Jamie Guenther doesn't race on the .2-mile racetrack in his back yard.
"I really don't have the time to race," he said.
It was his son's go-cart achievements and racing enthusiasm that inspired Guenther to build the Jackson Prairie Speedway on his 26-acre homestead south of Chehalis more than 13 years ago. He opened the track to the public in 2002, hosting races with cars such as mini-sprints and late-model, four-cylinder Nissans and Toyotas.
In the Northwest, amateur racing attracts an average of 80,000 spectators each weekend throughout the racing season, according to the racing magazine Race-Fans.net.
However, Guenther and his wife, Judy, have learned that while amateur racing has a large following, it isn't driving in the revenue of NASCAR.
"We couldn't make a living doing this. If we did, we'd be living in a race car and hungry," Judy said.
In addition to running their hobby-turned-business, both Guenthers work full-time for Lewis County Public Works.
But on racing nights, Judy runs the concession stand, and Jamie supervises the speedway's 15 employees, from the mother-and-daughter scoring team to the pit crews.
Labor, liability insurance, electricity and other operation expenses cost the Guenthers $3,000 each of the 12 racing nights a year. Having yet to break even, Guenthers considered canceling the 2005 season.
"We've been taking money out of our personal savings, trying to keep it going, but you reach a point where you have to stop," Guenther explained. "It's a tough business."
When 40-year racing veteran Bob Fulmer learned that the season was in jeopardy, he and other Jackson Prairie Speedway racers met with Jamie to discuss potential options.
"It all came down to finances. It had nothing to do with anyone not wanting to race," Fulmer said.
According to Fulmer, Jamie was losing money in his attempts to keep entry fees low.
"Jamie was trying very hard to keep the cost down for his racers," he said. "It was affordable for everyone, but it wasn't affordable for Jamie."
Once the racers convinced Jamie that they were willing to pay more to race at Jackson Prairie, the Guenthers reorganized, increased the entry fee by $5 and have decided to accept track sponsorships for the first time. The price of admission will stay the same, costing $8 for adults and $5 for children.
The speedway's policy of not serving alcohol will also remain in place. Despite losing an opportunity to cash in on beer sales, the decision is a personal one for the Guenthers.
"You attract a different crowd when you serve alcohol," Judy said. "But sure, it's difficult to make a profit when you don't."
Standing on the track's wooden bleachers, which can seat up to 900 people, Jamie admitted that running this business was more of a means to an end rather than the intended goal.
"We're not racetrack promoters. We're racetrack builders," he said.
"Unfortunately," Judy added.
But with five companies already having paid the $500 to have their logo printed on one of the 22 billboards lining the track for the 2005 season, the reluctant business owners are optimistic and are looking forward to the season's opener on July 9.
The South Sound Speedway in Rochester began its season in March. Employing 40 people each Saturday night until early October, the .375-mile paved track features several classes of racing, including super stocks, where racers can spend between $60,000 to $100,000 on their vehicle, according to the speedway's owner, Butch Behn.
"It's pretty professional. This is their hobby, but it's a very expensive hobby," he said.
Operating the South Sound Speedway has been Behn's full-time job for the past 10 years. In that time, Behn has learned how essential sponsorships from local businesses, such as King Oscar Hotel, Campbell Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep and the Lucky Eagle Casino, have been to the track's operation. Drivers themselves often seek sponsorships to cover the cost of fuel and maintenance.
"There's a lot of community involvement with the businesses. The racetrack itself brings a lot of people to the community," Behn said.
Robin McGinnis covers business issues for The Chronicle. She may be reached at 807-8231, or by e-mail at rmcginnis@chronline.com.
Where to go for local racing
Jackson Prairie Speedway, 4326 Jackson Highway, Chehalis
www.jacksonprairiespeedway.com
Jackson Prairie Speedway's season begins on Saturday, featuring races with stingers, student stingers, V-6 modified cars and mini-sprints.
The front gate opens at 4:30 p.m. with the race starting at 5:15 p.m.
Jackson Prairie Speedway hosts races three Saturdays a month. The 2005 season ends on Sept. 24.
Tickets: $20 for family passes; $8 for adults; $5 for children 8 to 17 years-old. Children under 7 are free.
South Sound Speedway, 3730 183rd Ave. S.W., Rochester
www.southsoundspeedway.com
On July 16, South Sound Speedway will host a big- rig, tractor-trailer combination race with trucks reaching 90 mph.
The speedway hosts races every Saturday night with gates opening at 4:45 p.m. and races starting at 6 p.m. The season ends early in October.
Tickets: $14 for adults; $12 for teens and senior citizens; $12 for members of the military; $5 for children ages 6 to 12 years old. Children under 5 are free.
