The thing I see that worries me more than the age old (and always will be in racing) "money problem" is the gokart-ta-zation of sprint car racing!

Young kids (punks in some cases) that were brought up beating and banging in gokarts, then slamming into everyone in mini sprints and now destroying theirs and others, full sprints and the sport along with it!

I blame no one but the permissive dads who allow this mentality and in some, thankfully a few, even WORSE behavior like drugs and such!

It worries me that the sport is getting hijacked, not by money, but BAD parents that allow their little future NASCRAP star to run roughshod over them and all their competitors and the sport!

Chew on that boys!

:headbang: :moon: :headbang:

[T&A Racing]

Anyone want to be my rich Dad? I need a new everything.

I haven't posted on here since I rejoined back in July for the 3rd time in 5 years and probably will not post as often as I used to but still enjoy the site from time to time.

[Josh Kinser]

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[sprintcarz]

The original post was regarding the not so new practice of buying and selling rides. I mention selling because if you are against the ride buyers then you need to also include the ride sellers in your negative views.

I'm not decided on this subject and wonder if buying a ride is or could be considered the same as partnering with a car owner for a ride. I've seen many drivers get rides because they brought a motor into the deal. A few (seems to be more prevalent on pavement) agree to fund the tires.

Thinking more about it, I wonder if bringing a sponsor to the team is considered ride buying?

I'm more "old school" in my thinking but don't see a balance to the ideals of yesterday vs. USAC 2008. Yes, some rides are sold to the high bidder and not given to the best racer. But maybe the best racer is an SOB that can't get along with anybody.

For this thread I am not sure what the riight answer is.

Question: Would you prefer to see another car parked until the car owner finds a repectful, excperienced, smiling, physically conditioned racer that not only drives well, but knows as much about the the car as he knows about racing operations?

[Joey Woods]

Originally Posted by Goatboy The thing I see that worries me more than the age old (and always will be in racing) "money problem" is the gokart-ta-zation of sprint car racing! Young kids (punks in some cases) that were brought up beating and banging in gokarts, then slamming into everyone in mini sprints and now destroying theirs and others, full sprints and the sport along with it! I blame no one but the permissive dads who allow this mentality and in some, thankfully a few, even WORSE behavior like drugs and such! It worries me that the sport is getting hijacked, not by money, but BAD parents that allow their little future NASCRAP star to run roughshod over them and all their competitors and the sport! Chew on that boys! :headbang: :moon: :headbang:

The karts are definately out of control as far as the beating your way to the front. The bump and run is accepted as passing.

[RichC]

The reason why this practice is controversial is because all sides have valid points. There is a definitive lean towards younger drivers these days which means they need to get to the point of being "ready" at a younger age. If you're a dad without the knowledge yourself, the rental ride is the only practical way to go. On the other hand if you don't have the resources but are a pretty good shoe, it does sting to see those rides go to funded drivers.

Points that I spend endless days pondering -

1. I question how many of the rental cars would still be running without un-funded drivers so I doubt hardle any are taking rides from anyone else.
2. If Dave Darland's dad had the wherewithal and had funded him into a NASCAR ride, would he be viewed in the same light as he is now?
3. Aren't programs like TSR, KKR & JJ's helping to balance things out by running un-funded young drivers?
4. If tin-tops are the end-all to the ride buyers, I'm wondering if the top-35 rule is essentially going to put in place a glass ceiling that ends up stopping all these young kids from landing somewhere because no-one in corporate america has heard of Kid Racer from USAC but they have heard of Jeremy Mayfield which is why Jeremy continues to get the ride over Kid.
5. If #4 is true, then why not sit back and enjoy the show in the meantime?

The art of renting rides have been going on for years. I think when the word rent is mentioned, it is a bad word too many people. I like to use the word sponsorship over the word rent. A young driver or actually any driver that has the hunger to race and has the will can do it. It's called sponsors and they can be a big help not only to the driver getting the ride, but to the car owner keeping his car maintained and going track to track. If you bring sponsorship dollars to your car owner, it seems as people are happy with that, BUT if you bring just money to the table, it is regarded different and is called renting-a-ride. I say both are fine, because both are done on a regular basis and a lot of fine drivers have turned out because of both. Racing is racing, you find a way to do it, or you don't. If you are not good you don't stay in a car usually even if you are renting. I know sponsorship hunting is tough, but they are out there and every bit helps you and your car owner !

[ossuks]

Define RICH KID???

Tracy Hines started out in family owned equipment!
Davey D. started out in family equipment!

. Where I come from, these 2 guys came from rich backgrounds!

At least 80% of the cars at any race track are family owned, family drivers! A low budget sprint team (even Paragon) spends a **** load more than the average family income!