Dallas Raceway Shut Down

[DrRocket]

It only had one IHRA "National" event !
One BIG problem was that the entrance gate was on the freeway exit ramp ! Causing big traffic backup on the freeway and the TEXAS STATE TROOPERS on hand to write MANY tickets......it wasn't pretty.

I see what you mean. That doesn't look convenient at all. In fact, one of the exit/entrances looks like it's RIGHT ON the freeway. I wonder how they managed that?

 

[Bob]

I see what you mean. That doesn't look convenient at all. In fact, one of the exit/entrances looks like it's RIGHT ON the freeway. I wonder how they managed that?

The highway exits on the left are the only ways into the track. It looks like you can get in from the road on the right, and it is 2-way traffic until that little loop turn. The road becomes 1-way at that point - you have to turn and take that loop back in the other direction. If they could have kept that road 2-way to the gate, only about 150-200 feet, you could get to the place from both directions.

I am sad to see it close. It is a nice facility...

 

[rocketman]

I think the reason divisional races have lost spectators is the hundreds of "super classes". Throttle stop cars! Who wants to watch a car jump off the line and then idle for a hundred feet or more and then take off? Especially since most tracks have seating only to half track. Promotion is another aspect, no more booked in shows, NHRA's test ban hasn't helped that either actually penalizing teams with less funding, giving them no opportunity to make extra money. And divisionals don't get any publicity compared to years past.
Just my opinion from one who started racing over 50 years ago and still do. I am not saying "Super class" racers are not good, they are some of the best drivers out there!!!. But I think spectators would rather see Super Pro and Pro ET bracket races than throttle stop cars.

That's for sure part of the problem. But it's a combination of things

 

[clwill]

I think the reason divisional races have lost spectators is the hundreds of "super classes". Throttle stop cars! Who wants to watch a car jump off the line and then idle for a hundred feet or more and then take off? Especially since most tracks have seating only to half track. Promotion is another aspect, no more booked in shows, NHRA's test ban hasn't helped that either actually penalizing teams with less funding, giving them no opportunity to make extra money. And divisionals don't get any publicity compared to years past.
Just my opinion from one who started racing over 50 years ago and still do. I am not saying "Super class" racers are not good, they are some of the best drivers out there!!!. But I think spectators would rather see Super Pro and Pro ET bracket races than throttle stop cars.

Trying to wrap my head around why having hundreds of cars show up to a race is a problem... Each of them pays entry, and brings along a gaggle of hangers-on to watch/help and they all pay, and maybe buy a hot dog.

At most of the divisionals there are Super Pro and ET brackets running as well, along with Top Dragster and Top Sportsman. So there's plenty to see...

Promotion, however, is an issue. Around here at least, there seems to be a direct correlation between promotion and attendance. Woodburn promotes their divisionals and gets crowds. Spokane has promoted theirs, gets good spectator turnout. Seattle never does, and the crowds are thin. It's pretty simple business: spend money to make money.

 

[none]

I see what you mean. That doesn't look convenient at all. In fact, one of the exit/entrances looks like it's RIGHT ON the freeway. I wonder how they managed that?

The TAX Collectors with guns Texas State Troopers were the in large numbers to give out plenty of citations ! That may be why IHRA pulled the national event from the track....sad !! The place has promise and a large market. But most of the tracks around are 1/8 mile and the racers seem to like the short tracks better. I wouldn't bother going to a 1/8 mile track again, unless I got free admission.
With Wichita Falls,Kennedale,Denton and Caddo Mills all 1/8 mile it's sad !

 

[rocketman]

Are small tracks going the way of the drive-in theater? Capitol Auto Group Racing - Rich Bailey

 

[Larry]

It opened to IHRA National Race [ The Last One ] before reorganization into " The Night Of Fire " deal !
Around here it was called the Cement Palace and it was extremely nice !
I hear it was going to open back up this year with backing from a bank till word got out about a new subdivision being built close and impending restrictions coming .
It was built by a local racer with an eye to Racer comfort !
I bet the temps were 30 degrees hotter on all that cement !