Hey Don & Scott --
Good posts w/valid points, ideas, suggestions, opinions, etc, etc, etc. (I especially like the "can't see the forest for the trees" comment!)
With all due respect, though, most of the responses were just a lot of "think-about" ideas and questions. Let's be honest -- been there done that; hence the dead horse analogy that most would agree with!! :2: :2:
Again, what would you do? Let's not make this another long, drawn-out soapbox and stick to the "5-sentences or less" model as i suggested.
IMO you should be able to describe this in a 15-second conversation as if you bumped into someone at the grocery store:
Here again is mine as a "wish list".
1) Run what you bring - Everyone races a feature if more than 20 cars - Twice a month at one track, possibly two, if the other track was within 50-miles away.
2) Track would be 3/8 or less (preferably 1/4 mile) - on dirt.
3) Switch it up to qualify one week; draw another week; fan draw another week.
4) Create multiple fan & sponsor interaction like "speed challenges" w/prizes; sponsor flagman; fan pace car rides; t-shirt tosses, etc.
5) Develop a streaming broadcast or video medium for fans & sponsors to follow when they can't be there or watch races again.
Do you think this is doable? (Remember, it's only 1-track, maybe 2.) If it's NOT doable -- WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
---------- Post added at 08:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:47 PM ----------
Originally Posted by short track scott:
I think we fans (because I am one) want to see close, competitive racing by a field of racecars. We expect a car or three to be slower, because this is a mechanical sport and things happen. We like to see a full field of cars to match the size of the race track.
We don't mind the cars being a little slower than "the old track record" if the racing is good. We don't say to each other, "look how expensive that motor is in turn two" or "I loved the $4000 body panels on that car". We want to cheer good racing. Good is sometimes a runaway, sometimes a bumper and sometimes a nerf bar, or two!
We want a program run without delay, and if there is a delay we don't want to notice. Plan ahead for it and keep us entertained with something. Fans throwing frisbees at a cone for $50 will do.
We want to support a sport that wants us. Give us the chance to like or not like a guy again. God, Goodyear and Gatorade are all doing well, guys, and they don't mind the exposure. But when you get an interview, don't cop the NASCAR driver act. Give us something to identify with, stand out from the pack. I understand not being comfortable doing an interview, but those who are stand out! We have entertainment options. We choose racing. We choose the kids' soccer. We choose vacation. Racing used to sell on the idea that if you weren't there you'd miss something. Now we just buy the dvd, or look it up on the internet machine. It is much harder to consistently draw a good front gate.
Before everyone sets fire to me and this post, I'll share what I think about the fix.
Build the purse before the racecars. Decide how much for each position. Hint: The monster trucks get a flat fee per truck for an appearance, then a set of bonuses and contingencies kick in. I'm not saying $X per car is the way to go, but how about getting to a purse where the winner gets three times what start money is? So the winner still spends too much (because he can), the 15th place guy gets a little more to replenish the too much he spent. Every race has a winner; not every race has a 15th place anymore.
Everybody has more invested than they care to admit. The high budget guys have more to spend, and can position themselves better to win. Age old problem. This is why the $10,000 to win, $175 to start, $45 pit, $35 front gate show is doomed. There are 6 teams, maybe, in the world to contend for the win. And they will each spend $2500 at the track to win it because they CAN. Meanwhile the guys who have to race on what they make, or close to it JUST STAY HOME.
What about cars? You are the racers! I think limiting tires per night is a good idea. I don't know the number, or that it is the same everywhere. Engines. If a guy can afford to run the big $ for a little less at the payout window, so be it. I'd bet there are 40 guys on the other end of the field who can run less engine for a bit more $ at the payout window. Run a dash for the top 6 cars to let them all stretch their high $ legs. I understand the thrill and glory of winning. If it is being bought, which the big races have been for years now, is that all there is? I see the low budget guys that finish ahead of where they "should". I really think the 1000cc uprights need a serious look in midget racing. They are "traditional" but they show up, and cost less to operate.
Ok. Fire away. This is a discussion board/forum. Let's hear it.
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I agree, Don. Thanks for saying a lot of things, Scott, that a lot of people are either afraid to say or admit. Good stuff!
