If you want to hear it straight from the source then here you go.
This is Jon Jon. The announcer at most tracks you have been to in Al at one time or another. I wanted to promote the ATV sport a bit and also expand upon what we had here in AL. I approached the West's at Warrior Mx Park and presented my idea's. Johnathon West and myself invited SE Quads, Boggers Unlimited, and Bama Boggers to get thier input, ideas, and opinions. It was common knowledge that the quad scene here needed some support to make it inviting for track owners to welcome quads to thier tracks. Turnouts were so low that a majority of the tracks werent interested in racing the quads by themselves. Also due to complaints from motorcycles, they werent invited to race or even practice on the same day. To make a long story short, it was getting harder and harder for a quad to find a track that was accomadating to thier needs.
So, West and myself thought that we could get together and hold two events on the same day. A Mudbog during the day and a Quad race at night. If everything took off, I had two other tracks that wanted to jump on board with us and hold similiar events. We even talked about having practice just for quads at Warrior. I heard Brit Mansel turned everything over to Ken Pate and Ronnie Thomas. BOTH of them came to the meeting we had and BOTH of them were excited about the three race series we had put together. All the dates were set, we put them on the flyer,etc, and so on.
The first race came and the turnout was dismal. I was dissapointed. I called Ken Pate and he informed me he was no longer affiliated with SE Quads and was now into car racing. He gave Ronnie a call and Ronnie DID come to the race and apologized for the way things were being handled. I assumed, (Yeah, I know what it stands for) things were going to be better next time out.....
Hey, I realise it was a Holiday weekend. The low turnout bothered me, but when I talked to everyone, they were clueless about anything we had to offer SE QUADS. People, I dont want to inform you of the work we put into all this. I am surely dissapointed that we had less than 10 riders at the second race and I think around 20 at the first. We still are men of our word and will hold the third race August 23rd, but I wish we could get a little support. I dont know who is in charge or who to talk to, but I wish SOMEONE would contact me and let me know if we are wasting out time, energy, and money on this effort for you guys. If you dont want a race, just let me know so I dont prep the track, hire flaggers, medics, concessions, T-shirts, Plaques, ETC and so on. People wont drive 3 hours to race themselves. Gas is $4.00 a gallon, this I know. Diesel is higher. So I can understand the frustration you guys that showed up have. I can be contacted at 205 533 4323. If I am doing something wrong, PLEASE let me know.
Jon Jon
205 533 4323