Press Release
7/12/15
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"The Grandstand IS Coming Down"
New York State Fairgrounds Likely to Host Final Race
Two short editorial viewpoints about the recent news and on-going talk surrounding the historic New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY and the future of Motorsports at the facility
NEW YORK ABOUT TO ERASE LIVING HISTORY
By Matthew Dillner / Lost Speedways
"The Grandstand IS coming down after this year's Fair".
Fateful words spoken by New York State Fair Director Troy Waffner. Words that cut deep in the racing community. Real deep.
The Grandstand is coming down. That is fact. What isn't clear is the future of racing. The writing is on the wall with plans to redevelop the grandstand area that appear to not include racing. There is still a group of passionate people fighting to make sure this track doesn't disappear. The group has made a lot of noise since the redevelopment news first broke. Unfortunately, it may be a losing fight.
Originating as a horse track in 1880 the New York State Fairgrounds is one of the oldest racing facilities in America. While it's on record as one of the oldest State Fairs in America, Auto Racing at the famed "Moody Mile" has taken place since 1909 and has been a mainstay. Now, a part of the fairgrounds great history is being erased by re-development plans. While developers and politicians see this is as progress, many with a passion for the sport of Auto Racing and simply for history see this as the death of a upstate New York great tradition.
The historic covered grandstands in Syracuse, NY have seen some legendary drivers pass by on the hardened clay surface. NASCAR made a few appearances at the famed Moody Mile in the 1950's with winners like Tim Flock, NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker and Curtis Turner. USAC Champ Cars had a glorious seven-year run at the Fair with legendary winners like Tony Bettenhausen and Rodger Ward. Memories of drivers like Buzzie Reutimman, Brett Hearn, Alan Johnson, Billy Decker are as stained in the minds of Super Dirt Week fans as the clay stained on the walls of the 1-mile oval. Who can forget Gary Balough's dominance in the famed Batmobile 112. The high-horsepower Dirt Modifieds became the main show at the Fairgrounds oval and have been the mainstay for over 40-years.
Super Dirt Week has been covered by national media outlets for years from the TNN days to just last year by MAVTV Television Network. It appears the 44th Annual version will likely be the last at the famed Fairgrounds and the historic grandstand that is iconic to the Fair and the dirt racing community will fall victim to the wrecking ball.
Officials behind the project say that the renovations will be a benefit to the Fair and its future. They cite that the grandstands only accounts for 4% of its unique visitors. Even if the focus groups, surveys and studies have accurate numbers, it would have been nice to see them make a plan that would accommodate facility improvements without ending a rich history of Motorsport and preserving the historic Grandstand. Why not have both? Though it sounds simple and like a common sense solution, politicians and developers often see one color... green.
My advise is to make your voice and displeasure heard. Why? Not to Save the Moody Mile because its fate is pretty much sealed. The real reason is to show that a part of the alleged 4% is a passionate fan and valuable fan base. We need to make people realize that history should be celebrated and embraced instead of erased.
The End of an Era
By: John Douglas Jr
According to New York State Fair Director Troy Waffner, "The grandstand IS coming down after this year's fair." This statement came while doing a television interview with Syracuse's WSYR, the area's local ABC affiliate. After a long campaign by fans,drivers, promoters and others in the racing community to '#SaveTheMoodyMile', things are looking grim.
The racing community gathered in force to voice their opinion during a public hearing held last March. A strong opinion that showed over $10 million per year of economic impact in the local area, generational ties to the facility and grounds, and uniqueness that separates our New York State Fairgrounds from any other fair in the country.
It's also worth noting that for the past handful of years, the "Great" New York State Fair has been the No. 1 fair in the entire country. Why? Because the very argument made by fair developers of creating a unique place for people to come and experience what New York offers, was indeed already in place with the one mile oval and entertainment at the traditional grandstand site.
On a personal note, I can say that this year's Super DIRT Week will be truly special for me. I hope everyone who attends takes the time to reflect on the history created within those walls and on that ridiculously hard clay. Legends were made and normal men became heroes. I urge every fan, driver or just general fans of any type of motorsport to come experience what I believe to be the end of an important era in motorsports history.
MORE LINKS FROM LOST SPEEDWAYS
ON THE FAIRGROUNDS AND SUPER DIRT WEEK
Super Dirt Week web site click here
Mahoney Sees New Heart of the NYS Fair: Farewell to the Moody Mile click here
News Story: A Major Makeover of the State Fairgrounds is Already Under Way click here
Huge Turnout at Public Hearing click here
"The Moody Mile" has a rich history of Motorsports that will be relegated to history books soon. (Onondaga Historical Association Photo)
Dave Dalesandro Photo / Coastal181.com
According to the Fair Director, the Grandstand will come down after this year's fair. (Syracuse.com Photo)
Early 1900's racing action at the Fair. (Ralph Finney Pub)
