Why Charge for Kids? You're losing a fortune!

Charles Nungester · 5/25/25, 9:12 AM

I've always noticed at say LPS or Bloomington lots of kids.

Well Im sitting at Florence last night and Dad and a 5yr old girl and 4yr old boy sitting in front of me. Of that were 3beers, one sprite. one iced tea. one chicken tenders, one hamburger, one bag of m&ms.one slice of pizza. one ice cream. One wind up race car toy and one plastic checkered flag which for two heats the girl waved in my face the whole time.

They leave after the second heat, While they're there. Announcer says Monster Trucks June whatever. Cheers from the kids, Dad, Wanna see em? YEAH!

Get the kids to the track, Even if it's free. Dad's will spend 50 bucks on em in food and drink vs maybe not coming because it's 7-10 bucks a kid.

EzDuzIt247 · 5/25/25, 11:26 AM

Been saying this for awhile too. I have a family of 5 with a 14, 11 and 9 year old. Before the end of this year it would cost my family 150 to get in the gate at a USAC event. I'm happy to see many tracks changing it to 12 and under free this year instead of 10 like years past.I do like how Haubstadt has student prices as well. Anyone with kids knows they will swindle you and get you to spend money. And we make it a point to buy merch from drivers and concessions at the tracks. Not only is there money to be made by making it easier for families to attend. But more importantly it is an investment in the future of the sport. Where in today's world there are many entertainment markets competing. Plus my kids all love it and we'd rather be at a track than anywhere.

Indy1808 · 6/7/25, 3:35 PM

Well worthy of a bump!!!
I also have been saying this for years!
Owners/operators/promoters read this!

Rapid Rick · 6/7/25, 7:44 PM

I recently found an old ticket to Midget Races at Paragon dated 1968. Price 50 cents for a child.

jdull99 · 6/7/25, 9:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rapid Rick

I recently found an old ticket to Midget Races at Paragon dated 1968. Price 50 cents for a child.

Call it $5 now

https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/

Rapid Rick · 6/7/25, 9:34 PM

Memories of goin racin with my dad: Priceless

chathamracefan · 6/9/25, 1:23 PM

Most IL tracks used to be 12 and under free for weekly shows. I suspect they still are but it's been years since my kids were that young.

Weekly stuff should definitely be free. Some of the semi big shows would charge 5 or 10 for kids above say 5 years old.

I didn't mind paying a few bucks for a bigger show that might be a full house cause I know that's the promoters big night. Also, paid full freight a few times at Eldora for the big late model shows to have a reserved seat. Didn't mind tho cause my kid actually paid attention to what was going on & had more recall of the events than some of the drunks in the crowd (LOL!)