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Workshops Hotel Room Blocks Go Live; Summer Break “Best-Of-RPM” Issue
Page 6Caution
Suspicious Surveys
Page 943rd Workshops
Hotel Information
Page 9New Promoters
An Open Letter For...
Page 10Business
Meeting TheOrdinance Challenge
Page 12Operations
Building From Back Gate
Page 12Entrant Relations
How To Become A Track Favorite
Issue 45.07
Racing Promotion MonthlyThe Idea Newsletter For Auto Racing PromotersProducer Of The Annual RPM Promoters Workshops
Vegas, Indy, Daytona Workshops Dates, Places, Schedules, Hotel Information, pg. 14
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P6 Summer Break, “Best Of RPM” IssueP6 Be Suspicious Of SurveysP6 RPM@Vegas DatesP7 Welcome New ReadersP9 RPM@Vegas, Indy, Daytona Lodging Rates & Group CodesP9 RPM@Indy Hotels Announced, Reservations Can Be MadeP9 Letter To Promoters New This YearP10 INEX Updates: News From Around The IndustryP10 Meeting The Ordinance ChallengeP11 How to Become A Favorite Driver At A Race TrackP12 Legalert: Against Doctor’s Orders P12 Missing The Point Of The Back GateP13 Tim Bryant, Regional Auto Racing Promoter of the YearP14 Workshops Dates, Places, Hotel InformationP15 John Padjen, 2006 Auto Racing Promoter of the YearP16 Exhibitors: Directory Of Services For Promoters
Racing Promotion Monthly The Idea Newsletter For Auto Racing Promoters
Presenter of theAuto Racing Promoter of the Year Awards Sponsored ByCharlotte Motor Speedway...
Producer of the AnnualRPM Promoters Workshops
Issue 45.07Volume 45, Number 7
On The Cover...
IMCA Modifieds race in front of the Dacotah (ND) Speedway grandstands during the concluding fifth night of the six-race Dacotah Classic Modified Tour.
(Photo by Layn Mudder)
The voice of short track owners and promoters, fostering cooperation, communication and the exchange of expertise.
This Month In RPM
EDITOR: Stewart Doty FOUNDER: Stew ReamerPHONE 715-536-1067 FAX 715-536-3616
MAIL: PO Box 406, Merrill, WI 54452
E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
Copyright 2015, Racing Promotion Monthly.
EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: The RPM E-Letter, Racing Promotion Monthly, InsideGroove, and Websites 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 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.
PRIVACY POLICY: RPM does not sell subscriber information. When promoters and other readers provide RPM with their mailing address, telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, or e-mail addresses, for any reason, they are used only by RPM for communicating with subscribers. Data are not sold or distributed to third parties. RPM does, however, provide exhibitors with a list of mailing addresses and phone numbers for tracks registered for the Workshops, a service offered as part of commercial registration for more than 20 years.
Contact:[email protected]: 715.536.1067F: 715-536-3616
43rd Annual Workshops Lodging Goes LiveSuspect Surveys, RPM Revisits Past Features
The Promoters’ Front PageMore Ideas, More Cars, More Fans
RPM@Vegas: The Western Workshop moves to Las Vegas next November, the first RPM Promoters Workshop there since
1977, taking place at the Palace Station Hotel & Casino, immediately across I-15 from the world famous “Strip.” See
pages 9 & 14 for more information.
5
The summer is a busy time for all of us. Our readers are busy presenting racing events, and in-between somehow find time for family and vacations. Throughout or tenure as editor, it’s been clear from our phone conversations and reinforced in the modern era by the readership and open rates shown in our web and email analytics that many of you catch up in September with all you have missed in RPM during the season. This month your editor joins you as we take a break, and publish what one might call a “best-of,” issue of RPM, reprinting stories readers gave high marks in years gone by. We’ll use the time away from our keyboard for a little R&R and a few races, and be back at the keyboard next issue.
Before we get to the “best-of” we have these timely bits of information for you. Workshops lodging blocks are now open at all three hotels for the 43rd Annual RPM Promoters Workshops Series.
RPM@Reno Becomes RPM@VegasIn case you are among those who didn’t read our last newsletter, we announced
last month that RPM@Reno has now become RPM@Vegas and the Western Workshop has new dates as well--November 11-13, 2015, a full three weeks earlier than past Western gatherings. Our complete story about the change can be read in our last issue number 4506 available online through the RPM website or attached to our email of July 15. Las Vegas lodging and meeting hotel information can be found on pages 9 & 14, and we’ll have more information for you in Issue 45.08 later this month.
Be Suspicious of “Surveys”
Sixteen years ago this month, RPM published this legalert, and Ironically our July 2015 email informs of yet another probable “fishing trip.”
The Legalert...
Q: I receive calls or letters from people who say they are researchers working with unnamed clients asking about the industry, our attendance, promotions, and sometimes our race procedures, fences, walls, and other things that seem unusual to me. (See Suspicious, P6)
Welcome Readers
Welcome to the Racing Promotion Monthly promoters’ community. As an RPM reader, you benefit from more than 40 seasons of experience, expertise, and ideas, proven by successful short track people. This newsletter and the RPM Promoters Workshops produced by Racing Promotion Monthly are the point of contact for any promoter looking for ideas, advice, feedback, or a gateway to tap into the resources and collected experience of more than 1,000 promoters, from 107 Workshops, and a 45-year knowledge base of over 500 issues of this newsletter. If you are a newcomer just getting your feet wet in the complex business of track operation and race event promotion, looking for others you can bounce ideas off, trying to sift fact from myth, we are available to talk with you seven days a week and will facilitate or answer every inquiry. Plan to attend one of the three RPM Promoters Workshops next winter. The Workshops and this newsletter are time well-spent that will boost your attendance and strengthen your bottom line. Enjoy this newsletter and the others that follow. Follow RPM on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. Subscribe to the RPM Newsletter RSS feed, and you’ll not miss a single update. Thank you for reading and best of luck with your endeavors!
Two Neat Ideas: (TOP) IndyCar recently debuted its roll hoop display, LED Position Lights. The displays
give fans real time continuously-updated information on the position of the car in the running order as well as time spent in the pits and notice of the “Push-to-
Pass” Mode. This is especially valuable on road courses where fans cannot see the whole track but should also be beneficial during the series frenetic
action on ovals. (BOTTOM) We liked Glenn Donnelly’s “cutaway” show car used several years ago because it laid bare the technology under the
skin as well as showcasing sponsors and branding the event for the series, giving fans more to look at.
(IndyCar and RPM Photos)
Workshops Hotels,Dates, Locations, P14
6
(See Suspicious, P5)
Should I worry about the answers I give? A: Not necessarily, but caution should be your rule in this dog-eat-dog world. Because of the growth of Winston Cup, and superspeedway IPO’s, we receive frequent research calls that we wouldn’t have received 5 years ago. We know these callers contact speedways, because promoters report their calls. We also receive an increasing number of calls from people claiming to be researchers, who won’t explain who they are, the real purpose for their call or their clients’ identity. They too have contacted speedways. The most recent example of this is a Texas attorney who, without disclosing that he was an attorney, mailed a survey accompanied by a $50 check to tracks. He asked promoters to answer questions about their fences and barriers, and asked that they have their completed survey notarized before returning it to his office. Like many evasive callers to RPM offices, he is a plaintiff’s attorney researching the industry in hopes that what he learns will strengthen a suit he may bring against a race track and its insurer. Our advice: be on your guard with “surveys”! Especially if the survey inquires about risk or liability issues, don’t take part in it. Remember, your business is your businesss. You are not required to participate, and you could damage the industry by taking part.
It is only natural to want to help people. It is also noble to participate in activities “for the betterment of racing.” It is also
righteous to work for increased racing safety. BUT... would you “help” someone who’s real intention is to make your job more difficult, to increase your operating costs, increase your insurance rates, empower those suing race tracks? It’s prudent to be mindful that these days, especially on the Web, more often than not, things are not what they appear. This
might be the case with a survey that made the rounds recently about race track barriers that purports to be from a market research firm whose credentials cannot be verified. A reader recently sent us a link to the survey illustrated above.
The survey that prompted our 1999 Legalert reprinted here was done by mail (Web surveys hadn’t been invented yet) and was traced to a law firm retained by a plaintiff suing a race track. The law firm was trying to establish a basis or standard within the industry for barriers with the presumed intention of using the
(See Suspicious, P9)
56-H Loomis StreetManchester, CT 06042Phone: (860) 646-9646Email: [email protected]
Baltimore2931 Industrial Park Drive Finksburg, MD 21048Phone: (410) 833-2061Email: [email protected]
Pittsburgh110 South Pike Road, #207Sarver, PA 16055Phone: (724) 360-8000Email: [email protected]
1933 Staunton TurnpikeParkersburg, WV 26104Phone: (304) 428-5000Email: [email protected]
Springfield3886 E. State Route 54Springfield, IL 62707Phone: (217) 522-1955Email: [email protected]
Indianapolis4155 N. 1000 E., Ste A, Wally Parks Dr.Brownsburg, IN 46112Phone: (317) 858-1234Email: [email protected]
Plymouth1801 Jim Neu Drive Plymouth, IN 46563Phone: (574) 936-8344Email: [email protected]
21601 John Deere LaneRogers, MN 55374Phone: (763) 428-8780Email: [email protected] www.hoosiertirenorth.com
AsphaltP.O. Box 537Welcome, NC 27374Phone: (336) 731-6100Email: [email protected]
Dirt OvalP.O. Box 1437Clinton, TN 37717Phone: (865) 457-9888Email: [email protected]
Road & DragP.O. Box 6080Maryville, TN 37802Phone: (865) 984-3232Email: road&[email protected]
3801 W. Pawnee, Suite 200 Wichita, KS 67213Phone: (316) 945-4000Email: [email protected]
Nebraska12252 N 153rd CircleBennington, NE 68007Phone: (402) 281-9700 [email protected]
103 Gross Road, Bldg. AMesquite, TX 75149Phone: (972) 289-RACE (7223)Email: [email protected]
2608 E. CaliforniaFresno, CA 93721Phone: (559) 485-4512Email: [email protected]
117-119 Cushman RoadSt. Catherines, Ontario, Canada L2M 6S9Phone: (905) 685-3184Email: [email protected]
1733 Maryland AvenueNiagara Falls, NY 14305Phone: (716) 285-7502Email: usasales@bicknellracingproducts.comwww.bicknellracingproducts.com
5601-45 ST Leduc, Alberta, Canada T9E 7B1Phone: (780) 986-7223Email: [email protected]
“TIRES DESIGNED FOR CHAMPIONS” ®
65465 SR 931, Lakeville, IN 46536 (574) 784-3152 www.hoosiertire.com
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND:
Admission to the RPM Promoters
Workshops is limited to
authorized members of the
motorsports industry. This
registration is offered only to
weekly-schedule oval track and
dragstrip promoters (and owners,
lessees, managers, etc.) and their
designated staff members,
officers of racing associations and
touring series and their
designated staff members,
promoters of specialty
motorsports events and their
designated staff members and the
motorsports press. Decisions
regarding eligibility to register
and attend are solely within the
discretion of Workshops
management. Workshops
management reserves the
exclusive right to offer registration
to other individuals. Workshops
management, in all instances,
reserves the right to decline
registration and admission at
these private meetings. Receipt
or possession of this application
does not imply or constitute a
right of admission or a right to
participate in the Workshops. The
to race facility owners, lessees,
promoters, managers, association
officers and their staff.
Participation by commercial firms
shall be through commercial
registration only, as detailed in
the solicitation of such firms.
REFUNDS AND DEADLINES:
Registrations after deadline dates
are void. Fee refunds are made
upon written request, following
the Speedweek Workshop. Fees
may also be credited toward
registration at subsequent
Workshops. If a registrant attends
any meeting session, he or she is
ineligible for refund. All refunds
are subject to 10% handling
charge. Substitutions accepted
only prior to registration
deadlines. Substitutions are not
accepted at the door. All at-the-
door registrations, new or
substitute, will be charged at-the-
door registration fees.
REGISTER IN ADVANCE, PLEASE:
Fees shown on this application
are for PRE-REGISTRATION ONLY.
Pre-registering saves you money
(at-the-door registrants will be
admitted at the flat rate of $249
per person).
the right, registration fees, and
Terms/Conditions
Applications by mail, FAX, e-mail, after deadlines are void. Late entries are welcome day of Workshop.
Workshop Dates
Western Workshop, Dec. 4-5, 2014
Pre-Registration and Welcome Reception
Wednesday Evening, 12/03/14
Speedweek Workshop, Daytona Beach,
Feb. 16-17, 2015
Pre-Registration, Sunday Evening, 02/15/15
More Information
www.racingpromotionmonthly.com
Or Call 715.536.1067
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Additional Credential Discount Void After Deadline. All Late Entries, $249.00 Per Person
Credential Application 42nd RPM Promoters Workshops
Western Workshop, Reno, NV; Speedweek Workshop, Daytona Beach, FL
Need More Cars, Bigger Crowds? There’s An App For That!
Are you looking for more cars and bigger crowds? There’s an app for that. A Web app, a subscription app, or a credential app, or all three, if you like! Racing Promotion Monthly and the RPM Promoters Workshops are just a click away, your resource for increasing car counts and ticket sales at your track. Discover RPM and the Workshops today. Subscribe, read, and register now for the 43rd RPM Promoters Workshops. Las Vegas, Indy, Daytona, there’s a Workshop easy to get to for you.
RPM@VegasRPM@Indy
RPM@Daytona
Getting Started
Letter to New Promoters
Can we talk candidly?
Maybe you are finishing up your first season as a promoter. We know many readers completed lease arrangements very late in 2014, after our Western, and Indianapolis Workshops were already in the books, and others in January, even February, too late for the Daytona Workshop. It was complicated, and time-consuming taking over a track, and left little time before your hands were full just getting open last spring. Now, you’ve got four months under your belt as a promoter. You know what your car counts are, and you no longer must guess at ticket sales. The season was a pleasant surprise for some, turning out as well as you expected. For others who read this, it’s a rainy test of patience that leaves you wondering whether you really know what the numbers should be, and whether your promotions worked or not. Chances are in the last several months, some of you wondered, “What are these things called the RPM Promoters Workshops?” But you still haven’t had time to find out. A few others have a fuzzy memory that you became aware of something called the RPM Promoters Workshops, but you’re still not clear on what they are or how they could benefit you. By now, all the racers car owners in your pits, and a few sponsors
(See Newcomers, P10)
9
Two More Neat Ideas: (TOP) Placing track flyers in literature racks is a well-known promotional tool, but recently we found our nearby speedway’s souvenir program in the literature rack at a neighborhood C-store. While it’s an expensive marketing piece, it showcases the track, the track’s drivers, and local businesses sponsoring the races, all valuable exposure for the sport, its players, and its supporters. It is also one of the highest quality programs we’ve seen, full color throughout. (BOTTOM) Several seasons ago we found this checkerboard pavement in front of the grandstands at Junction (NE) Speedway. It adds an eye-catching touch to the concourse in front of seats. We haven’t happened by lately to see how its fared after several years of flying clay from the track. (RPM Photos)
(Suspicious, From P7)
information to portray that the barriers at the track at which their client competed were deficient with the implication then that if they could be portrayed as deficient, it would suggest negligence on the part of the track operator.
Now it’s entirely possible this month’s survey illustrated above was distributed by a naive marketing firm on behalf of a sincere barrier manufacturer who believes they have found a better way to build barriers. It would not be the first time your graying-at-the-temples editor (and former advertising exec) became aware of market research or ads that simply did not take into account the real complexities of the client’s market and sales prospect’s needs. (Agencies can be prone to this.)
Call us an old cynic, if you will, but we would not participate in a survey such as this of unverifiable origin, blind behind the anonymity of the Web, and we would hope that our readers would have second thoughts and decline to click through and take the survey as well. Should you find it in your email, we urge you to click the trash button instead. It smells fishy to us.
Workshops Lodging Blocks Now Open For ReservationsRPM@Vegas Lodging Information
Attractive Rates
The Palace Station Hotel & Casino is offering RPM Promoters Workshop group rates as follows for single or double occupancy until October 17, 2015. Standard Tower Rooms, $34.99 Monday-Thursday, $84.99 Friday,
Saturday; and standard Courtyard Rooms $24.99 Monday-Thursday, $54.99 Friday, Saturday, triple or quad occupancy rates are higher. Rates are subject to a $9.99 service fee per night and local room tax at prevailing rate. Reservation cutoff is 10/17/2015, or upon block sellout. The hotel will take reservations on an availability basis and at prevailing hotel rates after this date.
How to Reserve
Reserve rooms by calling the Palace Station Reservation Office at (800) 634-3101, and ask for offer code “PCIRPM” to receive the RPM Promoters Workshops room rate. A credit card must be posted and will be charged one night room and tax at the time of the reservation. Cancellations require a 72-hour notice to avoid penalty. A $100.00 security deposit is required either by credit card or cash upon check-in. You may also make reservations online through this link
Airport Shuttle
The Palace Station Hotel & Casino is located five miles from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) and a quarter mile from the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel provides complimentary regularly scheduled airport shuttle service between 6:30a.m. and midnight.
RPM@Indy Official Hotels
MICROTEL INN & SUITES, Indianapolis Airport, 5815 Rockville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46224. Hotel direct reservations: 317-247-9703. Special Workshops Group Rate: $59.95/night, plus tax, Reference “RPM Promoters Workshop” when calling.
(See Lodging, P10)
Reserve Workshops Lodging Now
UpdatesAccidents Remind Us: We no more than released the last issue 45.06, with its feature story on emergency incident management when four serious accidents with injuries and a death occurred at races across the country. We read the press reports and talked with witnesses. The reports, and the eyewitness accounts we heard, remind us that promoters cannot over prepare their response nor their training of officials and employees for such events. According to accounts, in several cases, track officials, and employees were unnecessarily free with information likely transgressing HIPAA guidelines. At one incident, a witness told RPM, the TV news van drove freely through the gate behind the ambulance, meeting no resistance, arriving at the scene before the scene was secured by track officials. These things happen. Such incidents are fluid. Circumstances fast-changing often not easy to manage. Split-second decisions must be made, and we get that part. Nonetheless, the burden is on the track and its officials to behave appropriately and to maintain control in a professional manner, out of respect to the injured, their families, the fans, and the track itself. Skotnicki Buys ROC: As we released our last issue, racing official Joe Skotnicki agreed with Andrew Harpell to takeover operations of the Race of Champions and the two ROC racing Series for dirt and pavement modifieds in New York and Pennsylvania, beginning on 2016.
10
(Lodging, From P9)
SLEEP INN & SUITES, Downtown Indianapolis 1244 West 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Hotel direct reservations: 317-653-1854, Web: www.sleepinnindy.com/hotel/in312 Special Group Rate: $89.95/night. Reference “RPM Promoters Workshop” when calling.
RPM@Daytona Official Hotel
HILTON DAYTONA BEACH OCEAN WALK VILLAGE Official Workshops hotel and meeting site: 100 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL, Hilton Hotels reservations: 866-536-8477, Hotel direct reservations: 386-254-8200 (9a-5p weekdays). Special Group Rate: $139/night, Saturday-Tuesday, Reference “RPM Promoters Workshops” when calling. www.daytonahilton.com
Meeting The Ordinance ChallengePublished, September 1997
As the result of stories in RPM and Workshops legal sessions, promoters are now accustomed to preparing for eventual lawsuits resulting from on-track incidents. But lately, many find themselves facing the reemergence of an old challenge--community officials who attempt to use ordinances, zoning permits and licensing to change how race tracks operate--even to prevent them from operating. By the time promoters call RPM offices, they often face substantial problems, either because they knew the challenge was coming but didn’t react, or because they invited
problems by the way they operate their track. We offer the best advice we can, but are not attorneys or legal experts and recommend that they do what we did for this story--engage the services of a lawyer specializing in municipal law. We turn to RON BENNETT, NASCAR Northeastern Region Director, Holland (NY) Speedway owner, longtime Workshops participant and practicing municipal-law attorney. Bennett gave these guidelines to promoters.
Don’t invite trouble. Operate your race track in a way that minimizes the chance people will find it a nuisance. Muffle cars. End races at a reasonable hour. Don’t let haulers drag mud down village streets. Abide by liquor laws. Keep litter under control. Ensure that undesirables don’t use your facility as a starting point for other community problems. Don’t let fans park illegally on local thoroughfares. Be attentive to neighbors’ concerns.
Stay in touch with your community. Even if you face no present threat, engage the services of an attorney and study current ordinances, zoning and licensing, and keep abreast of what changes are afoot. Know what master plans your community has and whether it participates in regional land use plans. Understand your zoning, local ordinances and licensing and where you fit in the scheme of things. Know what is permitted and what isn’t permit-ted by your zoning and licensing. If your track is zoned nonconforming, which involves its own unique set of locally derived
(See Challenge, P11)
Workshops Hotels,Dates, Locations, P14
Meeting The Ordinance ChallengeGetting Started
(Newcomers, From P9)
thrown in for good measure, all of whom believe they know a lot about racing because they’ve raced for years, have told you how you should run the track. (And oh, we nearly forgot, because some think they are your friends, they expect a little special consideration when it comes to officials’ decisions.) Most of you can add to this all the Web forum and Facebook keyboard commandos, unrestrained by a sense of common decency and commonsense, who have skewered you for every little thing that irks them. (Far be it from them to help you sell tickets by telling all who read their posts that racing is a great sport they must come and see in person.) These last four months have been a blur, haven’t they.
In about three to six weeks, you’ll close the gates on the 2015 season and look to 2016. When you do this, it will be four to six weeks before the Workshops kick off in Las Vegas in mid-November. You’ll look back and think to yourself, “Gee that wasn’t too bad.” Or, “Gee, what did I get myself into.” A few of you will say, “OH S_ _T.” Maybe your spouse or bookkeeper will say, “Excuse me, we should talk.”
In racing, as in life generally, many view things through a “us versus them” lens. Old versus new, union versus
(See Newcomers, P11)
EntrantRelations
How To Become A Favorite Driver At A Race TrackBy KT Torbert, Promoter, North Central (MN) Speedway, Reprinted with permission from the track Website.
There are many drivers out there that feel they always get the short end of the stick. Well I am sorry to break your entitlement and everyone-feel-sorry-for-me bubble but that is just not the case. However, there are a few steps you can take to properly ensure that you will get the benefit of the doubt, or at least your concerns will be considered and will hold merit.
Step 1 and overall big pictureDon’t be the problem, be part of the solution. Clearly tracks are trying to survive, and maybe one day build, but you have to take part in that goal and understand your role and how big of an impact even the youngest and least experienced of drivers has on that goal being attained.
Step 2 Pick your battles. Maybe finding something every weekend to complain about or blame and making a huge deal about it are not the way to go. Many times a driver can get to the point where to the track there is “always something” that keeps you from winning or keeps you from having fun and it’s not always something the track can control. Unless you want to give us mind control.
Step 3 Be a little more considerate and understanding and supportive on the little things so when it’s something big it will (See Favorite, P13) 11
(Challenge, From P10)
complications, pay particular attention to what you cannot do.
Have your facts in order. For instance, for noise, engage the services of an engineer and measure the noise your track makes. Compare it to other noise producers--factories, concerts, fairs, highways, etc. Know how noisy you are. Compare your hours of operation to similar businesses. Compare the traffic created by your events. Compare when you finish events to other community attractions. Do you finish events at roughly the same time as the nearby minor league ball team?
Prepare yourself by knowing whom to call. Bennett suggests promoters forego local business attorneys and personal attorneys and others unfamiliar with municipal law. According to Bennett, attorneys who concentrate in municipal law are more difficult to locate than other attorneys but worth the trouble. Local attorneys, especially in small communities, frequently do not wish to fight the fight, because of allegiances to local leaders and the unwillingness to risk being called upon to champion an unpopular cause in front of friends and neighbors at the town hall. He suggests you identify attorneys serving nearby communities who practice municipal law but who might represent you. They have no professional conflicts in your community.
Suppose you discover that the township will vote next month on a new ordinance that will limit the noise you can make and limit the days and hours your track can operate. What strategies would an attorney use to fight the new rules?
Federal courts, Bennett said, have held that zoning or regulation that limits the use of single purpose facilities--which most race tracks are--can be “a taking,” a legal term for condemnation or confiscation of property without due process. Attorneys who defend your track might threaten to sue the township for damages--something no public official wants to face--the prospect that he be in the headlines, accused of attempting to take away a constituent’s business or property.
Courts are increasingly aware of arbitrary zoning and regulation. Bennett said federal court findings are strongly on the side of business and property owners, and are unpopular with local public officials who take great pride in traditional local determination. It’s a case where promoters should control their own zeal for local determination, because federal cases are their best defense against ill-advised local regulations.
Zoning and local ordinances cannot be “arbitrary and capricious,” according to Bennett. What applies to one business or property owner must apply to all the others in the community. This means officials cannot create zoning, ordinances or license stipulations directed at just a race track. For instance, a noise ordinance would have to consider the levels of noise and apply to all sources of noise in the community. He cited a company fighting the issuance of a special operating permit that denied it the right to operate a third shift at its factory. Since no other community business presently has a third shift, attorneys for the company successfully argued that the denial was arbitrary and capricious--aimed strictly at the factory adding the shift.
(See Challenge, P12)
Workshops Hotels,Dates, Locations, P14
Getting Started
(Newcomers, From P10)
management, drivers versus promoters, you know what we mean. Maybe you are a driver or car owner--or at least considered yourself one until this spring when track operation totally monopolized your time. Now, the race car is covered by dust in the shop. Maybe you still look upon yourself as a driver who promotes. Maybe you even decided to bid on your track to prove it could be better operated than the guy before you. If you are among these, you might be--shall we say--suspicious of meetings between promoters. Let’s be honest. There is some suspicion, isn’t there.
We know at least a half dozen of our Promoters of the Year, including the last two, started as track operators in just this way. But, we located them, as we are prone to do, made them readers of this newsletter, and they soon discovered the RPM Promoters Workshops. Every one of them will testify that--despite initial skepticism and reluctance--the Workshops have become valuable to them, made them better promoters, made them better businessmen, helped them draw more cars, bolster ticket sales, and increase sponsorship.
We know that because of the weather and the economy, the season has been trying for promoters--new and veterans
(See Newcomers, P12)
LegalertAgainst Doctor’s Orders
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.
Q: I read about a driver with a non-racing injury who raced after surgery against his doctor's recommendation. What risk did the promoter take letting the driver compete? What about people with braces, casts, or concussions?
A: It’s almost impossible for short tracks to require medical clearance for drivers as top-level sanctioning groups do, because they accept entries from transient drivers. It’s also difficult to know in advance that a driver was injured elsewhere and you can’t monitor drivers’ lives away from the track. But, language in your rulebook can help. Here's a suggestion (run it by your lawyer before putting it in your rulebook). [The track] reserves the right to require the injured driver or a driver who suffers from a chronic or progressive debilitating illness, to present certification from a physician stating that participation will not complicate any medical condition or recovery. [The track] also reserves the right to require of pregnant women such certification to participate in racing. [The track] reserves the right to decline the entry of those whose participation might endanger their own health or safety, or the health, or safety of other drivers, participants, or spectators.”
12
(Challenge, From P11)
The law is strict, Bennett said. It prevents public officials from playing to the audience, though they may sometimes try. Proposed zoning, ordinances and regulations must follow sound and accepted principles.
Bennett offered an important lesson in zoning. Zoning, he said, is “inclusive.” To an attorney that means that it only talks about what can be done. That means if it doesn’t say it, you can’t do it. It’s a lot like good racing rulebooks. This is especially important for race tracks zoned “non-conforming,” which is very common. Promoters of race tracks, or any business on property zoned non-conforming, must be especially careful not to invite problems. Generally, property zoned non-conforming is limited to the use at the time the non-conforming zoning was given--meaning that the freedom to update or make improvements (or change operations) is limited. Buildings and infrastructure on such property--sewer systems, sound systems, barriers, roads and parking lots can be maintained but usually cannot be replaced by new construction. Often, they cannot be enlarged. As long as property owners abide by terms of their zoning, it is secure, and they can be less fearful of challenges, and they can be more easily defended by attorneys representing them. Violating the terms of non-conforming zoning can open a business to the possibility of re-zoning based on the violation, which rarely permits as much freedom as the previous zoning.
He advises holders of non-conforming zoning to, “stay out of the limelight.” “Avoid becoming a target,” because there is some desire among zoning officials to do away with non-conforming parcels; eventually bringing them into zoning status that fits a conforming category. But while they’re out of the limelight, they should continue to keep their eyes peeled. Sharp promoters with non-conforming zoning also work with their
attorneys to watch for beneficial opportunities that can come along. Sometimes promoters with good counsel can make the most of the chance and gain more favorable conventional zoning when revisions are made to local zoning.
Because of their fiercely independent nature, many promoters believe that public officials have no business telling them how to conduct their business and operate accordingly. Often, they also believe that since their tracks have been operating for 40 years, newcomer neighbors have no right to determine track operation. They may be right, but more often than not that doesn’t prevent challenges.
Whether their property is zoned, has non-conforming zoning or isn’t zoned at all, and whether neighbors just arrived in a new subdivision or have been there for 30 years, it’s unrealistic in the year 2000 to believe that a track can operate without its community and neighbors attempting to exercise some discretion in its operation. Many promoters also have the tendency to shoot from the hip and think later. Placing the shoe on the other foot, it can be argued that no dragstrip has the right to operate into the wee hours of the early morning or that no oval track has the right to send mud-flinging haulers down community streets on their way home.
Missing The Point
Published January 1999, and as true today as then!
Historically, trade paper columnists, who at the very least, tend to have great affinity for prominent drivers and top classes, and self-appointed status as spokes people for “real” or “serious” racing (who it seems frequently also double as PR people for star drivers), have taken a dim view when
(See The Point, P21)
Missing The Point Of The Back GateGetting Started
Newcomers, From P11)
alike. It will take some time for many promoters to make sense of it, as the season winds down.
Veteran promoters have perspective and experience to fall back on. Promotional newcomers, not so much. So if you’re looking for a reference point, the Workshops will give you one, enabling you to get your bearings and establish a baseline for 2016. We hope every promoter, new this season, reading these paragraphs now, will follow us in these pages over the next three months, learn what we will do at the Workshops, call us with questions, if necessary at 715-536-1067. We also invite you to join us at one of the three Workshops--RPM@Vegas, RPM@Indy, or RPM@Daytona. The community of promoters gathered at the Workshops will welcome you and include you in their analysis and discussions, helping you make sense of things and make plan for next season. They’ll help you pull more cars, draw more fans, sell more sponsorship, and improve your show, and bottom line next season.
[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@kandkinsurance.comkevin.cismowski@[email protected]@kandkinsurance.com
Steve Sinclair 260-459-5714 Kathy Rhoades260-459-5168
Steve Sinclair 260-459-5714 Toni Fries260-459-5126
Kevin Cismowski 260-459-5679 Lori Tschantz260-459-5739
Kevin Cismowski 260-459-5679 Kerri Hamilton260-459-5773
David Laber 816-295-1855 Donna Dinius260-459-5551
David Laber 816-295-1855 Bianca Bird260-459-5738
www.kandkinsurance.com
13
IntroducingRegional Auto Racing Promoters of The Year
Tim BryantFive Flags (FL) Speedway
Last year, in his 12th season at the 60-year-old Five Flags, Bryant received his first nomination as Regional Auto Racing Promoter of the Year. The Pensacola speed shop owner, tire dealer, and racer stepped in to preserve the regionally prominent Five Flags after several prior operators failed. Bryant has rebuilt Five Flags, its reputation, and its marquee event The Snowball Derby. Five Flags presents a 16-race, bi-weekly schedule that includes the “Blizzard Series,” a four-race build up to the Derby.
EntrantRelations
(Favorite, From P11)
mean more. If you’re not a steady complainer and have had our backs and are usually positive, then what you say will grab our attention a little more.
Step 4 On the heels of step three, don’t come screaming that we have to get our heads out of our butts or that we don’t know what we are doing. Come ask for an explanation (even if it’s in a yelling voice) but understand that we may have to do some checking into it before giving you the answer. But, that it is a concern for us and we will look into it.
Step 5 Understanding... that we need fans and that we are all part of a show. At the end of the day, we are in the entertainment business and we need the fans to have a good time, and that if you think about things from a fan's point of view in what you add to the show, and what people want to see, you will be better off. It’s not about each driver or the promoters or the staff. It’s about the fans first, and stopping on the track and giving the bird to the crowd, or behaving like a three-year-old WILL NEVER BE OKAY. Help us put on a great show that keeps people coming back and we will like you better. Create problems for us or make it harder for us to look good, then we probably won’t want to listen.
Step 6 Acting professional and at least pretending to give a hoot. We get many (See Favorite, P 21)
www.kandkinsurance.com
David Laber 816-295-1855Donna Dinius260-459-5551David Laber 816-295-1855Bianca Bird260-459-5738
Steve Sinclair260-459-5714Kathy Rhoades260-459-5168Steve Sinclair260-459-5714Toni Fries260-459-5126
Kevin Cismowski260-459-5679Kerri Hamilton260-459-5773Kevin Cismowski260-459-5679Lori Tschantz260-459-5739
14
43rd Annual RPM Promoters Workshops Series
RPM@Daytona February 14-16, 2016
RPM@Indy December 9, 2015
RPM@VegasNovember 11-13, 2015
RPM@Vegas Official Hotel: PALACE STATION HOTEL & CASINO, 2411 West Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV. Standard Tower Rooms, $34.99 Monday-Thursday, $84.99 Friday, Saturday; and standard Courtyard Rooms $24.99 Monday-Thursday, $54.99 Friday, Saturday, triple or quad occupancy rates are higher. Rates are subject to a $9.99 service fee per night and local room tax at prevailing rate. Reservation cutoff is 10/17/2015, or upon block sellout. Reservations: (800) 634-3101, and ask for offer code “PCIRPM” to receive the RPM Promoters Workshops room rate.
RPM@Indy Official Hotels: MICROTEL INN & SUITES, Indianapolis Airport, 5815 Rockville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46224. Hotel direct reservations: 317-247-9703. Special Workshops Group Rate: $59.95/night, plus tax, Reference “RPM Promoters Workshop” when calling.
SLEEP INN & SUITES, Downtown Indianapolis 1244 West 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 Hotel direct reservations: 317-653-1854, Web: www.sleepinnindy.com/hotel/in312 Special Group Rate: $89.95/night. Reference “RPM Promoters Workshop” when calling.
RPM@Daytona Official Hotel: HILTON DAYTONA BEACH OCEAN WALK VILLAGE Official Workshops hotel and meeting site: 100 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL, Hilton Hotels reservations: 866-536-8477, Hotel direct reservations: 386-254-8200 (9a-5p weekdays). Special Group Rate: $139/night, Saturday-Tuesday, Reference “RPM Promoters Workshops” when calling. www.daytonahilton.com
Event SchedulePre-Registration, Exhibit Set-Up, Welcome Reception,
November 11, 2015, 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Sessions: November 12, 2015, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sessions: November 13, 2015, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Event SchedulePre-Registration, Exhibit Set-Up, Welcome Reception,
February 14, 2016, 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Sessions: February 15, 2016, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sessions: February 16, 2016, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Event SchedulePre-Registration, Exhibit Set-Up, Welcome Reception,
December 9, 2015, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Sessions: December 9, 2015, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Share Ideas Instantly! “Learn, share, profit,” was the original Workshops slogan. It’s still the essence of the Racing Promotion Monthly and RPM Promoters Workshops community. For more than 40 years promoters have gathered at the Workshops, spoken from RPM podiums, shared expertise as panel members, or from the floor. Each season, promoters send examples of track flyers, information on event promotions, and more. Now, with pocket digital technology sharing happens even faster. Odds are that half who read these words have a smartphone right now at their side, and throughout race night. Why not use it to share instantly with RPM readers? Next race night, shoot a picture with your iPhone or Android and send it via SMS text message or e-mail to RPM with brief info and we’ll call you afterward to learn more about it. Scan the QR code below. Add it to your phone contacts. Capture crowds, promotions, kids club events, contests, improvements--anything helpful and send it immediately. Do it this week. Become an RPM contributor!
Share Instantly
15
www.kandkinsurance.com
Promoters selected the northern California promoter as 2006 Auto Racing Promoter of the Year upon his fifth regional nomination. Padjen operated two dirt tracks, the 1/4-mile dirt Silver Dollar and Placerville (CA) Speedways. Silver Dollar presented weekly races for 410 sprints and Placerville for 360s. Through the California Sprint Civil War Series for 410 cars and the Golden State Challenge Series for 360s, Padjen was one of the most influential promoters of sprint car racing on the West Coast.
John PadjenARPY 2006
16
ADMISSION CONTROL, TICKETS
DIAMOND TICKETING SYSTEMS
www.diamondticketing.com
845 E. 4800 South, Murray, UT, 84107, 866-323-5411, ext 107
Diamond Ticketing Systems provides customized snd cost-
effective ticketing solutions focused on helping motorsports
organizations build revenue and increase marketing exposure.
TICKETFORCE
www.ticketforce.com
4858 E. Baseline Rd, Ste 103, Mesa, AZ 85206 877-726-3581
TicketForce utilizes a powerful web-based ticketing system to
provide the racing industry a fully customizable solution to
ticketing online, mobile, and Facebook ticketing.
WELDON, WILLIAMS & LICK
www.wwlinc.com [email protected]
711 North A St., Fort Smith, AR 72901, 800-242-4995
WW&L, Inc. specializes in roll tickets and fast turnaround event
tickets. We also sell the automated KIS Ticket System.
APPAREL, SOUVENIRS, NOVELTIES
ADVERTISING EDGE
www.advertisingedge.com
9840 Prospect Ave., Santee, CA 92071, 800-258-9774
In-house manufacturer of and for embroidery, screen printing,
direct to garment printing, full-color sublimation, promo
products.
RACE TRACK WHOLESALE
www.racetrackwholesale.com
817 Delaware, Independence, MO 64050, 816-718-2231 FAX
866-365-2231
Wholesale distributor of racing souvenirs, t-shirts, and
promotional products serving the grassroots racing industry
since 2008.
ADVERTISING DESIGN
SIMES GRAPHIC DESIGNS
www.simesgraphicdesigns.com
414 Main St., Mandan, ND 58554, 888-457-4637
Simes Graphic is full service art studio that services short track
racing. They design and print all types of brochures, posters,
promotional materials.
AUDIO, VIDEO PRODUCTION
MOFFETT PRODUCTIONS
www.moffett.com,
16140 Kuykendahl St., #126, Houston, TX 77068,
800-HOTT ADS
Professional audio production. Radio spots, TV ads, Tracks Trax
race track audio CDs. Great creative, fast service, reasonable
prices.
AWARDS & TROPHIES
SIMES GRAPHIC DESIGNS
www.simesgraphicdesigns.com
414 Main St., Mandan, ND 58554,, 888-457-4637
Simes Graphic is full service art studio that services short track
racing. They manufacture high-end custom cast aluminum
trophies.
BANNERS & SIGNAGE
TOTAL TRACK SOLUTIONS
www.totaltracksolutions.com
7613 Hamilton Avenue, Mt. Healthy, OH 45231 513-521-7446
Wholesale pricing. Banners, billboards, mesh, flags, car wraps,
decals, installation, signage consultation,marketing plans, a
division of GCI Digital Imaging.
BLEACHERS AND SEATING
BLEACHER BUILDERS INCORPORATED
www.bleacherbuilders.com
2710 South Blaine Street, Muncie, IN 47302, 765-716-5767
Specializing in grandstands and suites for speedways,
engineering, design/build, used bleachers, suites, press boxes,
buying used seating from major speedways.
COMPUTER TIMING & SCORING, SCOREBOARDS
DAKTRONICS
www.daktronics.com [email protected]
201 Daktronics Drive, Brookings, SD 57006, 800-325-8766
Daktronics is recognized worldwide as the leading designer and
manufacturer of electronic scoreboards, message centers, and
large LED video displays.
MYLAPS TIMING & SCORING
www.mylaps.com
2030 Powers Ferry Rd SE, Ste. 110, Atlanta, GA 30339,
678-816-4000
MyLaps offers the best in class sports timing systems to measure,
publish, and analyze race and participant results for all sports and
specifically auto racing.
Directory Of ServicesFor Promoters
Supporting Sponsor of the RPM Promoters Workshops
5245 NC 49 South, Harrisburg, NC 28075 704-455-3906
www.uslegendcars.com
Spec racing with INEX. Legends Cars, Bandoleros, Thunder Roadsters and the new U.S. Legends Modified. Entry classes that attract new
participants. Strict rules enforcement alleviates rules problems. Complete car manufacturing, promotion and rules enforcement.
Supporting Sponsor of the RPM Promoters Workshops
Circle track crate engines. Engine, chassis and other racing/high performance accessories
available at your local GM dealer.For more information, contact Bill Martens: [email protected]
6200 Grand Pointe Drive, Grand Blanc, MI 48349 800-GM USE US (468-7387)
www.chevroletperformance.com/circletrack/
Supporting Sponsor of the RPM Promoters Workshops
One-Way RadiosRace Management System
Raceceiver is the world’s smallest radio receiver, used for one-way communications to drivers. Raceceiver Race Management System by
Westhold, transponder scoring for short tracks.
www.raceceiver.com872 Main Street SW Ste D2., Gainesville, GA 30501 866-301-7223
FIRETHORN MARKETING
Custom website design, and developer of custom e-mail marketing campaigns. E-commerce specialists.
www.firethornmarketing.com872 Main Street SW Ste D2., Gainesville, GA 30501
Supporting Sponsor of the RPM Promoters Workshops
RACECEIVER RACE MANAGEMENT
www.raceceiver.com,
872 Main St. SW, Unit D2, Gainesville, GA 30501, 866-301-7223
Raceceiver race communications. Raceceiver race management
timing and scoring system.
WESTHOLD CORPORATION
www.westhold.com [email protected]
742 Charcot Avenue, Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131,
408-533-0050
Westhold is a leading seller and manufacturer of race timing and
scoring systems, scoreboards, message centers, video displays,
and software.
CRATE ENGINES/PERFORMANCE PARTS
CHEVROLET PERFORMANCE
www.chevrolet.com/performance/crate-engines.html
6200 Grand Pointe Dr., Grand Blanc, MI 48349, 810-606-3655
Circle track crate engines. Engine, chassis, and other racing/
high-performance accessories available at your local GM dealer.
For information, contact Bill Martens.
FORD RACING
www.fordracingparts.com
24796 Davenport Ave., Novi, MI 48374, 800-367-3788
Sealed racing engines and engine components
FUEL, LUBE, ADDITIVES
LUCAS OIL PRODUCTS
www.lucasoil.com
302 N. Sheridan St., Corona, CA 92880, 800-342-2512
Nationally known manufacturer and marketer of lubricants and
additives for fleets and automobiles, owner or sponsor of Lucas
Oil I-10 and Lucas Oil (MO) Speedways, drag racing, drag boat
racing, pulling, motocross, off-road racing, ASCS Sprint Car
Series, Lucas Oil MLRA Series, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt
Series, and MAV TV American Real.
SUNOCO RACING FUELS
www.racegas.com
PO Box 1226, Linwood, PA 19061, 800-722-3427
The largest refiner of racing gasoline. National distribution of
quality brands. SUNOCO, Turbo Blue, and Trick.
GAMING DESTINATIONS
ELDORADO HOTEL/CASINO
www.eldoradoreno.com
345 North Virginia Street, Reno, NV 8950, 800-648-5966
Superb dining in five themed restaurants, 800 gorgeous rooms,
and suites, 81,000 sq. ft. of fun and gaming, world class
entertainment. Sponsor of Workshops.
INSURANCE, RISK MANAGEMENT
ALLIED SPECIALTY INSURANCE
www.alliedspecialty.com [email protected]
10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706, 800-237-3355
Allied Specialty Insurance is a leader in the Motorsports industry
since 1983. Call us for a speedy quote!
JONES BIRDSONG MOTORSPORT INSURANCE
www.jonesbirdsong.com
8935 South Pecos Road, Unit 22B, Henderson, NV 89074,
866-998-3804
Jones Birdsong Motorsports offers the widest range of products
designed to protect motorsports associations, facilities, teams,
and special events.
K&K INSURANCE GROUP
www.kandkinsurance.com
1712 Magnavox Way, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804, 800-348-1839
www.kandkcanada.com
K&K Insurance Group Canada,
#101-5800 Explorer Drive, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5K9,
800-753-2632
The industry’s largest provider of racing insurance. More than 40
years of underwriting and risk management experience.
Motorsport’s most experienced in-house claims staff.
International service capability. Proud sponsors of RPM and the
RPM Promoters Workshops.
NAUGHTON INSURANCE, INC.
www.naughtoninsurance.com [email protected]
1365 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, RI 02915,
401-433-4000
Motorsports insurance programs for race tracks, teams,
sanctioning groups, and drivers since 1947. Programs available
in all 50 states.
SPORTS INSURANCE SPECIALISTS
www.sportsinsurancespecialists.com
4115 Clubview Drive,
Fort Wayne, IN 46804, 855-969-0305
Sports Insurance Specialists offers a complete motorsports
portfolio of participant and spectator insurance. A proven
industry leader. “Let’s kick some risk.”
Directory Of ServicesFor Promoters
18
Supporting Sponsor of the RPM Promoters Workshops
800-258-9774www.advertisingedge.com
In-house manufacturer of embroidery, screen printing, direct-to-garment printing, full-color sublimation, promo products. Maker of pit crew uniform shirts & jackets, plus all types of screenprinting and embroidered shirts, hats and fanwear.
9840 Prospect Avenue, Santee, CA 92071
The largest refiner of racing gasoline.National distribution of quality brands.
SUNOCO, Turbo Blue, and Trick.
PO Box 1226, Linwood, PA 19061 800-722-3427
www.racegas.com
Supporting Sponsor of the RPM Promoters Workshops
Supporting Sponsor of the RPM Promoters Workshops
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.
302 North Sheridan Street Corona, CA 92880 800-342-2512
www.lucasoil.com
Supporting Sponsor of the RPM Promoters Workshops
Moffett ProductionsProfessional audio production, radio spots, TV ads, Tracks Trax race track
audio CDs,great creative, fast service reasonable prices.
www.moffett.com800-HOTT ADS 16140 Kuykendahl Street, Ste 126, Houston, TX 77068
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
MUSCO LIGHTING, INC.
www.musco.com
100 First Avenue W., Oskaloosa, IA 52577, 800-825-6020
Manufacturer of race track lighting systems for short tracks,
dragstrips and superspeedways. Featuring the Light Structure
Green System and S.C. 2 Retrofit systems.
MARKETING & MEDIA CONSULTATION
DIRTYMOUTH COMMUNICATIONS
www.dirtymouthcommunications.com
170 Morehead Road, Sarver, PA 16055 724-448-5120
Helping tracks, sanctioning bodies and entrepreneurs build
profitable racing programs by integrating marketing, social
media, public relations and sponsorship activation.
RACING TIRES
HOOSIER RACING TIRE
www.hoosiertire.com
65465 US 31 South, Lakeville, IN 46536, 574-784-3152
Complete line of custom-manufactured spec racing tires for oval
tracks, drag racing and road racing. The only company
exclusively manufacturing racing tires. Proud sponsor of RPM
and the RPM Promoters Workshops.
RACE TIRES AMERICA
www.americanraceronline.com
1545 Washington St., Indiana, PA 15701, 800-662-2168
Making competitive, cost-effective race tires, so that you can
focus on increased car counts and exciting shows.
TOWEL CITY RETREADING
www.towelcityracingtires.com
1601 N. Ridge Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28083, 704-933-2143
Forty-six years experience manufacturing economical long-
wearing retreaded racing tires, 7 to 13‚ widths, dirt or asphalt.
Track tire plans available.
RADIOS, COMMUNICATIONS
AMERICAN ELECTRONICS, INC.
www.americanelectronicsinc.com
PO Box 301, Greenwood, IN 46142, 800-872-1373
Two-way radios, noise-canceling headsets, and accessories
designed for speedways, and dragstrips. Exclusive home of the
FREEDOM radio and the BOSS II and EARS headsets.
RACECEIVER RACE COMMUNICATIONS
www.raceceiver.com
872 Main St. SW, Unit D2, Gainesville, GA 30501, 866-301-7223
Raceceiver one-way radios and race communications.
SANCTIONING GROUPS
IMCA-INTERNATIONAL MOTOR CONTEST ASSOCIATION
www.imca.com
1800 West D Street, Vinton, IA 52349, 319-472-2201
The nation’s oldest, largest, and leading sanctioning body. We
focus on affordable divisions to assist the profitability of our
sanctioned facilities and events.
INEX
www.uslegendcars.com
5245 NC 49 South, Harrisburg, NC 28075, 704-455-3906
Spec racing with INEX. Legends Cars, Bandoleros, Thunder
Roadsters, Modifieds. Entry classes that attract new participants.
Strict rules enforcement alleviates rules problems. Complete car
manufacturing, promotion and rules enforcement.
NASCAR
www.nascar.com
One Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114, 386-310-6272
The NASCAR Home Tracks Program offers sanctioning
opportunities for weekly racing and touring series events across
North America and Europe.
WISSOTA PROMOTERS ASSOC.
www.wissota.org
PO Box 297, Dassel, MN 55325, 320-275-9922
A member-driven sanction in the Upper Midwest featuring six
divisions of race cars: Late Models, Modifieds, Super Stocks,
Midwest Modifieds, Street Stocks and Mod Fours. As a member
of WISSOTA, you vote on policies and rules and help guide YOUR
organization. Click on Promoter Center at wissota.org.
SPONSORSHIP
SPEEDWAY BENEFITS
www.speedwaybenefits.com
Speedway Benefits unites the best ideas from the most
knowledgable in the industry, to help promoters innovate,
improve, and maximize profits.
WEB DESIGN & HOSTING
FIRETHORN MARKETING
www.firethornmarketing.com
11550 Indian Hill Way., Zionsville, IN 46077, 304-481-9807
Developer of custom e-mail marketing campaigns and custom
website design. E-commerce specialists.
Directory Of ServicesFor Promoters
20
21
TRY SOMETHING NEW... E-FLYERS
MARKET YOUR BIG RACE WITH POSTER OR FLYERS!
WHY NOT THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX...
PROMOTE YOUR NEXT BIG EVENT WITH A E-FLYER OR PRINTED POSTER/FLYER!
F R O M S I M E S G R A P H I C D E S I G N S
WHAT’S AN E-FLYER? An e-flyer is the same great artwork we use in all our printed materials, but in a digital form that is used
in e-mails. A super way to promote upcoming events and to keep everyone up to date on what is important at your track. We even give you a pdf that is usable in printing flyers for handout at the
track, all for one reasonable price. Special price for readers of the RPM newsletter $75.00 per flyer... That includes a print ready pdf
file and a jpg made for your website.
NEED A TRACK & EVENT POSTERS & FLYERS? A colorful poster or flyer is still one of the best ways to attract attention to your next big event. A powerful poster is great for store windows,
restaurants, and other visible locations. We’ll custom-design the perfect one. IN A HURRY? Full-color posters or flyers in quantities
as low as 50 to 250 that ship the same day of approval.TO ORDER OR LEARN MORE INFORMATION E-MAIL OR CALL
[email protected] or 888-457-4637
.com
Supporting Sponsor of the RPM Promoters Workshops
Favorite, From P13)
requests from first-time fans who would love to meet the winners or have winners go into the crowd during intermission and and sign autographs. WOW, what that would do for us you have no idea. The impact you have on these kids is a huge responsibility and drivers need to respect that. Two young girls who were fans went home and cried themselves to sleep because their hero acted badly on the track. Remember it is the young people you affect and we we can’t fix that.
Step 7 Quit acting like you’re more important than someone else. It’s amazing to me that the person that hits everyone on the way to the front becomes an hysterical embarrassment when someone barely touches them. But newsflash drivers, that kind of racing is horrible to watch. When you bang everyone and push them out of your way when you are more experienced and faster, it makes people cringe. Don’t be a bully. It makes the show HORRIBLE. Fans leave the place talking about the awesome race between the drivers who show respect on the track and win because they were patient and made good passes. It makes me cringe and say, “Now why did you have to do that?” “That was dirty and unnecessary” and makes me not very happy for the driver that won. And it feels like the other guy’s moment (the once-in-a-while moment) was taken away on the last (See Favorite, At Right)
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(Favorite, From Left)
restart or whichever. You shouldn’t deserve the win if you have to win like that. THEN be happy for your competitors who raced you clean and got the win, even if you didn’t.
Step 8 Stay off of social media and stop the cyber bullying. As a track and racers we impact others, and we don’t want to teach people that writing lies and attacking other racers, promoters, owners, or staff is how you handle things in life. Trying to hurt people to get back at them is not the way to deal with your frustrations.
Step 9 If you want something changed bring it up in the pit meeting and we can discuss it, and get lots of feedback in one place. Don’t fuel the negative in front of the fans or create a bandwagon for people to jump on and create a situation in which the track or individuals have to be put on the defense. Drivers have a lot more power than they think, or want to believe, so start using it for good and stop trying to hurt something you love.
Step 10 Be a good role model and leader. Take time to say thanks or good job, or thanks for coming to the races. We want everyone to have fun and to put on racing that you don’t see anywhere else, and that starts with respect. Help in your own way make our program better. And I can guarantee you will become one of our favorites who we are excited to see pull into the track, and will help you look good to your sponsors and family because of what you do for us.
(The Point, From P13)
drivers and top classes, and self-appointed status as spokespeople for “real” or racing (who often double as PR people for “star” drivers), take a dim view when RPM encourages promoters to build from the back gate. Columnists often are “just fans with pens,” in the words of one caller to RPM who conclude that RPM abets lazy promoters who add classes, while callously abusing fans, instead of promoting.
Crowds have declined from earlier levels. Many fans that remain are the followers of top classes. Columnists tend to be holdovers who grew with their favorite stars, eventually becoming writers who have lost touch with how they became involved--by knowing someone who drove or worked on a car. Naturally, they have little interest in new entry level classes.
While truly “lazy promoters” do precisely as critics suggest, columnists often miss the important point of why smart promoters build from the backgate as well--and the reason RPM encourages it. Building from the back gate builds front gate ticket sales and grows new fans.
Recently, we spoke with a promoter who added cruiser cars to his program after dropping an intermediate class. Not only did back gate revenues increase,1998 front gate ticket sales increased an average 80 tickets per week over previous seasons. There was a bonus as well. Cruiser duos stepped up a class, becoming entrants in the track’s intermediate classes. Promoters have long known that it’s much easier and affordable for tracks to make loyal, frequently-returning new fans when they are acquainted with someone who drives or crews.
The quickest way to count the most new fans is to increase people who compete and the quickest way to do that is to have affordable entry classes--true $500-1000 entry level classes--the so-called “junk” so many trade paper columnists hold in contempt. The RPM editor enjoys fancy race cars as much as anyone, but we learned long ago that few tracks can profit without strong lower classes. Show us a track with 40-80 “junk” cars and we’ll show you a track that has a strong future, regardless of heckling by columnists.
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