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The
CASA Chronicles (No. 16) |
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Keeping
up with the California Asphalt Sprintcar Association |
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September
1, 2005 - San Jose, CA... In what most people might think is
the winding down portion of a racing season as we hit Labor Day, the
“unofficial” end of summer, let me tell you that is hardly the case for
those of us working behind the scenes to bring the racing community a 2006
racing season. What I’m learning, even more so than last year, is that
producing a racing series is a never-ending circle of activity. In CASA’s first season, we dealt primarily with Altamont
Raceway in starting our fledgling club. For 2004 we added Carson City’s
Champion Speedway and a race at Shasta Raceway Park. Those two seasons of
experience led to us here at CASA to expand to Ukiah and Madera Speedways as we
continued to grow the club. Last year there were many meetings and arrangements
made to forge this 2005 season and schedule, prior to the Promoters Workshop in
Reno in December 2004. The intent was to secure dates with tracks and give as
much lead-time and flexibility as possible for the upcoming season. While it
seemed that many things still had to be adjusted, for the most part all the
early efforts were well spent. On the minus side, schedules needed to be
revamped to accommodate all manor of things both in and out of our control,
however on the plus side, the lead-time allowed us that flexibility. And as I
look back on the season in its final stages, I think our early proactive
approach was not only useful but essential. I’m reminded of that “early worm” concept again this
year—even earlier. Since early August, yes a whole month ago, we have been in
the planning stages for the 2006 season. An off-season you ask? Not anymore.
This upcoming year, and I’m suspecting every year, presents new sets of
challenges. Perhaps the biggest challenge is dealing with the future,
or potential lack of a future, of racetracks in our region. The mortality rate
among racetracks is difficult to deal with on every level. Equally difficult is
sorting through the rumored closures of racetracks, potential management
changes, and timelines. It is also disconcerting that the track
“information” we hear about is often not what the track managers tell us
directly. Dealing with rumors surrounding western US tracks complicate all
dealings with other tracks. To illustrate, a rumored “closing” at
such-and-such means a new series at so-and-so raceway—if ABC Speedway closes,
all the cars are going to XYZ Speedway. These situations destabilize what
existing track managers and promoters are trying to do and complicate what we
try to do with them. Unfortunately, one track closure we are assured of is that
of Carson City’s Champion Speedway. Les Kynett, long-time general manager of
Champion confirmed several months ago that the property had been sold and the
likelihood of a 2006 season was minimal. This week Kynett confirmed that not
only is this certainly the last season at Carson City but the last race
scheduled for September 24th was being scratched in order to give
those who have purchased lighting and other fixtures of the property, time to
remove those items before the bulldozers and rippers tear out the track on the
27th. Therefore the last race ever at the track known over the years
as, Tahoe-Carson (T-Car) Speedway, Silver State Raceway and now Champion
Speedway, will be on September 17th, with the 100 lap CASA race as
part of the 42nd Annual Silver State Classic, one of the longest
running same-track traditions in the west. Kynett and the speedway are hosting a no-cost picnic and
barbeque in the pit area to thank all racers, fans, and supporters of the
venerable high-banked speedway since it’s opening in 1964. Long time track
supporter Model Dairy will be cooking up Italian sausages, burgers and more, and
handing out Pepsi’s and Dr. Pepper’s from noon until 3:00 pm when it will be
time to get ready for the final send-off race. Kynett is inviting many people
associated with the track over the years and hopes to “send this thing out
with style.” CASA is saddened that Champion will no longer be part of
our immediate future. Unfortunately, several Carson Valley based cars support
our events at Champion and may have difficulty supporting CASA efforts farther
from their home. Conversely, knowing Carson City will not be on our schedule
opens opportunities for other venues. Preliminary discussions are ongoing with
all types of scenarios and tracks involved. Having recently renewed talks with USAC Western States and
testing the waters of a co-sanctioned event at Stockton 99 on August 27th
will present a whole new set of challenges as CASA goes forward in 2006. There
is a great deal of work to be done regardless of how these many scenarios play
out. The USAC/CASA event was a success in many respects, car count among the
most obvious. Without debating which competitors are most closely affiliated
with which club, many have run with both organizations in this and previous
years, roughly half the 27 car count were from each group. A good pit gate and
grandstand gate was promising to see. Concessions made on tires produced a
little chest pain for some but did serve to supply real-world information about
mixing tire brands and types. While more work needs to be, and will be done on
the details, it is generally agreed that running on a common tire is most likely
a forgone conclusion. So where are we so far here? Let’s see. Investigating
working with USAC and all manner of scenarios that might entail; scheduling,
Western States versus CASA Regional support, point formats, tire programs, and
participating tracks, purses and more. Don’t forget existing track contracts,
ability or willingness to travel and the impact of potentially $4-a gallon
gasoline. We are also having continued discussions with ASA, individual tracks
both currently on our schedule and not yet part of our program. We also have
interest from other associations who would like to work in conjunction with CASA
and we will be meeting with them as well. If this sounds confusing, it is. However don’t be misled
that CASA is in a state of confusion or is vulnerable to any negative forces.
This is how short track racing works out west in the new millennium. We don’t
have 30 consecutive Saturday nights set aside for us at West Capitol Raceway,
Kearney Bowl, or San Jose Speedway. NARC doesn’t get invited to a dozen tracks
a year anymore. Folks, things have been different for sometime now. Change is
evident in everything. Those who adapt to that change, plan well, anticipate,
and work the hardest, survive. Those who don’t, suffer the consequences. CASA
is working very hard and fully expects to provide quality pavement racing here
in California for many years to come, but it won’t be without some change and
adaptation to such change. If I can be forgiven for mixing metaphors, there are
few if any calm, cool, deep pools in the world these days; it’s all
“whitewater” and regardless of your place on the raft, everyone can expect
to do some heavy paddling. CASA is willing to do the bulk of the work but is reliant on all the players doing their share to ensure long-term success. 2006 will be a new and exciting chapter for CASA—it’s already underway. Keep in touch with all CASA racing activity through the CASA website: www.casaracing.com |
