Comments

1. Its sad to say but theres not a whole we can do but tell them how we feel....and there r good memories or we wouldnt continue to go back,just because there are a few idiots,there are still a select few that make it worth going to see,but its frustrating when those select few have to endure the garbage from some who are there for the wrong reasons....and apparently those select few who are there to have fun and race and put on an exciting show for whats left of the fans wasnt enough,because we have lost a huge fan base as well as cars,those bleachers would be packed with people,so much so they would open the gate by the woods and let the people sit in the grassy area over there,and the cars...wow,there were 20+sportsman,so many trophy stock they had to 4 different races for all them to get in their heat,pursuit and feature and our fig8 there was 10 or more,some saturdays you wouldnt get outta there till after midnight or later,it was an action packed night with so much racing it would make your head spin!the past few years things have gone down so dramatically its awful,we dont wanna see that place go down but those people cant possibly be making any kind of profit!and if your not making it then what reason would they possibly have to continue to open that place every weekend?i know this is all still pretty negative but it is what it is!i mean concession is great with reasonable prices and a good selection,theres nothing good to be said about the restrooms,and the security around there does make you feel safe compared to back in the day when it was just their staff who watched the bleachers,there are a few positives but when the negatives outweigh those,its time to be heard on those issues.what do you suggest?i really think the only way is for us to speak up and be heard...

   racerchick on Thursday, 12 June 2008, 08:52 EDT # |

2. Josh, I'm very proud to say that I race in the Figure 8 at Painesville Speedway.  I grew up there, watched my heroes race, and eventually became a competitor.  Its been 13 long years now since I first made my first cross thru the X.  It was the ultimate adrenaline rush that you could EVER imagine. 

   During the next few years I took my share of pounding, but it made me into the racer that I am today.  I've had the opportunities to race with the guys that I rooted for.  The likes of Joe March, Dale March, the Marvin Brothers, Herb Reynolds, Augie 'The Dog' Landsmann, the Hibbard Brothers, Robert Raab, Tim Pierce, and the list goes on.  I'm proud to have my name even mentioned with these drivers when it comes to Figure 8 racing. 

   There really isn't much that I haven't seen at that little bullring.  I've raced at all of the other tracks in numberous cars, but now I've got a family, and I believe that my traveling days are behind me.  Now I'm back at the track that I grew up at, that I cut my teeth racing at, and the only place that I want to race at. 

   Last week I acted out in a situation that had been brewing for quite sometime.  I'm not proud of what I did, but I do take full responsibility for my actions.  Everyone has their 'saturation point', and I reached mine.  My actions were a product of what has been building up for a long time.  The individual new how to push my buttons, and succeeded. 

   I apologize to any that spectators that may have been startled by the incident, and to my loyal fans that are there for me every week.  Apparently, I am to be suspended for my actions, which once again I fully accept.  The outpouring of support has been unbelievable by my friends, fans and competitors alike.  Thank you.

   So, there you have it.  If you really want to know how to help, contact the track and tell them whats on your mind.  Whether you are for me or against, just call or write.  I'm quite certain that we have their attention in this matter.  Now is the time to speak up if you want to be heard.  Painesville Speedway needs the fans support... Now more than ever.

    Chad T, #47   

    

    

   Chad Tekavic on Thursday, 12 June 2008, 16:14 EDT # |

3. Chad I applaud you for takign responsibility for your actions.  That is more than most people out there will do.  If you need any help getting a new tank together let me know.  Im off at night and have access to plenty of lettering supplies to help you get back to the track lopoking good.  if you need any help please let me know.

    

   Josh McDaniel on Thursday, 12 June 2008, 19:38 EDT # |

4. We do have a lot of found memories from watching and/or racing in the past.  However the past is no longer valid and the track and fans and drivers need to figure out a way to forge ahead.  Me personally i would rather pay more and go to a facility where they have a "big show" however i have made it out to Painesville once or twice this year and probably will not go back until towards the end of the year.  Chad, very nice statement there..i do believe you are one of the reasons why the few fans that are still there come and watch the racing!  I remember i used to go back in the pits with George Papp and hang out by yours and Scott's cars and watch the incredible racing.  Some of the names you  mentioned really made the figure 8 very exciting and some really exciting hits too!  Remember "the Cowboy" Ron ( i dont know how to spell his last name)  I remember one time he completely flipped over on his roof and the next weekend he was back racing with a flat roof!  What  a night that was!  Oh and i remember the 100+ car demolition derby they had, that was awesome!  Anyways good luck to all the drivers and really hope that the speedway will try and do something to update the track..i really think if you update the track more people will come!!  That is my two cents worth!

   Tyler on Friday, 13 June 2008, 13:50 EDT # |

5. chad very nice comment u r one of the best 8 drivers  and yes u and  just a few others  are the only reason i am still going there  i have fond memories there very fond ones we have seen people  get married there and all we all need to let the owners know   some changes need to be made and   certain drivers  need to be black flagged when they never are just the good guys seem to get it  they turn a blind eye   to some  and i do not blame u i think alot of us fans   saw that comming  and he deserved every bit of it maybe now he will lay off u

   racinfan on Thursday, 19 June 2008, 13:16 EDT # |