As is pointed out elsewhere, it's basically saying that globally, speed skating isn't as common or popular as other athletic pursuits. He then goes on to compare the speed skating Mecca to the track and field Mecca to illustrate its importance. You seem awfully sensitive about someone stating the obvious about what the vast majority of the world considers a fringe sport, and then trying to explain the importance of the place in terms they'd understand.

TrackTown is a very famous track (for track and field) events, with many national and international top level events taking place there. In the US, anyone that follows track and field (particularly distance running) knows of TrackTown, and where it is.

The exerpt does nothing to imply that it's "minor" in fact exactly the opposite.

You may not be familiar with TrackTown if this is your reaction to that comment.

Of course I'll leave if you're paying out all of my contact.