Bloomington Speedway – Keeping You In The Loop
November 22, 2017
Although the last race was nearly a month ago, it has been busy around the Speedway. To begin with, I was recently hired to be the track’s General Manager and have been in this position since the end of September. There remains a lot to learn and do, as we have a busy off season ahead.
Ongoing activities at the track include refilling the track surface in the turns to reduce the dip in the groove and make a more consistent surface from the bottom to the top. Other important tasks include deep cleaning and winterization of the concession stands, restrooms and associated equipment and services. We will also be working on the grader, tractor, trucks and other track equipment, in addition to the staff golf carts and 4-wheelers to have them ready to go in the spring.
One area that I have been focusing on is organization. I am pleased to let you know that Henry Bryant has been designated the Facilities Manager and will continue to have significant responsibilities. I am meeting with the staff in groups and individually over the winter to review how we have been doing things and to discuss opportunities to do them better as we look to the 2018 racing season.
There were a couple of areas where the Speedway was not been able to accomplish what we ideally would have liked. As most already know, we are not having an end-of-the-year banquet or awards ceremony, and we are not paying point money to the competitors this year. To acknowledge their accomplishments, we will be hosting a dinner for each of the division champions and including the top-5 in points at these dinners. I am already developing plans for the 2018 season, with the goal of having a larger celebration and paying a point fund at year’s end.
I would like to receive your comments, suggestions, inputs, recommendations and criticisms. You will reach me via email at bloomingtonspeed@bluemarble.net, phone at 812-824-7400, website at www.bloomingtonspeedway.com, and of course our Facebook page.
During the past months, I have confirmed to myself that nearly everyone who comes together at this legendary facility on Friday nights, or works at the track during the week, is passionate about the Speedway and about racing. I am looking forward to working closely with everyone as we go racing.
Lastly, I wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday as you enjoy your celebrations.
Mike O’Leary
- Mike O'Leary on Nov 22, 2017
- Article Date: 11/22/2017