There’s a definite positive vibe around the short track world these days. While there are still challenges to be sure, the general consensus is one of optimism after years of the opposite.
National tours, regional series and even weekly tracks are definitely seeing an uptick on both the competitor side as well as at the turnstiles. Make no mistake, there isn’t a sanctioning body, tour director or promoter who wouldn’t like both those gates to be busier. But the overall consensus around the industry is much brighter than just a handful of seasons ago.
What’s driving the upward trajectory. Exposure would have to be at the top of the list. There is more short track racing available to consumers than ever before with streaming platforms like FloRacing, Racing America, TrackTV and DirtVision leading the way. On a late May Saturday night there were 25 live events available from just those four services.
Still not every promoter subscribes to the theory of making their events available in any fashion but buying a ticket and attending in person. But that group is dwindling thanks to the tangible evidence the increased exposure generates more interest and in turn the desire for that fan to see in person what they’re witnessing on their televisions or whatever device in use.
Car counts have seen a tick up as well. The Midwest initiative of using a unified pavement super late model set of rules was long overdue. However, those dividends haven’t generated an explosion of entries certainly in some weekly show examples, but hopefully it will gain more traction in the months and years ahead. Let’s face it, running a pavement super late model is still not a cheap date and containing costs will continue to be one of the sport’s challenges.
Speaking of costs that also impacts the folks that buy a ticket and spend their Friday or Saturday nights in the grandstands. Consumers want value with their entertainment and the most successful facilities provide it with reasonable ticket prices and concessions. The lifeblood of any sport is cultivating a younger audience and families that can bring the whole crew to the track helps achieve that quest.
It seems simple doesn’t it? A cost-efficient ticket price, concession stand prizes that aren’t outrageous, bathrooms that don’t resemble the local prison yard and a competitive, well-run show is the recipe for a perfect night at the track. Throwing the green flag on your feature at 10:30 am and sending folks into the night to head home after Midnight are sure fire ways to torpedo any goodwill.
There is definitely momentum on short track racing’s side. The summer of 2024 has a great chance at building on a foundation that the many hard-working men and women of the short track industry have worked so hard to create and maintain. Here’s hoping the Gods of Chance and Circumstance (and Mother Nature) continue to shine bright in the months ahead.