You only get one shot - Alamance Co

[Crash336]

Aint from around here, as some of the locals that work on my team have let me know through out the years. I've worked in Burlington for 15 years (lived here 8), been to ACE on adverage 2-3 times a year. I've seen some good racings (a Hooters race 6 or 7 years ago stands out) and some not so good. I am a regular at 311 (no this is not about dirt over pavement), I can't get enough racing (boat, airplane, snowmobile, pine wood derby) race it I will watch. Bottom line in Alamance Co you get one shot, this may be the biggest small town area in NC. (probably helped by the fact that half the people work for the same lab company) but regardless it is what it is. I read Big O resent positive post, I am afraid for ACE it may be a little too late. Sure racers will come ... there racers and its a nice track. But fans, you have continuely let us down, two previous years you could blame the string of rain out for causing the downturn, but there is no excuse for the bad decisions. Starting with the food, ending with the lack of product on the track.

If you note the business history of the area, not many make it when words get out that the place has been "run downhill".

[AlkyMadness]

I've lived in Alamance County (Graham) for 30 of my 51 years. You need to open your eyes a bit.

First, the economy here sucks. Second, the unemployment rate here is a lot higher than the figures reported. There are a lot of people, like myself, who are unemployed and not drawing state unemployment. If you are not on the state's payroll, you are not counted in the numbers.

Even when things are good, Ace runs on Friday nights. Unless you live here, it's hell getting here on a Friday. If you live here, you should know how bad the traffic is on 40/85 on Fridays. Most teams would have to take Friday off from their jobs just to get here on time.

Another problem: LMSC teams don't travel well. You would think the guys that run at Caraway and Orange County would run Ace on Friday and vice versa, but it doesn't happen. Never has. Blows my mind. If these were dirt tracks, you would see the same guys at the Friday/Saturday track. Not since the days that Barry Beggarly and Johnny Rumley raced at Ace has any of the other LMSC drivers come here.

Personally, I think Ace has done pretty good with car counts this year. If you were getting 14 late models, you were doing a lot better than OCS was the last time I was there (they had six). And Caraway is paying $5000 to win and they only get 20-24.

Other than attendance (due to above reasons), the only other disappointment this year at Ace has been the total collapse of the modified class due to Brian King's total domination. Most tracks would take a car that dominant and throw 50-100lbs on it to level the playing field. Why has Ace let that go on? Most of the other teams have given up.

Far as I'm concerned, I think they've done the right thing by adding the kart track (helps grow new interest in racing with local kids that might be your stock car drivers of the future).

Another problem is the new owner. He sits in Philadelphia and knows nothing about racing other than he wants to make money at it. Someone should have told him that you don't make money in racing unless you are the France family or Bruton Smith. The track doesn't make the money he wants so he fires the mgmt team. That sends the wrong message to the racing community when you keep changing things so often. He would have been better off leaving one mgmt team in place for about three years and then evaluating.

Oh if I'd only hit the lottery and could buy the place.

Once, just once, I'd like to see a true Super Late Model race there (yes, I know they ran a handful of dirt cars there). Since the track was paved, there has never been anything like an All-Pro or PASS race and I think that track would be awesome for the asphalt super late models.

I think I'll scrape together $5 and go out tomorrow night just to support the track.

[V1SLM]

We would love to run a SLM Dirt car race there! But the Friday night thing makes it hard!

[team0]

Tear the pavement up an run dirt,they will come!
Posted with Mobile Device

[AlkyMadness]

No, they won't. Sorry Viper, but I wasn't talking about running dirt supers, I was talking about running asphalt supers (unless you want to break out a true asphalt Outlaw car like they run in the Main Event Series or the Kalamazoo Klash).

I like dirt, but I don't want Ace to go back to dirt because I don't think it will help it be successful. First, just where do you think the cars will come from? Other tracks have tried to run on Fridays and failed to draw much more than what they are already getting. Second, you still won't draw fans because, as stated above, everybody around here is layed off or scared to be layed off. Most fans in Burlington area are now paved track fans and you would just alienate those fans and have to pick up a new fan base.

I think Ace is a good paved track. If you can set up a car AND drive, you can race side-side around Ace.

[dam24592]

Hey...I have emailed and had friends email the track with their concerns with the alcohol policy at the track. I no longer drink but I see that the current policies can be blamed for some of the lack of interest. I have several friends that have shown interest in attending. But, once I inform them that in order to drink they would have to sit on the back stretch like second class citizens and then must purchase their beverage at the track, their response is screw that. BTW...I don't use the term second rate citizen until after I have exhausted all efforts in talking them into coming and agree with why they won't come. I have recommended that they set aside some stands for non-alcohol on the front stretch and then allow drinkers on the front stretch. Then allow them to bring their own beverage but limit the cooler size. Honestly, when folks drink they get looser with their money so I would predict an increase in sales in other areas of revenue. With today's economy, bringing your own is really important. Most people probably try to keep themselves on a low budget. I try to keep my night at $20 or below at the track. If I was a drinker that would equate to gate entrance and three beers. No money for food or anything else. Now in my day of drinking I didn't include the price of beer and ice bought prior to getting to the track in that $20 budget so that left me money for food at the track. For those that think that drinkers shouldn't be on the front stretch, then think about this, you can sit in the isolated stands or mingle with drinkers and enjoy racing on Friday nights. Or, you can sit at home on a Friday night wishing the track was still open. I would think getting butts in the seat would be top priority so they best back down on some those policies. To me, the funny thing that I am seeing is most of the trouble in the stands these days is coming from the families and friends of the drivers at most tracks and usually they aren't drinking.

[AlkyMadness]

Second class citizens? That's a load of crock. What difference does it make if you have a separate grandstand or a your own straightaway?

If you drink, you've got the back stretch patio off of turn2, the entire back stretch grandstands and the entire patio around turns 3 and 4. What more do you want? The view from the front stretch is no better than the back, I know, I've sat in just about every place at the track other than the VIP suite. Hell, you get to see more pit fights brom the back stands.

I don't drink, but according to my friends who do, their beer is a reasonable price. You've got a full concession stand back there. Your own parking lot, restrooms, etc. I think the back stretch is catered to at Ace probably better than most tracks.

Also, hate to tell you this, but going back in history at Ace, the drunks were a LOT of trouble.

Sorry, but I hope they keep it like it is. Besides, if you want to sit on the front stretch, you mean you can't belt back a few in the parking lot before you walk in, get a buzz, and be satisfied? You could probably walk back out for another if you had to. Just how much do you need to drink to have a good time? Or, is the object to get knee walking drunk while a race goes on in the background?

[311rebel]

Tear the pavement up an run dirt,they will come!
Posted with Mobile Device
seen lots of great racing there when it was dirt.
packed stands too.:animal54:

[AlkyMadness]

Actually, I remember a lot of nights when it was dirt and the stands were only half full.

Sorry, dirt at Ace is not the answer. Would just be more of the same.

Besides, if you are a 311 fan, why do want Ace dirt? If any of the 311 cars came to Ace and then got tore up, they probably wouldn't be at 311 the next day. And the local dirt fans would probably go to Ace and then skip 311 because most people I know can only afford to go to one race a week (or month).

You have to look at things from the average fan's perspective. Not the race fanatic who has it worse than a crack addict (which is what most of us who post on message boards are).

By the way, what's up with your 311 cancelling tonight? Afraid a few sprinkles might keep the dust down? Or maybe the crowds are not too good there anymore? Speaking of dust, I seem to recall Ace being one of the worst dust bowls ever. Only way you could watch a race was from the pits. Ranked right up there with Lavonia as dust bowl capital.

[311rebel]

Actually, I remember a lot of nights when it was dirt and the stands were only half full.

Sorry, dirt at Ace is not the answer. Would just be more of the same.

Besides, if you are a 311 fan, why do want Ace dirt? If any of the 311 cars came to Ace and then got tore up, they probably wouldn't be at 311 the next day. And the local dirt fans would probably go to Ace and then skip 311 because most people I know can only afford to go to one race a week (or month).

You have to look at things from the average fan's perspective. Not the race fanatic who has it worse than a crack addict (which is what most of us who post on message boards are).

By the way, what's up with your 311 cancelling tonight? Afraid a few sprinkles might keep the dust down? Or maybe the crowds are not too good there anymore? Speaking of dust, I seem to recall Ace being one of the worst dust bowls ever. Only way you could watch a race was from the pits. Ranked right up there with Lavonia as dust bowl capital.311 will be fine,and if u just care about fans,u go ahead and roll into 311 the 23rd and 24th,and u will get to see plenty...:05Cool::con_flag:

[AlkyMadness]

That's alright, I'll pass on the Clash (no Hoosier teams allowed). I'll be at Lernerville for the Steel City Stampede or at Hagerstown for Octoberfest.

If 311 would have left that race non-sanctioned for $10K to win, I would have been there and so would a hell of a lot of teams that you WON'T see with the Clash no matter how much money they pay.

[dam24592]

Second class citizens? That's a load of crock. What difference does it make if you have a separate grandstand or a your own straightaway?

If you drink, you've got the back stretch patio off of turn2, the entire back stretch grandstands and the entire patio around turns 3 and 4. What more do you want? The view from the front stretch is no better than the back, I know, I've sat in just about every place at the track other than the VIP suite. Hell, you get to see more pit fights brom the back stands.

I don't drink, but according to my friends who do, their beer is a reasonable price. You've got a full concession stand back there. Your own parking lot, restrooms, etc. I think the back stretch is catered to at Ace probably better than most tracks.

Also, hate to tell you this, but going back in history at Ace, the drunks were a LOT of trouble.

Sorry, but I hope they keep it like it is. Besides, if you want to sit on the front stretch, you mean you can't belt back a few in the parking lot before you walk in, get a buzz, and be satisfied? You could probably walk back out for another if you had to. Just how much do you need to drink to have a good time? Or, is the object to get knee walking drunk while a race goes on in the background?

Quite a few tracks don't even have back stretch stands so that goes to show how popular they are. So you're saying that, if I was a drinker, then I am not entitled to watch the premiere class's pit road action. How about this then...if the back stretch stands are so great then designate them as the non-alcohol side of the track and force the drinkers to sit on the front stretch. I would imagine that wouldn't go over to well with non-drinker's who like to completely isolate themselves from drinkers. I would imagine your next argument will be that currently the non-drinkers outnumber the drinkers thus they need the greater space on the front straightaway. That would change. Go to OCS. You have two sets of stands towards the end of the frontstretch that are designated non-alcohol family grandstands. Great seats in my opinion. But when you stand in the turn and look at attendance in the stands you see the open to all stands holding a whole lot more people. So far no one in the designated stands have been lacking a seat. There is only track security who look pretty laid back since trouble is rare. If you think it may be different at Ace then you're thinking poorly of a lot of folks in your area. You've got to put the butts in the stands in order to stay open. Not just your butt but all sorts of butts.

"You've got a full concession stand back there. Your own parking lot, restrooms, etc."

And the blacks had their own water fountains, restaurants, schools, and bathrooms. Now it says in the Constitution that's not right. Geez...how narrow minded people can be. Like I said before, I know longer drink. But when I did, I liked being settled in for the event and relaxed. Just like you get to enjoy. You try running to your car every time you want a soda and then stand there and consume it while trying to get back in before an accident is cleaned up or they drop the flag on the next race.

[NCMudcat]

311 will be fine,and if u just care about fans,u go ahead and roll into 311 the 23rd and 24th,and u will get to see plenty...:05Cool::con_flag:

You might see plenty of fans, but you won't see the racing unless you are in the pits. The dust will be so bad, as it always is with the supers on the card, that you won't see much racing at all.

Not many racers are running 2 nights anymore, like they did in the hayday of Ace with dirt on the surface. Making it a dirt track will only split the 311 cars. The asphalt LM guys will not switch, as they are too swept away by that NASCAR banner.

ACE needs to treat the fans fairly, treat the racers fairly, and be willing to ride this out for a while. It will be a losing money pit for several years, and without the owners being willing to lose some for awhile, the place will fold. Right now, the kart track is floating the big track. If you don't believe it, go see a race over there and see how many folks are there. Kart racing is doing great, car racing is not. Ride the wave! In addition to it paying the bills, it is much better racing. Give it a try.

[311rebel]

You might see plenty of fans, but you won't see the racing unless you are in the pits. The dust will be so bad, as it always is with the supers on the card, that you won't see much racing at all.

Not many racers are running 2 nights anymore, like they did in the hayday of Ace with dirt on the surface. Making it a dirt track will only split the 311 cars. The asphalt LM guys will not switch, as they are too swept away by that NASCAR banner.

ACE needs to treat the fans fairly, treat the racers fairly, and be willing to ride this out for a while. It will be a losing money pit for several years, and without the owners being willing to lose some for awhile, the place will fold. Right now, the kart track is floating the big track. If you don't believe it, go see a race over there and see how many folks are there. Kart racing is doing great, car racing is not. Ride the wave! In addition to it paying the bills, it is much better racing. Give it a try.if its cool like its been the last couple nites,the track just might stay tacky,with the creek near by,fog might be what
gets in the eyes.:icon_pimp:

[dirtywhiteboy]

You might see plenty of fans, but you won't see the racing unless you are in the pits. The dust will be so bad, as it always is with the supers on the card, that you won't see much racing at all.

Not many racers are running 2 nights anymore, like they did in the hayday of Ace with dirt on the surface. Making it a dirt track will only split the 311 cars. The asphalt LM guys will not switch, as they are too swept away by that NASCAR banner.

ACE needs to treat the fans fairly, treat the racers fairly, and be willing to ride this out for a while. It will be a losing money pit for several years, and without the owners being willing to lose some for awhile, the place will fold. Right now, the kart track is floating the big track. If you don't believe it, go see a race over there and see how many folks are there. Kart racing is doing great, car racing is not. Ride the wave! In addition to it paying the bills, it is much better racing. Give it a try.
dont agree with not being able to see a race though the dust at 311,..dont agree that any track could split 311s cars ether,there happie at home!!! an dont think theres many die hard race fans or racers swept away by no nascrap banner,...asphalt is out in this region, dirt is in in a big way...

[BigO]

Wow, I'm away for a few days, and we get an interesting discussion going here.

First off, I really don't think going back to dirt is the answer. You have fans and teams already developed for asphalt, and it would be tough - if not impossible - to convince them to try dirt out when they can go down the road to Wake. Plus, if they changed it back to dirt, they'd probably only do it the cheap-and-easy way and put clay over the asphalt. That's what's causing a good part of the problems at Friendship now.

Next up, I do believe that Friday nights can and will work, even though it's tougher for asphalt tracks than dirt tracks. Rolling Thunder Raceway has developed good number of loyal drivers and fans, and many of their drivers turn around and run at 311 the next night. You put out a good enough product, and the fans will show up, at least until footballs season starts. For some reason, though, it just seems easier for dirt teams to turn their car around and be competitive the next night, where asphalt teams tend to not be able to do that. Maybe it's the comparable damaged from contact, maybe it's that dirt is more forgiving with setup, I don't know.

Finally, I still believe that having the majority of a track, if not the whole track, free from alcohol is a good thing. Yes, you still have hot-heads in the stands and teams will still scrap from time to time. Look at 311 and Rolling Thunder, though, and you see tracks that don't have alcohol in this area can and will suceed, especially if everything else supports a family atmosphere. Heck, look at Bowman Grey for that matter. . . most of the track is suppose to be alcohol free, and they fill it every Saturday night.

---------- Post added at 10:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:12 PM ----------

dont agree with not being able to see a race though the dust at 311,..dont agree that any track could split 311s cars ether,there happie at home!!! an dont think theres many die hard race fans or racers swept away by no nascrap banner,...asphalt is out in this region, dirt is in in a big way...

Hey, DWB, better pic of the Sportsman there. Definitely like it.

It's would be hard for me to say that asphalt is out or on the way out around here. Dillon (SC) was an old dirt track rebuilt as asphalt, and all indications is that it is doing well. Yes, we did see Friendship go back to dirt, and 311 is coming back like gangbusters, and with good reason. Thing is, Bowman Gray is getting a ton of attention right now, and if you go to Motor Mile Speedway, you see big fields of cars. I think that you'll see things equalize for the next few years before we see things swing one way or the other. I will admit that asphalt late models and sportsman divisions are getting too pricy for the average man to compete in. If it wasn't for fairly open rules in dirt sportsman and crate late models arriving on the scene at dirt tracks, they would be facing the same issues.

[dirtywhiteboy]

Wow, I'm away for a few days, and we get an interesting discussion going here.

First off, I really don't think going back to dirt is the answer. You have fans and teams already developed for asphalt, and it would be tough - if not impossible - to convince them to try dirt out when they can go down the road to Wake. Plus, if they changed it back to dirt, they'd probably only do it the cheap-and-easy way and put clay over the asphalt. That's what's causing a good part of the problems at Friendship now.

Next up, I do believe that Friday nights can and will work, even though it's tougher for asphalt tracks than dirt tracks. Rolling Thunder Raceway has developed good number of loyal drivers and fans, and many of their drivers turn around and run at 311 the next night. You put out a good enough product, and the fans will show up, at least until footballs season starts. For some reason, though, it just seems easier for dirt teams to turn their car around and be competitive the next night, where asphalt teams tend to not be able to do that. Maybe it's the comparable damaged from contact, maybe it's that dirt is more forgiving with setup, I don't know.

Finally, I still believe that having the majority of a track, if not the whole track, free from alcohol is a good thing. Yes, you still have hot-heads in the stands and teams will still scrap from time to time. Look at 311 and Rolling Thunder, though, and you see tracks that don't have alcohol in this area can and will suceed, especially if everything else supports a family atmosphere. Heck, look at Bowman Grey for that matter. . . most of the track is suppose to be alcohol free, and they fill it every Saturday night.

---------- Post added at 10:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:12 PM ----------



Hey, DWB, better pic of the Sportsman there. Definitely like it.

It's would be hard for me to say that asphalt is out or on the way out around here. Dillon (SC) was an old dirt track rebuilt as asphalt, and all indications is that it is doing well. Yes, we did see Friendship go back to dirt, and 311 is coming back like gangbusters, and with good reason. Thing is, Bowman Gray is getting a ton of attention right now, and if you go to Motor Mile Speedway, you see big fields of cars. I think that you'll see things equalize for the next few years before we see things swing one way or the other. I will admit that asphalt late models and sportsman divisions are getting too pricy for the average man to compete in. If it wasn't for fairly open rules in dirt sportsman and crate late models arriving on the scene at dirt tracks, they would be facing the same issues.
yep,...an the cost of tires between dirt an asphalt too

[jimdog]

[QUOTE=AlkyMadness;242100]Second class citizens? That's a load of crock. What difference does it make if you have a separate grandstand or a your own straightaway?

If you drink, you've got the back stretch patio off of turn2, the entire back stretch grandstands and the entire patio around turns 3 and 4. What more do you want? The view from the front stretch is no better than the back, I know, I've sat in just about every place at the track other than the VIP suite. Hell, you get to see more pit fights brom the back stands.

I don't drink, but according to my friends who do, their beer is a reasonable price. You've got a full concession stand back there. Your own parking lot, restrooms, etc. I think the back stretch is catered to at Ace probably better than most tracks.

Also, hate to tell you this, but going back in history at Ace, the drunks were a LOT of trouble.

Sorry, but I hope they keep it like it is. Besides, if you want to sit on the front stretch, you mean you can't belt back a few in the parking lot before you walk in, get a buzz, and be satisfied? You could probably walk back out for another if you had to. Just how much do you need to drink to have a good time? Or, is the object to get knee walking drunk while a race goes on in the background?[

Sorry beer is not reasonble priced...I had rather sit on back stretch ..I think u can see better because u r closer to track ...but the concessions suck....cold food too long of wait not like it was several years ago when had a lot of people working concessions and condiments on table with cashier out front...ask for cetain condiments and they say they have them on front but not here.....

---------- Post added at 12:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:31 AM ----------

They are on their 4th mgr in what 2 yrs......a driver is over tech not his div. but helps other cars in lower div.?....come on too much politics ...and until this yr. I went most Friday nights. The wings that Greg brought in was a hit on back stretch..no longer there...hardly ever start on time and the speakers r way too loud now...alot of older people don't come now because of it.

[Buster]

The speakers are not too loud just the announcer Wesley outland does not understand he does not need to scream into the mic. He is running off alot of people.

[corey17]

dont agree with not being able to see a race though the dust at 311,..dont agree that any track could split 311s cars ether,there happie at home!!! an dont think theres many die hard race fans or racers swept away by no nascrap banner,...asphalt is out in this region, dirt is in in a big way...

I've been to two dirt races in my life, both at 311 about 12 years ago. It was by far the worst day I have ever had at any racetrack, as you couldn't see a thing, the racing was terribly boring, and it pretty much ruined our clothes we were so nasty. As far as asphalt being out, maybe you need to check again, two weeks ago at Martinsville we had 90 cars, the National Champion, many Cup series affiliated teams, and the brightest drivers in motortsports coming up in the country. Ask the winner Jake Crum how much asphalt is out, as he will be making his Truck series debut here in a few weeks and his phone has been ringing off the hook from upper tier series' about next year. I've covered racing for a while now, and I can name drivers in all forms of it, road racing, motorcross, boats, off-road, but I honestly can only name 3 drivers that race dirt, and they have been doing it for some time now. I know dirt tracks are striving, but they aren't where the higher series are going to get their drivers these days, It's right there on the blacktop in the Late-Model/Super Late-Model ranks. To me a dirt track is just a track that hasn't saved up enough money to put asphalt down yet LOL. Sorry I had too...

[jhofficial]

I've been to two dirt races in my life, both at 311 about 12 years ago. It was by far the worst day I have ever had at any racetrack, as you couldn't see a thing, the racing was terribly boring, and it pretty much ruined our clothes we were so nasty. As far as asphalt being out, maybe you need to check again, two weeks ago at Martinsville we had 90 cars, the National Champion, many Cup series affiliated teams, and the brightest drivers in motortsports coming up in the country. Ask the winner Jake Crum how much asphalt is out, as he will be making his Truck series debut here in a few weeks and his phone has been ringing off the hook from upper tier series' about next year. I've covered racing for a while now, and I can name drivers in all forms of it, road racing, motorcross, boats, off-road, but I honestly can only name 3 drivers that race dirt, and they have been doing it for some time now. I know dirt tracks are striving, but they aren't where the higher series are going to get their drivers these days, It's right there on the blacktop in the Late-Model/Super Late-Model ranks. To me a dirt track is just a track that hasn't saved up enough money to put asphalt down yet LOL. Sorry I had too...

Really? Really? You would think if you covered racing long enough you would recognize the names Tony Stewart , Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kane, Jimmy Johnson, Clint Bowyer ,Carl Edwards and that list is longer. Now I know you can list more names that came from the ranks you mentioned. But it is apparent that the best of the best came from dirt.

[311rebel]

I've been to two dirt races in my life, both at 311 about 12 years ago. It was by far the worst day I have ever had at any racetrack, as you couldn't see a thing, the racing was terribly boring, and it pretty much ruined our clothes we were so nasty. As far as asphalt being out, maybe you need to check again, two weeks ago at Martinsville we had 90 cars, the National Champion, many Cup series affiliated teams, and the brightest drivers in motortsports coming up in the country. Ask the winner Jake Crum how much asphalt is out, as he will be making his Truck series debut here in a few weeks and his phone has been ringing off the hook from upper tier series' about next year. I've covered racing for a while now, and I can name drivers in all forms of it, road racing, motorcross, boats, off-road, but I honestly can only name 3 drivers that race dirt, and they have been doing it for some time now. I know dirt tracks are striving, but they aren't where the higher series are going to get their drivers these days, It's right there on the blacktop in the Late-Model/Super Late-Model ranks. To me a dirt track is just a track that hasn't saved up enough money to put asphalt down yet LOL. Sorry I had too...
car count record for the season,last sat.nite,107 cars...they will come.:check_flag::con_flag:you
dont put asphalt down on a good track.:laying20laughing::05Cool:

[rtmfan]

The speakers are not too loud just the announcer Wesley outland does not understand he does not need to scream into the mic. He is running off alot of people.


LOL now thats funny, heard that from several people.

[dirtywhiteboy]

I've been to two dirt races in my life, both at 311 about 12 years ago. It was by far the worst day I have ever had at any racetrack, as you couldn't see a thing, the racing was terribly boring, and it pretty much ruined our clothes we were so nasty. As far as asphalt being out, maybe you need to check again, two weeks ago at Martinsville we had 90 cars, the National Champion, many Cup series affiliated teams, and the brightest drivers in motortsports coming up in the country. Ask the winner Jake Crum how much asphalt is out, as he will be making his Truck series debut here in a few weeks and his phone has been ringing off the hook from upper tier series' about next year. I've covered racing for a while now, and I can name drivers in all forms of it, road racing, motorcross, boats, off-road, but I honestly can only name 3 drivers that race dirt, and they have been doing it for some time now. I know dirt tracks are striving, but they aren't where the higher series are going to get their drivers these days, It's right there on the blacktop in the Late-Model/Super Late-Model ranks. To me a dirt track is just a track that hasn't saved up enough money to put asphalt down yet LOL. Sorry I had too...
you need to get your head outa your ass,...so there ant but 90 cars to show for a natianal championship,im not impressed,...hell 311 averages 90-100 cars every damn saterday it dont rain....an dirt tracks ant starving,...plenty of fans in the stands at 311,freindship,rollin thunder,wythville an bout every other dirt track around,...while ace,orange co,caraway,callaway an bout every assfalt track suffering,no fans,no cars hell nascrap suffern too, cant fill the stands with the big show ether,..martinsville bout givin tickits away tryin to get a crowd of people to watch that borein lap after lap train race,most time cant tell whos leading or last,strung out noise to tail all way round the track,..the higher series found tony stuart,jeff gordon,jimmy johnson,dave blany,kasy kane,clint bowyer,carl edwards,dale freakin earnhart an alot more on a durn dirt track,..so we all can see how much youve coverd in raceing,...maybe you need to take up needle point an leave racein to us red necks that atlest understand it a little.....
t.j.evans

[311rebel]

you need to get your head outa your ass,...so there ant but 90 cars to show for a natianal championship,im not impressed,...hell 311 averages 90-100 cars every damn saterday it dont rain....an dirt tracks ant starving,...plenty of fans in the stands at 311,freindship,rollin thunder,wythville an bout every other dirt track around,...while ace,orange co,caraway,callaway an bout every assfalt track suffering,no fans,no cars hell nascrap suffern too, cant fill the stands with the big show ether,..martinsville bout givin tickits away tryin to get a crowd of people to watch that borein lap after lap train race,most time cant tell whos leading or last,strung out noise to tail all way round the track,..the higher series found tony stuart,jeff gordon,jimmy johnson,dave blany,kasy kane,clint bowyer,carl edwards,dale freakin earnhart an alot more on a durn dirt track,..so we all can see how much youve coverd in raceing,...maybe you need to take up needle point an leave racein to us red necks that atlest understand it a little.....
t.j.evansI believe it was that line about them clothes..LMAO:con_flag::laying20laughing:

[NCMudcat]

dont agree with not being able to see a race though the dust at 311,..dont agree that any track could split 311s cars ether,there happie at home!!! an dont think theres many die hard race fans or racers swept away by no nascrap banner,...asphalt is out in this region, dirt is in in a big way...

Disagreements are fine, and I respect your opinion. However, the last Clash race at 311 was terrible for dust, as they usually are. You say the 311 guys are happy at home, but I imagine there are a few that live closer to Ace that would be happy at home there. And you are fooling yourself about the race fans and racers: some of those guys that go to asphalt races would not be caught dead at a dirt race, and there are not many of the racers that would even unload for a non-NASCAR race. Rodney Cook is an exception to the rule. And if you think asphalt is out, go check out a race at Bowman Gray stadium next summer.

---------- Post added at 07:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 PM ----------

you need to get your head outa your ass,...so there ant but 90 cars to show for a natianal championship,im not impressed,...hell 311 averages 90-100 cars every damn saterday it dont rain....t.j.evans

I disagree with practically everything Corey said, but to clarify, the 90 cars at Martinsville were for one division, not 5 total.

[dirtywhiteboy]

Disagreements are fine, and I respect your opinion. However, the last Clash race at 311 was terrible for dust, as they usually are. You say the 311 guys are happy at home, but I imagine there are a few that live closer to Ace that would be happy at home there. And you are fooling yourself about the race fans and racers: some of those guys that go to asphalt races would not be caught dead at a dirt race, and there are not many of the racers that would even unload for a non-NASCAR race. Rodney Cook is an exception to the rule. And if you think asphalt is out, go check out a race at Bowman Gray stadium next summer.

---------- Post added at 07:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 PM ----------



I disagree with practically everything Corey said, but to clarify, the 90 cars at Martinsville were for one division, not 5 total.
yeah,..90 cars for a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP!! 311 ant national,...according to some of yall we just a bunch of local red necks stuck in the mud,...your right a lotta them boys wont be caught dead at a dirt track,thay scared of the higher speeds in the corners,door to door,..plum sideways,...dont care if thay turn ace into a cement pond,...ill be at the dirt track,watchin real men gettin real busy,..:twofinger:

ASSFALTS A MAN MADE INSTITUTION!!!...GOD MADE DIRT!!:icon_pimp:

[corey17]

you need to get your head outa your ass,...so there ant but 90 cars to show for a natianal championship,im not impressed

Maybe you need to learn to read before you comment, I had no idea we decided the National Championship at Martinsville, pretty sure Philip Morris locked that up 2 weeks before. I think I said that the NATIONAL CHAMPION WAS IN THE RACE. That one race had the National Champion, the NC state champion, a former Craftsman truck series multi-winner, drivers from Joe Gibbs Racing, Jr. Motorsports, a Hooters Pro Cup champion, ARCA drivers, Busch East drivers and Nationwide Series drivers, it impressed quite a few people or they wouldn't have been there.


an dirt tracks ant starving

Once again, learn to read, I said they were STRIVING, which means they are doing well, I'm sure everyone is eating good.

martinsville bout givin tickits away tryin to get a crowd of people to watch that borein lap after lap train race,most time cant tell whos leading or last,strung out noise to tail all way round the track

Obviously you have never been to a race there, as every Martinsville race is good. Go back and look at the video from the race 2 weeks ago, hard racing, large crashes, and the two leaders switched the lead back lap after lap for the final 40 laps. And if your at a race there and can't tell who's leading, that Isn't anybody's fault but your own.


so we all can see how much youve coverd in raceing,...maybe you need to take up needle point an leave racein to us red necks that atlest understand it a little.....
t.j.evans

I just don't cover dirt, as I have previously stated. Didn't say anything bad about anyone, just gave my opinion. Look at where the drivers are coming from today, it's not your local dirt track, that is fact, I don't care if you have 500 cars there every week. Think you have stuck your foot in your mouth enough that I don't need to sling insults. Have fun at your dirt track, and I'll have fun on the asphalt, good day.

[jhofficial]

Maybe you need to learn to read before you comment, I had no idea we decided the National Championship at Martinsville, pretty sure Philip Morris locked that up 2 weeks before. I think I said that the NATIONAL CHAMPION WAS IN THE RACE. That one race had the National Champion, the NC state champion, a former Craftsman truck series multi-winner, drivers from Joe Gibbs Racing, Jr. Motorsports, a Hooters Pro Cup champion, ARCA drivers, Busch East drivers and Nationwide Series drivers, it impressed quite a few people or they wouldn't have been there.




Once again, learn to read, I said they were STRIVING, which means they are doing well, I'm sure everyone is eating good.



Obviously you have never been to a race there, as every Martinsville race is good. Go back and look at the video from the race 2 weeks ago, hard racing, large crashes, and the two leaders switched the lead back lap after lap for the final 40 laps. And if your at a race there and can't tell who's leading, that Isn't anybody's fault but your own.




I just don't cover dirt, as I have previously stated. Didn't say anything bad about anyone, just gave my opinion. Look at where the drivers are coming from today, it's not your local dirt track, that is fact, I don't care if you have 500 cars there every week. Think you have stuck your foot in your mouth enough that I don't need to sling insults. Have fun at your dirt track, and I'll have fun on the asphalt, good day.


That is a false staement.

[AlkyMadness]

Wow, lot of hatred here. What I don't understand is it's coming from a couple of people who don't like asphalt and say they'd never go there. If that's the case, why are you even in this conversation other than to toss your hate around. Funny thing is, it seems to always be the same couple of posters on every thread that decide to engage in this childishness.

Look, we know dirt is good, but some of us like ALL racing, dirt and asphalt. Can you get your mind around that concept? And a lot of the people your flaming at have been to more dirt tracks than you'll probably ever see. Personally, I've been to almost 100.

The Baileys 300 at Martinsville was not a National Championship. The Late Model Stocks are only run in VA, NC, SC. That's it. So Martinsville puts up a big paying race for asphalt LMSC that draws 90 quality cars. ALL from this area of the country.

Let's see, if 311 held a $20,000 to win race for SLM, would it draw 90 quality cars ONLY from this area? I'll answer that....NO. 50-60, maybe. Hell, a few years back when they had the $20,000 to win race they drew ~50 cars, and most of them were out-of-towners.

Concerning the announcer at Ace, I agree, he's terrible. Isn't this the same guy that's announcing for the Clash? I was there last Friday and I heard others comment that they wish he'd shut up. Of course, during the races, he'd leave the PA system turned on with music and try to talk over that. I will give him credit that he did a decent job singing the national anthem.

Cold food on the back stretch? Guess what, other than the fries, it was cold on the front stretch too.

Pit action? What pit action? If a car heads to the pits at Ace, they are probably going to park. There is no pit action.

Great crowds at 311? I went twice this year and the crowd was far from great. I got there at 8pm and had no problem getting a top row seat. Oh, and the dirt crowd at Friendship Saturday night was pathetic. They lost their ass on that show.

I agree with Mudcat's comments.

I like Ace, it's my hometown track, and I'll continue to support it as often as possible. If you don't go there and don't have anything constructive to say, keep it to yourself. As for the haters, I'll own your soul in the next life :saevilw::Whip::saevilw:

[BigO]

Lord, y'all are gettin' mean. My turn again . . . .

First off, let's clarify that point about the Martinsville Bailey's 300 a bit more. There were nearly 90 cars in attendance (87 took to the track Sunday, I believe is correct). It was a one-division show, so all 90 had to fight for the 42 spots in the main show either through qualifying (top 22) or the heat races. The National Champion that they are making reference to is a driver by the name of Phillip Morris, who is once again the NA$CAR Whelen All-American Series Champion, which is the national points-based title for the feature division drivers at local tracks.

That said, corey missed the liner notes for many drivers in NA$CAR's premeire division. If nothing else (and if I remember correctly), Carl Edwards went to his cousin Ken Schrader's race team wanting to work his way in. Ken sent him home, and wanted him to go back to the dirt tracks before he even thought about moving up. The reason is that dirt teaches better car and throttle control. So, you see what it did for him.

Then again, NA$CAR tried to cherry-pick through the dirt and open wheel ranks for young drivers after Tony Stewart's great success, and pulled them out way too early. You ended up with drivers with disappointing Cup careers like J J Yeley and Erin Crocker.

corey17, I hate you had a bad experience the two times that he went, and I hope he does give dirt racing another try at some point. Otherwise, you'll miss out on some of the best racing to report on, miss seeing more rising stars (whether going to NA$CAR, World of Outlaw), and your articles will miss a large audience of the most die-hard fans there is. Otherwise, you might be relegating yourself to reporting to the wine-and-cheese roadracers nobody around here has ever heard of up around Virginia International Raceway.

[dirtywhiteboy]

Maybe you need to learn to read before you comment, I had no idea we decided the National Championship at Martinsville, pretty sure Philip Morris locked that up 2 weeks before. I think I said that the NATIONAL CHAMPION WAS IN THE RACE. That one race had the National Champion, the NC state champion, a former Craftsman truck series multi-winner, drivers from Joe Gibbs Racing, Jr. Motorsports, a Hooters Pro Cup champion, ARCA drivers, Busch East drivers and Nationwide Series drivers, it impressed quite a few people or they wouldn't have been there.




Once again, learn to read, I said they were STRIVING, which means they are doing well, I'm sure everyone is eating good.



Obviously you have never been to a race there, as every Martinsville race is good. Go back and look at the video from the race 2 weeks ago, hard racing, large crashes, and the two leaders switched the lead back lap after lap for the final 40 laps. And if your at a race there and can't tell who's leading, that Isn't anybody's fault but your own.




I just don't cover dirt, as I have previously stated. Didn't say anything bad about anyone, just gave my opinion. Look at where the drivers are coming from today, it's not your local dirt track, that is fact, I don't care if you have 500 cars there every week. Think you have stuck your foot in your mouth enough that I don't need to sling insults. Have fun at your dirt track, and I'll have fun on the asphalt, good day.
i live 7 miles from the gate to the house clay earls built! can hear the rumble from my lazyboy recliner dude,use to skip school an catch qalifying,seen many a mod sqaud race,sportsman race,bush race,an a few cup race's there,got freinds an family that have race'd there.been to charlette,rockingham,darlington,daytona,n.wilkesbo ro,hickory,bristol,watkins glenn,sonoma,california,taladaga an a few more that slip my mind,and im sure assfalt will survive...but as i an jh pointed out,with talent from the dirt,look at your top 10 in points in nascrap,...most came off the dirt!! why did ray evernham buy e.lincoln dirt track,..to keep grass roots raceing alive to breed talent for the big leagues...why is the prelude to the dream the most watched race with cup drivers,its on dirt....come on to town for the martinsville cup race on the 25th,..an if your not to closed minded,...come a few days earlyer an check out the clash bash at 311 on the 23rd/24th,ant maybe 15 miles from gate to gate,...then tell me assfalts better....

[311rebel]

:HSSME::con_flag:Wow, lot of hatred here. What I don't understand is it's coming from a couple of people who don't like asphalt and say they'd never go there. If that's the case, why are you even in this conversation other than to toss your hate around. Funny thing is, it seems to always be the same couple of posters on every thread that decide to engage in this childishness.

Look, we know dirt is good, but some of us like ALL racing, dirt and asphalt. Can you get your mind around that concept? And a lot of the people your flaming at have been to more dirt tracks than you'll probably ever see. Personally, I've been to almost 100.

The Baileys 300 at Martinsville was not a National Championship. The Late Model Stocks are only run in VA, NC, SC. That's it. So Martinsville puts up a big paying race for asphalt LMSC that draws 90 quality cars. ALL from this area of the country.

Let's see, if 311 held a $20,000 to win race for SLM, would it draw 90 quality cars ONLY from this area? I'll answer that....NO. 50-60, maybe. Hell, a few years back when they had the $20,000 to win race they drew ~50 cars, and most of them were out-of-towners.

Concerning the announcer at Ace, I agree, he's terrible. Isn't this the same guy that's announcing for the Clash? I was there last Friday and I heard others comment that they wish he'd shut up. Of course, during the races, he'd leave the PA system turned on with music and try to talk over that. I will give him credit that he did a decent job singing the national anthem.

Cold food on the back stretch? Guess what, other than the fries, it was cold on the front stretch too.

Pit action? What pit action? If a car heads to the pits at Ace, they are probably going to park. There is no pit action.

Great crowds at 311? I went twice this year and the crowd was far from great. I got there at 8pm and had no problem getting a top row seat. Oh, and the dirt crowd at Friendship Saturday night was pathetic. They lost their ass on that show.

I agree with Mudcat's comments.

I like Ace, it's my hometown track, and I'll continue to support it as often as possible. If you don't go there and don't have anything constructive to say, keep it to yourself. As for the haters, I'll own your soul in the next life :saevilw::Whip::saevilw:

[BigO]

Look, we know dirt is good, but some of us like ALL racing, dirt and asphalt. Can you get your mind around that concept? And a lot of the people your flaming at have been to more dirt tracks than you'll probably ever see. Personally, I've been to almost 100.

I am actually going to agree with AlkyMadness in thought, but maybe not in tone. The ground just grew cold, and the Earth ain't spinnin' no more. . . .

Concerning the announcer at Ace, I agree, he's terrible. Isn't this the same guy that's announcing for the Clash? I was there last Friday and I heard others comment that they wish he'd shut up. Of course, during the races, he'd leave the PA system turned on with music and try to talk over that. I will give him credit that he did a decent job singing the national anthem.

Same guy as the Carolina Clash. He's not my favorite announcer, and they had some technical miscues to say the least, but he and the gentleman he had working with him tried hard to keep the fans hooked in. It's harder than it looks. I waffle on whether the speakers are too loud, though. You can't hear yourself think when there is no racing due to the PA system, but you can hear it clearly throughout the race - even with 32 dba hearing protection.

Cold food on the back stretch? Guess what, other than the fries, it was cold on the front stretch too.

Yep, their food is just bad. Everybody bragged on the wings, but I never got more than 12 or so in a box of "20".

Pit action? What pit action? If a car heads to the pits at Ace, they are probably going to park. There is no pit action.

Only time the pits comes into play is when major shows come in, like when the Hooters Pro Cup came about seven years ago, and to a much lesser extent for the touring mods or UARA. Otherwise, if they're in the pits, it's over.

Great crowds at 311? I went twice this year and the crowd was far from great. I got there at 8pm and had no problem getting a top row seat. Oh, and the dirt crowd at Friendship Saturday night was pathetic. They lost their ass on that show.

Actually, when I've went to 311 several times this year, the crowds have been pretty good, but small compared to say Bowman Gray Stadium or Motor Mile Speedway. Still, they can put on a great show for that size crowd and I don't think they are hurting themselves too badly on the money side of it. As for Friendship, it faces some of the same (if not worse) issues as Ace Speedway. Once football season hits around Elkin -and weren't they having a cruise-in on Main Street? - attendance goes from low to abismal. Ace at least doesn't have the track surface issues I saw at Friendship, and I believe they are becoming notorious for.

[dirtywhiteboy]

Wow, lot of hatred here. What I don't understand is it's coming from a couple of people who don't like asphalt and say they'd never go there. If that's the case, why are you even in this conversation other than to toss your hate around. Funny thing is, it seems to always be the same couple of posters on every thread that decide to engage in this childishness.

Look, we know dirt is good, but some of us like ALL racing, dirt and asphalt. Can you get your mind around that concept? And a lot of the people your flaming at have been to more dirt tracks than you'll probably ever see. Personally, I've been to almost 100.

The Baileys 300 at Martinsville was not a National Championship. The Late Model Stocks are only run in VA, NC, SC. That's it. So Martinsville puts up a big paying race for asphalt LMSC that draws 90 quality cars. ALL from this area of the country.

Let's see, if 311 held a $20,000 to win race for SLM, would it draw 90 quality cars ONLY from this area? I'll answer that....NO. 50-60, maybe. Hell, a few years back when they had the $20,000 to win race they drew ~50 cars, and most of them were out-of-towners.

Concerning the announcer at Ace, I agree, he's terrible. Isn't this the same guy that's announcing for the Clash? I was there last Friday and I heard others comment that they wish he'd shut up. Of course, during the races, he'd leave the PA system turned on with music and try to talk over that. I will give him credit that he did a decent job singing the national anthem.

Cold food on the back stretch? Guess what, other than the fries, it was cold on the front stretch too.

Pit action? What pit action? If a car heads to the pits at Ace, they are probably going to park. There is no pit action.

Great crowds at 311? I went twice this year and the crowd was far from great. I got there at 8pm and had no problem getting a top row seat. Oh, and the dirt crowd at Friendship Saturday night was pathetic. They lost their ass on that show.

I agree with Mudcat's comments.

I like Ace, it's my hometown track, and I'll continue to support it as often as possible. If you don't go there and don't have anything constructive to say, keep it to yourself. As for the haters, I'll own your soul in the next life :saevilw::Whip::saevilw:
i do go to asphalt races,..been to many at caraway,went with greag marlow for years,use to live other side of the mountain from it..i go to ace too,been a few years,ive been cought at tractor pulls,drag races,oak hollow boat drags,big truck races,monster trucks(with my lil heatherns)planing a trip to the maxton mile next summer,been to the salt flats but not when thay were running..i love raceing of all kinds,seen a good bicycle race other day!! guess dirts my favorite,an been to too many dirt an asphalt tracks to count in my life,...but 311 is home!!

yall enjoy whatever race'in ya like an have a nice day...

[NCMudcat]

Obviously you have never been to a race there, as every Martinsville race is good. .

Disagree completely. Most LMSC races there are terrible, IMO. They are generally crashfests. But that is the fault of the car, not the track. Back in the day of late model sportsman cars, they had enough HP to pass there, and those days are no more. The only division putting on good races is the NASCAR modified division. A super late model race (PASS) there would be awesome.

I won't praise racing there just because it is Martinsville. And I have probably seen 50 races there at least.

As far as this thread, I think in order to get real opinions that hold weight, it has to be from fans that like dirt and asphalt. Anyone biased one way or another should not down the other surface. Enjoy whatever you like, but don't let your bias put down other venues that you don't care for. That just gives new meaning to the term "racism.":52th:

[corey17]

Wow Mudcat, I have agreed with you in the past, as I see you on the modified boards somewhat, but I have to disagree strongly with your statement about the late-model race at Martinsville. It is a crashfest in the heat races usually, but the main event is always good, this year was the roughest one I've seen in a while but the last 100 laps made up for it. Last year with Setzer and Morris getting into it and York winning, or Denny Hamlin and Jimmy Mullins running side-by-side for nearly 100 laps a few years ago, or Phil Warren advancing from the heat race to take the win, many of them stand out. But this years was something special, and Clay Campbell said it himself, probably the best race ever at Martinsville Speedway. I love the mods there too, but this year they didn't have their head screwed on right, as they tore everything to pieces, don't really know what the problem was there. I've been to over 100 Martinsville races myself, and the Late-Model race is the highlight of the year for me. I will praise Martinsville to the highest extent, they always have great racing, and they are the most wonderful people to work with and a top-notch facility. As an all-around track I can't find one better, I always wanted to go to Bristol, and after going there 4 times now I can honestly say it doesn't hold a candle to the Ville. Matter of fact, I would rather watch go-carts race in a parking lot than go to Bristol ever again LOL.

[NCMudcat]

I hear you Corey. I still say all opinions are valid to the extent that a person should develop his own, while be open-minded, and go to the races at tracks he enjoys. In all honesty, I haven't been to a LMSC race there in several years, as I gave up on them years back when it seemed like the race always came down to who wrecked who. But it is an awesome facility with an awesome staff.

For me I would much rather go to a weekly show at 311 or a kart race than a LMSC race at Martinsville, but obviously there are thousands of people that disagree with me, so I hope that race continues to run for years. Kinda like I hate BGS, but 15,000 weekly disagree with me.

Let's hit a kart race together sometime; you will like what you see!