7/24/2024
Fairmont Raceway
PURSE UPDATED FOR FINAL FOUR 2024 RACES
It is not a hidden secret that dirt track racing is in a unique position right now. Just log onto any social media platform and you will see discussions on why car counts are down. There are many factors that may be leading to decreased interest in local weekly racing. In the end the facts remain that car counts are low at most area tracks and there seems to be no immediate solutions for this.
When G4 Promotions acquired the lease for the Fairmont Raceway they knew it was not going to be an easy task to revitalize the facility. You can find a clean and efficient concession stand, improved lighting on the racetrack and under the grandstands. These improvements don't come for free. An average of $45,000.00 per year has been invested into the facility for the last 3 seasons. These funds come from gracious sponsors. Track staff is hopeful that track sponsors will continue to support the efforts to update the Raceway facility.
Like many small businesses it is hard to forecast future profits. It is hard to know who will support you and who will alienate you. With much of the annual sponsorship money tied up in repairs, it leaves the racetrack vulnerable to failure. There is no extra money to cover labor expenses, utility costs and the purse. Track management estimates a $4,500.00 loss per night of racing for 2024.
The purse for Fairmont raceway was built around a 15 car average per class and 500 paid adults in the grandstands. With out being able to achieve that average they have depleted any extra funds available to continue with the planned 2024 purse. There was hope the the XR super Lates and USMTS shows would give an above average draw to maintain the purse for the 2024 season.
The updated purse will be used for the remaining races in 2024. The Dwaine Hanson memorial purse for modifieds will remain as it has been advertised. In the early summer races of 2025 the track officials state they will re evaluate spectators and car counts to see if we are in a position to return to our normal payouts.
Track Staff wants you to know this decision did not come easy. They appreciate each and every spectator and Driver/crew member that attends the Fairmont Raceway. They plan to continue to work hard to keep dirt track racing alive in Fairmont. A schedule very similar to this year has been laid out for 2025. They will be on Friday nights for most of their shows.
Submitted By: Zachariah Gerhardt