forum, who were on hand to talk
with promoters about their sealed spec racing
engines.
We’ll leave readers with this closing
thought from our Workshop comments, which
we will elaborate on in these pages in coming
months. BRAND YOUR RACING AND SELL YOUR
BRAND. In 2010, make your brand of racing
unique among others and other entertainment.
Focus on fan experience more than racing. Make
sure you give fans their entertainment money’s
Promoters seemed more receptive to the
worth, cold soda, and beer, fresh hot
Workshops “new media message” carried
hamburgers and clean appealing rest rooms.
through from past Workshops, but we are still
Make every race night SPECIAL and invite them
left with the overarching impression that too
each week to come back next week. It will pay
many promoters still just want to race and don’t off in these times family frugality.
The Hilton seemed to agree with
promoters, as we frequently saw them
networking and in restaurants and lounges. Our
Lunch & Laps, affected by the weather, was not
the rousing success we hoped it would be, but
was reasonably popular and added a dimension
of fun to the Workshop.
Websites Undergo Change
www.racingpromotionmonthly.com
In mid-December, RPM launched a new Web portal at the address above. Bookmark the
page for the shortest route to RPM online information. The all-encompassing, everything-onthe-front-page (almost) Website links to RacingPromotionMonthly.Net and the other related
RPM and Workshops Websites. We continue to optimize our web presence and will announce
further changes in coming issues.
4002. 11
Produced
with additional support
From...
Thank You. We Appreciate Your Support
4002. 12
Sinclair Joins K&K
At the Western Workshop at
Reno, K&K Insurance announced
that STEVE SINCLAIR had joined the
firm as a field underwriter. Sinclair
will handle six Midwestern states,
much of the same territory served
by the late LARRY RICE. Sinclair
has been involved in racing, race
promotion and the insurance
business for over 25 years.
Steve Sinclair,
field
underwriter,
K&K Insurance
Group, Inc.
Sinclair is a natural fit to
carry on after Rice. He began his
career in motorsports as an
employee of sprint car racers
HOWIE GLEASON and FRANK
FILSKOV and later became the
president of the Interstate Racing
Association (IRA) sprint car
organization, which he has served
since 1994. He was also a partner
until three years ago in SLS
Promotions with SCOTT BOYD and
LARRY HILLERUD, prominent
promoters of World of Outlaws race
events. He also serves as a
consultant to the Kenosha County
Fairboard in its operation of the
Wilmot Speedway.
With his SLS partners, he was
the first recipient of the Ted
Johnson Award, given annually by
the World of Outlaws to outstanding promoters. He is also a threetime co-recipient of the National
Sprint Car Hall of Fame’s North
American 410 Sprint Car Poll Award
for Promoter of the Year.
Sinclair can be reached
through the K&K switchboard at
800-348-1839, extension 5714,
locally at 260-459-5714, or by email at steve_sinclair@
kandkinsurance.com. Call Steve
today if you have questions about
your race track, series, sanctioning
body, or club liability, medical or
property insurance.
Friends
SUSAN & BOB ALLEN
Arlington Raceway.
BCRA Bay Cities Racing
Association
California
RAY MARLER
KEN SCHRADER
I-55 Raceway
RUSTY ALLEN
Fairbury Speedway
JOEL & BILL COHEN
Indianapolis
Speedrome
MARVIN RAGAN
EDDIE MAC DONALD
Watermelon Capital
Speedway
ANDY VERTREES
Kentucky
RALPH CAPITANI
Knoxville Raceway
JIM NUCKLES
Columbus Motor
Speedway
DONNIE WATSON
Crawford County
Speedway
$
#
"
!
#
!"
This month: Ten Fan Turn-Offs the Web-based eLetter login
You Can Fix.
page. Set up an account, and
you are good to go. It’s easy.
Look online for more of
It’s convenient. You can read
what you expect from RPM.
and then download a complete
The RPM eLetter, Web edition,
copy of the RPM eLetter,
the promoters’ newsletter for
including Webxtra pages, all
the digital age, features
by clicking the “Download
includes more pages than the
Latest Issue” button.
“ink & paper” edition. Each
month, Webxtra features
Use this login and
stories, tips and pictures from password to set up you online
our archives and from
account: Login: rpmeletter,
promoters everywhere.
Password: 2rEadRpm
The “Read Online” link on
the RPM website takes you to
4002. 13
DICK POE
Angola Motor
Speedway
JOHN E. DAVIS
JOHN POTTS
Corbin Speedway
TODD SALAZAR
Barona Speedway
HARRIETT & COWBOY
CHANCELLOR
MLRA
RON DRAGER
Flat Rock & Toledo
Speedways
BILL DESMOND
Alabama
DR. JEFF JARVIS
Limaland Motorsports
Park
TOM & LORIS
HELFRICH
TriState Speedway
THE GRIFFINS
Merced Speedway
RICH & LINDA OLSON
Redwood Acres
Speedway
KEVIN RUIC
Ohio
More Ideas &
Info Online
RON BRUTT
Roaring Knob
Mtrspts. Complex
MIKE & RITA WITTE
Ephrata Raceway Park
CHRYSLER FAMILY
KilKare Speedway
LES MC BURNEY
Angell Park Speedway
JOHN TRUSSLER
Motorsports
Enterprises
DOUG STANGE
Mid-Nebraska
Speedway
DAN REDKEY
Arizona
JAY RUTHERFORD
ASA Speed Truck
Challenge
GAYE & TONY OTTO
Dynamic Dezigns
BILL POSEY
National Race Track
Clearinghouse
STEVE EARWOOD
Rockingham Dragway
PLATO FAMILY
Boyd Raceway
HAROLD CROOK
Lonesome Pine
Speedway
ROD ANCEL
Merritt Speedway
RED MAC DONALD
Lee USA Speedway
To join this list,
telephone, FAX or Email RPM requesting
inclusion and we’ll
add your name...
Speedweek Workshop In Photos
a
r
t
x
b
we
While the sun shown, Monday, promoters
enjoyed Lunch & Laps at the Lagoon.
(Hedlund Photos)
Across from Ocean Center, one block from the
pier, the Hilton is centrally located on America’s
most famous beach.
(Hedlund Photo)
4002. 14
AUSTIN MC ALLISTER, stalwart RPM exhibitor
returned to join 53 other companies offering
products and services for promoters.
Promoters gathered Monday to hear Dr. Roger
Marsh pay tribute to RPM founder Stew
Reamer.
(Lukins Photo)
Ten Fan Turn Offs You Can Fix
a
r
t
x
b
we
REPRINTED FROM RPM 3503, March 2005
them hard-earned $10-$20-$50 dollar bills, and the
ticket sellers are the first people they see. Make sure
Workshops panelists remind promoters, "If you
your ticket sellers and stubbers say, "Good evening.
keep doing the same thing you've always done; you'll
Welcome to our speedway. How may I help you?
have the same results you've always had." And while
Thank you for coming tonight. Enjoy the races. If you
we hope readers will not count us among the scores of
need anything, you can find the customer service
promoter bashers out there, we studied our notes from
window located..." Make sure they give your fans their
last season’s races and gathered these tips for
undivided attention. Too often we see them ignoring
promoters. Each new season offers the opportunity to
customers while swapping lies with cronies.
put right things that might not have turned out as you
hoped last season. Take advantage of the chance to
CUT UNMOWN GRASS, PAINT BUILDINGS... Mowing
make your track all it can be in 2005. Here are some
grass is a never ending pain in the tractor seat--and it
ideas how you might do so.
costs big-time money nowadays. But, nothing
impresses people like a manicured campus. Countless
FIX YOUR TRACK’S PR... Too many promoters, in
long-in-the-tooth tracks have been made to look
frustration, seem to have given up on PR, relying almost
country club-like by careful attention to parking areas
entirely on the World Wide Web. But, just shy of half of
and lawns. Freshly mown grass says we take pride in
all households in the country still are without a
our business and your comfort as our customers. Clean,
computer, so “old” media should still be half of the
newly-painted buildings impress as well. One only
marketing plan. Sure, it’s impossible to measure results,
gets one chance to make a first impression. Like tractor
and stick and ball reporters are tiresome, but it's an
fuel, paint isn't cheap these days, but if no other
essential part of promotion. Make sure that if you did
improvements are in the budget this year, we guarantee
not send pre-and post-race news releases last year, you
that a coat of paint on the buildings and well groomed
do so this year. Get them to the race and mainstream
grounds will give the appearance of big new
papers, TV and radio stations in a timely manner--and
investments.
in the form they prefer. Hire an intern or a student to
do it. The cost will be minimal, but you’ll have to
BUY ‘EM NEW UNIFORMS... Faded and worn
mentor them. Meet weekly and review their work.
employee or officials’ uniforms are worse than no
uniform at all. What condition are yours in? Imagine
FIX DIRTY BATHROOMS... Take a good look at your
how nice it would look if your food stand employees all
restrooms. They don't have to be worthy of a Kohler ad,
wore white jeans, white aprons, and white shirts as
but they should be newly painted, graffiti-free and
they do in a pizza parlor we frequent. At the very least,
clean, with ample mirrors and wastebaskets and plenty
require your race officials to wear white jeans, available
of paper supplies--and we shouldn't forget those babyat the local farm store. Yes they'll need several pairs a
changing tables. Some promoters are victims of other
season and a bottle of bleach, but a professional
people's restrooms, often at fairgrounds, but even when
appearance will be worth it. Some even think white
dirty or shabby restrooms are someone else's
jeans are more visible and therefore offer the officials
responsibility, they turn off YOUR fans. Public
greater safety on the job. Do a trade-out for colorful
restrooms are no fun for anyone, but spotless restrooms
embroidered officials' shirts. Your crew and food service
make a lasting first impression, especially on the
employees should look like Marines on parade.
mothers and girlfriends. Even if you must go outside
your lease responsibilities, give fans a restroom they
FIX THAT LAME WEBSITE... Is your website up
can be comfortable in, that they will tell friends about. dated quickly enough? More and more tracks rely
It will pay off.
primarily on their website to inform fans. (It’s an
unwise decision, but that’s for another newsletter.) If
REPLACE UNFRIENDLY TICKET TAKERS... Is your
your website is your main marketing tool, make it the
track fan-friendly? We've lost count of the tracks we've
best it can be--especially if you want it to attract young
seen where promoters pat themselves on the back,
fans. At the very least, update the home page after
telling us they have "fan-friendly" operations, but their
each race with summary information on last night's race
surly, bored or indifferent, ticket sellers’ and stubbers’
(See WebXtra, Next Page)
actions tell another story. Remember, fans are giving
4002. 15
Webxtra Continued
a
r
t
x
b
we
(WebXtra, From Previous Page)
and with details of next week's race. Make sure last
night's race and updated points are in the news and
points sections before noon, if not sunrise, the
following day. The Internet is about immediacy! Fans-especially teenagers--expect track websites to move at
the speed of their life, not at the speed of a part-time
web guy who has a day job and a family.
NEVER RUN LATE... We don't care how you do it,
but this year present a show no more than three hours
long, preferable 2-1/2, and get it done by 10:00. Move
time trials forward in the day, before fans arrive, or do
away with them. Shorten heat races. Last year we kept
notes. Most heats we saw were over (for all practical
purposes) after 1/2 to 3/4s of the scheduled laps-usually half. Features were the same. Use a no-stop
rule like Robert Lawton's. C-Ray Hall reduced his spinouts by three quarters last season with such a rule. One
race night, he shortened his show by more than an
hour. When you finish at 10 p.m., enforce a hauler "nomove rule" in the pits after the races as CHUCK DEERY
did, forcing drivers to stay and sign autographs and
greet fans after the races. Remember, to make the most
of our "accessible" stars they must greet fans while the
fans are awake. Watch your fans. They'll tell you when
you’re done, even when you aren't. The time when
young parents leave with sleeping kids on their
shoulders is the latest your show should finish.
FIX A DUSTY DIRT TRACK... If you have a dirt track
and it gets dusty; you are driving away fans. That’s all
there is to it. Fans who bring goggles and face masks,
though an amusing novelty, bless their hearts, are not
numerous enough to pay the light bill. Some airborne
grit these days is practically unavoidable, but dust is an
unacceptable business killer. If you’re racing 100 or
more cars, as most tracks do, you know it's usually
impossible make the track hold up all night. Prepare
the track better. Get more water in it. Get it to hold
more moisture. But also, shorten the night. Shorten or
eliminate hot laps. Eliminate time trials. Shorten race
events. Start later and finish earlier. Get your soil
analyzed by ED DAVIS, and improve its composition or
use additives to reduce dust. But most important, cater
to today’s health conscious fans who will not tolerate
excess dust. If, after your races, you can see dirt going
down your shower drain, fans are seeing the same
thing, and they won’t be back.
4002. 16
MAKE FANS AND DRIVERS MINGLE... Make the most
of stars. We've all watched the kids shadow drivers as
they return to the stands to spend time with spouses
and girlfriends. Make the most of your drivers. Move
your winner's circle to an area accessible to fans like the
winner’s circle at VICKI EMIG'S Mercer Raceway Park.
Have pre-race autograph/meet & greet sessions this
week with last week's winners. Have announcers
encourage fans to go to the pits after the races end to
chat with their favorite driver. Help your drivers make
themselves hero cards. Coach them on the niceties of
meeting the public. Encourage your drivers to bring
candy for the kids and put it on their trunk lids after the
races. Make mingling a top priority.
GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY... Do you
know your town board, city council, town chairman,
county executive, chamber president? Callers frequently
tell RPM they confront new ordinances or ornery
neighbors and are unprepared to defend themselves.
Do an economic impact study this season. (We have
KENT PORENTA's easy-to-use kit available in PDF
format.) Be forearmed. But meantime, this season, join
one service club, the Jaycees, the Lions, wherever the
movers and shakers in your community hang out, and
begin to get acquainted. It may be next week, it may
be five years on, but eventually you'll face a challenge
and you'll not regret the time spent getting connected
with community leaders.
We know you've already got plenty on your plate.
It's a challenge enough just to get open on time. We
don't expect you to shoot for the moon on these 10
ideas, but we do encourage you to take one positive
step in each area this season. It will pay off in ticket
sales.
Directory Of Services/Products
ATTRACTIONS
AWARDS & TROPHIES
FUEL, LUBE, ADDITIVES
PREMIER PYROTECHNICS
http://www.premierpyro.com
25255 Hwy K, Richland, MO 65556 614-402-2375
Display fireworks custom-made for your event. No
display too big or too small. Multimedia shows,
lasers & fireworks combined. 888-647-6863
APPAREL
CLASSIC TROPHY CO.
http://www.indclassictrophy.com 260-483-1161
indclassictrophy@verizon.net Fax: 260-483-4797
PO Box 5487, Ft. Wayne, IN 46895 Factory-direct
wholesale motorsports awards. Exclusive checkered
pattern. Plaques and trophies custom-designed to fit
your budget.
BEARDEN OIL CO.
http://www.beardenoil.com 800-342-5505
PO Box 1059, Eastman, GA 31023. Serving the
Southeastern U.S. racing industry with quality
racing fuels and traction compound since 1981.
Distributor of race fuels, STC Traction Compound,
methanol, jugs, pumps, and fuel additives.
UNLIMITED T-SHIRTS
unlimitedtshirts@mindspring.com 334-298-7204
PO Box 715, Phoenix City, AL 36868
Your unlimited resource for screen printed and
embroidered apparel, providing caps, T-shirts,
sweatshirts, jackets, and staff shirts for regular and
special events.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
MOTORSTATS.COM
http://www.motorstats.com 919-401-4940
5010 Garrett Rd, #906, Durham, NC 27707
Automatically publish race stats online. Free. No
software to install. 100% Web-based. You make
money using professional ad management tools.
LUCAS OIL PRODUCTS
http://www.lucasoil.com.. 800-342-2512
302 N. Sheridan St., Corona, CA 92880 Nationally
known manufacturer and marketer of lubricants
and additives for fleets and automobiles, owner of
Lucas Oil I-10 and Lucas Oil (MO) Speedways, and
the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
SUNOCO RACING FUELS
http://www.racegas.com 800-RACEGAS
PO Box 1226, Linwood, PA 19061 The largest
refiner of racing gasoline. National distribution of
quality brands. SUNOCO, Turbo Blue, and Trick.
ADVERTISING EDGE
http://www.advertisingedge.com 800-258-9774
9840 Prospect Ave., Santee, CA 92071 Maker of pit
crew uniform shirts & jackets, plus all types of
screen-printed and embroidered shirts, hats and
fanwear.
ART, AUDIO & PRINTING
AMI GRAPHICS
http://www.ami-graphics.com 603-664-7171
PO Box 157, Center Strafford, NH 03815 An industry
leader in design, print and production of wholesale
direct track signage including billboards, banners,
mounted prints and trackside graphics.
SIMES GRAPHIC DESIGNS
http://www.simesgraphicdesigns.com
414 Main St.. Mandan, ND 58554 888-457-4637
Simes Graphic Designs is an art studio that services
the short track racing community. Designer and
producer of brochures, posters, promotional
materials.
MOFFETT PRODUCTIONS
http://www.moffett.com 800-HOTT ADS
16140 Kuykendahl St., #126, Houston, TX 77068
Professional audio production. Radio spots, TV ads,
Tracks Trax race track audio CDs. Great creative, fast
service, reasonable prices.
SPEEDWAY OPERATIONS SYSTEMS
http://www.rbf-solutions.com bobrbf@qwest.net
1720 Terrace Dr., St. Paul, MN 55113 651-633-9601
Vinyl billboard wraps printed in any size, other
printed products, including schedules, programs,
newsletters, mailings, business cards, letterhead,
envelopes, apparel and ad specialties.
SPEEDNET DIRECT
http://www.speednetdirect.com
sales@speednetdirect.com 866-2SPEED4
PO Box 1441, Crystal River, FL 34423
The leader in race management software! Stand
alone or combined with transponders, SpeedNet will VP RACING FUELS
http://www.vpracingfuels.com
make your life easier. Why wait?
steves@vpracingfuels.com 210-635-7744
RACECEIVER RACE MANAGEMENT
PO Box 47878, San Antonio, TX 78265 Racing
http://www.raceceiver.com
fuels-leaded and unleaded gas, nitromethane,
sales@raceceiver.com 866-301-7223
methanol, traction compounds, performance
742 Main St., Gainesville, GA 30501
chemicals, accessories.
Raceceiver race communications. Raceceiver race
GAMING DESTINATIONS
management timing and scoring system.
CRATE ENGINES
ELDORADO HOTEL/CASINO
http://www.eldoradoreno.com 800-648-5966
GM PERFORMANCE PARTS
PO Box 3920, Reno, NV 89505 Superb dining in
http:www.gmgoodwrench.com
five themed restaurants, 800 gorgeous rooms and
bill.martens@gm.com. 810-606-3655 6200 Grand suites, 81,000 sq. ft. of fun and gaming, world
Pointe Dr., Grand Blanc, MI 48349 Circle track crate class entertainment. Sponsor of Workshops.
engines. Engine, chassis, and other racing/highperformance accessories available at your local GM INSURANCE/RISK MANAGEMENT
dealer. For more information contact Bill Martens.
ALLIED SPECIALTY INSURANCE
SCHWANKE ENGINES
http://www.alliedspecialty.com
http://www.schwankeshortblocks.com
10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706
tjschwanke@newulmtal.net
We have experience meeting the broadest range
321 Rock St., Springfield, MN 800-423-6571
of specialized insurance needs. Contact us to
Circle track engine packages, engine sealing
obtain a quote for your racing facility.
programs, engine upbuilding, LS1 EFI engine
800-237-3355
programs, short blocks, spec cylinder heads.
AMERICAN SPECIALTY INSURANCE
http://www.amerspec.com 260-672-8800
142 North Main St., Roanoke, IN 46783
Insurance and risk management services for the
racing industry including tracks, promoters, events,
schools and teams.
The RPM E-Letter and Racing Promotion Monthly
are digests of ideas provided to the operators of
auto racing facilities. Published material is
informational in nature and is adapted from many
sources. The editor, publisher, parent corporation,
the publication's sponsors and all their heirs and
assigns, assume no responsibility for the
practicality of the ideas and information appearing
herein. Persons using or adapting ideas or
procedures from the E-Letter and RPM do so of their
own freewill, and assume all risk for incidents
which may occur because of, or despite, the
4002. 17
adaptation or use of such ideas and procedures.
Editorial content and views expressed are those of
the editors, and do not necessarily reflect opinions
of the newsletter's sponsors.
EDITOR: Stewart Doty FOUNDER: Stew Reamer
PHONE 715-536-1067 FAX 715-536-3616
ADDRESS MAIL TO: PO Box 195, Edgar, WI
54426-0195
E-MAIL ADDRESS: rpmeditor@verizon.net
Copyright 2010, RPM Services, Inc.
JONES BROWN INSURANCE
http://www.jonesbrown.com
kbesta@jonesbrown.com 888-379-6821
5B-100 United Dr., Versailles, KY 40383
Utilize our experst for your motorsports operation.
Providing insurance coverage for all classes in the
USA and Canada.
PUBLICATIONS
RACING ELECTRONICS
http://www.racingelectronics.com 800-321-5111
NATIONAL SPEED SPORT NEWS
840 Derita Road., Concord, NC 28027 Two-way
http://www.nationalspeedsportnews.com.
communication equipment for race teams and
866-455-2531 P.O. Box 1210, Harrisburg, NC 28075 tracks. Scanners and accessories for fans. OneSince 1934, National Speed Sport News has cover- way communication for tracks and teams.
ed it all. Every Series, Every Track, Every Week! Help
your fans keep up with the world of racing by
RH2WAY
K&K INSURANCE GROUP
selling “America’s Weekly Motorsports Authority.” http://www.rh2way.com, 877-357-7223
http://www.kandkinsurance.com 800-348-1839
cheapradios@earthlink.net
NATIONAL SPEEDWAY DIRECTORY
1712 Magnavox Way, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804
5500 North NC Hwy. 150, Lexington, NC 27295
http://www.speedwaysonline.com
http://www.kandkcanada.com 800-753-2632
Two-way radios, headsets, track fire suits, officials
POB
448,
Comstock
Pk,
MI
49321
616-785-0340
K&K Insurance Group Canada, #101-5800 Explorer
shirts, printing.
Leading
directory
of
race
tracks
updated
every
year.
Drive, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5K9, The industry's
Over
1300
tracks
listed
with
pertinent
information
RISK MANAGEMENT
largest provider of racing insurance. More than
40 years of underwriting and risk management on each. Great seller for souvenir stands. Over 20 MAH CONSULTING
experience. Motorsport's most experienced in- years in the business.
http://www.mahconsulting.com 352-297-9292
house claims staff. International service
178 Mariner Hill Blvd. #258, Spring Hill, FL 34609
MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
capability. Proud sponsors of RPM and the RPM
Safety consultancy: motorsports safety solutions
Promoters Workshops.
TXTWIRE COMMUNICATIONS
for tracks, teams, shops, sponsorship exhibits.
http://www.txtwire.com 877-652-0030, 2265 East Service to clients and patrons through inspection
MOTORSPORTS INSURANCE ALLIANCE
25th St, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 Text "dan" to 29222. and education.
http://www.motorsportsia.com
txtwire's innovative products provide help you
SE: Bruce Blazej, JD Specialty Ins. 800-314-8310; establish and maintain unique connections with RAINPROTECTION.NET
E&W: Jim Bannon, Bannon Assoc., 800-949-1489; drivers/fans through text messaging. SMS
http://www.rainprotection.net. 516-650-0600
MW: Steve Cannon, Cannon Ins., 800-711-9416; SW: messaging for promotion and communication.
rainprotection@gmail.com 39 Ryder Ave, Dix Hills,
Marvin Loyd, Comm. Risk Grp, 800-523-0241
NY 11746. A weather risk management firm. Our
Nationwide racing insurance for racing events at RACING TIRES
clients custom design a contract that pays them
ovals, dragstrips, drag boats, sand drags, motorcycle
when weather events occur. Use our product to
GOODYEAR TIRE
and mud racing.
get paid on rainy days or use our product to offer
http://www.racegoodyear.com
NAUGHTON INSURANCE, INC.
race-tires@goodyear.com 1376 Techway Dr., D716, rain insurance to your customers.
http://www.naughtoninsurance.com
4th SE., Akron, OH 44309 .Goodyear Racing Eagles. SANCTIONING GROUPS
East of the Mississippi: ST Racing Tires, West of the
info@naughtoninsurance.com 401-433-4000
365 Wampanoag Trail, E. Providence, RI 02915 One Mississippi: Penney Racing Supply, Canada: Comp- AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION (ASA)
http://www.asa-racing.com info@asa-racing.com
of America’s largest and oldest insurance specialists etition Tire Canada. U.S. orders: 561-333-0082.
457 S. Ridgewood, #101, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
for the motorsports industry. We provide service in
HOOSIER
RACING
TIRE
386-258-2221 A leading sanctioning body for
all 50 states.
www.hoosiertire.com 574-784-3152
weekly tracks and regional series throughout the
RAND SPORTS & ENT. INSURANCE
65465 US 31 South, Lakeville, IN 46536
U.S.--comprehensive, flexible and professional.
http://www.randse.com 888-815-8765
Complete line of custom-manufactured spec
john.rand@randse.com, jeff.ladd@randse.com,
racing tires for oval tracks, drag racing and road IMCA-INTL. MOTOR CONTEST ASSOC.
http://www.imca.com raceimca@imca.com
400 S. Atlantic, Ste. 101, Ormond Beach, FL 32176 racing. The only company exclusively
Insurance and risk management for the motorsports manufacturing racing tires. Proud sponsor of RPM PO Box 921, Vinton, IA 52349 319-472-2201
industry, including spectator liability, participant and the RPM Promoters Workshops.
Track, competitor and fan friendly--and
liability, accident and other coverages.
affordable--where America comes to race! Now
RACE TIRES AMERICA
more than ever.
http://www.americanraceronline.com 1545 WashWSIB MOTORSPORTS INSURANCE
http://www.wsibinsurance.com 866-904-9742 Ext ington St., Indiana, PA 15701 800-662-2168
INEX
2505. 950 West Monroe, Jackson, MI 49202
rta992@hhs.net Our primary focus is on making http://www.600racing.com 704-455-3906
Insurance and risk management service for the
competitive cost-effective race tires so that you can 5245 NC 49 South, Harrisburg, NC 28075 Spec
racing industry. Providing liability, property, auto increase car counts and exciting shows. Developer racing with INEX. Entry classes that attract new
participants. Strict rules enforcement alleviates
and other insurance products to tracks, events and & pioneer of spec tire rules.
sanctioning bodies.
rules problems. Complete car manufacturing,
TOWEL CITY RETREADING
promotion and rules enforcement.
WELLS FARGO MOTORSPORTS
http://www.towelcityracingtires.com 704-933-2143
NASCAR
1601 N. Ridge Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28083
http://www.wellsfargo.com/wfis 800-364-9476
WF_Motorsports@wellsfargois.com
http://www.nascar.com 386-239-2600
Forty-six years experience manufacturing
24 Greenway Plaza, Ste 1100, Houston, TX 77046, economical, long-wearing retreaded racing tires, 7 1801 W. Intl. Spwy Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL
Sanctioning the NASCAR Whelen All American
Wells Fargo Motorsports is America’s largest provider to 13” widths, dirt or asphalt. Track tire plans
Series
of insurance and risk management services to race available.
teams sanctioning bodies, sanctioned dragstrips,
WISSOTA PROMOTERS ASSOCIATION
owners, sponsors, drivers of competition vehicles RADIOS, COMMUNICATIONS
http://www.wissota.org 320-275-9922
during racing events.
AMERICAN ELECTRONICS, INC.
PO Box 297, Dassel, MN 55325 A member-driven
jtstiles@netdirect.net 800-872-1373
promoters association and dirt track sanction in
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
PO Box 301, Greenwood, IN 46142 Exclusive
the Upper Midwest featuring six divisions of race
supplier of the Freedom two-way radio and the
MUSCO LIGHTING, INC.
cars: Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Midwest
BOSS and EARS noise-cancelling headsets to
http://www.musco.com 800-825-6020
Modifieds, Street Stocks and Mod Fours. As a
America’s speedways.
100 First Avenue W., Oskaloosa, IA 52577
member of WISSOTA, you vote on policies and
Manufacturer of race track lighting systems for short
rules and help guide YOUR organization. New
tracks, dragstrips and superspeedways. Featuring RACECEIVER RACE COMMUNICATIONS
promoters and tracks welcomed every year! Click
the Light Structure Green System and S.C. 2 Retrofit http://www.raceceiver.com sales@raceceiver.com on "Promoter Center" at wissota.org
742 Main St, Gainesville, GA 30501 866-301-7223
systems.
Raceceiver race communications.
One of the highlights of the Workshops is the trade show. More than 50 suppliers exhibit products and services.
These companies support weekly track promoters, Racing Promotion Monthly and the RPM Promoters Workshops. This
directory is a one-stop shopping center. We encourage readers to turn to these companies first whenever they need
products or services. Review this listing today. Buy here. Buy now, before you look elsewhere.
4002. 18
First Class
Mail
US Postage
Paid
Oshkosh, WI
Permit No. 90
PO Box 195
Edgar WI 54426
First Class Mail
A Service to Promoters
Sponsored by...
WORLD RACING GROUP/DIRTCAR
http://www.dirtmotorsports.com
7575B West Winds Blvd., Concord, NC 28027
704-795-7223 Think DIRT. Thirty years history. $15
million in purses and point funds. Eight series.
3000 events. 250 member tracks. 175 hours of
national broadcast coverage. One company,
endless opportunities. 704-795-7229 Fax.
SCOREBOARDS & TIMING
TRACK SERVICES, INC. (TSI TIMERS)
TSITIMERS@aol.com 859-887-3290 137 MacArthur
Ct., Nicholasville, KY 40356. Timing, scoreboards
and public address systems for dragstrips and oval
tracks. TSI RaceNet System and Westhold Transponder System. Thirty years of satisfied customers.
SEATING & SUITES
TICKETS & PASSES
NATIONAL TICKET
http://www.nationalticket.com 800-829-0829
ticket@nationalticket.com
PO Box 547, Shamokin, PA 17872 Manufacturer of
tickets and wristbands of all types. In business
since 1907. Knowledgeable, courteous, and ready
T&B EQUIPMENT CO., INC.
to assist in your admission and identification
http://www.tbequipment.com 804-798-2000
needs.
bhager@tbequipment.com 11065 Leadbetter Road,
TICKETFORCE
AMB TIMING & SCORING
Ashland, VA 23005 Temporary bleachers, suites,
http://www.amb-it.com 877-4-AMB-it-US
skyboxes, ADA platforms and ramps,ADA lifts, crowd http://www.ticketforce.com
3200 Highlands Pkwy., Smyrna, GA 30082
4858 Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Mesa, AZ 85206
control barricades, double-deck suites, tip-up
Over 100 American oval tracks rely on AMB
480-726-3581, FAX 480-840-0459
chairs, used bleachers, renovations.
Customized online ticketing solutions featuring
Laptiming and Scoring Systems. AMB timing
online seat selection, membership and fan club
systems provide instant restart lineups after
SOUVENIRS & NOVELTIES
cautions, live data to scoreboards, and each racer’s
sales to increase your ticketing revenue.
MJB SCREENPRINT
results on your Website. Financing available.
WELDON, WILLIAMS & LICK
http://www.racecals.com 800-336-7601
http://www.wwlinc.com sales@wwlinc.com,
DAKTRONICS
24215 SE Green Valley Rd., Auburn, WA 98092
http://www.daktronics.com/motorsports
Makers of RaceCals--America's favorite racing
PO Box 168, Fort Smith, AR 72902 800-242-4995
stickers. Custom printed decals and souvenirs.
331 32nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006
WW&L, Inc. specializes in roll tickets and fast
888-325-8766 Daktronics is recognized worldwide Complete display packages for tracks. Hot sellers! turnaround event tickets. We also sell the
automated KIS G2 (TM) Ticket System.
as the leading designer and manufacturer of
scoring and timing systems, electronic message SPONSORSHIP & CONTINGENCIES
WEB DESIGN & HOSTING
centers, and large screen video systems.
CONTINGENCY CONNECTION
FIRETHORN MARKETING
http://www.contingencyconnection.com
PROFESSIONAL MOTORSPORTS SOLUTIONS
http://www.professionalmotorsportssolutions.com 276-466-1001 21585 Campground Rd. Bristol, VA http://www.firethornmarketing.com
24202 Contingency Connection guarantees a track clint@firethornmarketing.com 304-481-9807
brad@professionalmotorsportssolutions.com
926 Haley Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Solution $50,000 in contingencies. Weekly tracks connect 3518 Firethorn Dr., Whitestown, IN 46075
provider to tracks and series for events, purchases. with national manufacturers offering bonus awards, Developer of custom e-mail marketing campaigns
Timing & scoring, Raceceivers, officials, anything. making it affordable for racers to run more often! and custom website design. E-commerce
specialists.
4002. 19