5/28/2020
Ransomville Speedway
Staff Profile: Race Director John Nelson
While he’s far from a stranger to the “Big R”, Ransomville Speedway is proud to welcome John Nelson as race director of the weekly DIRTcar racing program in 2020. Nelson, a veteran race official with nearly two decades of experience, has filled in as race director at Ransomville on a number of occasions, but this is will be his first full season at the helm.
Spending plenty of time at this “home track” on the DIRTcar circuit made the decision to come run the show on Friday nights an easy one.
“The first reason I took the position was that the teams and the competition are outstanding. I have the pleasure of going all over the Northeast, and the best racing I watched on a consistent basis was in my backyard at Ransomville,” said Nelson. “The second reason was the staff that was already there, they’re second to none. You can tell the racers have respect for them as well, they just do an incredible job. Third, I’m a big fan of Jenn Martin and Parm Atwal. With the passion they bring, the way the place looks, you just get caught up in it.”
Nelson is an experienced race official, getting his start as a flagman at Lancaster Speedway. He eventually made the move to dirt joining the staff of DIRTcar Northeast around 2009, where he is currently the director of the Super DIRTcar 358 Modified Series. In addition to overseeing the 358 Series, he helps out at various World Racing Group events, such as Super DIRT Week, World Finals and this past February’s DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia.
“Race directing the Super DIRTcar Series at the DIRTcar Nationals is always a thrill. It’s kind of like our Spring Training for both the officials and the racers,” said Nelson.
As a race director, Nelson’s top priority is putting on a safe and entertaining show. That thrill of putting on a great racing event is one of the things Nelson enjoys most about his job.
“Every class puts people on their feet with their entertainment. You just want to give them an opportunity to showcase what they are. When you are driving home and you just left an entertaining show, that’s the five-star reward.”
Back in 2013, Nelson was involved in a scary incident while on the flag stand at Holland Speedway. A Modified struck the flag stand, and he nearly fell on to the race track. Luckily Nelson escaped without any major injuries and had a huge opportunity just a few days later.
“The first time I was the starter for the World of Outlaws at Rolling Wheels was ten days after the Holland accident, So I jumped right back into it, and I’m thankful for that opportunity because I probably wouldn’t have done it again.”
Besides the dangers of being around race cars, one of the toughest parts of his job is the challenge that anyone faces when being a racing official, how to be fair.
“Making a call is tough, but as you’re talking to that one team or driver, trust me, there are 29 other teams waiting to see what happens. If you’re consistent and you make the call fair, then that’s the best you can do. Believe me, if you make that call on one then the rest expect the same thing. You stay consistent like that and when that happens you establish credibility. As I tell them (the drivers) when we start racing you’re all just numbers to me.”
Just like the rest of us, Nelson cannot wait to get back to the track and get this season started.
Photo courtesy: DIRTcar PR
Submitted By: Dave Buchanan