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[QUOTE=chathamracefan;n1698277]Sadly one of the realities is the economics don't work out to run every week any more fur a lot of places. Some of the tracks have gone to an "every other week" type of schedule. Jacksonville & Lincoln IL come to mind. Others have gone to a format where they run the headliner class on an alternating basis with another track. I think Brownstown IL & Pevely are doing this with late models.
So they have fewer scheduled dates and yes, tracks are far more trigger happy to cancel based on a weather forecast as well. In the old days, the races were ON unless it rained. Nowdays a lot of tracks cancel shows a day or 2 early for forecast rain, heat or other factors. That takes out a few days on the calendar as well. Not saying it's the wrong decision. From an economic standpoint it's better to scrap a date than take a bath at the gate cause no one shows up. [/QUOTE
Promotors have always been in a tough situation, the economics of running a racetrack have not gotten any easier. I manage a small karting facility, we are open rain or shine. People ask why stay open in the rain (yes, we are open unless it is a downpour or we have lightning); definitely a loser on the money end. We do not close because I do not want our customer to have to question whether or not we will be open- they know we are. If they start guessing they will most likely go somewhere else, so I take the loss to hopefully keep a loyal following that doesn't have to assume we will be closed if the weather is questionable; make up the loss with the so so and good days.
Biggest issue I see is that somewhere along the lines the 'customer' definition has changed, went from being people in the stands to the racer. My thoughts are base the decision on what is best to attract and maintain the fan in the stands (in my book the actual customer). In my opinion, the racer should consider himself a 'partner' with the track, helping to grow and maintain a loyal fanbase.
Everyone loses with bad weather, what decision best aligns with the long term commitment of the actual customer is going to be the most correct answer...
So they have fewer scheduled dates and yes, tracks are far more trigger happy to cancel based on a weather forecast as well. In the old days, the races were ON unless it rained. Nowdays a lot of tracks cancel shows a day or 2 early for forecast rain, heat or other factors. That takes out a few days on the calendar as well. Not saying it's the wrong decision. From an economic standpoint it's better to scrap a date than take a bath at the gate cause no one shows up. [/QUOTE
Promotors have always been in a tough situation, the economics of running a racetrack have not gotten any easier. I manage a small karting facility, we are open rain or shine. People ask why stay open in the rain (yes, we are open unless it is a downpour or we have lightning); definitely a loser on the money end. We do not close because I do not want our customer to have to question whether or not we will be open- they know we are. If they start guessing they will most likely go somewhere else, so I take the loss to hopefully keep a loyal following that doesn't have to assume we will be closed if the weather is questionable; make up the loss with the so so and good days.
Biggest issue I see is that somewhere along the lines the 'customer' definition has changed, went from being people in the stands to the racer. My thoughts are base the decision on what is best to attract and maintain the fan in the stands (in my book the actual customer). In my opinion, the racer should consider himself a 'partner' with the track, helping to grow and maintain a loyal fanbase.
Everyone loses with bad weather, what decision best aligns with the long term commitment of the actual customer is going to be the most correct answer...
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