California Dirt Tracks: A Conundrum | Dinner with Racers S4 Ep. 5 | MotorTrend & Continental Tire

Two years after the COVID shutdown, the California model of fairground-based dirt tracks continues to struggle with a dynamic series of challenges. From fights with county fair boards, to even larger existential threats, the future of the sport is as complicated as the sport itself.

#motortrend #dinnerwithracers #dirtracing

MotorTrend is the ultimate streaming destination for gearheads coupled with the latest automotive research and news.

Start your MotorTrend Streaming Free Trial today!

Follow MotorTrend for the latest!

MotorTrend preferred music partner: PrimalHouse Music.

[waynewilliams]

I've worked for Don K at the Perris auto speedway for 28 years, best boss in the world. Support your local dirt track. And thanks for your work.

[TommyG]

Also, thanks to Continental Tire, Motor Trend, and anyone else who supports this show and allows the guys to tell these stories.

[johnberger]

This topic is talked about every day on sports radio in Columbus, Ohio. I went to Columbus Crew last night and with free tickets and parking, I still spent $22 for just food last night. A lot of Continental Tire signs everywhere. Thank you, Continental! My wife and I have the means to pay for sporting events, but I feel for the families saving up all year for one event. I grow up in that type of household. Streaming is in the future, whether we like it or not. Racing needs one streaming service, but the current model right now isn't sustainable. I 100% understand each side of the argument.

[vinceyoung]

I grew up in Gardena and Ascot was a magical place

[EricPribula]

I really feel for these guys. It’s not an easy job to begin with but going against the state and dealing with their shenanigans is terrible. Thanks for bringing this to the masses Ryan and Sean, and thanks to Continental for sponsoring it.

[smaggies]

Great thanks for your video, for many years have travel up and down California, Oregon, Washington and Arizona with many great racers and friends and family. Sadly time is changing our Race Track, as exempt, Drag Strips over many year are disappearing. Our local SM Speedway, been closed for a few years and are attempting to restart. The Late Model Classes are moving out of many Speedways. Great history of California we need to keep and :) along with nice Food and a Cold :)

[safetysandals]

Good reminder that I need to go back to the local drag strip. Went with my dad and a couple of his buddies when I was a kid, and just haven't made it back.

[stevenblakesley]

Great look at our sport in California and the challenges. Thanks for doing this

[stevemoore]

I have a couple disagreements with the promotors. I don't think streaming is what is hurting attendance. I'm at every single race I can afford to go to for Ventura. Most of the time the on track product is terrible. Low car counts and the track has been cut too narrow and flat for years, hence the low car counts. It costs $10 to park (which is not their fault) and gas is $5 a gal. I live 20 minutes away so a Saturday is $10 to park, $20 to get in, $15 in gas, $15 in food and it's $60 minimum. I don't want to go snowboarding or surfing lol. The happiest place on earth for me is the top row on the turn 4 grandstand at Ventura. The track and the happiest moments of my life wouldn't exist if Jim Naylor didnt do what he has for the past 40 years but frankly a lot of it's decline is due to less than optimal decisions made in the past few years.

[bobroberts]

The number one question is " What party did any of these people vote for in the last, say 20 years of elections ? "

[rayisland]

California politics SUCKS, thank God we race in Pennsylvania

[rows]

continental. acura. chicken sandwich. there's your comment, you're welcome.