Originally Posted by JBX2:
Ahh...the proverbial car count issue...Wish I had a nickel for the many "solutions" that everyone proclaims.
There clearly are no quick-fixes for this since things have gotten SO out of control.
Over the years of elbow grease in the garage and at the track, going BACK TO THE BASICS & simplifying things almost always worked out for the best. Really, the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method! So, let's look at this from a larger, broader view. Say, from above, at 10K feet...(Wait, maybe, 20K feet...)
A couple of thoughts & questions to consider:
The days of multiple traveling series' are over.
Suggestion: It's just too expensive and people have too many other entertainment choices. Higher car counts must be built regionally first NOT nationally first. Get (3-4) tracks close in proximity working together rotating weeks. You could pool track resources; sponsorship programs; and maybe even ticket pricing for fans.
NOTE: I love learning about the racetracks of the 40's & 50's. Racers making a living by running (3-4) days a week all over the place. There seemed to be a track every (50) miles from anywhere in any direction. The old pictures w/full-fields & packed grandstands almost seem surreal. ISN'T THIS WHAT EVERYONE STRIVES TO ACHIEVE?
Far too many teams are out there to GET NOTICED vs. become great racers.
These days, so many teams spend ungodly amounts of money to become the next NASCAR development driver at age 14-16. We've all seen 'em. Maybe have even beat 'em. Some of these drivers seem very well-grounded. Others are just whiny, spoiled brats. Unfortunately, you really can't blame 'em w/the big money allure of NASCAR.
So, how does this affect low car counts, you may ask? To me, sorta relates to my 1st point above.
All of these "quasi-national" series' seem to "bow down" to them & have allowed these big-money teams some advantages that are, IMO, not good overall for the sport.
Some examples:
-- No testing. These are a joke & are rarely enforced. Big money teams can afford multiple tests.
-- No traction control. Either enforce this or get rid of it. Big money teams tend to be able to afford this.
-- Specially-tuned headers? I've watched teams switch these out after qualifying, etc. More $$$ here, too.
-- Tires, tires, tires. Everyone knows that being able to use newer tires & more of them is best. Again, more $$$.
Some of you may know or remember me (see username for clues).
These are my opinions alone & in no way singling anyone out.
I often "think out loud." I also love open-wheel racing.
Nuff said. Have a good night, y'all, & GO TIGERS!!
Jimmy B.
I too think the KISS principle works. I realize the Racesaver program is not running much in the midwest, but their ideas just make a lot of sense to me. One of my favorite rules that the SST uses is "If it doesn't say you can, then you can't."