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While the last twelve months have been somewhat rocky for DeSoto, Charlotte has had somewhat of a reawakening. Deanna Creamer, the unofficial manager of the speedway, says Charlotte owner Glen Vanhorn , "delegates the right jobs to the right people", and the fact that the speedway is debt free has helped a lot. In 1996 the speedway was on the verge of closing as a bitter feud among the board of directors took on more importance than the racing. It was then that Vanhorn was able to get control of the speedway and used the experience accumulated in his 74 years, much of which involved successful manufacturing business ventures, to revive the speedway. Not having a racing background Vanhorn relied on giving people a job, and letting them get on with. While Glen Vanhorn can be seen around the speedway laying cement and doing other physical tasks many other much younger men couldn't do, he leaves the day to day operation in the hands of Deanna Creamer. Deanna, unhappy with Charlotte's awards banquets in the past, arranged at the close of the 1998 season to hold the banquet at the plush Country Club of Port Charlotte. Advertisers and series sponsors, along with the drivers were impressed with the effort and the banquet has been called the best Charlotte has ever had. Deanna does much of the advertising and sponsor sales herself as well as taking care of the thousands of details involved in the day to day operations of weekly short track racing. Having Debi Baker come aboard full time, and engaging the services of dozens of volunteers has helped her to be able to focus more on taking care of the sponsors and keeping people happy. When asked what her official title was she said "Glen doesn't really go in for titles", stressing the emphasis on getting the jobs done. Charlotte had shown increased attendance by fans and drivers, and has several renovation projects being planned. The Speedway is located next to the Punta Gorda Airport, on the East side of I-75 at exit 28. This situates it ideally between Sarasota and Ft Myers, with many of the drivers coming from Lee and Collier Counties. With the youthful demographics of Lee County working in it's favor and the tremendous success of it’s alliances with radio stations Cat Country 107 FM, Q105, and KIX 92.9 Country, Charlotte County Speedway is enjoying a revitalized program and is looking forward to even more positive changes. The Charlotte racing program includes Limited Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, Sportsman, Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Road Warriors, and Cadillac Cowboys. Since the Speedway must adhere to an 11:30 PM curfew, they have arranged their schedules so each division has a three week a month racing schedule and the fans get home at a reasonable hour. Charlotte also has one of the better programs involving children in the state. The Charlotte Jr. fan Club has regular meetings and activities for the children of drivers and the adult race fans. Admission for regular events is $10, $8 for seniors, children 6-12 pay $5 and under five are free. Special event prices are generally a couple bucks more. Pit passes are $20, and 14-18 year olds need to be accompanied by parents in the pits. As the DeSoto drivers prepare to get their racing fix at Charlotte County Speedway, the DeSoto management is hoping to reopen on May 15, but as of yet the pavement has still not been repaired. But as one race team owner commented, "even if they start back up in May, the drivers will be able to race at Charlotte on their off nights, and the cooperation is going hopefully be beneficial for all concerned." One of the concerns expressed prior to the meeting at Yuffes from some drivers was that the meeting would have an anti-DeSoto Speedway flavor. That never occurred, as the sentiment was one of 'we want to race, and if Charlotte can accommodate us then we'll race there'. Everyone who has raced at DeSoto is looking forward to it’s reopening. and perhaps the meeting Wednesday night will lead to Charlotte drivers coming up to DeSoto when the Sarasota-Bradenton track gets back to racing. As a side note to the meeting Street Stock driver and former DeSoto track Champion Brian Teeters will be added to Yuffe’s Restaurants stable of sponsored drivers, and will be adding the Yuffe’s logo to his #97 Chevrolet and car hauler. For information on times, rules or other information call Debi Baker at the Charlotte County Speedway 941-575-2422. -Jack Smith Have an opinion on this story? Post a message on our Message Board! or send a letter to the editor! |
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