North Country Race Talk

Hello All,

Without a doubt, everyone associated with AIS would like to see it prosper. I've talked with Paul and he is driven to make this track work. Ticket sales are improving and we'd all benefit if we can continue to keep ticket sales growing.

I'd like to ask everyone who contributes to this forum, to put your thinking caps on for some marketing ideas. What kind of "cost effect" ways can we as racing teams and fans improve ticket sales at AIS? The simpler the better.

Paul and his staff have decided to not close this forum, just the link from the AIS Website. So let's use this medium for information and entertainment, like it's was designed for.

So here's an example idea involving the concession. Excessive waiting in line is frustrating and hurts sales. I've experienced it myself when I've sat in the stands to watch some of the features with my family. Is there a civic group of young individuals (FFA, Scouts, etc.) or maybe some of our own kids, that could wander around the stands hawking soft drinks, coffee, hot dogs, popcorn, etc.?

Here's my rational: You increase concession sales, you keep the fans happier, and you bring young people to the track. Sounds like a win-win-win, but what are the potential pitfalls?

Question: How do we manage paying these young people and keep the sales profitable? Are they covered by the track's insurance? Who's going to manage and organize these young folks? Etc., Etc., Etc.

This just an example, but it would be helpful if the ideas are thought out a bit before posted. Set the goal within reason.

Thanks,
Steve Burton, AIS SS #10

Steve,

I have ALWAYS believed that we as drivers, team members, employees and fans can help AIS grow and prosper. I think fan appreciation night should be $6 instead of $5, just because $6 is half price.

I had a bunch of co-workers in the grandstands June 6th, and I am always trying to get my dirt track fans to come to AIS to see some asphalt racing. Word of mouth can go a long way to fill up the grandstands. Once they get hooked on the racing they will be back for more, and they will tell their friends and family.

I couldn't agree more that there are some great ideas out there to promote AIS. Unfortunately, consistency and organization have not been their strong suit. Admission prices vary week to week. Waiting at the ticket booth is very frustrating. The increase of food prices is absolutely crazy. I for one have started bringing my own food in. The New Bremen Store will get my business. You can't expect local families to support this track in this economy if every week the prices are different. Families WANT to take advantage of events close to home. I waited for 3 years for some type of changing table to be put in the restrooms. We've come with up to 3 little ones in diapers. The floor in the one rest room has never been completely dry. A changing table was final put in last year, thanks to Billy Gibson. Our family has supported this track from day one. Each year it gets harder to keep a positive attitude and encourage other families to attend. This is just my two cents from the grandstand.

vmeyer,

Thank you for your well thought out input.

No one needs a "surprise" when they hit the ticket booth. My problem is the number in my crew changes weekly, and I can't remember what I paid the previous week. I will contact the track office and see if the fluctuation admission price can't be ironed out. Do you have internet access? Would you find it helpful if there was a little presentation about the upcoming weeks race including admission prices on the website?

As far as the concession prices, with little kids you could go broke at any concession, and its completely understandable to bring your own food. (Just wait until they are teenage eating machines!) Having worked several civic food booths in my time, there's a lot more cost and prep time that go into it if it isn't a full time business. I don't mind paying what I expect to be higher prices if;(1) the food is good, (2) the facility is clean, and (3) I'm served in a timely manner. Except for prices, do any of these other areas I mentioned need attention?

I completely understand about the changing tables. Being a father with two left thumbs, I needed (very past tense - my youngest is 19 now) all the help I could get if I got diaper changing detail. So having a clean changing area is a must! We had three in diapers at one time too. You need either a medal or a psychiatrist.....see how nuts I am...not to mention my wife just for put up with all of us!!! Don't worry the mind is programed to forget all that misery, and you'll look back fondly remembering them in diapers as the best time of your life!

I know wet floors have been an issue in the past due to plumbing leaks resulting from freezing temperatures. Still they need to be addressed. If we want families to feel welcome, we have to work hard at keeping or making the facility "family friendly."

Thank you for your past (and future) support of AIS. Please keep thinking and post other concerns and ideas. It helps to get the "Grandstand" view that we racers can't appreciate.

Thanks,
Steve Burton, AIS SS #10

Steve: Good topic.

For years I thought - what would I do if I were to run a race track. What are some of the things that fans pay close attention too and what are some things that you can do to bring "wow" to your fans attention. Of course, what are things that I had looked for in the several years I had been going to the races (maybe not several Steve - but since my childhood!)

When I was tabbed to be a "voice" at AIS things that I felt vital began to be implemented. But at any rate - in a perfect world, with everyone at the Speedway on the same page, the following should be done.

- Consistent "Regular Show" Admission Prices - $10 Adults, $5 Kids, 9 & Under FREE. The prices would be enhanced with a Family Five Pack (2 Adults and 3 Children for $25). Senior Citizen and Active Military Discounts. No matter what the event - all admission prices shall be in easy view on the website, on the sign on the front of the ticket booth, etc.

- The same aforementioned practices shall be instituted for the pit area as well. I know the Late Models get paid more but the pit admission costs shall be consistent across the board. For the Late Model drivers who receive a "larger" purse compared to the support classes - they shall not have to pay more for admission because of this. They already paid for it once when they spent "extra" money (compared to the support classes) to put their car on the track.

- Pit Admission ASA member discounts shall be posted each week. ASA is a great program and offer the track a lot of support if they receive the backing from the tracks members. If the track gives discounts - ASA members will increase and ASA's support for the track will increase.

- Back to the Grandstands - Family Sections... There shall be in area in the grandstands where families/fans can be removed of the cigarette smoke and alcohol. There is nothing worse then bringing a young child to the races and having them sit behind Joe Camal throughout the night. Not a good way to enjoy the races with smoke in your face... A family section is a must with security to keep it policed.

- SCHEDULING - You make a schedule at the beginning of the year. Stick to it. It isn't enjoyable when you check out the schedule as to whats going on on Saturday then when you get to the track you find that you have to sit through candy and coin toss, etc.

I am getting cut short for time! I will look to add more later!

Billy,

Keep it coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve Burton, AIS SS #10

What happened to the trophy plaques that feature winners got in past years? This year, no one has gotten a plaque for a feature win. Those drivers spend a lot of money to be competitive and put on a good show. I think they deserve trophy plaques like the ones they have been awarded in the past.

We've all hit on the web site already this year. The web site is the best place for fans and drivers/teams to stay up to date on changes to the schedule such as rain cancellations AND PRICE INCREASES! No prices are posted yet for pit prices and admission prices. I was really ticked off last week when I had to pay $30 for myself (an ASA member) and another $30 for my son who is only 11 years old. Why don't kids get into the pits for half price like they do at the grandstand gate? Why don't ASA members get the same old $5 discount for a pit pass? That $5 discount we normally get isn't why the track is hurting financially. Paul isn't losing money because of the drivers and teams not paying enough to get in. I doubt that Paul is losing money on the $10 and $5 admission fees (now $12 for adult and $5 for kids 6 to ?). The ages for admission prices aren't posted on the web site yet either. How about posting the concessions menu WITH PRICES on the web site? That way people know what they are going to spend on food. Okay, that might draw business away, so never mind.

I'm still waiting for the track to post an apology to the soldiers and their spouses for not honoring their ADVERTISED FREE ADMISSION for the soldiers and spouses. The soldiers who DID pay to watch the races probably won't be back to AIS. I'm hearing that from the soldiers themselves. I'm not the one who is bad talking the track. It's those soldiers who were lured to the track and then had to pay for their spouses to get in. I can't mend that broken bridge... only the track can do that. An apology on the AIS web site would be a good place to start. Meanwhile, I am still trying to convince soldiers it was an honest mistake, and that the track "might" have a "MILITARY SPOUSES APPRECIATION NIGHT" this year. We can all talk until we are blue in the face, but I feel we are doing what the track should be doing to get themselves going in the right ditection.

Many of us have posted comments and suggestions on here before, but it seems to fall on deaf ears. If Paul is losing money at AIS it might be because of people within his organization. But it's not because of the drivers and the fans. He can raise the admission prices to $20 a ticket, but he has to draw the fans in first. That could start by updating the web site with admission prices. Brad is a great web master. All he needs is a simple phone call or email and he will have the web site updated within a day or so.

In the Army, we conduct "After Action Reviews" (AAR's) after a training exercise so we can identify and discuss problems and weaknesses, as well as talk about what went right. We discuss how to fix those weak areas and even discuss how to make the right things better. The leaders take the constructive criticism in a positive way rather than stomp out of the AAR all pissed off because of all the negative feedback. Most of us have posted complaints WITH possible ways to fix the problem. But Paul doesn't seem to be able to take that constructive criticism.

We are all trying to male AIS better. But it gets difficult to make things better when it seems like people on the inside are destroying the things that have been working in the past.

That's my input. Now, someone can go tell Paul that I am bashing the track and trying to shut the place down, even though that's not true.

Todd Bailey
Track Promoter (not track destroyer)

In response to Todd's comments...

- Plaques should be handed out, no doubt.

- Website is the best source of advertising/promotion the track can have. The website needs to be utilized to its full potential. I agree Brad is great - he's a wizz when it comes to website design and hosting, etc. I wish I had half the knowledge that he does. BUT - the track needs an in-house webmaster to update the website at a moments notice. Being that an in-house webmaster is not possible, they should definitely start by utilizing Brad. Get admission prices, special discounts, pit prices on the website for all to see.

- As for half-price pit admission. I do not agree... I have seen it time and time again that the pits are no place for children. Knocking the pit admission to half price for children is only going to increase the amount of children in the pits, also increase liability insurance for the track and undoubtedly increase the possibility of tragic accidents to take place. Some tracks pit areas are setup to where a possibility of an accident to take place is less likely to happen based on layout and AIS is not one of them.

And to Steve, Todd, whomever is reading: How is sponsors at AIS this season? Has there been any race night sponsors thus far? OR any mentioned for future events?

I believe a good place to start is getting in the track itself.There is no reson to have people waiting in line 15-20 minutes to get in.Nobody likes to spend money then have to wait besides.The ladies restroom is the next.With water on the floor and dirty conditions,women will just not be happy or come back.This has been my moms and relations big drawback of atending regularly.The army deal a few weeks ago broke the camels back for a few people I know and they won't be back without the track doing something to make it right.A apology on the site from Paul would go a long ways to help calm things down.My 02

Hello Todd,

You know I think the world of you. But the next time I see you, remind me to slap you up side the head a few times to see if we can get the old, fun-loving Todd back. You keep this up and your going to get the 2009 Grumpy Award.

Remember the topic - Marketing Ideas. So let me try to extract some from your post.

First, what do you and I care about trophy plaques, the only way we'll ever see one is if the rest of cars in front of us takes a detour to the beer tent in the middle of the race. Now there's an idea - a Beer Tent! Better yet, the drivers are awarded free glasses of beer totaling where they placed in the race.....10th place is sounding pretty good! In the Super Stock class, JR & Mike will die dehydration with this system! That's all right - they win all that money so they can go buy their own beer. I'd even donate the $3.27 Tommy Markham's Dad found between the couch cushions and gave to me to adopt Tommy!

As far as posting prices and a menu on the Website, excellent idea! As far as the ASA discount....I've showed my card and gotten a discount each week! It's called charm Todd. Follow me the next time I go through the Pit Gate, and I'll show you how to charm those pretty ladies in the ticket booth! Just wave that little card and then they know you're a real man!! Maybe it's that High Octane cologne I wear.

About the Military Appreciation screw up...Just fill up a bunch of those convoy vehicles with soldiers, including their guns. When you get to the gate, jump out and tell the ticket booth folks your here for the Military Parade scheduled for the half-time show. You've got an honest face so they'll believe you that Paul approved it. In fact we'll just tell Paul he did approve it. We've got him going in so many directions he'll think he forgot he approved it. Besides, who in their right mind is going to tell an armed soldier he can't come through the gate! See...simple and free!

As far as our comments falling on deaf ears....You know Paul doesn't read any of these high quality post we put up here. He's got way more important things to do like figure out new ways to get Todd all twisted in his knickers! From the sounds of things, I think he's winning! Besides, feeding him rumors is far more entertaining! Are you laughing yet?

I really like your AAR idea. There's a bit of a flaw in how it could work at AIS (I just love all these abbreviations.) In your organization, you have leaders and subordiates that do what their told. At AIS, it would be like herding chickens! (Another great idea, lets try to herd all of those red shirted officials into a Port-a-Potty! My gut is already splitting!) And to top it off there are no chickens. Billy's gone, Frank's gone, John's gone...sounds like it will just be you & me pretty soon. We'll take turns being the leader.

Sorry Todd, I know I'm making light of genuine concerns you have, but we're probably all those chickens that Paul is trying to herd. If we could just figure out a way to funnel all this energy in the right direction, AIS would be crowded every week.

Take care my friend, and no matter what becomes of all this, let's have some more fun along the way.

Steve Burton, AIS SS # 10

billy g i miss u so much. i only wish some one would follow half the things u say. and steve also has some great ideas.some one should copy and send by snail mail.

aisfan14

Done. Actually I copied and faxed all 9 pages to the office. Good idea. Thanks.

Billy,

As far as I know, just what is listed on the schedule posted on the website. Thanks again for your thoughts.

4b316,

I totally agree.

Steve Burton, AIS SS # 10

I just talked to Mary, and I'm glad she called.

A Hoffman hotdog at AIS is $2.75, and that includes tax. I think that is a fair price compared to other race tracks and concession stands. A beer costs between $1.50 and $2.50 at AIS, which is cheaper than most bars (other than happy hour).

The age bracket for kid's free admission was changed to 5 and under this year due to kids throwing rocks at cars in the parking lot. Some parents are not supervising their kids at the track, so blame those parents for that.

The wet floor in the restrooms is often caused by people over flowing the toilets and kids playing with water in the sinks. There might also be a roof leak that they have to locate and fix.

Mary told me that ASA members are supposed to get the $5 discount. There must have been a mis-understanding at the pit gate last week. She said she would look into it.

I hope this clears up some things for many of you. I hope to see all of you this weekend. Until then, have a great day!

todd with mary telling you that asa members gets $5.00 off so are they going to make it right for the next race

Chuck,

I won't make any promises, but Mary said she would talk to the pit gate workers about the ASA discount. I think it was just a mis-communication between someone and the pit gate. I think it was an honest mistake because I highly doubt any of the women at the pit gate would intentionally charge us more than when they thought was right. I would suggest you call the speedway office and get an answer from them. I don't think they have an accurate record of who paid $25 and who paid $30, but I might be wrong about that. Steve Burton said he payed $25, which is why I asked Mary about it.

I wish I could answer your question but this is the best I can do. Hope to see you this weekend on a full night of racing.