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"Shoestrings Tied"
The Infield by Paul Pittman
Stevens Point, WI (Jan 30, 2005): Whether or not to
classify the Shoestring Racing “Wisconsin Racer’s Swapmeet” a success or
not rests solely with it’s promoters, but to the visitors, you had to
believe that one thing was clearly evident. Winter’s clutches do nothing
more than fuel the desire to get cars back on the racetrack. The buildings
were full of vendors, consisting of companies and tracks right down to
individual teams, all showing off their new items as well as peddling their
used to other racers looking for deals. It did what it was supposed to. By
offering a forum to bring together those with and those wanting, everyone met
to see what was available and more importantly, to visit with one another,
discuss plans and reminisce of days gone by.
Irregardless of what was perceived, the idea of bringing a bunch of racers
together for anything in the middle of winter is always a good thing. For my
own part, I was able to meet with many different people and accomplish many
different things that I otherwise would have had to travel all over the state
to do. I was also able to meet with various members of the media and pick
their brains on issues as well as catch up with everyone on just what was
going on since the ovals fell silent for 2004. It’s funny, sometimes, just
how similar ideas that different people have that, unless they start talking,
would otherwise go un-noticed and untried.
Case in point: Talking with Paul Kuyawa, we discussed several issues
concerning fans ranging from an overall approach to entertainment to watching
parents carrying their young ones to the car, fast asleep, long before the
night’s activities were over. What we found was that was specifically a pet
peeve of both of us and we collectively agreed that a more conscious effort
has to be made to avoid long programs. Face it. If weather becomes a factor,
miraculously, a program is rushed through often to its completion. Now,
consider that if things like that can be done under those circumstances, then
why can’t a quickly run program be the norm instead of the “miracle”?
Many tracks do make conscious efforts to construct a nightly agenda but more
often then not, it is abandoned shortly after the engines begin to fire.
How do you combat this is the big question. Several ideas were thrown back and
forth but one thing was sure, and it’s a theme that I have heard tossed
around before, more often as a threat than anything. When it costs someone
money, things will get done. In other words, there needs to be consequences
for actions that work against the common goal. And threats that are not
carried out for whatever reason eventually become nothing more than a joke.
Hit those responsible in the pocketbook, prove that you mean business, and all
of the sudden, you get results. The downside, of course, will be the
negativity faced by those who enforce from those who violate, much like I
expect from simply mentioning it. Its why, I believe, things just aren’t
done. There are too many people trying to be everyone’s friend and in the
process, nothing gets done to improve the initial problem. Call it politics
but a quick look in the mirror will see us all guilty of it. Fixing problems
often lead to ended friendships, something many workplace supervisors out
there are all too familiar with.
Why then do I say something now? Because as I have said in my columns before,
I am tired of fielding complaints from angry fans looking to focus their
frustrations out on someone and looking for an answer that is often not they
want to hear. It’s easy in the pit area to avoid these because those with
those frustrations have already left. Therefore, if you hear nothing, then it
stands to reason that there is no problem. Blind faith gets you nowhere. Well,
I guess I have vented myself enough here and hell, I don’t even know how I
got started in this direction but it doesn’t matter because as we all get
ready for the upcoming season, it is something that needs to be address and
can be fixed as part of a planning measure before the snow even melts.
News and Notes from The Infield
John Haeni and the KIN-X Motorsports team was on hand at the swap meet with
many of their items from the 2004 season and a renewed optimism for 2005.
“We are looking back to our 2002 Championship season and want to make what
worked then even better.” stated Haeni. “Starting with the new MAXIM
chassis we won at the IRA banquet. We named it Constantine for consistency. We
look at it as a good omen in that we already have a win with it, simply by
winning it.” As for the reported new look for 2005, John indicated that in
keeping with the teams focus and emulation of the 2002 Championship run, look
for a retro look for the machine, with a few twists.
2004 IRA Champion Scotty Neitzel had his R&H Enterprises booth adjacent to
the IRA booth (makes sense to me) and was in good spirits, still enjoying his
title. To anyone who thinks that winning a title doesn’t mean anything,
think again! “So much of the pressure is off of us now,” stated Neitzel.
“We did it and I am really looking forward to 2005 and enjoying the
season.”
Talking with crew chief and 2004 IRA Mechanic of the Year Rick Lemanski, it
was still all business. With tape measure in hand, Rick greeted visitors and
customers with all of the pride and professionalism expected from a
championship team.
Scott Uttech had his Trinity Racing #7 on display at the IRA booth, along with
a pre-release look at the 2005 IRA racing schedule (expect an official release
within the week). “We’re still looking (for sponsors),” stated Uttech.
Uttech who had a promising season in 2004 despite the lack of funding is
hopeful of putting together some type of deal to allow him to run the full IRA
season. “Businesses are very cautious,” stated car owner Theresa Uttech.
“and it is increasingly harder to find those sponsorship dollars. Scott has
so much potential, but there are so many businesses that have been burned by
past relationship with race teams that they are not even willing to talk to
anyone anymore. We’ll keep looking, but unless something does come together,
I just don’t know how we can do it on our own again.” Theresa’s
sentiment is one that is all too often heard today. Too many businesses that
once dreamed of reaching greatness on the wings of a race teams have been
watched their sponsorship dollars fade away with idle promises.
Jason Johnson also shares a sense of optimism looking at 2005. “We have a
new deal with WELD Racing that we are really excited about. I’ve scraped
enough walls already so I know which wheels work best so I am really looking
forward to this. Hepfner Racing Products and J&J Powdercoating are back as
well and we are changing to J&J chassis for 2005.” Jason seemed ready to
push off and go racing tomorrow.
Well, there are a few special releases upcoming soon involving a few teams so
keep an eye on the news as we’ll get those out as soon as they come in. If
you have news, feel free to send it to me at arppix@arppix.com as we start to
gear up for 2005.
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