Originally Posted by wbr:
Rob H. is correct. Most teams use 2 sets of 3 tires per race. We use the same LF all year if it holds air.
One set of 3 is about $900 so figure $1800 per race for tires. We do the same as Hoffmans, hot lap both sets, qualify on the better one and heat race on the other.
Yes USAC still does have the rule for one right rear tire. No longer than we have been racing we had a RR seperate in practice at Iowa and the driver couldn't see in the straightaways due to the vibration. RR #2 put him on the pole. So limiting the tires would have been a curse for us.
Also, in my opinion, the hoosiers we use are only good for 3 heat cycles. They just won't grip after that. Limit the tires, then time on the track (in front of the fans) will need to be limited also. Thats good for the racers but probably bad for the sport.
Back in the 60's there wasn't any titanium, carbon fiber or even aluminum. Maybe the tires are the wrong thing to be looking at to reduce cost. What are your thoughts?
It definitely sounds like tire quality is lacking on a consistent basis. Maybe it's not a question of costs as much as it is about quality. It's always been said that people will pay more for what they perceive to be a quality product. (Some examples could be farm-fresh produce vs. store bought or even an IPod vs. a generic MP3 player.)
Can't help but remember some things from a recent CNBC documentary reporting how NASCAR is coping in this economic downturn. Clearly, the differences between NASCAR and pavement sprints are immense. But, I keep thinking about how much money is involved. It was reported that Stewart-Haas spends on average $600,000 total per car, per race for everything including crew expenses, etc. WOW...Hardly seems sustainable at all!!
It's undisputable that NASCAR has changed dramatically over the yrs. One could argue that they've changed for the better or for the worse. The point is that NASCAR is extremely successful (i.e. profitable) on all levels. It also interacts heavily with its very devout fan base & sponsorships. NASCAR knows that its fans are most important. It's now a culture where everyone feels like partners and much more than a racing body. It's really much bigger than itself so to speak.
So, maybe it's time to start thinking bigger picture here for this
national series. Cutting operating costs are great but really only go so far. Anyone remember the NAMARS days in the 90's in their heyday? Ask people about their banquets & how much stuff they gave away. Or, how many times extra product certificates were mailed w/the results check after that team wrecked or blew a motor? Or, the extensive promotions in conjunction w/the track? Cost issues were addressed but not a huge issue like it is with USAC.
It boils down to creating more $$$ for everyone to create something bigger than itself. I'm not sure this is possible.
Thanks for the opportunity to post. Again, this is my opinion & mine only & meant to offer help & not upset anyone.
Jimmy Baumgartner