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TRACK BOWLING STRESSES TECHNOLOGY ON CAMP DAY 2
Apr 23, 2010
Track bowling has always been on the cutting edge of bowling technology. Even before the company moved from Texas to Kentucky its motto was “Evolutionary, Revolutionary,” according to Track Brand Manager Paul Figliomeni.
“When we first got to Hopkinsville they handed me the highest mass density core ever,” he said. “We can’t change the core numbers much more, the United States Bowling Congress won’t let us, so now we’ve started experimenting with the coverstock technology.”
Most of what Track staffers learn during the annual camp is proprietary information, meaning what happens at Track Camp stays at Track Camp.
Day two continued to focus on understanding the different types of lane conditions and surfaces. John Janawicz, of Kegel, showed one slide during his presentation a bowling text book from the 1800s designating how lanes should be oiled.
“There are several editions of this book, so it’s been updated periodically over the years,” Janawicz said, “What it tells you is that people were still (complaining) about lane conditions more than 100 years ago.”
Janawicz did stress one point, trying to clarify a long standing belief that the guys who oil the lanes are trying to stick it to southpaws.
“It is impossible to make these symmetrical,” he said. “We promise we aren’t trying to (cheat) lefties.”
Tom Laskow opened the afternoon session by talking about the importance of a bowler’s grip and release in the game of bowling.
“When fitting someone, you need to be sure their fingers are seated firmly in the holes,” he said. “Bowlers should not have to reach for their finger holes.”
The pitch of the thumb hole should be relative to the natural flexibility of the persons thumb, Laskow said.
“There are lots of ways to fit a ball,” Figliomeni said.
Day two of Track Camp also allowed a brief glimpse into the future for Track staff members.
“Anything said in this room, stays in this room,” Figliomeni said. “In a bad economy, we are still showing an increase – and that’s without the Internet.”
Ebonite International no longer allows Internet retailers to utilize its special offers.
Going through the room, Figliomeni asked each pro shop operator how the new naming system went over with the customer base. There were no negative answers.
“You’ve laid the ground work for it, it would be crazy to walk away from it now,” one pro shop operator said.
Figliomeni then discussed in detail the new products for the coming year, which will be released in May.
“These will be the best five balls to come out of any plant, to go down any lane, coming out of any company,” said Track Pro staff member Mitch Beasley.
During last year’s camp, Figliomeni asked staff members to collect warranty cards on any Track ball or bag that they personally influenced the sale of.
Track Staff Member Will Wilson collected the most over the course of the year.
“Congratulations, your trip here next year is paid for,” Figliomeni said.
“I’m very excited!” said Wilson. “I’ve got about 20 cards at the shop now waiting for serial numbers then I’ll send them in,” he said. Wilson works at Champions Bowling in Fountain Valley, Calif.
“It’s been a great couple of days,” Figliomeni said. “I think we’ve covered a lot of ground and I think we are on track – no pun intended – for a successful year,” he said.
—Track Bowling Balls & Bowling Equipment - Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that currently services bowling centers, distributors and retail outlets both domestically and internationally. The company’s consumer product brands include Ebonite, Hammer, Robby’s, Columbia 300, Track and Powerhouse™. Its commercial product brand is Ebonite Bowling Center Direct.
