[kcarm92]

Well said cary.

Posted via Mobile Device

[racefan20]

Originally Posted by Redwood17257 Not trying to offend anyone here, because the Smackdown is a great event and I'm glad it is going on. However, much like any other big weekend event paying a lot of money, there are plenty of drivers that would like a chance to compete for a feature win. Whether their team is a "big money" team or not, even some of the well funded teams these days can't afford to haul wherever they feel like with gas prices and it being the latter side of the season. Plus, as a fan, how can you argue with being able to see guys like Jon Stanbrough and Dave Darland, Brady Short and a multitude of others, who have chosen to stay more local on nights when there are non-point shows for big pay days at other tracks. As a fan of the sport, it's great to see guys run all over the place and not just all consolidate at one area for one big show. There's a lot of great drivers that are on the verge of the win that would like to pick one up at any track. So best of luck and safe hot shoeing it to every driver this weekend, regardless of track and class!

Anything wrong with Paragon, Waynesfield or Clay County? They are all running this Saturday

[quicktime3]

I'll remember this thread when the debates come up of why non-wing sprint car racing can't get a toehold. And why purses don't go up. And why car counts are stagnant to waning.

We have a crazy mentality around here.

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[PJ Wright]

Originally Posted by quicktime3 I'll remember this thread when the debates come up of why non-wing sprint car racing can't get a toehold. And why purses don't go up. And why car counts are stagnant to waning. We have a crazy mentality around here. Posted via Mobile Device

Please help me understand your point. Are you saying that problems with car counts, purses, etc. are because the other tracks won't drop their top class for USAC/Kokomo or other "big" races?

[illinisprintfan]

Originally Posted by racefan20 Anything wrong with Paragon, Waynesfield or Clay County? They are all running this Saturday

Absolutely not. I plan on being at Clay County Saturday.

[Morin Racing 98]

I remember this whole debate last year, and I'm sure somebody could find that thread. The bottom line is simple, certain teams aren't gonna spend that much money going to the smackdown to run against guys that have a trailer full of new tires and an actual crew of guys working on their car. For us, it's just me and my son working on our car, and just like alot of guys, we have spent every dime we can scrape up just trying to get to the track. So, the Kokomo car count would not have went up by our car attending this year even if Paragon, LPS, and Clay County all were shut down this weekend. So that argument might be the case for some teams, but not ours........

[scottyCbus]

Wheather you race at Smackdown or some other track just race. Don't wine and cry about who is running against who. This is America and all these tracks have to do whats best for there business. I'm sure they will all have great races but I will be at Kokomo for Smackdown just because I can!!

[quicktime3]

Originally Posted by PJ Wright Please help me understand your point. Are you saying that problems with car counts, purses, etc. are because the other tracks won't drop their top class for USAC/Kokomo or other "big" races?

It is because of this prevailing small-time mindset. Why would anyone strive for more money or higher car counts if they can plainly see that Indiana sprint car racing would rather race local shows?

Why wouldn't all tracks want to work toward successful races that make racers happy and make more money?

This year is a step backwards from last year. Two Indiana tracks chose to compete against the Smackdown this year. While a competitor like Mr. Morin wouldn't go to Kokomo, surely some will choose to skip Kokomo to instead race at Bloomington or Putnamville. Or leave after Thursday night. Not only will Kokomo lose competitors (even one is an impact when trying to show the growing strength of a start-up "big show"), they will also lose fans, not only in those who will spectate at Bloomington/Putnamville but in those who will compete there instead of watching Kokomo.

This all sends the wrong message. I hope O'Connors press on despite this mindset. I hope they continue to pay, despite this mindset. I hope sponsors will want to be involved, despite this mindset.

Posted via Mobile Device

[BrentTFunk]

Originally Posted by PJ Wright Please help me understand your point. Are you saying that problems with car counts, purses, etc. are because the other tracks won't drop their top class for USAC/Kokomo or other "big" races?

I think if you want tracks to pay higher purses, those are the shows you should support. If I ran a track and saw Someone else was paying less, and getting more cars, why would I ever pay more for the purse. Hope it is a good safe weekend for everyone, and all fields are full.

[racefan20]

Originally Posted by quicktime3 It is because of this prevailing small-time mindset. Why would anyone strive for more money or higher car counts if they can plainly see that Indiana sprint car racing would rather race local shows? Why wouldn't all tracks want to work toward successful races that make racers happy and make more money? This year is a step backwards from last year. Two Indiana tracks chose to compete against the Smackdown this year. While a competitor like Mr. Morin wouldn't go to Kokomo, surely some will choose to skip Kokomo to instead race at Bloomington or Putnamville. Or leave after Thursday night. Not only will Kokomo lose competitors (even one is an impact when trying to show the growing strength of a start-up "big show"), they will also lose fans, not only in those who will spectate at Bloomington/Putnamville but in those who will compete there instead of watching Kokomo. This all sends the wrong message. I hope O'Connors press on despite this mindset. I hope they continue to pay, despite this mindset. I hope sponsors will want to be involved, despite this mindset. Posted via Mobile Device

Thank you this is EXACTLY the point I was trying to get across before the flames started.