Quote:
Originally Posted by btg1963
With tracks like Haubstadt and Kokomo running special shows only, other tracks HAVE TO PICK UP THE SLACK of driver development on a weekly basis. This includes the less expensive support classes.
While he is driving in a fendered professional series, you could argue that Don O'Neal is one of the top shoes to come out of Indiana. Had it not been for support classes at Paragon, Bloomington, and Brownstown, where would Don have learned his trade?
This goes back to a post from a couple of weeks ago regarding Kokomo. One of our posters mentioned an article from the Kokomo paper, which Brent said was a study he performed. The quote mentioned 80% of the fans were from outside of Kokomo... I believe this is attributed to the lack of support classes on a regular basis.
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There was also a study I was part of in the 90's. No one thing is responsible. The cost to compete is so high I think it effects every class at every track. Historically when racing has thrived it has been because it was inexpensive to attend. It is not expensive compared to other entertainment, but it also is not cheap. If tracks raise ticket prices they know they will see less ticket buyers. Less butts in seats means less money from concessions. All the time insurance costs go up. It is a never ending cycle.
One thing that is going to be a problem for stock classes is, they aren't making 72 Chevelles anymore. When was the last time you could buy a rear wheel drive,carburated V8 on the showroom? This means very little stock parts on stock cars. That drives the cost up, and limits the people who can afford to race.
As for the study in the 90's, it was only about 70% local crowd then, so none of this has happened overnight for any one reason. Just my opinion.