And there's nothing wrong with that picture?

Regarding attendence at Flamboro last night (300 fans ) as reported before anybody wants to question why wait until all other tracks open and take a look at their attendence as with the price of fuel and rising costs of everything else I think you may see a decrease in attendence every where.Remember people have only so much money to spend today and as each day fuel seems to increase the less they have to spend.I am not trying to tell you bad stuff but I am just reporting the facts this fuel thing will effect al lot of people (race fans &racers alike).Tracks will have to find new ways of getting fans to tracks.For example Sauble Speedway is going to use a shuttle service from surrounding areas to get fans there and from what I hear they will charge approx $2.00 a trip which is a good way to try and get new & old fans to the track they pick you up & drop you off after the races.Good idea who knows but it does not hurt to try something like this.If it works there it can work anywhere.

Anyone remember all the big announcements when TSN signed sponsors for their NASCAR broadcasts, or for when they announced their tv racing schedules? A lot of those releases gave a figure of something like 7 million Canadians as racing fans, or something like 25% of the total population. If you take even 1/10th of that figure as being within a 90-minute drive (I'd imagine it'd be much higher in actuality) of the track, and you can't even get 1% of that in the stands, there's a greater issue there than can be explained by the Habs and Bulldogs playing. I could see it if Merritville and Humberstone saw the same trends (I think only the latter was running this weekend) in crowd decline, but I doubt that was the case.

Canadiens or Bulldogs does not make any sence as that could be an excuse but does not if the 1% figure you may or have a problem.Other tracks in what I call the Greater TO area (approx 60 mile radis )how do they draw (Sunset,Barrie)or other tracks I have missed.Is there a problem at Flamboro with car count no as last night their cars counts were very good for an opening night.Admission prices do not know but I think they are comparable to Delaware and other tracks.Or is it the change of times where race fans are moving to other types of racing from asphalt to dirt anything is possible but the economy is the main issue here a lot of racefans will not be able to go because they will not be able to afford to go.Hate to say some fans will have to make a decission Food or go to Racecar tracks.

I was at at a cold Merrittville last night and I'd say it was an average crowd for that track (1500-2000?)but usually judge it by the 50-50 which was just under $1300. They opened with a Dirt Modified tour 100 lapper which drew 38 mods (not including spare cars), 29 sportsmen and 24 Hoosier stocks. No threat of rain but a cool wind blowing from the south west. (1 caution in the 100 lapper by the way)
Maybe the tracks are just opening too early for the comfort of the fans. PS, the Bulldogs didn't make the playoffs this year so that can't be used as an excuse. Perhaps a lack of advertising on Flammy's part??? Other than the hardcore, who knew it was open? Merrittville on the other hand had TV ads on Hamilton's channel 11 last week. Are Flammy's prices on the high side? I noted when Oshweken opens in two weeks the general admission is $5.00 less than Flammy. I often think that Flamboro also could generate more revenue if it improved the food service-the 3 line ups for Burger, Fries and a drink (line up for tickets, line up for fries and drink, line up for burger) is crazy.
ps-Dippers First Turn Tavern at Merrittville had the hockey games on tv also. It was easy to warm up, watch a little hockey and then go back to your seat for the features.