...and NHRA being a majority owner will help how? Atlanta Dragway might be a samplingI'm just spitballing here, but I believe at some point NHRA is going to have to identify key tracks and ensure that they are a majority shareholder in said tracks. The reason is twofold.
1.) Every standalone dragstrip in the country has a better alternate use (from a dollars and cents standpoint).
2.) Dragstrips structured as a corporation are probably one or two major shareholder votes away from being sold.
Did we ever think we'd see the day that Old Bridge Township Raceway Park would close?
I guess the bottom line, for me anyway, is NHRA needs to be more hands on with tracks. Not involved in the day to day operations, but to the extent that they are ensuring the longevity of the sport. If that involves contract renegotiations, extra events at a given facility, marketing assistance, then it is what it is. NHRA can't survive without the tracks but the tracks can survive without the NHRA.
Epping has a unique location, immediately off RT101 with access (15ish miles) to Interstate 95 and the area has been growing exponentially in the past 20 years.Englistown and Atco are both located in New Jersey, are they draining all the fluids out of the cars parked at Enlishtown?
I think the other problem is it has never been easy to get a decent ROI when buying a drag strip.
I understand having a love for the sport and that might be a good reason to purchase your favorite drag strip, but finding ways of making a great investment are not easy.
Just my opinion Jim Hill
...and NHRA being a majority owner will help how? Atlanta Dragway might be a sampling
ChicagoThe problem is, Dragstrips are already prepped for land development. Instead of purchasing a plot of land where they have to clear trees, etc. and remove topsoil to start. Plus majority of the utilities are already cut in.
ATCO Raceway has been on the market but, A company like COPART wanted to purchase it however, they wouldn't want to meet the environmental guidelines such as, Every single vehicle that enters that property Must have all of the fuel and other oils removed. They said that they wouldn't be able to keep up with the volume of vehicles coming in. The new trend, automotive wise is, buy the total loss cars from the insurance companies, part them out and make bank. Englishtown is an example of an open space opportunity.
The Amazon. Walmart, UPS, etc. are constantly looking for open space so they can build a hub for online buyers.
Sorry for ranting but, This is the future of what's gonna happen to our favorite tracks. A company comes in an waves a monster wad of cash for that property that would take you a number of years to even come close.
Look at Nascar.I'm just spitballing here, but I believe at some point NHRA is going to have to identify key tracks and ensure that they are a majority shareholder in said tracks. The reason is twofold.
1.) Every standalone dragstrip in the country has a better alternate use (from a dollars and cents standpoint).
2.) Dragstrips structured as a corporation are probably one or two major shareholder votes away from being sold.
Did we ever think we'd see the day that Old Bridge Township Raceway Park would close?
I guess the bottom line, for me anyway, is NHRA needs to be more hands on with tracks. Not involved in the day to day operations, but to the extent that they are ensuring the longevity of the sport. If that involves contract renegotiations, extra events at a given facility, marketing assistance, then it is what it is. NHRA can't survive without the tracks but the tracks can survive without the NHRA.
I understand your point now. I don't believe NHRA ownership in any track is a benefit...Epping has been a racers for racers track since the first shovel of dirt was taken...James Morgan can attest that everything at that track has been recycled over the years. They did what they had to do to keep going. The new President of the track is a long time racer, who has great ideas for the future, he just needs a really good General Manager/Operator to schedule and book in shows. Epping is still one of the few tracks that has a good points program and consistent match races....again, they are doing the best they can with what they have. I moved to Virginia 11 years ago, but still stay in touch with many friends that race up there and they have said some things have changed, but the line at the gate on a points day is still pretty long...fans still buy tickets for match races. I just hope they continue to see the value of the track.See the points made. Stand alone dragstrips, in and of themselves, is not the best use for any property. NHRA, as an organization, cannot last with the loss of many national event caliber drag strips. Drag strips, however, can keep the lights on with smaller events.
An investment in drag strip ownership shows that NHRA is serious about the future of the (professional) sport.
Alternatively, just do nothing and "hope and pray" and see how that works out. Edited to add...Ironically, I wrote this post before I read your response to Jim Hill, so I guess hope and pray it is.
When I lived in Phoenix I really liked going to the old Speedworld dragstrip, I think it was in Surprise AZ. Great little track, and I'm not sure why it closed, some kind of zoning beef or something. Cliff you probably know the details better than me.Not just drag strips but other tracks as well. Arizona Speedway is a dirt track, sprint cars, etc. They are closing after 20 years. We had a famous dirt track called Manzinita, where many famous Indy 500 drivers raced, & it closed some years ago. I think we only have 1 oval track in Phoenix area now. Still wondering what will happen with Wild Horse in the next few years.
completely agree. and you are rite when nhra loses a nat. event track, there are others waiting in line to step up, but what is potentially bad is if a region of the country loses.........For NHRA, their highest income stream comes from their National Events.
For the long term health of drag racing in general, success is at the local dragstrip.