Racing’s ever-present ‘X Factor’: The Weather
other words, the success of our events may hinge on having a workable ‘Plan B’ should inclement or severe weather intervene.
Knocking on that proverbial wood, and due to thorough preparation and some good ol’ fashion luck, we haven’t been forced to postpone a race to the next day due to weather since we opened the track in September of 2006. The majority of the planning for weather challenges rests in the Operations and Track Services departments, where the two Clement boys, Tyler (Director of Operations) and Luke (Director of Track Services), look at every facet of potential weather interruptions to an event.
All weather contingencies are considered, and appropriate action according to pre-established protocol will be undertaken by our event staff. In the event of inclement weather, the number one priority on our minds is always the safety of our fans and racers.
Our outstanding public address announcers are trained to keep everyone informed about weather issues, even if it’s regarding a simple, passing rain shower. Calm, matter-of-fact delivery is key to keeping our customers and competitors as safe as possible while moving thousands of people from one area to another during a weather incident, and Iowa Speedway’s professional announcer staff is more than up to that challenge.
In the ‘off-season’, that is in months where we have no major events scheduled, it wouldn’t seem to matter what the weather did on a daily basis, but that wouldn’t be taking into consideration all the activity at the track that occurs from October to April every year. Private racing events are often scheduled in the pre- or post-season, and race team testing is much more likely in that same time frame.
Needless to say, rain, snow, ice storms and the like are the death knell for such activities in the ‘off-season’, so once again our track crews must be prepared to play the ‘weather hand’ that they are dealt, and find ways and means to keep the track in racing condition as much as is possible.
Even events inside our fabulous Newton Club, such as the annual Daytona 500 Party or the Bridal Fair, both slated for wintertime dates, can be affected by arctic weather. Ditto wintery weather for our customers wanting to purchase tickets or merchandise at our Ticket Office or Souvenir Shop.
Faced with such challenges, Tyler Clement’s seasoned Operations staff jumps into action with snow-clearing machinery and countless bags of ice-melt to make access safer and easier for everyone.
Now, when the weather is nearly ‘perfect’, everyone loves to be outdoors and our race fans would contend that there’s no better place to be outdoors when it’s sunny and balmy, or pleasantly cool in the evening, than at Iowa Speedway. But when bad weather hits, and inevitably it will at some point, those fans can rest assured that we will be prepared to deal with whatever Mother Nature dishes out, and we will make the very best of it that we can.
Still don’t have your 2013 Season Ticket, Weekend Pass, or single-event ducat? Give Jason or Taylor a call today at 1-866-RUSTY-GO (787-8946), and they’ll be delighted to help you get the very best seat at a great price.
Or, for the computer literate, simply go online at www.iowaspeedway.com and select your seats for one of five exciting weekends of racing entertainment this year.
In the meantime, here’s to a happy and healthy new year, and perfect weather for all your outdoor events.
