Originally Posted by Tim:
Mike, I'll answer as best as I can.
There were enough cars to fill the originally mandated 16 car feature starting field after, probably, the third race, but many of the racers were on such a tight budget that one lost motor or significant car damage incident knocked them out. I think we also lost one (I think it was Alex Pettas) to injury. Short answer - Apparently August 9, 2009 and beyond there are not enough cars.
A three year plan would probably work, with the understanding that the first season would be a "character building" experience. It must be, however, viewed as an investment for both racers and promoters/track operators. This takes both patience and money, which are in short supply these days.
As witnessed last night at LPS and through the year at VCS, Joe Spiker doesn't need another sprint car class. Car counts are OK at the traditional Indiana venues. So, you either sell a new track to the idea, or you come up with something else, which I believe I have.
I'm sorry, Mike, but I'm going to play my cards close to me for right now. I have an idea that I think will work for everyone, but I'm waiting for some folks who I believe in and have respect for to share those ideas to. These folks have a far better chance of getting the ear from a promoter/track operator than I ever would.
Just a short story I relayed to Steve Thomas the other day. When we first started coming to Indiana from Arkansas to race I told folks that I only had two objectives. The first was for folks to get familiar with us and, when they saw us at the track they, at least, acknowledge our existence and, maybe give us a wave.
The second objective was, when they waved, they use more than one finger. There seems to be a smattering of each, right now.
Tim Simmons
Tim,
Thanks for the come back. I only used the Lincoln Park/Vermilion County scenario as an example. I didn't mean that this was the only option available. I understand keeping your idea private at this point in time. I hope for all of the lower budget teams that something can be worked out so they can get the track time and pay back needed to remain in this sport.