For 14 seasons (2000-2013), Joe Callavini ran Mountain Speedway, now known as Evergreen Raceway. That’s one of the longest tenures of anybody at the helm of the Pennsylvania track. Heck, in the racing business, that’s a long time as a promoter anywhere.
Over the years, Joe earned his fair share of critics, some with valid points, but Joe must have done something right. You don’t stay in this business that long by doing the wrong things. If you did, the racing community will send you packing, and in a hurry.
During his time at Mountain, Joe took a young, twentysomething kid — me — under his wing while I promoted an annual event, the NELMA Late Model Challenge, for seven years (2005-2011). While some only saw Joe’s gruff exterior, accentuated by his love of cigars, I often got to see a side of him most did not. Joe taught me several lessons in the business of track promotion. Here’s six of them:
1. Stay Thrifty, Spend Wisely
Joe was the type to ask for the rubber bands back from the bank after making a deposit from a race night. While some might view this as extreme, it exemplified his penchant for saving money wherever he could. However, he used those savings to spend where it mattered. Examples included bigger purses, and, early in his time at Mountain, capital improvements. Many misunderstood Joe’s frugalness. Let me put it another way. How many of us spend money on a cup of coffee when we could make it at home for far cheaper? That’s the mentality he had — and it kept him in the racing business for more than a decade.
2. Adopt Technology
When Joe Callavini started promoting, he was in his 60s. Yet, Mountain Speedway was one of the first to have computerized scoring, a modern website for the time, and an embracing of social media when it arose. The computerized scoring allowed the track to rent out transponders and charge for scoring, which obviously made it some money. Using the internet allowed the speedway to directly communicate with its fans and racers. These elements may seem like commonplace nowadays, but that was cutting edge for a short track back in 2000. Racetracks must evolve or they will go extinct.
3. Stay Open-Minded
Some might not believe it, but Joe was fairly open-minded. Got a new series? Let’s give it a try. Got a good idea for a rule? Let’s hear it. Think you can do this or that at the track? Go for it. Joe gave many people a chance when it came to them offering an idea. If it didn’t work, however, he never tried it again. But, if it did work, he cheered you on … because your success was his, too.
4. Answer Your Phone
How often do you call, email, or message a track to only get a prerecorded message? Too often, right? If you called Mountain Speedway, you got Joe Callavini. He answered every time. Why? You never know when opportunity might come calling.
5. Know Your Weaknesses
I feel Joe knew he was best served as being the guy behind the scenes running the business part of track. For example, he often placed likeable people as the face between the track and the public. Joe put top-notch people in roles such as tech, race directing and announcing. He knew how to run a business, he did so for decades at D&B Towing and Truck Service. That was his strength, he stuck with it, and had others fill in for his weaknesses.
6. Be Kind, but Don’t Be Afraid to Send Them Away
Many people remember Joe for the latter rather than the former. Certainly, if you were trouble, he had no problem kicking you out. Trouble breeds trouble. However, he did have a heart of gold and had a special spot in his heart for the little guy trying their all to make it to a race. Joe appreciated those people, because he, too, was a little guy once, who built a business out of nothing but hard work.
I remember one instance, distinctly, when Joe offered his shop to a traveling racer so he could make the next night’s race. That racer never forgot it. I’m sure others experienced the same hospitality, but never said anything.
Nor did I forget how Joe allowed me, then 22, with absolutely no promotional experience, stage a race in memory of a friend of mine, Walt. Walt’s last race was at Mountain Speedway, and one of his last messages to me was about how much fun he had there. The next day Walt passed away.
The memorial race was a success, and I was invited back to do more races. I stuck with one a year, but it helped launch my career in racing. Joe being kind and offering me a chance directly led to that. I’m forever grateful to Joe Callavini. And with what Joe did for me, I’ll try my darndest to pay it forward to the next generation, just as he did with me.
Note: Joe Callavini passed away this week at age 85. He will be missed. The sport could use a few more promoters with business acumen.
The Outside Groove Executive Editor has covered motorsports since 2000. His many awards include the 2019 Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) Jim Hunter Writer of the Year and the 2013 Russ Catlin Award for Excellence in Motorsports Journalism.
