Sorry, Tom...that was clearly click bait.
Let's back up. Tom Berg, a local race blogger, was challenged by a fellow radio host to come up with some ideas as to how he would run a race track. Tom's post did an excellent job of pinpointing some proven features of a well run speedway....prompt start times, affordable admission and concessions, and great racer payout. But sometimes you need something to set you apart.
Here's a link to Tom's article: https://www.racechaser.net/blog/if-i-ran-the-show?fbclid=IwAR2ITP8RAig_DfCeMMpp09ZZTIYPMS7KCtV2B53Zl86vExewguxenIG2-gg
Tom does great work. Please follow him.
I don't have all the answers, but I've been lucky enough to work alongside Jake and Sharnel Bitker the last few years. I've learned a lot about the ins and outs. We've tried new things. Sometimes we failed, sometimes we were successful. Aside from being an announcer, I'm a fan. I'm not afraid to admit when something didn't work or if I was blown away. So with that being said...here's a few things I would do if I ran a race track.
1. I would have to have a premiere class. Sprints or Late Models. They quite simply put fans in the seats. It also opens the speedway up for world class talent. Guys like Don Shaw, Ricky Weiss, Mark Dobmeier, TJ Kennedy, and others are house hold names across the nation. They are the best of the best and fans will pay to see them.
2. PreRace entertainment would be weekly. Give the fans a reason to come early. Perhaps games for kids or racing simulators. Maybe host IRacing races an hour before green flag drop. Live music as well. You can do these same things after the races also. Bottom line is get fans there early and you sell more beer and food. That's key in making a good profit.
3. Speaking of food. I think it would be of interest to have some sort of food to specialize in. Something the fans would HAVE to try. Could be gimmicky, but it does have to be good. Martinsville Hot Dog ring a bell? Locally I think of River Cities Speedway and their bucket of Nachos.
4. And on the beer front: Sell craft beer! It's a HUGE market and the millennial generation loves it. You don't see hipsters and millennials in general at the races. Offer them something besides Bud Light and Mikes Hard Lemonade and you might get some new fans. Especially if you collaborate with a local brewer to offer an exclusive race track brew. Hell I always thought it would smart to operate a brewery at the track. You could make money during off nights. Be the first race track/microbrewery in the nation. THAT attracts new fans.
5. Offer a unique atmosphere, a unique setting or backdrop. River Cities Speedway does a superb job of this. It feels like an arena. North Central Speedway is another with the Pine Trees. They also put the fans close to the action, BRRP and Devils Lakes Speedway offer turn 4 seating with great views.
6. My announcer would work hand and hand with the promoter. Have them involved in the all of the operations. Have them selling and getting to know the sponsors. The better relationship you can keep with the sponsors, the better the longevity of the track. I think Tom pointed that out as well, but it is seriously very important.
7. I'd put an emphasis on theme nights and giveaways. It works well at baseball and hockey games. Don't change what we know works.
8. Meet the driver nights work. We've proven that. Adding on to that I would do my best to make the drivers look like heros. And to the kids they are. Put them in front of the fans in their race suit whenever possible. The Outlaws do a great job of that. Monster Jam does as well.
So that's a few ideas. All in all you don't need mega money to run a successful race track (See Badlands Speedway). Work hard, be creative, and love racing and you'll do great running your fictional racetrack. What are your creative ideas?
