Flat Track Returns to OKC (18 Jun) (NAR Camping)

[LowRyter]

http://okcmile.com/ama-pro-flat-trac...o-okc-in-2016/

The City closed our Speedway 5 years ago. But we're back on the schedule at the 1 mile Horse Track. Ronnie Jones made a test run on it a few years ago and now is working for the AMA.

If you're in the area in June 18th, it looks like we'll have a race. And there's nothing like bikes on The Mile. Racing as good as it gets.

We'll have to have a Moto Guzzi NAR social event.

[Daniel Kalal]

... we're back on the schedule at the 1 mile Horse Track....

John,  I've seen the track from a distance, but never up close.  Do you know what sort of surface it is?  Not every track has the good fast clay of Springfield.

I remember Ross Downs (just down the road in Fort Worth) and that was something of a sand pit that only resulted in terrible (and very dangerous) racing--I remember Rich King pulling out.  I gather that Remington Park only survives because of the casino side of the business, horse racing having dropped way down (which is why Ross Downs is now a residential community) so perhaps they've allowed the track to be reworked in favor of two and four wheel racing.

In any case, whether its a horrible all-sand surface or terrific clay; I'll be there.

[oldbike54]

                                                                   OH HELL YES !

  Dusty

[LowRyter]

John,  I've seen the track from a distance, but never up close.  Do you know what sort of surface it is?  Not every track has the good fast clay of Springfield.

I remember Ross Downs (just down the road in Fort Worth) and that was something of a sand pit that only resulted in terrible (and very dangerous) racing--I remember Rich King pulling out.  I gather that Remington Park only survives because of the casino side of the business, horse racing having dropped way down (which is why Ross Downs is now a residential community) so perhaps they've allowed the track to be reworked in favor of two and four wheel racing.

In any case, whether its a horrible all-sand surface or terrific clay; I'll be there.

DK- I've never been to Remington Park despite living here.   Ronnie told me that the track was good to race on but he did his test about 5 years ago *.  I know he's been working on this since then.   I doubt if the track has changed.  It is 7/8 mile.  You are correct about the casino. 

If we get some interest we can do campout or perhaps arrange a meet up at a hotel.


* Wiki says the surface is Sandy Loam One Mile Oval (bermuda is 7/8 track).  Seating for 10k at the grandstand. 

[oldbike54]

 John , are you thinking Arcadia Lake ? We could do a Seaba visit .

  Dusty

[LowRyter]

Arcadia would be a good spot for a camp out.  Particularly for old fart Guzzi guys that don't get too rowdy. 

I can also scout out some hotels if we can get a group rate.

[Daniel Kalal]

Wiki says the surface is Sandy Loam One Mile Oval (bermuda is 7/8 track).

In some cases, it has been possible to remove the top layer of horse-appropriate dirt which reveals a surface better suited to tires.  But, we'll hope that the existing surface is strong enough to provide a good cushion track.

Let's also hope that the promoter gets the word out!  There have been too many one-off tracks that never are on the schedule long enough to gain a good local following--and then they're gone.

[Guzzistajohn]

Great news! I'm in!

[cruzziguzzi]

That is outstanding. I wish more milers would open around the country. More TT's too!


Todd.

[Chet Rugg]

Wish I still had my CZ. Sold before it killed me.

[LowRyter]

In some cases, it has been possible to remove the top layer of horse-appropriate dirt which reveals a surface better suited to tires.  But, we'll hope that the existing surface is strong enough to provide a good cushion track.

Let's also hope that the promoter gets the word out!  There have been too many one-off tracks that never are on the schedule long enough to gain a good local following--and then they're gone.

Went to dinner with some local riders familiar with the testing a few years ago.  I was told the track was graded deeply.  That a huge cut out, perhaps a 2-4 ft was piled on the outside edge.  Hopefully that would be taken off because it was described as a potential hazard as was passed on to one of the guys that was a  tester on an amatuer vintage bike.

[LowRyter]

John , are you thinking Arcadia Lake ? We could do a Seaba visit .

  Dusty

I just rode  over to the lake office.  Arcadia Lake is on the SE corner of I-35 and Rt 66 and runs about 3-4 miles in each direction.  There are 3 campgrounds.  One of them is right off I-35 and a straight shot to the Remington Downs.  Campsites are $20-$25 and Pavilion is $50.  There are swimming beaches and fishing at the lake but not in walking distance to the campsite.

There is also a fancy RV park right next to the track.  It's an RV resort so probably no tent camping.  It's $50 a night.

Now I am planning to set up my travel trailer.  It has two queen beds + two bunk beds, so you do the math on how many folks can sleep in it.  I'd be willing to set it up at  either place.  If we have tent campers, I can reserve a couple of sites and even the pavilion at Lake Arcadia.

Local hotels are about $75+. 

Plenty of time to think about it. 

[oldbike54]

 John , wonder if Gary Scott is willing to consider this the replacement for the Canton Lake gig ?

  Dusty

[LowRyter]

You'll have to ask Gary.

[Bonafide Bob]

 Looks like I will have another AMA Flat Track races to attend.;-)
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=6e87863e-5b7d-4b58-9cb8-68de997e9b27&c=03753620-c040-11e3-8b1a-d4ae52733d3a&ch=037a8d50-c040-11e3-8b1a-d4ae52733d3a

[LowRyter]

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=80475.0

Bob we're looking at setting up a campout Lake Arcadia.  It's just up the road from the Remington Park.

[Bonafide Bob]

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=80475.0

Bob we're looking at setting up a campout Lake Arcadia.  It's just up the road from the Remington Park.

I will most likely make the race. I'm not to sure about camping, at 72 years old a soft bed is more appealing than a sleeping bag.;-)

Bob

[LowRyter]

If you note in my original thread, I'd like to set up my camping trailer but motels are in the $75 range.

We'll just look at who might like to make it and figure the best plan. 

[cruzziguzzi]

I'm not to sure about camping, at 72 years old a soft bed is more appealing than a sleeping bag.;-)

Bob

Hell, at 27 the bed was more appealing - contents and context not withstanding.

Todd.

[Daniel Kalal]

2016 AMA Pro Flat Track Schedule (released Jan 22, 2016):

March 10: DAYTONA Flat Track I - Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.
March 11: DAYTONA Flat Track II - Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.
April 9: Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas
May 14: Arizona Mile - Turf Paradise, Phoenix, Ariz.
May 21: Sacramento Mile - Cal Expo Fair, Sacramento, Calif.
May 29: Springfield Mile I - Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
June 18: Oklahoma City Mile - Remington Park, Oklahoma City, Okla.
June 25: Lima Half-Mile - Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio
July 30: Charlotte Half-Mile - Charlotte Motor Speedway, Charlotte, N.C.
August 9: Sturgis Half-Mile - Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, S.D.
August 14: Peoria TT - Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, Ill.
August 20: TBA, New York State
September 4: Springfield Mile II - Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
September 17: TBA, Southern California
Early October: TBA, Northern California

[LowRyter]

I plan to set up my travel trailer for a campout on Friday before the race thru Sunday.  (Probably at Lake Arcadia Scissortail campgrounds- not open now.)

The trailer has 4 beds.  Hopefully we can have a mini campout + race.

Send me a PM if you are interested and I'll try to reserve the right amount of space and see who wants to use the trailer vs tent.

[oldbike54]

 I'll be there John , probably just throw out a pad and bag .

 Dusty

[LowRyter]

I know several of you indicated that you'll be coming here from out of town to enjoy the race.  If you want to stay in a hotel, consider that decent hotels in the area start at about $75/nite, pretty reasonable. 

CAMPING:

We have campgrounds on Arcadia Lake just about 15 minutes north of the track.  I've been in touch with the city and am arranging to book some sites.  I will be setting up my travel trailer which has 4 beds in it (+ kitchen and bath).  The campgrounds have bath houses, firepits, electric, BBQ grills, and pavilions.  Once we get a head count, I'll arrange for the camping.

BBQ Cookout:

I am booking a pavilion for a cookout.  The local (geezer) classic bike club (http://blhot.webs.com/) is  treating you (and themselves) with a cookout social.  The races start at 4pm Saturday and will run into the night.  We can either schedule the cookout for Friday night or Saturday lunch (before the races).  Even if you aren't camping, you can come to the social. Again, let me know your preferences. 


Misc:  I understand the VIP and indoor tickets are being sold quickly in advance.  I think there is an outdoor small grandstand and also Gen'l Adm / bring-your-own chair area.  I know there is no way I am going to be behind glass to watch a race.  Now if you're like me, you might need to strap bag chair / camping chair on your bike.  I think mid June should be pretty temperate for a Saturday evening- August would be another matter.

Everyone wants this wants this event to take off.  The Downs is spending lots to remove 18 inches of dirt off the one mile track.  The local guys are all in for it and looking forward to having a good time.

Let me know your preferences for lodging, camping and a social with the locals.  I'll do my best to assist.   My trailer is first come, first serve deal although Mike D, Rockers, Delrod, John & Dusty will have first dibs and Darren lives just across I-35.

Please let me know your plans so we can make this a success.

[swmckinley54]

I use to own a Stelvio but now own a KTM....will a a non Guzzi be welcomed to this event?

[LowRyter]

I use to own a Stelvio but now own a KTM....will a a non Guzzi be welcomed to this event?

of for sure.  The local club is open to all even -folks that don't even have a running motorcycle.  Lots of Triumph riders involved  .

Now the camping options are up in the air.  Some campgrounds I can book and others are first come, first serve. 

[Daniel Kalal]

The Downs is spending lots to remove 18 inches of dirt off the one mile track.

That's really good news.

I'm with you on not wanting to watch the race behind the glass.  These modern horse tracks are beautiful facilities, but I find that being in the protected seating area with the air-conditioning and floor-to-ceiling glass and lots of TV monitors is a poor experience.  It's best to get outside.

[LowRyter]

Agree DK. 

Mid June should be pretty nice weather.  Especially in the evening. 

There is also supposed to be a vintage flat track display. 

[Curtis Harper]

Planning on making this trip myself. Rescheduled our whole race year when we found out about it.

[LowRyter]

Stay in touch Curtis.   We want to see you at the cookout (most likely Friday night).  We should have some left overs at the campground Saturday.

[LowRyter]

Here's the ticket info I received from the promoter (looks like they will have plenty of race day tickets).

Hello John,

Unfortunately all of the outdoor seating is General Admission.  The Remington venue is unique (unfortunately), in that it only has picnic tables and benches outside (enough for a few hundred).  We are renting portable bleachers that will seat around 2000-3500.  There is good viewing from lots of areas but the front strait-a-way has the benefit of a very large jumbo tron which all of the fanschoice.tv cameras will be linked to.

So to answer your question.  If you purchase general admission tickets I'm certain you will have a great view of the race.  In my opinion the best view, just that the seating is extremely limited.  There are many shady/grassy areas one could place folding chairs if your friends chose to bring their own.  As far as limited admissions...I'm certain that wont happen.  I believe the capacity of Remington is around 22,000.  I would love to see that problem come to fruition, but not likely.

I hope this helps answer your questions and don't hesitate to send me a note or give me a call should you have any more.

Thank you,

Shawn Brassfield
BrassMonkey Promotions llc
580-320-3550