A friend and I were talking today about tracks and USAC. And this question came to mind. For a track in the Indiana area to be successful. Does the track have to host a USAC sanctioned race? My personal opinion is no. I feel there's other ways to please the open wheel community without dropping a lot of money to host a USAC race.

Opinions anyone?

I would say no. For instance, Montpelier had a pretty successful year after having to postpone their first few races. They had a great turnout when BOSS came in to run and they have a solid car count every weekend. I know it's not really known as a sprint car track but I'd say they're doing well.

The same type of story comes to mind with Plymouth, while I personally am not a fan, they get good car counts, try to put on special events and had a good car count for their open wheel Wednesday event.

Look at Montpelier, no usac race but thinking outside the box has paid off for them, but on the other hand, look at gas city, they missed all of their big shows this year and had to close down

I think you will be a little surprised with Montpelier again next year ..

Tk

Devin, Pay $500.00 to win a $150 to start run 15 classes and you will be successful beyond your wildest dreams.

Nope you don't have to host a USAC race. The first thing that will happen when you don't is the fan base will want to see the cars and drivers that are at the top of the sport. You can think what you want about USAC and many of your negative thoughts are completely true but the fact of the matter is that almost every car owner and driver wants to compete, win races and win a championship with USAC. The reason is because of the rich history that USAC has. You can't take that away from them. Has USAC relied on that way too much over the years? Heck yes they have and that is a shame. Almost every driver and car owner wants to be associated with the greats of all time. AJ Foyt, Pat O'Connor, Tony Stewart, Sleepy Tripp, Larry Dickson, Jack Hewitt, Rich Vogler, Ken Schrader, Don Branson, KO, Pancho Carter, Tom Bigelow, Levi Jones, Parnelli Jones, Bryan Clauson, Jimmie Davies, Mel Kenyon. I am a little biased towards the midgets but you get the idea. (sorry for the many greats I omitted) I guess my suggestion would be to figure out a way to make money with a race track, which is no easy task, and then bring in USAC, World of Outlaws and others for special shows. Hold on! Isn't that what is already being done? That is why those guys are promoters and take all of the risks and we sit on the sidelines and complain about everything they do. Even though those guys are in the business of making money they are willing to take risks to either make or lose money and make their fans happy. I salute Bob Sargent, the Gundakers and all the other owner/promoters all over the country for doing what they do for us the fans and the participants!