[TQ29m]

Originally Posted by quicktime3 I don't think you do understand. The point is not that guys should not want to race. The point is that by giving everyone the option, the tracks are competing with Smackdown and taking away from it. And I honestly can't imagine that it's a good business decision to run this weekend, either. Even a profit this weekend would have to be marginal. August isn't notoriously good for business, anyway. Posted via Mobile Device

Maybe it isn't my turn, but I have the feeling we've just been exposed to the newest "Drone"! Bob

[quicktime3]

The good news is, it is now painfully obvious why Indiana is the place with the most sprint car tracks paying the least amount of money. And why no single major event has been able to stand the test of time. The market simply will not support it. Best of luck to the O'Connors - they know what they're working against and that they need all they can get!

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[downwithallison]

I wonder how many people are viewing all these posts about all the places that are racing this weekend and don't have a track anywhere near them? Just enjoy all the options we have around us.

[Andrew S. Quinn]

Originally Posted by downwithallison I wonder how many people are viewing all these posts about all the places that are racing this weekend and don't have a track anywhere near them? Just enjoy all the options we have around us.

I used to be in that group,then I moved here............

[BrentTFunk]

I am not questioning any of the decisions that any one makes. They are simply doing what they feel is in there best interest, but if people don't support the higher paying races there is no reason to have them. There is no market for them. That is not meant to be critical of any one.

[Dirtfan]

Originally Posted by BrentTFunk I am not questioning any of the decisions that any one makes. They are simply doing what they feel is in there best interest, but if people don't support the higher paying races there is no reason to have them. There is no market for them. That is not meant to be critical of any one.

I somewhat agree Mr Funk/Goodnight? However supporting big paying races is fine, lets say $5k to win, some racers and or fans would rather go to 4 races paying $1250.00 each to win for whatever reason, if those aren't supported they might cease to exist also, would you agree? So maybe the "mindset" of no other tracks running during a 'big show/s at other tracks is not so well for all racers/fans considered?
We should agree that at least we live in a country where we all have choices, no matter what one wants/likes to do.

[oldbutnew]

I’m just a spectator old and fairly new.
I think this thread sounds like a bunch of politicians campaigning for office.
One group wants to be the governing body that has absolute control over everything (Communism).
Another group wants everyone to be free to compete when and where they want (Capitalism).
A third group that is go-along to get-along (useless pacifist).
I believe that competition makes everything better.
Without competition drivers and mechanics will not improve.
The same is true for tracks, without competition your spectators and race teams will not have anyplace else to go, so why improve.
Kokomo is competing with other Friday and Saturday tracks and is putting on a good event.
Capitalism makes things better.

[Mud Packer]

Just a few thoughts on the situation. I do think there are reasons why some racers don't attend big shows like the Smackdown. Here are a few that come to mind.

1)Most all racers have other jobs and many of them don't race but one night a week. Since we have 3 tracks in Indiana that run traditional sprints on Saturday night, did any of you think that maybe they can only afford to run one night and also it has to be Saturday since they have to work Monday through Friday. Something to think about maybe-maybe not.

2)Being it starts on Thursday and continues on Friday, that might also be a factor in some racers not even attempting to go to Kokomo. Maybe they don't feel they can make enough money to offset being away from their normal job. Something to think about maybe-maybe not.

3)The Smackdown is run under USAC rules. Many budget racers don't race with USAC for a variety of reasons so they also don't plan on attending. Something to think about maybe-maybe not.

4)To run the Smackdown there is a $35.00 entry fee for non members both Thursday & Friday night and also $40.00 for Saturday. That is $110.00 before pit passes which are the same price. Also if you are a non member and make the feature, they will subtract $100.00 from your check. Something to think about maybe-maybe not.

4)USAC's format is for 2 laps of qualifying and 4 heat races only with 4 transfering to the feature. Everyone else transfers to an alphabet or hooligan race. If you run the alphabet of mains without making the feature, a lot of wear and tear on the car, tires, etc.....without a lot of green ($$$$$$) to show for it. Something to think about maybe-maybe not.

5)If no other track runs Friday or Saturday night, do you really think that every traditional sprint car racer in Indiana would attend the Smackdown or would many just say no way and plan on staying at home. Everyone (car owners, drivers and fans) has a budget and only they know how much they can spend.

So I would recommend that before we throw anyone under the bus we might all look at this in a different light. Maybe they would like to be there for the Smackdown but that the budget just won't allow that to happen. Be thankful if you can make it and enjoy the experience.

[BrentTFunk]

Originally Posted by Dirtfan I somewhat agree Mr Funk/Goodnight? However supporting big paying races is fine, lets say $5k to win, some racers and or fans would rather go to 4 races paying $1250.00 each to win for whatever reason, if those aren't supported they might cease to exist also, would you agree? So maybe the "mindset" of no other tracks running during a 'big show/s at other tracks is not so well for all racers/fans considered? We should agree that at least we live in a country where we all have choices, no matter what one wants/likes to do.

I agree. Everyone should do whats best for them, but next week don't complain about not enough money. I understand both sides, but I have seen many posts about purses needing to be raised. Of course a lot of times that is from people who won't be at any of these races.

[djbamber]

what no tracks in Maine running sprints on dirt, Andrew? Just kidding, I envy you moving to Indiana! Although I must say that living in the woods suits me just fine when I go out for a quad ride, or sailing on Lake Roosevelt a few times a year!

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