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First up to bat was discussion of next year's racetrack plans. The
track is subject to regulation by the council because it falls under
special-use zoning at the fairgrounds. The days and hours must be
approved.
Lincoln Speedway owners Norm Horn and Don Hammer came before the
council, saying that they would like to get a schedule ironed out
well in advance of next year's season. The season would begin the
first of April and end in September, Hammer said. They would like to
have a schedule out by February.
The new partner, Hammer, did most of the talking. He said that
they would like to know if they could have the option of choosing
between Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The day would be the same all
season, with maybe some exceptions if there were an event conflict
at the fairgrounds.
Hammer said that they are considering Sunday nights as their
regular night again. There is a track that is closing, leaving an
opening for Sunday evenings. There isn't anyone else in the state
with races on Sunday nights, he said.
He said that they would also be asking to sell alcohol again this
year. At Farmer City they have a section where people who don't want
to be around alcohol can sit, and it works very well for everybody.
The racetrack owners would also like a little flexibility should
there be an event that wants to schedule the fairgrounds and is in
conflict with the races, such as a cattle show that would pay $1,500
for their event at the grounds. The cattle get all upset when the
cars race, Horn said. If the races were regularly set for Saturday,
they might move to Sunday. It would still be just one day each
weekend.
They would also like to schedule one or two weekday events. This
would allow them to bring in a large special show -- for example,
the World of Outlaws, Hammer said. These would be scheduled to take
place after school was out for the year.
A big show would bring 3,000 to 4,000 people into town, Hammer
said.
In keeping with the current practice, rainouts of regular weekly
events would not be rescheduled. There would just be no races that
week. However, they would want to reschedule if one of the one or
two big shows they would like to schedule was rained out.
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 The first year the track was in operation, races took place on
Sunday evenings. The summer of 2004 was hot, and races had frequent
delayed starts for heat or storms. Neighbors complained that races
in the 2004 season ran too late, especially for people getting up
for work the next morning.
In addition to the lateness, area residents also complained about
the noise. It was said before this year's season began that the new
track owners were not strict about enforcing mufflers; they did not
want to send racers home, some who had traveled long distances.
Those issues were addressed by the track operators this year, and
there was a big response from the community, saying that it was
quieter and the races ended earlier.
Prior to the 2005 season a different owner-operator came before
the council and received permission to change nights from Sunday to
Saturday. They were also granted permission to sell beer.
That owner was not able to follow through on the purchase, and in
July, Hammer joined Horn and took over the season.
Hammer brought with him the experience of operating the Farmer
City racetrack. Alderman Daron Whittaker said that he has been to
the races there, and "Farmer City runs smooth and timely."
"Donnie made Farmer City work," Horn said, "and he has a good
following." When this year's season started they had 74 cars. That
improved at his hand to 137 cars and a crowd of 200-300 in
attendance.
Aldermen praised the men for coming up early to discuss the
matter.
Alderman Wanda Lee Rohlfs proposed getting public input. Alderman
Verl Prather said, "I think you're not going to have a choice.
They're going to be here."
A committee meeting has been set to discuss the issue on Oct. 10
at 6 p.m. in City Hall chambers.
[Jan
Youngquist] Other matters that were discussed will be
presented in future LDN editions:
-
It's leaf-burning
time
Possible new policies
-
Vandalism and other
youth issues plague downtown
-
Animal control
contract revisited
-
Owner of old Mill
restaurant wants out of liability
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