County racers implore fair board — let us race! Meeting to discuss speedway set for Tuesday, March 18
About two dozen members of the local stock car racing community attended the Lassen County Fair Advisory Board meeting Tuesday, March 11, filling the small room to standing-room-only status.
Lassen County Fair Manager Bill Payer, center, and the Lassen County Fair Advisory Board get ready to hear from the stock car racing community Tuesday, March 11.Lassen County Fair Manager Bill Payer told the spirited group the board members would not be able to discuss the matter because it was not on the agenda. But having said that, he said the board members wanted to hear what the public had to say — they just couldn’t respond to questions or offer more information or comments during the public comment portion of the meeting.
While the members of the racing community couldn’t get any answers from the board at this meeting, the board plans to hold a Tuesday, March 18 meeting in a larger venue somewhere on the fairgrounds — time and location to be announced — where this matter can be discussed openly by everyone.
Reina Davis said she submitted the only proposal to operate the speedway this year. She said she doesn’t know why her proposal was rejected.The racing community wanted to know why the proposal submitted by Reina Davis — apparently the only proposal submitted — was rejected. Davis said she thought the fair’s rejection of her proposal was “pretty unfair,” and she suspects her proposal was rejected because she’s a woman.
She asked the board to see all the support she has from the racing community by their attendance at this meeting.
The drivers wanted to make it clear that while they could all go race in other communities, they want to race at their hometown Diamond Mountain Speedway in front of their families, friends and supporters.
One member of the racing community said race day is good for the local economy as racers and their fans visit auto parts stores, gas stations, restaurants and motels.
Another pointed out if there are no races, the track is just sitting there unused.
Another noted the fair could have made about $17,000 from the races this year and since the races are managed by a contractor, there is zero financial risk for the fair. He said if it doesn’t work out, the fair can simply cancel the rest of the season.
A standing-room-only crowd told the Lassen County Fair Advisory Board that one way or another, they want to race this year at Diamond Mountain Speedway at the Lassen County Fairgrounds.Modified driver Jeff Chew said he wanted the ultimate decision to be fair to all, but he added there’s a lot of work to do as the racing season is upon us.
Driver Scott Foreman said he doesn’t know why the board rejected Davis’ proposal.
“She’s willing to take it over, and we’re standing behind her,” Foreman said. “Why?”
Hopefully those with questions will get some answers at the Tuesday, March 18 meeting.
