The end for Gateway?

[Tim M]

See this, it was posted on their Facebook page. Zero, zilch, nada, none, and no NASCAR events at GIR in 2011

Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gateway International Raceway has notified NASCAR that it will not seek 2011 sanctions for its two Nationwide Series and one Camping World Truck Series races.

Vice President and General Manager of Gateway, Terry Harmeson stated, “This was a difficult decision in light of the many years of earnest and continued efforts on everyone’s part to develop a viable market for these events in one of our nation’s greatest cities. We remain committed to fulfill the balance of our 2010 schedule including our October 23rd NASCAR Nationwide race which will provide our fans the opportunity to see Danica Patrick compete here for the first time. We also plan to explore various ways to change the economics at Gateway both from the revenue and expense side.”

Denis McGlynn, President & CEO of Dover Motorsports, stated, “We have a group of extremely dedicated and talented employees who make Gateway a great destination and we deeply appreciate all the support we have had from the racing community over the years – from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and sanctioning bodies. However, economics dictate that we evaluate all of our options for this facility, including its possible sale.”

 

[STL Mark]

Yep - The beginning of the end for Gateway. Those guys couldn't make money with an ice cream truck in the middle of summer. The race weekend a couple of weeks ago was a big black eye for STL on national TV. Dover probably backed Gateway out of 2011 to save face from getting put out the door by NASCAR.

If STL ever has a shot at becoming a host city for NASCAR we really need a state-of-the-art facility. Assuming we'll still have gasoline and racing in 10 years - I would propose that we turn the Fenton Chrysler location into a premier racing facility. Plenty of space, great access via highways, and the smell of racing fuel will actually improve the environment over the smell of that landfill. Now, all we need is about 200 million dollars or so. Boogity, boogity, boogity.

 

[Tim M]

Well, also thank the good folks of Madison, IL that wouldn't give up the swampland next to it for additional parking to be able to host a NASCAR Cup event. They probably would have screwed that up to though. I used to be one of the biggest NASCAR fans you would find. Bought the diecast, shirts, went to the races here, Indy, Talladega, etc.... Now, I forgot about the Brickyard even being on this past weekend Why? Why have I completely lost interest? For me, NASCAR died when Dale Earnhardt died, when Rusty, Darrell, and many others retired. It's too watered down now, as all sports are becoming. The driver's used to be accessible, now they are 'rock stars' protected by their PR people and hide behind their sponsors. Used to love to hear them interview Dale Sr., you would hear a damn, hell, sumbitch or something. Now, dang, heck, and knucklehead are the words of the almighty NASCAR. Oh how the mighty have fallen eh? You know times are bad when they can't sell out Bristol anymore

I really enjoyed the going to the races here, but going every year when it's over a hundred degrees grew tiresome. The lack of support from the owners, management, local media and such were the downfall. Bruton Smith, now there's someone that knows how to manage a track...maybe we'll get lucky and he'll buy it.

 

[STL Mark]

Agree 100%. With the kind of money the owners and sponsors invest in their teams and campaigns (and believe me NASCAR is an advertising campaign/platform) they expect a top notch facility. Gateway just can't provide that anymore. Too bad.

It's just like football. The Rams stadium while not that old - was never up to snuff with NFL specs and they'll never host a Superbowl. So, now the Lambs want a new facility.

 

[TBULL]

Yeah and there is talk about using the same area, Chrysler plant, for the new stadium. I don't know though. It would be nice to haves. I want a road course in our back yard, but I think a big assembly plant would help the area more with jobs on a consistent basis.

 

[rednour1]

I do believe the problem was not Madison, but our lovely state. The land next to the track is declared a "wet land" so you can't touch it. Where else can the ducks and frogs go?

I don't see anyone building a new one close anytime soon. I don't think location was their main issue, although it did play a role. Many people forget that the dragstip was there 20+ years before an oval.

 

[Silver Bullet]

There was an article yesterday about NASCAR stands only being half full and the drivers apparently bad mouthing everything and everybody. I also heard on the radio coming in this morning about Gateway going by the NASCAR wayside. I guess the straight liners will go next like good old MAR... where I grew up. All houses now.

 

[Tim M]

Dan, the plant is currently being torn down, so pretty sure it won't be an assembly plant again http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=209337&catid=3

So, if you were GM of the track, what would you change?

And again, how bout giving this Midwestern track, where (duh) it get's really, really hot in July and August, a date in May, June, September or October? I do recall one year it was later, but again, with no advertising to draw in the audience, why go? There's nothing around town supporting it, no media supporting it, and nothing other than the race itself to draw you in. Other tracks it's a true weekend event of activities to do. Also, the track layout. At first I really liked it as it was challenging and different. But, it's not very competitive. Other than the first lap and restarts, there isn't much actual racing on the track. Boring, kind of like Daytona and Talladega. And to the point of the dragstrip, it's much easier to host this type of event, less track personnel, less cleanup after the event, and all of the event is consolidated in to a smaller area. An event at the oval takes the entire facility. Races were attended well there in the past. I think the most I saw there was 55,000. On any weekend, tune in to a nationwide race and see how full the stands are. If they are packed, it's because they are there on the same weekend as the cup race. Kentucky is the exception I guess.

I have a lot to say about this, guess I do still like it some

 

[Skip]

Here's food for thought...
STL has a really big new runway, with taxiways, that doesn't see much action, it could easily be made secure away from the main airport. Indy cars and Rolex cars run on runways, it's been done and it could be a big boost for STL to host one of these events.
I'd much rather see cars turning both directions then just get dizzy going around in a circle..

Just a thought... Could it be done?

I didn't want to change the subject.


Skip

 

[Tim M]

I would go see it. My problem with road racing is, there's not much racing. I like to see more than 2 cars go at it. Side by side as well as chasing a lesser car down. Once they get spread out, hard to keep track of who's in the lead. Guess it's with all types of racing. Sounds like a good idea to me

 

[A Snake]

Parking???Why not go across the street to the landfill? Hell they build golf courses on em, why not a parking lot. I remember when they were trying to build the race park and the govt used eminent domain to get the ground to start with...at extremely low price...well so much for the family that had that land in the family for generations. Maybe they could tear it down and grow some soybeans/corn for use in fuel. Bean prices been pretty decent last couple of years.

I think NASCAR is just like any other orginized sport....priced themselfs out of the realm for the average joe to go to an event....ticket prices are outrageous...and I am not a skin flint by any means... it cost $400+ to take a family of 4 to the new (meaning cost a lot)Busch statium, not including travel to and from home and that is third stadim for the Cards in my short lifetime.
Looked at going to Bristol this year....going to cost in excess of a grand for the weekend for 2 decent tickets and lodging...not worth it to me. Rather buy another golf club membership. or some chrome for the toys.