Lowe's Motor Speedway removing seats for high-end camping
By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Monday, January 26, 2009
Joe Gibbs Racing's Kyle Busch leads the field during the 2008 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
Streeter Lecka
Getty Images
CONCORD, N.C. – Lowe’s Motor Speedway is taking out some seats in turns 1 and 2 to make room for about 20 luxury motorhome spots.
A few thousand seats will be removed, according to speedway President Marcus Smith.
In its 2008 annual report, the track reported that it had approximately 162,000 seats, including suites.
“We had a lot of demand for high-end camping from fans and sponsors and people who love to camp,” Smith said. “We haven’t seen any fall-off with camping, even with high gas prices [last summer]. We’re very appreciative of our camping fans.
“We want to give them what they want, and they are asking for more amenities. At some of these high-end RV and motorcoach areas, you have got big stone fireplaces and just amazing amenities.”
Those who purchase a spot will be able to look over the track between Turns 1 and 2.
“We had to carve out a few seats, and they’re actually our worst seats in terms of quality seating in the first turn,” Smith said. “We took those out and we’re flattening the ground and we’re going to come back with a very nice-end camping area.”
Texas Motor Speedway, another track under the Speedway Motorsports Inc. banner, recently began work on a similar project.
“What we’re doing there in Texas will produce more income [and] the same here,” SMI Chairman Bruton Smith said of the Charlotte changes.
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17 responses to "Lowe's Motor Speedway removing seats for high-end camping ". Post a Comment.
Michael Daly said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 12:32 PMCome of it, Marcus, you're taking those seats out because you can't sell them anymore.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportPat Draper said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 2:21 PMI agree its probably because they don't sell good but it also makes sence to make more area for camping but not just for the RV but they should be for all camping. tents and all other forms. I guess we will just have to wait and see how it goes this year.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSteve Davis said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 3:05 PMBetter camping facilities for you and I? Are you kidding? Wake up! Did you read the term "High-end"? This is the equivalent to the "high stakes" poker room at casinos. You wont ever see one of those sites unless you are willing to fork out $10000 PLUS for the weekend. These are for high dollar sponsors and exclusive fans who spend freely but don't want to rub elbows with the rowdy tent-campers or several-years-old motor home crowd.
Report as AbuseEven if they sold poorly, they aren't going to give up "a few thousand" seats unless they can make more money off the "high rollers". A few thousand seats at minimum pricing is at least $180,000 (3000 seats at $60 minimum/seat, and that isn't counting the Saturday race). $180,000 divided by 20 motor home spots comes out to $9,000 per motorhome site. That doesn't take into consideration the cost of demolition and construction. They've got to offer some real amenities to the high enders to offset that kind of money. Are you getting the picture yet, Joe Six Pack? NASCAR and LOWES SPEEDWAY doesn't want you!! The average fan has been sold out again.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBernadette Motherway said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 3:42 PM"Purchase a spot"? NASCAR is catering to the rich with $1M motor coaches (not motorhomes). Isn't a suite good enough? To reiterate what Steve has said, the average Joe Shmo is SOL.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportJames Curci said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 4:10 PMDaytona ought to do this on 'The Superstretch', backstretch.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportJerry Thompson said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 4:34 PMI think Daytona has a setup around Lake Loyd
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» Confirm Abuse ReportWerner Boehmert said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 4:49 PMi have to sit in my little space in the stands and these hi-enders don't even have to leave their motorhomes?...i'll admit thay are doing things for the fans...but not at my level...
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» Confirm Abuse ReportKIM HOLLAND said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 4:57 PMThey did it at Atlanta. They removed all the seats on the backstretch and created the Trackside Terrace. There are 61 spaces with full hook up (and security). The cost is $7,000/year and includes 10 admission tickets..WAAAY to $$$ if ya ask me...(I'll keep my $350.00 infield apot) :)
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» Confirm Abuse ReportLee Pflug said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 5:54 PMAs a fulltime RV'er I have a few words for Burton Smith: No way in h*ll will I spend that amount of money to see the type of racing NASCAR is putting on. I understand your position, you can't sell the seats,so, put in a flat spot to park an RV so they can get closer to their upstairs suites. This isn't what got NASCAR started and it won't keep it going.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBernadette Motherway said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 8:03 PMI don't know why I keep checking the comments on this article. The whole idea of this makes me furious!
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» Confirm Abuse ReportArt Sheeler said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 9:55 PMIt isn't too good to see the little guy being pushed out and the People with deep pockets getting more and more. They seem to be fogetting who payed for the tickets in the early days.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportScott Baker said:
Jan 26, 2009 at 10:36 PMI wonder how many of those that have commented have even been to a Lowes Srint Cup race. I'll be there in October ready for another great race and race weekend in a great town. So what if they redesign the seats a little, at 160,000+ they have plenty of options. If you were in business and had the opportunity to increase your revenues, you would do the same thing. If they take away all the seats, I don't go. Somehow I don't think that will happen. They obviously feel there is a demand for this or they wouldn't be doing it.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportEric Ward said:
Jan 27, 2009 at 9:09 AMBelieve it or not there are a lot of "high end" people out there that will buy these spaces. Its a great idea. NASCAR isn't just for Joe Six Pack. I've sat next to numerous drunk Joe Six Pack's over the years and have gradually had to pay for better seats to have a more enjoyable time at the race track.
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» Confirm Abuse Reportteresa beachler said:
Jan 27, 2009 at 9:24 AMIts funny to read all these stupid commentsfrom some of you. Lowes has more seat than they know wht to do with. They could takeout 50,000 seats and they still wouldnt sellout so why are you makin such a big deal over a few seats? And to Bernadette you sound alittle jealous of people who work hard and have money.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportBernadette Motherway said:
Jan 27, 2009 at 10:59 AMThat's just what it is Teresa, "sounds a little". You don't know me and you don't know what my work ethic and financial status is, so lay off.
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSarah Oxfurth said:
Jan 30, 2009 at 12:13 PMTeresa, dang, can you do anything other than insult people? Stupid comments? The only thing I've seen you do is defend Howard Englishman (and insulting people in the process), and insult people. What makes you so special, hmmmmm?
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» Confirm Abuse ReportSarah Oxfurth said:
Jan 30, 2009 at 12:14 PMOh and as for the article-I assume they're not selling out and are hoping this will boost their profits. I suppose it's a business and if that does indeed boost profits, then it was a good decision. I would hate to see them do something like this at a track that's selling out consistently though.
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