Just saw this...as an avid fan I would hate to see this happen.


Promoter Lanny Edwards says 2010 race season in jeopardy

Lanny Edwards, the long time promoter at State Fair Speedway in Oklahoma City, has told drivers that the 2010 dirt car season is canceled unless an electrical problem is fixed.



Speedway season in jeapardy (http://newsok.com/promoter-lanny-edwards-says-2010-race-season-in-jeopardy/article/3424991?custom_click=headlines_widget)

Apparently there is a power cable that runs across the grandstands that has to be buried, at a cost of around $400,000. This is the speedway website.

State Fair Speedway (http://www.statefairspeedway.com/)

-Chris-

Thats a shame, as a regular attendee since I was a small kid it would be a shame for it to go.

Better yet instead of fixing the old one, maybe they should build a proper dirt track and maybe attract higher profile dirt racing..

Something that was reported during the campaign but I'm not sure anybody really noticed (I think by the Gazette): with passage of MAPS 3, the speedway is a goner.

Honestly this area could use a nice dirt, or possibly even paved racetrack. Maybe the OKC Speedway folks could get together with other race groups in the metro and look at developing one. Maybe even put in a 1/4 mile strip. If you brought SCCA into the fold, who knows what all would be possible? A motorsports complex...hmmm....

There are so many types of motorsports that would be easy to get people involved in, such as drifting, figure-8 racing, autocross, gymkhana...lot's of options that would even have the possibility of keeping teens off the streets a bit more.

Of course, I have been wanting a Rally America event out at Draper for years. :Smiley259

-Chris-

I always thought the expansion of Hallet into other forms of racing would just create a stronger grassroots motorsports population in Oklahoma, but the current owners seem to have no interest in it. I do know Hallett gets used a bunch and most of the SCCA/NASA drivers in the area (even as far south as Houston region) seem to like it pretty well for an older track. Most of them down here just don't like that long of a tow.

As far as the roundy-rounders, those need to be closer to population centers than most of the population would like, with the pricing it is really more of a family event than the sports car stuff that I went to all the time. I grew up within "earshot" of the State Fair Speedway when the big motor stuff ran, but then we could also hear the drag and unlimited hydroplane boats when they ran at Overholser. The unlimiteds were in the transition period from the big piston motors (the 16-cylinder Rolls-Royce & Allison aircraft engines) to turbines when I remember them running out there.

The noise never really bothered us...but then we were motorheads.

I grew up just north of the fairgrounds and loved to listen to the stock car races. Its still kind of a portal to my childhood to visit my parents in the summer and can hear the races. It will be sad if they close it.

Update: STF to close after 55 years

NewsOK (http://www.newsok.com/state-fair-speedway-to-close-after-55-years/article/3424991?custom_click=lead_story_title)

Something that was reported during the campaign but I'm not sure anybody really noticed (I think by the Gazette): with passage of MAPS 3, the speedway is a goner.

Think someone asked about it in one of the threads because the renderings of the new MAPS 3 building didn't include the Speedway?

Yes I heard it this morning on the news, it is closing down. It is a shame they are closing it down, there are generations of racers that compete at the track. It is odd that the group will not invest in the track and keep that history at the fairgrounds, but yet when it closes down you watch them beg for the funds to put up a 10 million dollar horse barn and still move that cable.

The fairgrounds has wanted to get rid of the track for years and now they have found an angle to do so. I have a feeling the track will not go away quietly.

hate to be the only one on the other side of this issue but as somebody who has to close all the windows and doors on friday nights to hear a conversation with the ol lady, i am glad to see it go.

maybe building a new track in a less populated area would be an alternative. however, (and i am not taking sides on global warming but only sharing a thought) in the event that global warming is a reality or even if we do face a fossil fuel shortage in our society, it would seem as if society could better utilize the fuels we have left to get more people from point a to point b than to watch racecars going around in circles.

by the way, i sold hot dogs at the taft stadium races as a kid so its not like i am anti-racing. its just that our world is looking at a different set of challenges today.

hate to be the only one on the other side of this issue but as somebody who has to close all the windows and doors on friday nights to hear a conversation with the ol lady, i am glad to see it go.

The residents were well aware of tyhe track when they moved into their homes. Should we tear down I-35 because its noisy to residents along it's route?


maybe building a new track in a less populated area would be an alternative. however, (and i am not taking sides on global warming but only sharing a thought) in the event that global warming is a reality or even if we do face a fossil fuel shortage in our society, it would seem as if society could better utilize the fuels we have left to get more people from point a to point b than to watch racecars going around in circles.
Ethanol


by the way, i sold hot dogs at the taft stadium races as a kid so its not like i am anti-racing. its just that our world is looking at a different set of challenges today.
Like we need more horse barns?

Folks, the destruction of the Speedway was originally part of the ill-conceived fair reinvention put together by Skip Wegner a few years back. I thought this part of the plan had been aborted because of the loyal, core group of folks who enjoy the races.

I am not personally a fan of the races, but given that so many people are, I thought surely this aspect of the fair might endure past the Wegner Reign of Error. So much of the fairgrounds have been ruined under that misguided era of leadership...really sad.

The residents were well aware of tyhe track when they moved into their homes. Should we tear down I-35 because its noisy to residents along it's route?

Ethanol

Like we need more horse barns?


The biggest problem with your comment is the fact that most, if not all, of the houses near the fairgrounds were built before the speedway.

The biggest problem with your comment is the fact that most, if not all, of the houses near the fairgrounds were built before the speedway.

Probably, but I suspect the large majority of the residents weren't.

Racing brought revenue into the city. Why would you want to close it down after 55 years?

yeah! buh bye.

This'll be a vast improvement to the State Fair's aesthetics. That thing was hideous. And for some reason. I seem to associate racing, especially on that dirt track, to rednecks. I don't know why. No offense to anyone, but it's a correlation my mind makes.

Why can't they afford 400k? They want city money for it? Sounds like they want a hand-out...

We've talked about this before. It has to do with zoning laws and construction laws. When's the last time the fair had any major work done? In order to get a permit to do something on that large of a scale, they would have to overhaul pretty much the entire fair grounds. This is why it is not a part of MAPS3. It makes more sense monetarily to scratch it. I'm happy it's going.

I guess I don't unerstand the mentality of "I don't like it so get rid of it" I guess with all the churches in our city I bet we could drum up enough support to get rid of bars. Heck I don't like fishing, I suppose I'll rally around closing boat ramps.

I think I've been to the speedway 3 times in my life, I just think it adds more diversity of attractions to our city.

Oh yeah horse racing is casinos are real redneck venues.

I'm a race fan, however, everything out lives it's purpose, and the Fairgrounds Speedway is one. If there's enough interest in this area, someone will step forward, find the appropriate place and build a new track, possibly a motor sports area. (oval, drag, off road, etc;.

The City/Fairgrounds needs to use this oppurtunity to make major improvements to the Fairgrounds, and start by building a new main entrance off of May once the Speedway is removed.

I'm soooo sick of this folks calling things 'redneck' whether it be racing, country music, our western heritage or whatever.

I'm a race fan, however, everything out lives it's purpose, and the Fairgrounds Speedway is one. If there's enough interest in this area, someone will step forward, find the appropriate place and build a new track, possibly a motor sports area. (oval, drag, off road, etc;.


Oh! you mean like how there was enough interest in a convention center that someone stepped forward? Or a Whitewater Kayaking facility?

oh, wait..


lol

Oh! you mean like how there was enough interest in a convention center that someone stepped forward? Or a Whitewater Kayaking facility?

oh, wait..


lol

Oh NO, it's one of them. Some accept defeat, lick their wonds and move on, others "TROLL" and never get over it.

Oh NO, it's one of them. Some accept defeat, lick their wonds and move on, others "TROLL" and never get over it.

Nope, check the namecalling.

I didn't take part in any of the MAPS3 discussions. I don't live in OKC, I live in Edmond and couldn't vote.

But I do think it is hilarious that you use the Exact same argument some of the No people were using about the convention center and kayaking facility when speaking about the Speedway.

Nope, check the namecalling.

I didn't take part in any of the MAPS3 discussions. I don't live in OKC, I live in Edmond and couldn't vote.

But I do think it is hilarious that you use the Exact same argument some of the No people were using about the convention center and kayaking facility when speaking about the Speedway.

I find it hilarious that the speedway averages less than a 1000 per Friday race, when the convention business is huge (several thousand per year) and the white water rapid ride will attract much more than the speedway averages in 10 years.

Have a nice day and keep "trolling"

I'm a race fan, however, everything out lives it's purpose, and the Fairgrounds Speedway is one. If there's enough interest in this area, someone will step forward, find the appropriate place and build a new track, possibly a motor sports area. (oval, drag, off road, etc;.


I second this opinion. I know there is adequate land (and infrastructure) along Highway 66 as well as between Edmond and Guthrie. It seems if the metro area long-time racers and fans really wanted local racing they could convince a promoter to step up.

I find it hilarious that the speedway averages less than a 1000 per Friday race, when the convention business is huge (several thousand per year) and the white water rapid ride will attract much more than the speedway averages in 10 years.

Have a nice day and keep "trolling"

In what way am I trolling? I couldn't care less if those aren't built or if the city builds the biggest damn convention center/arena in the world, more power to them if they can actually pull it off.

It is humorous to me that people who were hyper-critical of the argument of "if a venue is hugely profitable, someone will surely step up and build it" turn around and use it themselves.

In what way am I trolling? I couldn't care less if those aren't built or if the city builds the biggest damn convention center/arena in the world, more power to them if they can actually pull it off.

It is humorous to me that people who were hyper-critical of the argument of "if a venue is hugely profitable, someone will surely step up and build it" turn around and use it themselves.

:yourock::backtotop

In what way am I trolling? I couldn't care less if those aren't built or if the city builds the biggest damn convention center/arena in the world, more power to them if they can actually pull it off.

It is humorous to me that people who were hyper-critical of the argument of "if a venue is hugely profitable, someone will surely step up and build it" turn around and use it themselves.Fuzzytoad, you are absolutly right. The truth just hurts some more than others. Funny how that works.

Oh! you mean like how there was enough interest in a convention center that someone stepped forward? Or a Whitewater Kayaking facility?

oh, wait..


lol
Most race tracks built in the last 40 years are privately developed ventures, especially smaller tracks like the dirt/asphalt ovals. Most convention facilities are not due to the sheer size and cost and the fact that they tend to be in urban areas where land acquisition is the largest hurdle. A race facility similar to the fairgrounds is within reach of many race track developers, therefore it is more likely that a racetrack can be privately developed.

My parents moved to the fairgrounds area in the 1950's and are still there today. They knew about the stock car noise and they knew about the smell of the stockyards and even more, Packing Town. None of us ever complained about it - it was just part of living there. Trust me, 99.9% of those complaining about the noise moved in after the speedway was built.

My parents moved to the fairgrounds area in the 1950's and are still there today. They knew about the stock car noise and they knew about the smell of the stockyards and even more, Packing Town. None of us ever complained about it - it was just part of living there. Trust me, 99.9% of those complaining about the noise moved in after the speedway was built.
That is almost always the case about any kind of noise generating outdoor feature. If noise bothers you so much, don't move next to the noise maker.

It's a sad day for white trash all across the metro.

It's a sad day for white trash all across the metro.

And even more sad that bigots make assumptions about people they don't know or care about.

And even more sad that bigots make assumptions about people they don't know or care about.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1006/lolwp.gif

Double-sad day across the metro, then. Good on ya.

I am very sad. I have fond memories of the speedway. My parents and I went there almost every Friday night in the 60s and early 70s. Then I spent the late 70s and 80s either working for the track itself or helping crew for couple of friends that had cars. Went back to being a spectator since then. I'll really miss the old girl. But, as was said earlier, every venue reaches a point when time has caught up with it. State Fair Speedway reached that point many years ago. Money really need to put into the grandstand and track twenty years ago so it would be more viable today, but that was not done. I really do hope some promoter/financier will step up and build a new facility.

And BTW, I'm far from a redneck. I'm well educated, middle class, mid-management. Racing in this day and time is expensive and much more technical than it was in the day of "throw a bunch of greasy parts together and go racin' ". The "racin' redneck" stereotype is outdated.

It is sad that the speedway is over, but I do think the land could be put to a better use. The track has been there for 50 years and it has done it's job well. Hopefully the racing enthusiasts will be able to set up another venue.

I emailed the mayor on this yesterday and this is the response I got....

Thank you for your recent inquiry about the Grandstand facility at State Fair Park.



The Grandstand has served Oklahoma City very well, but it is over 50 years old. There have been a number of problems and deficiencies with the Grandstand. Some of these deficiencies were part of an ADA lawsuit and as part of the City’s settlement of that lawsuit the City commissioned a comprehensive study including a structural analysis of the Grandstand. This report revealed significant code, structural and safety issues with the facility, one of which was the electrical system. To correct all these problems and bring the Grandstand up to code would cost millions of dollars. The primary power electrical system deficiencies were the most immediate that had to be addressed.



Oklahoma State Fair, Inc., the manager of State Fair Park, has been working with City staff to address and correct the primary power electrical issues that also affect the dependability, safety and year-round operation of State Fair Park. To resolve these serious safety issues with the primary power electrical system alone will take considerable funds. Once the primary power system is corrected, there would be significant additional cost to correct and re-establish service to the Grandstand. OSF has had discussions with the racing promoter regarding the estimated additional costs to reconnect the Grandstand and he cannot bear those costs.



These recent developments are unfortunate but they are not unforeseen as it relates to the 50+ year old Grandstand. For several years, the mayor has made efforts to get private sector investors interested in building a new racetrack. Those efforts have not been successful. The mayor believes the Oklahoma City metro area deserves and can support a new motorsports development and he continues to seek interested parties.

I hope they will replace it with something interesting at least. First we lost the monorail a few years ago and now the grandstand? Pretty soon the fairgrounds will just consist of a bunch of steel buildings. . . =/

Pretty soon the fairgrounds will just consist of a bunch of steel buildings. . . =/

Which is pretty much what the Fairgrounds developers seem to want.

To be honest, I haven't been to the State Fair in years. Too expensive, and way to dangerous (especially at night) to take the kids to. I have been to the races and several other events though.

-Chris-

Hmmm, maybe somebody ought to champion SWAP A LAP

where by the city is encouraged, via their open ended language, to build one or two less aquatic centers, sparing the one closest to Dawg's kennel of course <VBG> and apply those funds to saving the raceway

Me, dirt tracks ain't rally my thang, even if my neck is a tad more crimson than peach, but for a motorhead, hey, might make for an adventure!

I just wonder as a piece of nostalgia how many people remember the the speedway was featured in the movie "State Fair" staring Pat Boone. Even though it was supposed to be the Texas State Fair the racing scenes were shot here and you can see the OKC skyline in the background.

I always checkout the racing footage everytime I see that "State Fair" is on, (which is almost never).
I use to go the races at Taft and the Fairgrounds back in the 50's and 60's with General64 when we were young pups. RIP Mar-Car and thanks for hanging in there all those years.

Something to remember them by:

YouTube - Mar-Car video #6 presented by Shane Carson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nE3dVT6Ao4&feature=related)

Which is pretty much what the Fairgrounds developers seem to want.

To be honest, I haven't been to the State Fair in years. Too expensive, and way to dangerous (especially at night) to take the kids to. I have been to the races and several other events though.

-Chris-

How can you say it's way to dangerous if you havn't been in years ????

I think it is about time the OKC metro area had a real racing complex; something with dirt, asphalt, and a road course. NASCAR is out of the question but there are plenty of other racing leagues that are looking for quality tracks to run on plus all the local drivers.

Why can't OKC compete with something like this:

South Georgia Motorsports Park in Cecil, Adel Ga | Race SGMP | SGMP Racing | NHRA Drag Strip | Racetrack | Circle Track Racing (http://www.racesgmp.com/)

I always checkout the racing footage everytime I see that "State Fair" is on, (which is almost never).
I use to go the races at Taft and the Fairgrounds back in the 50's and 60's with General64 when we were young pups. RIP Mar-Car and thanks for hanging in there all those years.

Something to remember them by:

YouTube - Mar-Car video #6 presented by Shane Carson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nE3dVT6Ao4&feature=related)

That is a great video, I- have some friends who race out there and it is sad to see sport in OKC come to a end.

Which is pretty much what the Fairgrounds developers seem to want.

To be honest, I haven't been to the State Fair in years. Too expensive, and way to dangerous (especially at night) to take the kids to. I have been to the races and several other events though.

-Chris-

How do you know that's what they want? Have you met them or seen their proposals? This is not what they want. But what you want and what you get (or get funding for) isn't always the same thing. The State Fair is not free to just do what ever they want. They have to go through city building codes and commissioners just like everyone else.

And if you haven't been in years, how do you know what the prices are and how it is at night?

I am there just about every single night during the fair and feel 100% safe. There is a group of cops on every corner. I feel safer at the fair late at night than I do at a local gas station.

There are always special days and discounts offered to make it reasonably priced. It is absolutely cheaper than any other fair in this nation and ranked at the top of the list.

And as far as the grandstand goes, it has played out a long and loved life. It has come time to let it go. As you see above, it would cost millions to bring it up to date, let alone make improvements on it. In order to move forward we have to be willing to make some changes. I know most of you hate change. I get it. But it happens.

How can you say it's way to dangerous if you havn't been in years ????




And if you haven't been in years, how do you know what the prices are and how it is at night?

I am there just about every single night during the fair and feel 100% safe. There is a group of cops on every corner. I feel safer at the fair late at night than I do at a local gas station.





Because I work at the Trauma Center at OUMC and see the folks come in. Every year we get some pretty bad stuff. And I have heard about the prices from many people that I know and work with.

-Chris-

How do you know that's what they want? Have you met them or seen their proposals? This is not what they want. But what you want and what you get (or get funding for) isn't always the same thing. The State Fair is not free to just do what ever they want. They have to go through city building codes and commissioners just like everyone else.

And if you haven't been in years, how do you know what the prices are and how it is at night?

I am there just about every single night during the fair and feel 100% safe. There is a group of cops on every corner. I feel safer at the fair late at night than I do at a local gas station.

There are always special days and discounts offered to make it reasonably priced. It is absolutely cheaper than any other fair in this nation and ranked at the top of the list.

And as far as the grandstand goes, it has played out a long and loved life. It has come time to let it go. As you see above, it would cost millions to bring it up to date, let alone make improvements on it. In order to move forward we have to be willing to make some changes. I know most of you hate change. I get it. But it happens.

Man do you have nerve, how dare you try to confuse them with facts and common sense.

Because I work at the Trauma Center at OUMC and see the folks come in. Every year we get some pretty bad stuff. And I have heard about the prices from many people that I know and work with.

-Chris-

My wife works trauma as well. That excuse doesn't fly. You still drive a car, and horrific accidents come in. I bet you still drink, and drunks come in all jacked up. Hell, I bet you see a ton of people injured just being in NE OKC, but you still work in the neighborhood.

Percentage wise, the number injured at the state fair is EXTREMELY low.

It is all about how you handle the situation and to keep yourself away from knuckleheads.

My wife works trauma as well. That excuse doesn't fly. You still drive a car, and horrific accidents come in. I bet you still drink, and drunks come in all jacked up. Hell, I bet you see a ton of people injured just being in NE OKC, but you still work in the neighborhood.

Percentage wise, the number injured at the state fair is EXTREMELY low.

It is all about how you handle the situation and to keep yourself away from knuckleheads.

Sorry my friend, but I do not drink period. And working in NE OKC in a controlled environment is a lot different than walking in the neighborhoods. And being the father of 3 children, I do not have the luxury of taking a chance. So don't tell me my excuse doesn't fly. If you feel safe taking your family there, especially at night, that is your decision. I don't care about the numbers...it only takes a solitary, isolated incident to bring tragedy to ones family. I refuse to take that chance, based on what I have seen in the past.

-Chris-

Folks, the destruction of the Speedway was originally part of the ill-conceived fair reinvention put together by Skip Wegner a few years back. I thought this part of the plan had been aborted because of the loyal, core group of folks who enjoy the races.

I am not personally a fan of the races, but given that so many people are, I thought surely this aspect of the fair might endure past the Wegner Reign of Error. So much of the fairgrounds have been ruined under that misguided era of leadership...really sad.

I agree completely. I was glad to see ol' Skip depart and had hoped the Great State Fair of Oklahoma would return. Sadly that hasn't happened. Found out that Skip may not be the one to blame after all...Clay Bennett has been the head honcho of the State Fair Board BEFORE Skip came and went.

The biggest problem with your comment is the fact that most, if not all, of the houses near the fairgrounds were built before the speedway.

According to an Oklahoman blog, the Speedway has been around since 1954(?), even if most of the houses were built before then, not everyone has been living in them since then, they could have moved if the noise from the speedway etc was too bothersome. For those that have moved in since then, they too have the same option don't they?

From the articles they has been on the horizon for a spell, and I don't seem to recall any great outcry in the past about Save Da Track!

Did the horizon shift closer way more quickly than some imagined, or is it not a mega mondo loss except to a few?

Also, I don't have them at my fingertips. Did recent renderings of improved fairgrounds show or not show the speedway area in place?

Finally, best guesses on space usage after the speedway is no more?

According to an Oklahoman blog, the Speedway has been around since 1954(?), even if most of the houses were built before then, not everyone has been living in them since then, they could have moved if the noise from the speedway etc was too bothersome. For those that have moved in since then, they too have the same option don't they?

Jimmanee Christmas Larry, the tracks closing, move on, let it go, the built up anger will make you ill.

Sorry my friend, but I do not drink period. And working in NE OKC in a controlled environment is a lot different than walking in the neighborhoods. And being the father of 3 children, I do not have the luxury of taking a chance. So don't tell me my excuse doesn't fly. If you feel safe taking your family there, especially at night, that is your decision. I don't care about the numbers...it only takes a solitary, isolated incident to bring tragedy to ones family. I refuse to take that chance, based on what I have seen in the past.

-Chris-

wow. Good luck with your bubble.
If you don't care about numbers because it only takes one incident how do you survive? I mean there has been more than one shooting in schools...do your kids attend? More than one car accident daily...do you drive? More than one bank robbed...do you use a bank? How about flying? I agree - your excuse doesn't fly. I've seen gang fights at the park, frontier city, white water, THE ZOO...do you go to these places?

wow. Good luck with your bubble.
If you don't care about numbers because it only takes one incident how do you survive? I mean there has been more than one shooting in schools...do your kids attend? More than one car accident daily...do you drive? More than one bank robbed...do you use a bank? How about flying? I agree - your excuse doesn't fly. I've seen gang fights at the park, frontier city, white water, THE ZOO...do you go to these places?

No joke, good luck. I hope you don't drive on New Years day, OU game day, or Thanksgiving. Other people have been drinking. I hope you don't go to the movies after dark. I hope you always stay in a motel when you are too tired to drive after a long shift at work... and I hope that motel isn't in NE OKC. Man, your bubble is tiny (and obviously filled with pious gasses). Also by your logic, "going to the Fair is way different than walking the neighborhoods."

As far as NE OKC hospital being "controlled." I know for a fact that someone was stabbed outside the Children's Hospital entrance a couple months ago. Just a random person, in a robbery attempt. Also, I know a trauma surgeon who was SHOT in a robbery attempt three years ago while walking to his car in the parking lot next to Presby. I can see how it is more of a controlled environment than a Fair Ground with police everywhere. :ohno:

I know what you are saying though. You *feel* the Fair is dangerous and it is out of your control. Similar to how my wife hates to fly, because of her fear and she has no control. Even though statistically flying is WAY safer than traveling by car, she can't overcome her irrational fear. I understand it, she understands it, and we drive most places. I don't want to pass that fear on to our children though.

I hope you don't teach your kids that the world is a scary dangerous place.

I agree completely. I was glad to see ol' Skip depart and had hoped the Great State Fair of Oklahoma would return. Sadly that hasn't happened. Found out that Skip may not be the one to blame after all...Clay Bennett has been the head honcho of the State Fair Board BEFORE Skip came and went.

Remember "Blame Canada" on Southpark? I think we should institute "Blame Clay" here in OKC. It's always handy to have a scapegoat, and he seems to be the popular choice, looking at message boards and the DOK comments section.:wink:

Wow...I don't feel comfortable placing myself or my family into a certain environment, so you criticize me for it, and also hint that I have issues as a parent.
I hope you don't teach your kids that the world is a scary dangerous place
Absolutely amazing. You know absolutely nothing about either myself or my family, but jump to instant conclusions. Nice. Just because I have a different point of view on something is no reason to question...or attack...my character.

-Chris-