Tony, I understand your concerns, but as was pointed out,this was our first attempt to hold this event to this magnatude. Loyd and I have never handled the whole thing before, just the actual running of stuff at the track, this being US 41.
We won't be going back to the microbrewery next year. We had more Buicks there around 7, when it started, but folks went in to eat and drink. Lo and behold, 3 of their staff called in sick so there was a major cluster- you-know-what in regards of even getting seated, much less your food. While this was not the brewery's fault in one way, it's not like it was a surprise that we were coming and they did nothing to help the situation. Many folks left, and for those of us that stayed, it took at least 2 hours to get our meals. So we'll find someplace else next year.
This was our first time at Osceola, and we'll have to take baby steps - both the track and us. At this time, they wouldn't rent to us both days. I'm sure they weren't convinced we could bring in as many cars as we did. They have many regular racers on Sundays and don't want to disappoint them. We had no clue as to how many would show up, either. Maybe next year we can try to have a formal swap area. Maybe more vendors will show up - you just can't predict - it's like the weather.
We knew the track had some rough spots - but it's better than it was. It takes time for these smaller tracks to make major improvements. Tim - the owner - has sunk more money into the track and staging lanes lately. Over winter the bathrooms and the "garage" are slated to get knocked down and a new concession stand and bathrooms are going to get built.
How did you like the track itself? And for us - the track personnel were fantastic - very friendly and helpful to all. Maybe they had to get a little stern about moving things along every so often but they wanted us to try to get our full program in before it rained again on Saturday, and to blend in as well as we could on Sunday. I truly didn't hear many complaints - and I really wish you had talked to us in person about the cruise night. We have had a suggestion for BWW in Mishawaka next year - nice and roomy and a big parking lot.
I'm sorry if any of you were disappointed with this as an event. Please send us your concerns so we can try to do better next year. That's the only way we can grow as an event.
Still - 77 cars racing isn't that bad of a race count.... for us, anyway.