EKN Poll: Would you like a permanent kart track at Daytona

David Cole · Last edited by David Cole on Wed Oct 31, 2012 6:33 am, edited 1 time in total

http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Articles/2012/10/Board-Approval-Statement.aspx?PromotionCode=DPROMO1600

Looking at this story, it got me thinking, would karters like to see a permanent karting facility at Daytona International Speedway?

Please publish your answer and why. Thanks.
_________________
David Cole
News Desk Manager
eKartingNews.com
Facebook
Twitter

Tim Reed · Joined: 30 Jul 2002 Posts: 93 Location: Cincinnati

I think a big part of what makes the annual Daytona "event" so special, is that the kart track is only used once a year. I think it really levels the playing field that the track is so green, and no one is there running a thousand laps all year with their local club racing. It would be nice if they would patch the track, as it's getting pretty rough, but I think it wouldn't be the same "event" at a permanent karting facility, and I think it wouldn't be the same "next" to the speedway, versus inside turn 3.

Benn Herr · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1580

I voted NO for a permanent Sprint kart track in the facility.

However if they wanted to make part of their parking areas easily converted/blocked off for an event like SKUSA does behind the Rio, that would be great.

Having it outside of the facility would give it great visibility and some of the pressure to pay back their investment wouldn't be so bad because they can use for regular parking or other events the rest of the year.

It would only be used once (maybe twice) a year, so nobody would have a home track advantage. Plus it could be a little different each time.
_________________
Benn Herr
Come see our Superkart Build Off @
http://www.lostenduros.com/?page_id=1534
beherr3@cox.net
http://www.southwestkarters.com/
http://www.lostenduros.com/
Kart Design
Chandler, Az.

Tim Koyen · Advertiser Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Posts: 1557

Jeff Wesell · Advertiser Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 129

Would said idealized track have lights so the dreaded issue of racing into the darkness and/or race lengths being reduced wouldn't be a problem as some have expressed concerns over in the past?
_________________
Jeff Wesell
STREETER SUPER STANDS - Kart Stands and Pit & Trailer Accessories
Facebook
(262) 457-5018

David Cole · Posted: Sun Oct 21, 2012 8:20 am Post subject:

jim P lewis · Joined: 11 Aug 2008 Posts: 102

Guys,
With all due respect if you live in Arizona, Wisconsin, and other far off places.... why do you care.
As for myself - a north Florida resident, I would love to see a world class facility at the Speedway.
The addition of great tracks will only help our sport continue to grow.

I have to travel 3 hours to the Orlando kart track to run on a good track. Daytona would be a great draw for the southeast katers - maybe even a SKUSA Sunshine state championship

Something similar to the track at Cal Speedway would work for me as well - outside the main facility in the parking lot.

Cheers! Wink

_________________
Jim Lewis

Vista CA

jim rogero · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 9:38 am Post subject:

I would settle for 4 bags of asphalt and a roller to fix the speed bump coming onto the straightaway.. You would have thought when they repaved the 2.5 mile outer track that they might of had a wheel barrow left over to fix it.

jeff grose · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:35 am Post subject:

Why Jim, don't you like to see karts catch air at that spot Shocked

_________________
jlgracing
#31 Gillard/PDBAmerica
IAME Leopards by P1 Engines
Tag Sr./FKCS/WKA
Driver: Jesse Grose
Remember: "No matter where you go,there you are"

Gary Osterholt · Site Admin Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 2769

Patrizio Torregiani · Joined: 02 Jul 2012 Posts: 10

Daytona is extra special particularly because it's only visited once per year with no chance to pre practice. Leave it this way, don't ruin it, it's the jewel of the WKA crown.

If they were to bring the Supernats to a permanent track..it wouldn't be the biggets kart race in North America!
_________________
Tazio's Dad
Patrizio Torregiani
www.TazioRacing.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/TazioRacingcom/248819618492981
www.newcountryporsche.com

jim P lewis · Joined: 11 Aug 2008 Posts: 102

Gary - Was not referring to you Sir, you live in the state of Florida and your opinion is valid. The gentlemen I was referring to are in Arizona and other far of reaches of our great nation, seriously doubt they will be making the trek to Florida to run at an event unless it was someplace like a Daytona.

I am sure you have been to Jacksonville's 103rd streets and realize after a few times there it gets a bit boring, just my opinion.

I have heard nice things about the Monticello track and hope to make the trip out there someday, you have to admit it is in the middle of nowhere though. 2.5 hour trip from Jacksonville, 4 hours from Tampa, and 4.5 hours from Orlando.

There are some great tracks in Florida for sure - but a venue like Daytona could possibly raise the visibility for the sport and get those kart counts up at all racing venues in the sunshine state.

Cheers!

Gary wrote-
(Does Florida really need another track?

Between Orlando, Ocala, Jacksonville, Monticello and a test track at Andersen. I don't think Florida has enough karters to support it.

I know Monticello gets around 20 karts a race. Jacksonville might be a little better.

Ocala keeps growing that's if you race a Rotax.

This is why I answered No.

Gary)
_________________
Jim Lewis

Vista CA

TJ Koyen · Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Posts: 1425

jim P lewis · Joined: 11 Aug 2008 Posts: 102

TJ - I understand your position. Still would like to have a world class track in Daytona. Maybe WKA could continue to run on the old temp circuit.
_________________
Jim Lewis

Vista CA

Tim Salvino · Joined: 20 Nov 2010 Posts: 258