Kip Childress was tabbed to be the Camping World Series East Director last winter. He was essentially handed the keys to NASCAR's biggest developmental series. He knew when he was handed those keys, he had some big shoes to fill. The CWSE has had some very popular and respected series directors over its 25+ year history. If the series had a Hall of Fame, the late Bunk Sampson would be inducted as an official after his years of service as series director. Most recently, popular series director Lee Roy led the series as it transitioned from a regional northeast touring series, to the east coast developmental series it is recognized as today.
A third-generation NASCAR official, Childress has been associated with motorsports throughout his life. His grandfather, Gaither, served as Chief Steward at various tracks, including Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C. His father, Lance, served in a number of capacities for NASCAR for two decades. A resident of Lexington, N.C., Childress got his start with NASCAR as a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series official at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, N.C. Childress, 38, also officiated at Tri-County Motor Speedway in Hudson, N.C., before joining the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series toward the end of its inaugural season in 1995.
Kip was kind enough to participate in our Q&A for neracing/Busch Sport Scene. Here are our ten questions with Kip's answers:
1. Can you recap your first impressions on the Camping World Series from your view as the series director after the first few races?
KC: While this should be an easy question to answer it is really quite difficult. First impression...hmmm. Coming into the Camping World Series, East this year I must say that I was extremely excited...like I had just been given an old gold pocket watch that had been handed down from generation to generation. Have you ever seen the look on a kid's face when his dad has given him something his dad had given him? I know I had that same look on my face.
My first few days at the R&D Center in Concord, I was told that I was entering a series that had a great group of officials as well as a great group of competitors. So expectations were high heading into our first race at Greenville. From that first race to our most recent one at Thompson...those expectations have certainly been fulfilled.
2. The series has changed dramatically over its 20+ year history. Many fans of the series have come and gone during that time. What would you tell a former fan of the series to convince him/her to follow the series again, or at least attend a CWSE race again this season?
KC: I would tell them that I know that the series has changed over the past several years...but all racing has changed. The NASCAR Camping World Series, East is still the same series that showcased great drivers such as Jamie Aube, Andy Santerre, Dale Shaw, Mike Olsen and our current Champion Matt Kobyluck...only now those drivers are helping mold the next group of great drivers. I guess that you could say we're growing up.
3. Kyle Busch raced in the series East/West combination event at Iowa Speedway. What impact does a Sprint Cup stars presence have in a CWSE event?
KC: When a Kyle Busch, or a Joey Logano or a Ron Hornaday or a Kevin Harvick comes to race with us in the Camping World Series, in my opinion, it does a few things. First, it gives those guys a chance to come back and race in a grass roots series and gives them the chance to re-visit where they've come from. It also gives our regulars a chance to race some of the guys who have made it to the next level...to compare their skills with those guys and maybe even motivate those who are wanting to graduate to the next level. Finally I think it helps our series gain some national publicity that typically follows one of those drivers.
4. Would you like to see more combination style events and more
participation from Nationwide or Sprint Cup drivers?
KC: More combination events as in East and West combinations? I think that we are where we need to be as far as combo events go...logistically speaking. The combination event at Iowa is such a great event and allows our teams to meet in the Midwest to not only compete against one another, but it also allows the race fans up there to see the best the east and the west have to offer. The Toyota All-Star Showdown in January gives our teams the same opportunity to compete...but without the stress of being caught up in a points battle...and they get the chance to do it on Live TV on SPEED.
5. Have you had any contact or requests for information from either potential sponsors or drivers who are considering racing in the CWSE, and if so, what are some of the more commons questions they have?
KC: Just this month I have had calls from four or five teams that are planning to race with us in 2010. And just a couple of weeks ago, we saw Corey LaJoie and Derek Ramstrom make their debuts in the East Series at Thompson. Both of those drivers are coming from the Late Model ranks. I think that we will see more and more of those young Late Model drivers and teams look to the Camping World Series to bridge the gap between where they are now and the Camping World Truck Series, the Nationwide Series and ultimately the Sprint Cup Series. Their questions are all over the place...from how much does it cost to race to where are we racing next season to what are the rules looking like for 2010.
6. What would you tell a potential race team that asked you what a ball park figure cost was to race one race at a typical short track in the CWSE?
KC: I'd tell them that there is not a ball park figure because we have so many different teams with so many different budgets that are extremely competitive in our series. Just a quick look at our owners point standing will prove that.
7. Has there been any efforts by you or NASCAR to attract more developmental CWSE teams from the more prominent NASCAR teams?
KC: We are not going to any extra effort to attract teams from the national tour garages...but we aren't discouraging it either. I want those teams that are grooming their young drivers to make it to the national level to know that the Camping World Series is a great place to train them. But as much as I want their teams with us, I also want that father and son combination looking to make it to the next level to race with us too. Just last week, I had the opportunity to visit one of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series tracks and met a lot of great drivers that are looking to make it to the next level. I want our series to be that next level for them.
8. Are there any thoughts or plans on expanding the CWSE schedule in the future, if so, what type of track or region would you most like to add?
KC: We are already in the planning stages for 2010 and one of the topics is definitely "where do we want to go?" We would like to be in that low to mid teen range when it comes to the length of the schedule. As far as types of tracks and regions...ovals of a mile in length and under and road courses in the same geographic area we are currently racing in. Just a quick look at a map in a speedway directory and you know that the possibilities are endless.
9. Car counts seem to be declining in many national/regional touring series, what do you feel is the primary reason for this, and what do you think can be done to reverse the decline in the CWSE?
KC: Well, just turn on your favorite news network and you can see and hear about what is causing the decline. The economy has definitely affected the racing world and our series has been hit by it too...but maybe not as hard as the casual observer might think. Last season, the Camping World Series, East had 20 full-time teams and this year so far we have 17. The biggest difference we have seen this year is the amount of teams who attempt one or two races which leads me to believe that our core is still strong. As the economy improves, I think that racing, not just the Camping World Series, but all of racing will recover. With that in mind, however, we are constantly reviewing ways to help the teams contain or even reduce their costs and will continue to do so as we move into 2010.
10. What are the biggest changes you have tried to institute in the CWSE
this season?
KC: My first season...to be honest I haven't changed a thing. I'll go back to the first question where I said that when I started I was told that I had a great group of officials as well as a great group of competitors. The first thing that I told them is that I didn't come in to re-invent the wheel. Have we polished a few things or tweaked a few things? Sure we have...but we haven't changed anything just for the sake of change. As we move into 2010, I foresee much of the same thing. We'll just keep polishing that old pocket watch.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Q&A With Oxford Plains Speedway's Bill Ryan
Oxford Plains Speedway track owner Bill Ryan has been considered somewhat controversial to some over the years. He has not been afraid to make dramatic changes at his 1/3 mile short track in Oxford, Maine. Change is not always a welcome thing to many, but in reality, change is usually a necessity to survive and grow.
Ryan has never been afraid to tackle tough questions and in fact puts himself in the spot light more than the ordinary track owner. He also is a co-host on a radio show, 'In The Pits', every Friday morning on WJAB in Portland, Maine. He and the other host, John Williams, talk racing with guests and callers for an hour each week. He can often be found at the grandstand exit gate after each race, thanking the fans as they leave.
He has been a target of many on internet message boards, and even owns a blog that he has been active on, interacting with fans and teammembers alike. No matter where you stand on his opinions of the sport, he is not afraid to give his opinion and stand by his convictions.He recently became an owner of a professional basketball team (the Red Claws) in Portland, Maine too, as if owning a race track wasn't enough to keep him busy.
We caught up with Bill as he was making final preparations for his season opening weekend at OPS. We asked him ten questions about him & his track, as part of our new Q&A feature. Here's what he had to say:
1. The economy is still struggling, how does this most affect Oxford Plains Speedway?
I actually think that the economy will help us this year. When times are tough people are looking for affordable family entertainment. We are well placed to compete with other entertainment options. Our tickets are inexpensive and we provide a good "bang for the buck." I think some people will be reluctant to spend for high dollar sporting events and instead they will come to places like OPS.
2. What are some of the changes have you taken to address this issue at your track?
We are emphasizing affordability and value. We also intend to provide more entertainment value off the track. Fans should look for more "fun" at the Speedway this year. We have always provided great racing, now we are providing additional entertainment around the racing. The goal is always to have folks walk out of our events with a smile on their face.
3. It has been a few seasons since your decision to cut the pro stock division from your program at OPS. Have you achieved the results you were expecting from this decision?
Absolutely. I would point to the huge car counts we have been able to maintain at the TD Banknorth 250, the spread of standardized Late Models across northern New England and now the ACT Invitational on Cup weekend at NHMS in September.We have also seen former Pro Stock drivers decide to convert over to Late Models. Guys like Tim Brackett and Al Hammond intend to compete in Late Models this year. They are a great part of the history of the track.There was certainly an enormous amount of emotion around the change. I think the emotion has finally worn off and now we are dealing with the facts about these cars. The facts show us that running Late Models as our premier division is more affordable for our drivers and gives us a better chance to succeed for in the future.
4. What has been the feedback you have had from other track owners in this region on that change?
I think more and more track owners are convinced that Late Models are where we need to go. We are seeing more cooperation from track owners that may have been die hard "Pro Stock" guys in the past. I think we all have the same goals, namely cars that put on great racing and can compete at a variety of tracks across New England.
5. How have the car counts been since making late models the premiere division at OPS?
The car counts have been good, particularly for the 250. That was always my biggest concern. I just could not understand where we were going to be able to find 80 or 90 Pro Stocks as time went on. Too many tracks had eliminated the division before we did and costs were out of control.
6. What are your thoughts on the upcoming late model race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway?
It is unbelievable the enthusiasm that the race has created in the Late Model division. I think Tom Curley and ACT have given short track racers a chance to show case their talents on New England's biggest stage. Who knows what Cup owner will see a talented racer and maybe take a chance on him because of this race?
7. How would you describe the 'state of short track racing' in the northeast region right now?
We have had a few years in a row were the weather has been absolutely devastating. We have not had to cancel a lot of races, but we have had so many races that have been hurt by rain. Short track fans are reluctant to come out if they think it is going to rain. They have too many other entertainment options. It has uniformly hurt the tracks here in Maine and in the Northeast.I think the rise of the Late Model has been absolutely key in keeping the enthusiasm up in the region. The ACT Invitational has been an integral part of this.We need to keep emphasizing the entertainment value we provide. We compete with so much these days that promoters 20 years ago could not even imagine. We need to be unafraid to keep innovating. We can't fall into the "It has always been done this way so let's keep doing it this way mentality." If we are not constantly moving forward with new ideas, we will fall behind.
8. What do you think could be done to most help grow the sport locally at this time?
We all need to be unafraid of change. Promoters should not be scared to be skewered on the message boards. Honestly, and comically, the promoters that seem to be the darlings of the message boards and the racing "press" are the ones that are hemorrhaging money and struggling to survive. We all need to do what it takes to bring the sport to the next level. If that means eliminating divisions, you need to eliminate divisions. Just because you did it last year does not mean it will work next year.We are constantly promoting Oxford Plains Speedway. A track owner needs to be on sports radio talking racing, needs to be in the newspaper, needs to be on television. We all need to know the important people in our local press and make sure they know what we are doing.We need to approach racing in the same way that other minor league sports approach their events. You need to provide great entertainment that is accessible to a wide audience. If you are chasing only hard core race fans it is going to be hard to succeed. We have something to offer anyone out for a night of entertainment and have to emphasize this.
9. You recently became an owner of a professional basketball team. Are there any similarities you have found between the two sports?
That is an interesting question. Obviously both businesses are centered around selling tickets and corporate sponsorships. But there are some dramatic differences. Basketball is a more universally known game. I would say literally everyone in Maine knows what basketball is and how it is played. So there is less teaching that needs to go on to potential fans and sponsors.The other difference is that everyone in the building next year will be rooting for the Red Claws. That is different than racing where there are people rooting for 100 different drivers! In racing, the promoter is sometimes the "bad guy" because he or she has a role in refereeing the sport and enforcing the rules. On the basketball side, an owner is universally seen as the "good guy." That is an unfamiliar feeling! It has been great to work with the people at the NBA. They are an innovative group and have already given me ideas about how to improve the racing business. I think there will be a nice cross-pollination between the two enterprises.
10. What attributes of owning a racetrack can you say most apply to the success of owning a professional sports team?
You need to be able to deal with a wide range of people and circumstances. As a race track owner you deal with everyone from corporate sponsors to fans to drivers. You need to operate under pressure and be able to think on your feet. These attributes are certainly helpful with the operation of a basketball team.
Ryan has never been afraid to tackle tough questions and in fact puts himself in the spot light more than the ordinary track owner. He also is a co-host on a radio show, 'In The Pits', every Friday morning on WJAB in Portland, Maine. He and the other host, John Williams, talk racing with guests and callers for an hour each week. He can often be found at the grandstand exit gate after each race, thanking the fans as they leave.
He has been a target of many on internet message boards, and even owns a blog that he has been active on, interacting with fans and teammembers alike. No matter where you stand on his opinions of the sport, he is not afraid to give his opinion and stand by his convictions.He recently became an owner of a professional basketball team (the Red Claws) in Portland, Maine too, as if owning a race track wasn't enough to keep him busy.
We caught up with Bill as he was making final preparations for his season opening weekend at OPS. We asked him ten questions about him & his track, as part of our new Q&A feature. Here's what he had to say:
1. The economy is still struggling, how does this most affect Oxford Plains Speedway?
I actually think that the economy will help us this year. When times are tough people are looking for affordable family entertainment. We are well placed to compete with other entertainment options. Our tickets are inexpensive and we provide a good "bang for the buck." I think some people will be reluctant to spend for high dollar sporting events and instead they will come to places like OPS.
2. What are some of the changes have you taken to address this issue at your track?
We are emphasizing affordability and value. We also intend to provide more entertainment value off the track. Fans should look for more "fun" at the Speedway this year. We have always provided great racing, now we are providing additional entertainment around the racing. The goal is always to have folks walk out of our events with a smile on their face.
3. It has been a few seasons since your decision to cut the pro stock division from your program at OPS. Have you achieved the results you were expecting from this decision?
Absolutely. I would point to the huge car counts we have been able to maintain at the TD Banknorth 250, the spread of standardized Late Models across northern New England and now the ACT Invitational on Cup weekend at NHMS in September.We have also seen former Pro Stock drivers decide to convert over to Late Models. Guys like Tim Brackett and Al Hammond intend to compete in Late Models this year. They are a great part of the history of the track.There was certainly an enormous amount of emotion around the change. I think the emotion has finally worn off and now we are dealing with the facts about these cars. The facts show us that running Late Models as our premier division is more affordable for our drivers and gives us a better chance to succeed for in the future.
4. What has been the feedback you have had from other track owners in this region on that change?
I think more and more track owners are convinced that Late Models are where we need to go. We are seeing more cooperation from track owners that may have been die hard "Pro Stock" guys in the past. I think we all have the same goals, namely cars that put on great racing and can compete at a variety of tracks across New England.
5. How have the car counts been since making late models the premiere division at OPS?
The car counts have been good, particularly for the 250. That was always my biggest concern. I just could not understand where we were going to be able to find 80 or 90 Pro Stocks as time went on. Too many tracks had eliminated the division before we did and costs were out of control.
6. What are your thoughts on the upcoming late model race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway?
It is unbelievable the enthusiasm that the race has created in the Late Model division. I think Tom Curley and ACT have given short track racers a chance to show case their talents on New England's biggest stage. Who knows what Cup owner will see a talented racer and maybe take a chance on him because of this race?
7. How would you describe the 'state of short track racing' in the northeast region right now?
We have had a few years in a row were the weather has been absolutely devastating. We have not had to cancel a lot of races, but we have had so many races that have been hurt by rain. Short track fans are reluctant to come out if they think it is going to rain. They have too many other entertainment options. It has uniformly hurt the tracks here in Maine and in the Northeast.I think the rise of the Late Model has been absolutely key in keeping the enthusiasm up in the region. The ACT Invitational has been an integral part of this.We need to keep emphasizing the entertainment value we provide. We compete with so much these days that promoters 20 years ago could not even imagine. We need to be unafraid to keep innovating. We can't fall into the "It has always been done this way so let's keep doing it this way mentality." If we are not constantly moving forward with new ideas, we will fall behind.
8. What do you think could be done to most help grow the sport locally at this time?
We all need to be unafraid of change. Promoters should not be scared to be skewered on the message boards. Honestly, and comically, the promoters that seem to be the darlings of the message boards and the racing "press" are the ones that are hemorrhaging money and struggling to survive. We all need to do what it takes to bring the sport to the next level. If that means eliminating divisions, you need to eliminate divisions. Just because you did it last year does not mean it will work next year.We are constantly promoting Oxford Plains Speedway. A track owner needs to be on sports radio talking racing, needs to be in the newspaper, needs to be on television. We all need to know the important people in our local press and make sure they know what we are doing.We need to approach racing in the same way that other minor league sports approach their events. You need to provide great entertainment that is accessible to a wide audience. If you are chasing only hard core race fans it is going to be hard to succeed. We have something to offer anyone out for a night of entertainment and have to emphasize this.
9. You recently became an owner of a professional basketball team. Are there any similarities you have found between the two sports?
That is an interesting question. Obviously both businesses are centered around selling tickets and corporate sponsorships. But there are some dramatic differences. Basketball is a more universally known game. I would say literally everyone in Maine knows what basketball is and how it is played. So there is less teaching that needs to go on to potential fans and sponsors.The other difference is that everyone in the building next year will be rooting for the Red Claws. That is different than racing where there are people rooting for 100 different drivers! In racing, the promoter is sometimes the "bad guy" because he or she has a role in refereeing the sport and enforcing the rules. On the basketball side, an owner is universally seen as the "good guy." That is an unfamiliar feeling! It has been great to work with the people at the NBA. They are an innovative group and have already given me ideas about how to improve the racing business. I think there will be a nice cross-pollination between the two enterprises.
10. What attributes of owning a racetrack can you say most apply to the success of owning a professional sports team?
You need to be able to deal with a wide range of people and circumstances. As a race track owner you deal with everyone from corporate sponsors to fans to drivers. You need to operate under pressure and be able to think on your feet. These attributes are certainly helpful with the operation of a basketball team.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
