Originally Posted by cshuman:
Ugh... I told myself I would not get into it but damnit...

Gregg, with all do respect, if it was that easy to just call the USAC office and get things changed there would be zero problems, but it doesnt work that way, and thats where these issues just cant be seen the same way between fans on one side of the fence, and competitors on the other. USAC is very good and passing the blame when a issue is brought up to them, and going to them with a issue is pretty pointless these days, you will get the "yea yea we will look into that, thanks for comin," or, "well that is the promoters decision." Fans dont care what intitials they are going to see, they just want to see the best drivers, and I dont blame you one bit, but there is ALOT of money and in some cases peoples livleyhood involved on the other side of the fence, it is two different worlds and its hard for people to understand that sometimes. The majority of owners and drivers dont agree with alot of things going on with USAC, but they also know that its the only game in town (for now), and trying to change things is just a waste of time, or they just wont speak up. I understand many of you saying this rule isnt a big deal, and it may only be a issue a few times throughout the year, but answer this... Why is it necessary?? The point money is great, but why should it matter if Dave Darland goes to run a Powri, or MSCS show the night before Terre Haute?? That is his livelyhood! And nobody has got into what this does to the tracks and their decision to schedule USAC shows or not, because now if the dont, they run the risk of Darland, Stanbrough, Gardner etc not being able to come race on a OFF night from USAC.. So just explain to me who benefits from this rule?? Why is it necessary?? Im not asking sarcastically either..

Maybe if you spoke to them like a man and not a child that would listen to you. But when you constantly come at them with an attitude why should they?

Dmoore if most of the fans on here are okay with it, than damn it must not be that bad for the fans. All though you are going to continuously try to convince the fans it is bad for them.
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a lot of people on here thinks this isn't a big deal. a driver winning the championship would get 40 grand,great . what does the car owner get? buy more race cars ,run more races,sounds like our health care package!

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This is not about the racers. It is DEFINITELY NOT about the fans. Its about blood - who's losing it and who's healthy.

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I'm still waiting on the first post that explains how this benefits the overall goodwill, cooperation and health of open wheel racing. This is one of the main issues that is confronting the industry today. Now we have dog leashes around the necks of a group of drivers and a diminishing pool of drivers for car owners to hire. Most of you can't see the forest for the trees. And the same old song and dance people coming on here with the personality putdowns, the same debate team flunkouts with the slams and no substance when I predicted the downfall of midget racing a few years ago.

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I don't think you can automatically assume that because Casey shares a last name with Ron that the two run in lock step with each other. From my time around the both of them I can say that Casey IS his father's son and as such has his own opinions and isn't afraid to share them. I also know that those two probably disagree more than they agree. I say this because back when I was writing a lot of people assumed that I was channeling Jack Yeley and it pissed the hell out of me.

It appears to me that the underlying issue is that for years it's chapped USAC's hide that Darland/Stanbrough/Jones/etc/etc run a lot of local shows. USAC feels that fans will skip the USAC shows if they know the same drivers will be at Kokomo/wherever the next night. This rule is aimed straight at the heads of the USAC stars, not the journeymen that run 12th to 15th. They know that the stars can't pass up the bigger money that USAC pays and that they might get away with it. The advantage that USAC has is that if the rule isn't working in the way they want it to, they can just change it but the racers have to make their decision at the beginning of the year and likely stick with it.

Like it or not like it, I still find it interesting that the current regime isn't afraid to roll hand grenades out into the crowd. After a long period of complacency, I still find it amazing to see the sheer brass of it.

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IMO USAC is not penalizing the drivers who do not race with them but rewarding the drivers who do. USAC went out and got extra sponsorship money for those loyal drivers.

Every driver still has a choice and can race wherever they choose.

Why should USAC give bonus money to a midget driver that will run a POWRi midget race the same night as a USAC midget race? Why should USAC give bonus money to a sprint driver that will run an open competition sprint race at Vernon the same night as a USAC sprint race at Eldora?

If a promoter wants a USAC show they should pay for a USAC show. Not just benefit because the USAC drivers are in the neighborhood the day before. This should help drivers in the long run by USAC being able to secure larger purses for its competitors.

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Carrytheleftfront, your comment will not get a response from me, especially when you wont sign your name to a post. I think we know why you didnt do that... I am not on here to start arguments and bad mouth someone, but Im going to express my opinions like all of you are, dont like em, dont read em..

First of all, I am a 30 year old man, who has raced all over the country, with damn near every association there is, I think by now I am entitled to have my own opinion without having my dad, or the whole SCRA thing dug up AGAIN! This has NOTHING to do with my dad, or that whole deal. The people out west chose a new direction (which they regret now) and as you said, thats water under the bridge, so dont turn this into something its not. Second, I agreed that the money was nice, congrats USAC :8: Third, you are right, it is a choice, either play the game and be a follower, or dont, I choose not to, will I go run some USAC shows? sure.. will I be a member? Nope... Show me where I will benefit from being a member? To win this big championship you are going to HAVE to run all their races, in all their divisions, so thats gonna narrow it down to what? 5 guys tops? So what is being a member going to do for me? Fourth, I have gone to USAC on several occasions over the past decade, it doesnt work, unless of course they want it to. It took almost TWO YEARS to get them to change the rule about not needing head nets if you have a containment seat.. It was as simple as saying in the next drivers meeting, guys if you have a containment seats you dont need nets. You may have sent some emails, you got a answer, congrats.. Did you ask them to change a ridiculous bodywork rule, or why we pay two pit passes for a one day show, or a rule about open reds? Or was it about letting people run Ti rotors? Maybe it was about the hot topic at the drivers meetings out west on drivers doing 360s? Are you confused?? Thats because these are the type of issues the competitors bring up and get "yea we will look into that," or "thats not our deal, thats the promoter." This isnt trying to slander USAC, or start a fight or argument with anyone, yourself included, but unless you have been a competitor in the last decade, you dont really know what its like or what is invovled in racing with USAC. The only thing the fans really get to see is the stuff on these message boards. Are my comments less then flattering? Guess that depends on how you take it, but if there is one thing I did learn from my dad is you cant get in trouble for speaking the truth, and dont be afraid to speak up about what you believe, so in that sence, Im damn proud to be a "good soldier" for Ron Shuman...

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Originally Posted by Sandy Lowe:
IMO USAC is not penalizing the drivers who do not race with them but rewarding the drivers who do. USAC went out and got extra sponsorship money for those loyal drivers.

Every driver still has a choice and can race wherever they choose.

Why should USAC give bonus money to a midget driver that will run a POWRi midget race the same night as a USAC midget race? Why should USAC give bonus money to a sprint driver that will run an open competition sprint race at Vernon the same night as a USAC sprint race at Eldora?

If a promoter wants a USAC show they should pay for a USAC show. Not just benefit because the USAC drivers are in the neighborhood the day before. This should help drivers in the long run by USAC being able to secure larger purses for its competitors.

How can a person argue with this logic? This is just good common sense which which is what some of the hypersensitive posters on here need to use more of. People tend to make these arguments about how it affects them personally. These decisions are made to try to do the most good for all concerned.

Besides, like my grandfather used to tell me "A hundred years from now, nobody will know the difference".

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I'm just amazed at the supposed "race fans" that get on here and have nothing to say but childish nonsense ( and not on topic) about some race driver or car owner who faithfully supply the entertainment around the country so that you people have an enjoyable experience at a race track. I don't get it.

---------- Post added at 01:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:55 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Sandy Lowe:
IMO USAC is not penalizing the drivers who do not race with them but rewarding the drivers who do. USAC went out and got extra sponsorship money for those loyal drivers.

Every driver still has a choice and can race wherever they choose.

Why should USAC give bonus money to a midget driver that will run a POWRi midget race the same night as a USAC midget race? Why should USAC give bonus money to a sprint driver that will run an open competition sprint race at Vernon the same night as a USAC sprint race at Eldora?

If a promoter wants a USAC show they should pay for a USAC show. Not just benefit because the USAC drivers are in the neighborhood the day before. This should help drivers in the long run by USAC being able to secure larger purses for its competitors.

I certainly understand all the points made with this post but I'm not reading anything that has to do with the fans. Without the fans we have no race meets. To me the above paragraphs have everything to do with the "ME" attitude and have nothing to do with the goodwill of the sport in general. Once again, I've failed to read one post on here regarding how this rule benefits the overall goodwill and well being of open wheel racing which to me is at the heart of the issue. I still think, based on what I have read here, that this issue is going right over the top of most of the heads and not looking at the overall picture.

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Either I am not understanding the USAC release on this subject OR some here are reading only their own posts.

As I get this rule it only impacts those competing for the new National Driving Championship (40K to win, 10K for 5th) and does not affect points earned by drivers or owners running for championships in the traditional national series (Sprints, Midgets, Silver Crown). That is (again, as I understand it), for example, a driver could run open comp at The 'Burg every Saturday night without regard to when, where, or what USAC is running and NOT lose any points earned toward the National Sprint Car (or other traditional) Championship. Only points earned toward the new National Driving Championship (which totals the points won in all divisions and requires the driver to be licensed in all divisions) wouild be at risk.

Have I got it wrong??? :11:

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Originally Posted by cshuman:
Carrytheleftfront, your comment will not get a response from me, especially when you wont sign your name to a post. I think we know why you didnt do that... I am not on here to start arguments and bad mouth someone, but Im going to express my opinions like all of you are, dont like em, dont read em..

First of all, I am a 30 year old man, who has raced all over the country, with damn near every association there is, I think by now I am entitled to have my own opinion without having my dad, or the whole SCRA thing dug up AGAIN! This has NOTHING to do with my dad, or that whole deal. The people out west chose a new direction (which they regret now) and as you said, thats water under the bridge, so dont turn this into something its not. Second, I agreed that the money was nice, congrats USAC :8: Third, you are right, it is a choice, either play the game and be a follower, or dont, I choose not to, will I go run some USAC shows? sure.. will I be a member? Nope... Show me where I will benefit from being a member? To win this big championship you are going to HAVE to run all their races, in all their divisions, so thats gonna narrow it down to what? 5 guys tops? So what is being a member going to do for me? Fourth, I have gone to USAC on several occasions over the past decade, it doesnt work, unless of course they want it to. It took almost TWO YEARS to get them to change the rule about not needing head nets if you have a containment seat.. It was as simple as saying in the next drivers meeting, guys if you have a containment seats you dont need nets. You may have sent some emails, you got a answer, congrats.. Did you ask them to change a ridiculous bodywork rule, or why we pay two pit passes for a one day show, or a rule about open reds? Or was it about letting people run Ti rotors? Maybe it was about the hot topic at the drivers meetings out west on drivers doing 360s? Are you confused?? Thats because these are the type of issues the competitors bring up and get "yea we will look into that," or "thats not our deal, thats the promoter." This isnt trying to slander USAC, or start a fight or argument with anyone, yourself included, but unless you have been a competitor in the last decade, you dont really know what its like or what is invovled in racing with USAC. The only thing the fans really get to see is the stuff on these message boards. Are my comments less then flattering? Guess that depends on how you take it, but if there is one thing I did learn from my dad is you cant get in trouble for speaking the truth, and dont be afraid to speak up about what you believe, so in that sence, Im damn proud to be a "good soldier" for Ron Shuman...

Nice post Casey. I think you pretty much confirmed what I was saying. It's a personal choice. If the USAC license doesn't work for you, the don't go for it. The $116,000.00 in bonus money is a thank you to drivers that support USAC race in and race out. It's a nice promotional tool when you know the same USAC stars will be there for any given USAC event.

I'd be willing to bet that if you had rides lined up for all three divisions in USAC on dirt and pavemnt for all the shows, you'd be there in two seconds for that license and a shot at that big money. Am I right? Would you turn down a chance for a cool 40 G's?

Let's go racin'.

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I don't understand all of the hoopla if this rule is only going to affect 5 or 6 drivers. I can't see where the fans are going to suffer.

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Marv, I have to respectfully disagree with you. I appreciate what you are saying and I would agree with you, however, any driver could claim the National Driver's Championship, not just those who compete in all series. As I understand the program, only a driver's top 25 events are counted toward the championship. This means, as I understand it, that a driver could compete only 25 times, win all 25, and win the championship. I may very well be wrong in my interpretation, though.
However, I believe that this practice does indeed carry some potential positive results. First of all, this seems to be a simple example of supply and demand. Right now, with many top drivers competing locally, the fans have a high supply (they get to see the top drivers virtually whenever they want) and little demand. What I think USAC is trying to do is change these two facets. If the fan has to attend a USAC race to see...whoever, then USAC can begin to negotiate with the tracks to better their members, i.e. better payouts. I think the late model guys and even WoO have this tenet figured out. Why would a track owner/promoter pay USAC $10,000 to win whenever they know they can get the same drivers for $1,500 to win? If I was a promoter, that would seem like a no-brainer to me. So, the purses could get higher if USAC is able to leverage their position as bringing the best drivers in town.
Secondly, I think this will/could affect the lower budget local racers. I consider myself a low budget sprint car racer. I must pick and choose where I want to race depending on the number of cars I think will show up to the track that particular night. I don't have the equipment to compete with the top tier teams. But, if I know that some of these top-notch drivers will not be at a certain track this night, I would be more apt to go race there. I would have a better chance to compete, and the fans would have a better chance to see the lower buck guys do well.
Now, DonMoore10, to answer your question--How does this positively impact the fans?--I will say that it doesn't, at least not right now. But before you form your opinion of me, or before you postulate your retort, please understand where I believe USAC is coming from. I will use myself in a hypothetical situation, and I hope in doing so I offend no one. Let's say I join a union. I pay my dues each week expecting that the Union leaders are looking out for the best intentions of all their workers, me included. If my employer begins to hassle me regarding an issue, I expect my Union leader to step-up and settle the dispute for me. As such, I believe USAC is doing what, in essence, they should be doing, namely looking out for their members...the drivers and owners. If creating this rule in some way, and in a somewhat timely manner, allows USAC to ask for more money for purses, then I think they have done their jobs. And, consequently, it might allow more people to make their livings as professional race car drivers, which ultimately benefits the fans whenever a USAC race is held.
Please bear in mind that I am not trying to stir the pot, or create any more controversy than already exists in this thread. This is my opinion as I understand the rules.
Jake Simmons.

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This was a a long-standing AAA and USAC rule- I have no problem with it. USAC is working to rebuild it's brand to prominence

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Don Moore wrote "I'm just amazed at the supposed "race fans" that get on here and have nothing to say but childish nonsense"

translation - Those who wont support my views are idiots

Hey Don Moore, this race fan says "**** You"

Kevin Huber
Speedway Indiana

Originally Posted by FishBurger:
Either I am not understanding the USAC release on this subject OR some here are reading only their own posts.

As I get this rule it only impacts those competing for the new National Driving Championship (40K to win, 10K for 5th) and does not affect points earned by drivers or owners running for championships in the traditional national series (Sprints, Midgets, Silver Crown). That is (again, as I understand it), for example, a driver could run open comp at The 'Burg every Saturday night without regard to when, where, or what USAC is running and NOT lose any points earned toward the National Sprint Car (or other traditional) Championship. Only points earned toward the new National Driving Championship (which totals the points won in all divisions and requires the driver to be licensed in all divisions) wouild be at risk.

Have I got it wrong??? :11:

No, you have it perfectly right.
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I don't know how many times people have gotten on this board and complained about how the WOO has thier stuff together and USAC does not. Then USAC decideds to use a rule that the Outlaws have had for years. Now people claim that USAC has lost its mind.

The rule has some pretty liberal loop holes that the WOO rule does not. I have absolutely no issue with the rule, and commend USAC for trying to protect it's brand.

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Come on u guys are argueing over a fricken 15 car series. How many drivers actually run for the points. Quit using WoO as an example they are the same, they have 10-15 cars that travel with them. The rest are partimers and locals. if USAC ever went back to what they once were... this would be an issue. :29:

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:8:just glad to be racin.........:22:

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Originally Posted by Hubie:
Don Moore wrote "I'm just amazed at the supposed "race fans" that get on here and have nothing to say but childish nonsense"

translation - Those who wont support my views are idiots

Hey Don Moore, this race fan says "**** You"

Kevin Huber
Speedway Indiana

Well darn, I assume Easter Dinner is out of the question.

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Originally Posted by usac99:
a lot of people on here thinks this isn't a big deal. a driver winning the championship would get 40 grand,great . what does the car owner get? buy more race cars ,run more races,sounds like our health care package!

What about Car Owners.

USAC is increasing the overall point’s funds by 35% to accommodate the new Driving Championship. The Owners / Driver split of our points funds has been 50/50, and will maintain that ratio in 2010. This means that there is more money in the fund for all, equally.

For 2010, Owners will continue to earn points funds for the Top 10 overall in each Division. For the Sprint and Midget series only, we will be adding Top 3 points fund money for the points leaders in each Dirt Only and Pavement Only categories, to recognize performance for car owners who may have only a single focus. A car owner could easily (and most likely) earn points money in both the Top 10 and Top 3 pavement / dirt funds. Seperately, an owners point fund for the top 3 has been established for the Sprint Series Eastern Tour and Top 3 for Indiana Sprint Week.

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I have discussed this with a few people already, but I will hit the major point of this fund and rule from my point of view:
I see this as an effort to bring some value to the program and the driver's names. Now, USAC has the clout to demand more for tracks because they actually have the loyalty of a few name drivers. Knowing that the ante is up to have these drivers show, tracks will have to accommodate to have them.

I see the loyalty rule as a start to ease up on what the World of Outlaws have for their drivers. It is nowhere near as strict. It is a simple matter of economics for each driver to decide whether pursuing this NDC money is worth it to them.

For the car owner, the big picture of rising purses to attract these name drivers is better for them. Once purses go up at the USAC level, other areas seem to follow suit. I also have another theory that as the money goes up in this fund, more limitations could be put on drivers (for example, a pay minimum). If a track has to pay a certain amount to ensure themselves that these name drivers will appear, they will certainly be willing to do that, knowing that the fans follow those names.

For the fan? I see this as a way of paying back these guys for putting on the show. It pains me that these guys are forced to race for such small purses. I, for one, am happy to see that some guys who race their asses off in a BUNCH of events throughout the year are going to be paid off this year by the USAC NDC fund. I go to a lot of World of Outlaws and Late Model races and see guys who are the Dave Darland, Jerry Coons, Tracy Hines, or Levi Jones of their series making much, much more than our Sprint Car / Midget guys do. It's time to start getting those numbers in line.

I still can't see anything negative about it. Look at the big picture...

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First off, this post really pisses me off. Finally after a couple of pages, someone posted the real rule and how it works. Don, if you are going to stir stuff up, post ALL the facts. I am all for this rule. Why should USAC schedule a race in a state, say the PA swing. Another racetrack rides the coat tails of USAC and schedules a race for half the money the days before or after to attract the USAC drivers. Why should USAC not protect themselves? I believe that is the real reason for this rule.

If anyone thinks a driver is making a living driving only non wing cars and not running for one of the USAC Championships, you are wrong. Running for $1500 a night, even if you do run some USAC races, you are not going to make a living. USAC is doing something for the drivers making it possible to make a better living. The few of us that are fortunate enough to make a living at this run over 100 races a year and make a fourth, or even less, than a guy running WoO.

I also went through my schedule to see if there were any races that I couldn’t make because of this rule. Guess what? There aren’t any. I will be at Sun Prairie when I can, run the POWRi races I can and a few others.

How are the fans going to get hurt on this? THEY AREN’T . The top drivers are still going to be at local tracks. I don’t know how else to explain it. Nobody seems to care when a track schedules a race against a USAC race. And that means no USAC drivers there and everyone survives.

Someone brought up Eldora and North Vernon. Yeah, there will be more cars at North Vernon. There are drivers and owners that do not like Eldora or don’t feel they can be competitive with their equipment. Nothing wrong with that. I think it’s a great opportunity for a non USAC team to take home 4K.

Jerry Coons

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Originally Posted by coondog:
First off, this post really pisses me off. Finally after a couple of pages, someone posted the real rule and how it works. Don, if you are going to stir stuff up, post ALL the facts.

Jerry Coons

Sorry you have to come on a public message board with a comment like that. You know my number, Jerry. If you would have read my first post which I have copied below you wouldn't make a statement like that.

"I wish I knew more particulars about the rule but I can't find anything in that org's rule book that addresses this unfriendly fan rule. Maybe somebody can help out with this."

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"USAC does not run enough races for this kind of rule."....from John Gurley's post above...

Well, if that were the case, most likely a USAC race would not occur on a day that would cause a conflict that would make USAC impose this rule.....kind of arguing against your own points.

Don't like the rule? Don't join USAC, run on Temporary Permits; they can't punish you for breaking a rule IF you're not a member of the club!

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Originally Posted by DonMoore10:
Sorry you have to come on a public message board with a comment like that. You know my number, Jerry. If you would have read my first post which I have copied below you wouldn't make a statement like that.

"I wish I knew more particulars about the rule but I can't find anything in that org's rule book that addresses this unfriendly fan rule. Maybe somebody can help out with this."

So, DM, do you still think it is an "Unfriendly Fan Rule"?

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And Don, you have my number to where you could of called a driver that is involved with this rule, and gotten the facts and a drivers perspective before calling this an unfriendly fan rule. I also meant that I am more mad about the thread I guess. People are jumping to so many assumptions rather than knowing what the rule is. I may have used the wrong word when I said "post". That was my mistake.

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Here's my final word on this, Jerry. I cited the page in sprint Car mag, a article by Mike O'Leary who writes pretty good stuff IMO. It's on page 16. I would assume that he talked to several people including Brad Kuhn who is also cited in the article. He certainly did more research than I did. I went to the USAC web site to find the rule. It's not published.

From Mr. O"Leary's words: "However, opinions vary when discussing this new program." So obviuosly not everybody agrees with you and I'm sure many do.

My opening post had a disclaimer that I didn't know a lot about the new rule and I asked for clarification. I have no dog is this fight. Several people have calmly published on this thrread the clarifications. some resorted to the usual mud throwing and personal attacks.

I think the issue has been resolved. How the rule plays out will be monitored I'm sure.

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Since USAC is trying so hard to emulate the WoO, does that mean they will become a publicly traded entity soon?

All joking aside, the ultimate goal is to increase sanction fee and (hopefully) driver payout. It's a marketing illusion to make the shows appear more meaningful and rare. As a fan, the end result that I see will be ticket prices increasing to match WoO. A few weeks ago I attended a WoO show and the tickets were $35.

Will everyone be up for paying this much? I don't know. The Outlaws can get away with it because they travel the entire country and only come to some areas 2-3 times a year. People can justify that. But, if you live in the Indiana area and USAC runs dozens of races there annually, can you afford it? This may be a boon to the local tracks. I know if I lived there, I'd take in the occasional USAC show but I spend most of my time at the weekly shows. For me, it's not about individual names, but about the type of racing. I'll go to a 410 non-wing show at Kokomo, Bloomington, Paragon, Waynesfield, etc, even if I didn't know any of the drivers.

Then again, maybe USAC is planning on running fewer races in their backyard and branching out? If so, good luck. While we know who the players are, most of the country does not know who they are. Could be a hard sell.

Reading Jerry's comments above, I'm guessing most of the drivers are for this. It's their Club and if they are happy with it, then they should do it. Who cares what anyone else thinks. Time will tell if it was a good move or another toe blown off.

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DM: Since this issue is now resolved now you can go back to your other complaints....

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Originally Posted by sprinter25:
"USAC does not run enough races for this kind of rule."....from John Gurley's post above...

Well, if that were the case, most likely a USAC race would not occur on a day that would cause a conflict that would make USAC impose this rule.....kind of arguing against your own points.

Don't like the rule? Don't join USAC, run on Temporary Permits; they can't punish you for breaking a rule IF you're not a member of the club!

What?? After reading the rule I have concluded that it's a lot of smoke but very little fire. It reads tougher than it really is. As for my comment about the number of races I feel the WoO run enough that a driver or team owner wouldn't have enough off time to run a local show even if they wanted to and with their purse why would they! I don't blame them because they had to do something. The current way wasn't getting the job done.All that Don wanted was for someone to clarify the rule for him and BOOM it blows up into this. A friend mine says if he gets bored he just hops on here and just mentions his displeasure for a USAC rule or call that they made and then he just sits back and watchs this web site blow up.Its like watching Fox news when O'reilly has a Dem on.He doesn't really get anywhere but it is entertaining.:8: I know, I know I'm gonna SHHHhhhh again.:22:

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Originally Posted by Dyno Don:
Doesn't The WoO have a rule like this also?

I tink they do Don Plus think they fine the driver and ower and take points away :7:

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Originally Posted by DonMoore10:
Well... Let's take the state of Illinois for example. I can only think of one track that is hooked to the big org. That means if you attend races in that state, don't look for any of the top 20 big org stars to show. That's just one example.

USAC doesn't give a damn about the fans in Illinois.

SCREW USAC! I wouldn't walk across the street to see one of their BS dog and pony shows. USAC is such a BS organization from what it once was. All they care about is money, money and more money. They shot themselves in the foot many times. Look USAC< this isn't 1950's and you aren't AAA.

USAC is becoming more like USUC every day.

---------- Post added at 06:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:52 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Kirk Spridgeon:
I have discussed this with a few people already, but I will hit the major point of this fund and rule from my point of view:
I see this as an effort to bring some value to the program and the driver's names. Now, USAC has the clout to demand more for tracks because they actually have the loyalty of a few name drivers. Knowing that the ante is up to have these drivers show, tracks will have to accommodate to have them.

I see the loyalty rule as a start to ease up on what the World of Outlaws have for their drivers. It is nowhere near as strict. It is a simple matter of economics for each driver to decide whether pursuing this NDC money is worth it to them.

For the car owner, the big picture of rising purses to attract these name drivers is better for them. Once purses go up at the USAC level, other areas seem to follow suit. I also have another theory that as the money goes up in this fund, more limitations could be put on drivers (for example, a pay minimum). If a track has to pay a certain amount to ensure themselves that these name drivers will appear, they will certainly be willing to do that, knowing that the fans follow those names.

For the fan? I see this as a way of paying back these guys for putting on the show. It pains me that these guys are forced to race for such small purses. I, for one, am happy to see that some guys who race their asses off in a BUNCH of events throughout the year are going to be paid off this year by the USAC NDC fund. I go to a lot of World of Outlaws and Late Model races and see guys who are the Dave Darland, Jerry Coons, Tracy Hines, or Levi Jones of their series making much, much more than our Sprint Car / Midget guys do. It's time to start getting those numbers in line.

I still can't see anything negative about it. Look at the big picture...

*** ever Kirk. Look at the big picture. The big picture is USAC thinks they are better than everyone else and they aren't jack sh*t.

Re: New Unfriendly Fan Rule
 

Then why not just stay away outsider? No worries then, right?:11;

Re: New Unfriendly Fan Rule
 

Originally Posted by AlkyMadness:
Since USAC is trying so hard to emulate the WoO, does that mean they will become a publicly traded entity soon?

All joking aside, the ultimate goal is to increase sanction fee and (hopefully) driver payout. It's a marketing illusion to make the shows appear more meaningful and rare. As a fan, the end result that I see will be ticket prices increasing to match WoO. A few weeks ago I attended a WoO show and the tickets were $35.

Will everyone be up for paying this much? I don't know. The Outlaws can get away with it because they travel the entire country and only come to some areas 2-3 times a year. People can justify that. But, if you live in the Indiana area and USAC runs dozens of races there annually, can you afford it? This may be a boon to the local tracks. I know if I lived there, I'd take in the occasional USAC show but I spend most of my time at the weekly shows. For me, it's not about individual names, but about the type of racing. I'll go to a 410 non-wing show at Kokomo, Bloomington, Paragon, Waynesfield, etc, even if I didn't know any of the drivers.

Then again, maybe USAC is planning on running fewer races in their backyard and branching out? If so, good luck. While we know who the players are, most of the country does not know who they are. Could be a hard sell.

Reading Jerry's comments above, I'm guessing most of the drivers are for this. It's their Club and if they are happy with it, then they should do it. Who cares what anyone else thinks. Time will tell if it was a good move or another toe blown off.

If USAC thinks people will pay $35 to see their 32 car show, they are finished.

Re: New Unfriendly Fan Rule
 

Originally Posted by Seadog:
Then why not just stay away outsider? No worries then, right?:11;

If someone like you support's it, I will stay away. Nice grown up thing by calling me arse sider. How long did it take for you to think that name up? :11;

Re: New Unfriendly Fan Rule
 

Originally Posted by coondog:
I also went through my schedule to see if there were any races that I couldn’t make because of this rule. Guess what? There aren’t any. I will be at Sun Prairie when I can, run the POWRi races I can and a few others.

Jerry Coons

Glad to hear that you will be at the Prairie. There are very few things that I miss about Wisconsin, but the Prarie is deffinitely one of them.

Re: New Unfriendly Fan Rule
 

I love USAC shows. They usually have the drivers I want to see, and the racing doesn't dissapoint. This rule won't change any of that, so in my opinion, why is it necessary? USAC doesn't race every Friday and Saturday, so why couldn't a guy go race somewhere else out of the ordinary on that Friday? True, it might only apply to a handful of guys, but any organizational rule that singles out a few is unfair. I love to hear Jerry and Casey's opinions both, they mean a lot.

Let's say I'm a promoter at a track that usually doesn't run USAC. If I have a Friday race and some of the big dogs show up, the place might be packed if the word gets out. I think I would be more likely to try to get a USAC race there in the future if I think I can fill the place.

My $.02

Re: New Unfriendly Fan Rule
 

Out of 115 races on my schedule I built well before the rule came out, I have no conflicts.

BC

Re: New Unfriendly Fan Rule
 

DAMM, Go to the race,shutt up,stay home....quit ********:10::10: