Owners and Drivers: Can they get along?

I have had the fortune of being a driver and a have worked at Area race tracks over the last 15 years as an Announcer, Scorer, Driver Pay Off, Wrote Press Releases and created a track website. I have created a list of the top five things I think drivers need to understand and the top five things owners need to understand to coexist successfully

Drivers:
1.) Do not come to the scoring tower during the races to complain about a call on the track. The workers in the tower are already scoring another race and can do nothing for you. Every track that I have worked at has a chain of command starting with the Flagman. They have the final say. The first person they ask for help from is the corner worker and than the scorers in the tower. *This also applies to crewmembers and spouses,etc.*
2.) Don’t hold up the show. If you want to see a track owner get upset, refuse to allow the races to continue because you think an injustice has been done. Stopping on the track without being asked to should be an immediate Black flag in my eyes.
3.) Do not enter anyone else’s Pit stall without being asked. Tempers lead to mistakes the next day that you will say to yourself “I wish I wouldn’t have done that”. Don’t let your emotions rule your actions. If something needs to be taken care of express it to a track official and let them take care of it. Chances are they are talking about it before you even pull in your pit.
4.) Don’t kill the messenger when it comes to the Payoff Booth. They are there to do one thing that is to make sure all the drivers get the money they deserve as dictated by the scorers in the tower and the Payoff manager. Arguing with them is a mute point. You need to see the Payoff Manager if you feel there is a mistake.
5.) Your actions on the track fans see as a signal of your character as a person. You can be most likable person in the world off the track but if you drive like an idiot on the track that is what the fans are going to perceive you as.


Owners
1.) Hire people that will reflect the image of your track that you want to instill. No driver wants to deal with someone who does not appreciate his or her efforts on the track. If they do not know how to treat people they should not be working at a racetrack. Workers they cannot trust or disrespect drivers, crews or fans can destroy a track owner’s reputation very quickly. Also have them dress in a uniform that separates them as an employee and not just a fan that you pulled out of the stands to do a job.
2.) Don’t make the drivers wait for payoff. Many of them have driven long distances and would like to leave after their feature events. Respect their time. And whatever you do not rely on your gate earnings to make the payoff for the night. That money should be available before the first driver enters the pit gate.
3.) Let your employees do their jobs. Being a micromanager will do nothing but cause problems. From fans declaring nepotism or saying the owner has his track favorites to the disgruntled employee it is not worth it. Owners should over see all operations but ultimately on race day should be mingling with their fans and drivers, let them know you appreciate their business.

4.) Have the facility prepared. Drivers want a racing surface ready to go. From the grass being cut to the bleachers being painted, it does not go unnoticed by the fan. You want to hear women complain and not come back to the track, don’t have your restrooms clean.
5.) Don’t run out of food. For many tracks this can be the difference between making and losing money on the night. It also does not go over well with the fans that have been supporting your racetrack the entire evening.

These are just a few of the things that I believe that are needed to have a successful race day at any track. Some of them are assumed while others are ignored. If Racetracks are going to thrive it is going to be a joint venture between the driver and track owner. They both have to realize they cannot exist with out each other.
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