Discussing The Track In Iowa
Monday, June 19th, 2006 10:44pm CDT
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.
[thumb:360:l:s=1:l=x]Recently been participating in a side discussion about Iowa Speedway, and their accomplishments thus far to date over on Full Throttle and while writing my next response decided to turn my comment into a full blown article here.
I personally like the way they (Iowa Speedway) are conducting business. Their approach isn’t like some other tracks, the “I built it so show up, or I’ll sue” philosophy, and it seems to be a very realistic approach as well. If one of Nascar’s top 3 series comes to town, that’s great. If not, it’s not something the track depends on to keep the doors open. Currently scheduled for an opening this fall, the schedule boasts an impressive line-up of a USAR Hooters Pro Cup event; USAC Midget, Sprint and Silver Crown races; ASA Late Models; and an ARCA race as well.
While I’m sure they wouldn’t turn down Nascar, they aren’t betting on them showing up. At least not publicly. Their approach instead seems to be more along the lines of putting together one impressive facility, one that isn’t “like the others”, that Nascar would want to be a part of. If they choose to, not if their forced to.
Here is an interesting thought though. What about an IRL race? With Rusty’s involvement with ESPN’s IRL coverage, I’m sure he’s made some new friends. Since the IRL runs at Richmond, and Iowa’s a 7/8th mile track, another short track IRL race wouldn’t be out of the question in terms of actual track size and ability. Not to mention it would tap into a market that is virtually pristine in terms of a major racing series. A market that undoubtedly loves and supports racing. While nothing is officially announced or announced for planning purposes, would it be that off the wall of an idea?
I don’t think so. The reason being is that the IRL is in serious need to build it’s brand. Not to compete against Nascar, but to compete with Nascar (as in side by side) to build racing awareness throughout the country. One possible concept would be to put a big name series in a place that currently isn’t directly exposed to it. Whether it’s Nascar, IRL, or what have you.
I don’t see the Cup series heading there any time soon, but it isn’t completely unrealistic. As for the Truck Series and/or the Busch Series, it’s a little more flexible. Since Pikes Peak left the schedule this year, there’s a void in the coverage area of the top 3 series, one such void that Iowa could certainly help fill a bit.
Personally, and nothing against the fans in Kentucky by any means, but if it were possible, I’d take the Truck and Busch Series dates straight to Iowa without passing go. So what if they sell out there. Their owners obviously do not appreciate that they have those dates, since they are suing for more. I wonder how many tracks out there would be content with having those dates and nothing more? Sure, it might be “childish” for Nascar to take such actions. But why in the world cater to an organization that’s trying to stab you in the back, when you could be embraced by not only an organization but a community as well.
For the Cup Series at the moment it just isn’t realistically possible. The schedule is already packed enough, and quite capable and worth dates have already been stripped away. The schedule is already a grueling 36 races long, and most likely won’t pass that mark. Sure there’s always the odd rumor of moving to 38 races, but it isn’t very likely. However, on that note, what if it were 38 races, and each team was only allowed entry to 36 races? Far fetched, I know. What it would come down to is the team being able to sit out two tracks. They could select them, and cut out their least two competitive tracks. Ok, not too hot a Pocono? Don’t enter, and have one more left. While it might seems crazy, as then you perhaps run into a situation where the field might not be complete a time or two. I seriously doubt it would come to that. Mainly because teams could show up as they choose, and the choices would most likely be different across the board. On top of that, it would also give some breathing room to independent part-time teams, as they in turn would have a better opportunity to make some shows. Add in the reality of at least 7 new teams with full time desires next season, and it seems to be growing, then perhaps it isn’t quite such an outlandish proposal.
What about a road course then? Wouldn’t a lot of teams sit those out? Sure, some teams would. Then again, some teams would probably prefer to sit out Pocono, Dover, or California. If there is a track they straight up stink at, skip it. Notice this is about a team, not just the driver.
If such a scenario ever played out, then it isn’t out of the question that one of the additional races could be in Iowa. You won’t see a current track being closed and a date moving there, since it is independently owned outside of the ISC or SMI umbrella. But it doesn’t mean that Nascar couldn’t take one away from a current track with less than optimal attendance in the future either.
However, as the track stands now, to be able to hold an event of the caliber of a Cup race, the track just isn’t ready. The seating when it opens will hold approximately 25,000 according to the tracks website. Throw in the occupancy of 26 suites, their Newton Club with a 2200 capacity, 105 motor-home lots, etc, and the number grows even more. According to Rusty’s interview on Trackside last Friday night, that’s just the start and the seating will be expanding considerably.
I wonder how fast it could expand? Figure for a Busch and/or Truck race, or even an IRL race, that they would need a capacity in the neighborhood of 60,000 or more, give or take, they definitely have some room to grow. However, look at Bristol. Crowds of 160,000+ packed into their track, and it’s just over half the size of Iowa. So realistically it would be possible to put the seats in. Of course the back stretch is limited, since it’s designed as a trackside camping area.
The question is though, will the market remain untapped in terms of the IRL or Nascar? With Rusty’s ties to the track, and ties to (obviously) the Nascar community, and now dipping into the IRL world in public view, is it out of the question and completely in left field? Of course, Rusty I’m sure has contact he’s met through his years with Penske as well.
This question though, unfortunately, is something where we will have to just wait and see what happens.
As for the future of Iowa Speedway, it’s looking very bright. With or without the IRL or Nascar coming to town. If they do, it makes it even sweeter.
Filed Under: Busch Series, Craftsman Truck Series, Damn Good Points, Features, Nascar, Nextel Cup, The Water Cooler, Tracks
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One possible concept would be to put a big name series in a place that currently isn’t directly exposed to it.
You mean like this one? Shsss… Me and Clance are keeping it a hush, hush secret!
One note on your 38 race far out idea. It’s not as far out as one offered to split NASCAR into two divisions much like MLB. Each would have 35 events and then meet at the end of the year for an overall Championship.
Marc said this on June 20th, 2006 at 2:43 am
Quite an interesting link, Marc. Quite interesting.
With the growing demand for Nascar, it’s going to come down to something in the not so distant future. Problem being, is that everybody wants a slice of pie, and the pie isn’t that big.
The schedule is already quite a challenge. My theory on that one wouldn’t necessarily make it any more challenging, as teams would still race a 36 race schedule. Naturally, the two additional races would have to come before the “chase”.
Another mention has been to pop a Wednesday night feature in every now and then, so that the length of the schedule in time doesn’t change. Doing that twice a year wouldn’t be bad I guess. But it still will put a further increased load on the teams.
It will be interesting to see what happens. But, my best guess is that something will happen by the end of the decade. Let’s not forget that a 3/4 mile facility that ISC is building in the Big Apple.
Luke said this on June 20th, 2006 at 8:40 am
I think the Big Apple track is, at best, on life support. If not dead altogether.
I like the weekday feature idea. I have advocated for a long time the races are too long. Shorten some of them to 250 or 300 miles. It would be less ware and tear on drivers and equipment and at the same time tighten up the TV show.
With races of that length you could add a mid-week race of the same distance, in a close geographic location and the end result would be spots for 2 to 5 more events each season.
Luke, do you know anyone that has a bundle of cash laying around? Between the two of us and a little capital we could make a go at this race sanctioning thing.
Marc said this on June 20th, 2006 at 9:17 am
I’m 50/50 on the race distance deal. For example, Pocono was a little long.
On the flip side of that, I think that they should be a 400 at least. Reason being is that at the Cup level, you need the distance to challenge the best of the best. The best driver’s, the best equipment, the best pit crew. Length of the event plays into all of that.
Funny that you mention the wad of cash. Let me reach in my wallet…
Ok, at least I could buy you lunch to talk about it. lol
Luke said this on June 20th, 2006 at 9:29 am
Does that mean you’ll spring for a 5 star meal. I’ve never been a “cheap date” I won’t start now.
Marc said this on June 20th, 2006 at 8:45 pm
Beef Yakisoba sound ok?
:) 
Luke said this on June 20th, 2006 at 8:48 pm