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By Late Model Mark
PINSON, Ala. (February 15) - A new column with a Southern flavor, with a familiar style. Late Model Mark here from the hills of central Alabama. The "Red Clay Report" will focus mainly on my first time visits to all of the dirt tracks here in "Bama." Latemodelracer.com has given me a forum to share these tracks with you. Last August I had the chance to go to Green Valley Speedway for a weekly show, I had a great time. This track peaked my interest from the start. For Red Clay Report number 1, I will feature track owner and promoter Dennis Harker. Some questions and then my take on the track.
LATEMODELMARK: When did you buy the track and what kind of shape was it in?
DENNIS HARKER: I bought the track and the land in June of 2006. The property is 112 acres but I also purchased 90 more acres. The track was in poor shape as well.
LMM: What kind of upgrades and renovations have you done since the purchase of the track?
DH: $700,000 dollars worth of improvements so far. New walls and fencing, new restrooms, and in turns 1 and 2, 9 new skyboxes. Modern lighting, trackside parking and transponder scoring. A covered tech area and a onsite fuel station.
LMM: I came for a race in August of 2007, I was impressed by the track and show. Is your program where you want it.
DH: Not yet, last year we had to many classes running weekly. The main complaint of the fans, long programs. 9 divisions is too much. We will only run a maximun of 6 divisions.
LMM: For 2008, you made a major change to the track, why?
DH: We wanted to make it better for the fans and drivers. One day while reading my mail from a skybox, I could see the rubber strip the cars had laid down and it looked like a big circle. We moved the track in from the backstraight, put all the lights to the outside for more visibility for the fans. More of a paper clip with high banking.
LMM: You now feature the Nesmith Crate Dirt Late Model Series as your weekly headliner, Is this the future of Dirt Late Model Racing?
DH: Yes, I think so, at least for the weekly show. We have some competition from other tracks for the drivers. I feel confident because we pay $650 for the weekly crates, I believe that is the best payout in the state.
LMM: Any chance for a WoO, Lucas Oil, or Southern All Star show at GVS?
DH: I am on the list for a Lucas show in 2009.
LMM: The "Bama Bash" is a huge, multi division, high dollar show. What is the total purse?
DH: $90,000. We are expecting 200 to 300 drivers for this 4 day race. Shane Clanton, Clint Smith, Dale McDowell, Ronnie Johnson, Ray Cook and maybe Bloomquist are some names we expect.
LMM: What will be your measuring stick for a good year at GVS?
DH: If I get the fans out of the track by 10:30pm. and I make 1 dollar, I'll be happy.
Track Facts; 3/8 mile, 24 Degree banking, 90ft. wide straights and 100 ft. wide turns. On site fuel station, covered tech and scale building. lighted pits.
My Take: Dennis Harker is a man of his word. When he says it, he does it. More promoters should be like him. He does not need to have a track, but he loves the sport. He has taken a tired track and done wonders. He has a 5 year plan, I think it will work for him. The 08 schedule at GVS is very bold in the amount of high-dollar shows. Even a Monday show for Ray Cook. Entry fee and spectator tickets are very reasonable. Check this out folks, if a show goes past 11:15pm. and you are still there, 5 bucks off next weekends race. Large dollar Crate, Southern Regional Racing Series and The Bama Bash, this place will have many great shows.
Dennis Harker is a guy who has a vision for his track with solid ideas and a very sharp business mind. This track, only 59 miles from my house will be a frequent destination for me. This track is worth the praise. I can't wait to go to my first race in 08 at Green Valley Speedway! This is some Late Model heaven down here in Alabama. I highly suggest a visit to this track.
Late Model Marks says, "Green Valley is a must see."
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