Jim Johnson Takes The Helm At The Dirt Track At Genesee As New Race Director
Story By: JEREMY PERRY / THE DIRT TRACK AT GENESEE – BATAVIA, NY – The Dirt Track at Genesee is getting ready for an exciting season with the announcement of Jim Johnson as its new race director.
Johnson, a veteran driver with five track championships at the speedway under his belt at, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.
Johnson’s vision for the track is centered around consistency and fairness. “I want to try and bring back some consistency and make sure the racer gets his due diligence,” he explained in a recent interview. “I don’t feel that was happening. I’ve worked with one of the best race directors I’ve ever known, Mike Fisher, and he was on top of things. I learned a lot from him, and I plan to bring that same level of dedication and fairness to the track.”
To build on the track’s existing reputation and attract new drivers, Johnson believes it’s essential to focus on the racers they already have. “If we treat them all the same and everybody gets a fair shake, they’ll tell their fellow drivers that we’re a track that takes care of its drivers,” he said. “Word of mouth from the racers is your best promotional tool.”
In terms of communication, Johnson plans to be transparent and open with drivers, teams, and fans. “I’ll be heading up to the drivers’ meetings to inform them of what they can expect from me,” he explained. “I’ll also be working closely with the flagman to ensure that everything runs smoothly.”
As a newcomer to the race director position, Johnson acknowledges that there will be a learning curve. However, his past experience as a promoter and pit steward will undoubtedly be valuable assets in his new role. “The whole position will be a challenge, but I’m eager to learn and improve,” he said.
We’re going to focus on getting the track surface consistent week in and week out,” Johnson explained. “When the track is right, it takes care of the cars, and that’s what brings the fans. We want to create a surface that allows the drivers to put on a great show, and that’s what will keep the fans coming back.”
By prioritizing track preparation, Johnson and Ricky Cooper aim to create a racing environment that is both competitive and safe. This, in turn, will encourage drivers to promote the track to their fellow competitors, generating valuable word-of-mouth advertising.
The racers are our best promotional tool,” Johnson emphasized. “When they have a good experience at the track, they’ll tell others about it. That’s what will help us build a strong following and establish The Dirt Track at Genesee as one of the top racing destinations in the region.”
With Johnson at the helm as the new race director, The Dirt Track at Genesee is poised for a successful season. His commitment to fairness, consistency, and innovation is sure to attract new drivers and fans, while his dedication to the track’s existing racers will undoubtedly pay dividends in the long run.
