Have we recovered since 2008?
Ken Schrader is the owner of Federated Auto Parts Raceway as well as the co-owner of Macon Speedway. He’s deeply invested into the sport of dirt track racing, both as a driver and track owner. So, from a business perspective how has local short track racing rebounded?
Ken Schrader, “I don’t know. I think for most the local tracks, it’s tougher. People still don’t seem to be spending quite as much, extra, or disposable income.”
Macon Speedway co-owner Ken Schrader continues, “We’re still seeing that at the Cup races. NASCAR has bent over backwards to make changes to improve the show. Which I feel they’ve done a very good job of. It’s very entertaining right now. But, we’re still fighting to get more people back.”
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“The weekly shows, at the racetrack, they’re a struggle. They are up from the last couple years, I feel. The specials, are really doing good.”
“I think we’re just spending our money a little more careful. It’s gotta be something special they’re going to.”
Kenny Wallace talks about the specials. He doubles down on Schrader’s ‘specials’ statement, “It is standing room only. If you don’t get there [on time], you can’t get a seat and that’s a fact.”
“I watched crowds that are like, oh my gosh. At Lincoln… You know the grandstands are not big at Lincoln, IL. I heard the announcer say, ‘Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, will everybody please squeeze together.’ ”
“They announced a record crowd at the Kings Royal. Tony’s not going to bullshit us. So our crowds are huge right now at the big shows. But their just not willing to spend there normal Saturday night, I guess, at a local track.
Related: Rick Schwallie details Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series attendance increase
Ken Schrader, “Well we’re up from last year. Last year was up a little bit from the year before. So, we’re not where we were 10 years ago. But, we’re headed the right direction.”
“No one knows the answer to filling up the seats. At the short tracks, or the Cup races anymore. To fill them up all the time. Everybody’s got their own ideas. But, everybody’s working at it. We’re making some progress.”
Author: Shane Walters
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