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Who am I?

Hi, I'm Mark Allen. Gordon and Betty Allen's son (former owners 1988-2004 I first came to Painesville Speedway in 1979. I helped dad with his #90 Figure Eight car 1979-1986. I drove #44 in the Figure Eight division 1984-1986. I also ran some Wednesday night events at Cloverleaf in 1983. Starting in 1988 for seventeen years, it seems like 24/7 that I was at the speedway. I was so called promoter, served as pit steward for 5 1/2 year period, and concessions manager in the later years. I knew how to use a weed whacker, replace seating boards, scrub toilets in the men's room during and after the races, pick up trash early Sunday morning, and did I mention flip burgers?

My mission statement is...Racing is NOT dead, it might be dormant, but Painesville Speedway can awaken !

My goal is to see PS succeed...NOT fail. I want to see future generations of drivers and fans have a local Saturday night family destination.

I do not HATE Jimmy, I have compassion for him, for his duties are thankless tasks, but that goes with the job description. He was instrumental in the change of ownership in 2005. Down deep he can be a decent person. I've known him many years, back when he was a competitive, passionate driver. As for the new owners, they seem to be nice people, Mr. and Mrs. Bateman have always been friendly and pleasant to me. I wish that Jason and I had been on better terms. I would have liked to work with him.

I pray that they read these blogs, and put any good suggestions into play. The racing community is at your service.

wheels
Thursday 17th July 2008, 8:49am
Painesville Speedway's heart has not stopped beating. I do not believe that anyone has signed the DNR papers (Do not resuscitate). I do know that the racing community is alive and well, and waiting patiently for things to turn around. It has been nearly four seasons since major changes occurred at our home track. Sometimes change is good, if things are thought out and brought into play gradually. However, change was wholesale and immediate. The racing community was thrown into a state of shock! Basically people don't like change. Racers and fans were comfortable with the racing program that slowly evolved starting in the late eighties. Families had a Saturday night destination. Granted the economy has made all of us suffer, but the parking lot, spectator stands, and a pit area full of race cars, can still be a reality. At this point, wholesale changes must occur once again. The clock should be set back to an earlier time. Pick any year in the 90's through 2004. Get out the rule book used back then. Roll back admission prices and pit fees to family friendly pricing. Painesville speedway was a viable business, and could be once again. Everything must be re-evaluated. Not only should the racing program be restored to a sensible time, but all other aspects of the business should be reaccessed. Promotions, Sponsership, and Concessions are all part of the speedways's success. I believe Painesville Speedway could be revived. One thing I've noticed is the most ridiculous policy ever implemented, the restriction of bringing food to the speedway. I know first hand how stupid this policy is. Families with a bunch of kids need the freedom to brown bag. Everyone is on a budget. The concessions did not suffer. Many a Big Mama were sold. The concessions had to offer something the fans wanted, and sales boomed. I am thankful for this forum to vent. The right people didn't want to listen to suggestions and reason. In 2005 new descisions were made, but the question is... why fix something that was not broken? Choices were made to follow the advice of their race director. Unfortunately he doesn't know much, and even less about racing. Mark Allen