Exclusive Interview - Janet Holbrook
The New Owner of Attica Raceway Park
December 20, 2001
By Stephen J. Hartzell
Holbrook:
Thank you. I'm excited to become a part of the Attica Raceway
program.
Seneca Sprints:
Many race fans are familiar with the Holbrook name, but at the same
time they really don't know a lot about Janet Holbrook. Tell us about yourself.
Holbrook:
I reside in Columbus, Ohio and am a Corporate Secretary for a lumber
broker. I've been involved with sprint cars over 12 years as an owner.
Seneca Sprints:
What has prompted you to become a track owner, and why Attica?
Holbrook:
I have always wanted to promote a race because of my love for the sport.
I was approached by Mr. Cailor about the possibility of taking over Attica.
I thought it over for a couple of weeks and decided that I could make a
contribution to the sport. We have raced at Attica for over twelve
years and I feel that it has always been a top-notch facility.
Seneca Sprints:
Every track inevitably has it's strengths, and also it's weaknesses.
How do you see Attica's strengths and weaknesses? In other words, what
do you feel they have done well in the past, and in what areas do you see
room for improvement?
Holbrook:
I feel that Attica has done a wonderful job of giving the fans their
money's worth while getting them home at a reasonable time. The complete
weekly program runs at just about 3 hours. The only weakness I can
see right now is that more grandstands are needed to run some of the bigger
sprint shows.
Seneca Sprints:
Let's talk specifically about sprint cars. Most people consider this
area to be one of the true hotbeds of the sport. What do you like most,
and least about the state of sprint car racing in general in our area?
Holbrook:
I would say that Ohio has quite a few 410 sprints compared to other
areas. That is definitely a plus. I believe the success of
the 305's and 360's are a direct link to the success of the 410's.
There have been quite a few drivers move up the ladder so to speak.
I believe we might have one or two 410 rookies next year as well.
The only weakness I see right now is not pricing people out of the sport.
Seneca Sprints:
Not including Attica, what is your favorite track and why?
Holbrook:
I would have to say it's a tie between Eldora and Knoxville.
Both tracks are steeped in tradition and I have seen great racing each
and every time I have visited those facilities.
Seneca Sprints:
What is your opinion of the All Stars as a sanctioning body, and how
many All Star shows do you hope to secure in 2002?
Holbrook:
I have known Bert and Brigette just about as long as I've been involved
in racing. They are fantastic people who really want to help the
sport along. I think the fact that they have so many different winners
each year speaks volumes for their program. I am hoping to run two
2-day shows and three or so one-day programs including the first day of
Ohio speedweek.
Seneca Sprints:
How do you feel about the 1200 pound weight rule?
Holbrook:
I really have mixed feelings about it. I don't think the original
intention of cost savings has materialized yet. I have gone on record
stating that any weight rule should include the driver. I still strongly
feel that way. If the intention is to provide equality on the racetrack,
I feel that the cars should be weighed with the driver.
Seneca Sprints:
As one who has spent a lot of time in the pits, I hear a lot of the
driver's concerns and comments. Some of the limited budget teams have expressed
concern that Attica is hard on engines, and on the cars in general. They
feel that they just can't afford to race there on an every-week basis,
and this is reflected in the mid and late season car counts. If you could
speak
directly to these race teams, what would you say to them?
Holbrook:
I really don't feel Attica is hard on equipment compared to other tracks.
Every time you push off at any track there is a dollar meter running on
the engine and tires. Most 410 engines require a freshen up every
15 to 20 races, so if a person is running one engine they have to stop
mid-way through the season and rebuild it. I would like to emphasize
helping the racers and owners out with bigger purses and point funds for
those that are loyal to the Attica weekly program.
Seneca Sprints:
You've been around racing long enough to get to know a lot of the people
associated with racing. The word "family" is often used when talking about
the racing community. What is it about racing people that makes them such
a special group?
Holbrook:
I think the racing community is bonded by the love of the sport.
I have made dozens of life-long friends in racing. No matter which
team you're associated with, or which driver you cheer for, all the race
fans love the competition.
Seneca Sprints:
If you had to choose one racing memory as your favorite, which would
it be?
Holbrook:
That's a tough one. Probably our first FL All Star victory at
Volusia. Terry McCarl was our driver and he actually went to the
tail after spinning out and came back through the field and won.
I still smile when I remember that.
Seneca Sprints:
Is there anything else that you would like to say to the fans and racing
teams?
Holbrook:
I would like to welcome everybody to the 14th year of racing at Attica
in 2002. I hope to have a schedule completed in the next couple of
weeks. The plans are to somewhat mirror last years schedule with
a few minor changes.
I hope everyone has a Blessed and Happy Holiday season. Thank
you.
Seneca Sprints:
Thank you very much, Janet, and the best of luck to you and to Attica
Raceway Park in the 2002 season.