As unhappy as you are about the cost of racing, I would think it would be a no-brainer for you to get out of the racing entertainment business and get more into the music entertainment business. If spending money to go racing is not your idea of a good time, then get out for God sakes. Life is short. Spend your money on what makes you happy. Take my advice and do it now.

Consider yourself lucky. You are doing two things that entertain people. I have neither the talent to entertain people musically nor the money to entertain people with a race vehicle. Hell, I feel fortunate just to have a five year old car just to get to and from work.

Dammit, you made me get sort of OT here.

You got one thing right about the cost of racing!!!

You are absolutely right. Unfortunately (for your argument), race car owners and drivers are not "professional entertainers". They are contestants in a sporting event. As it happens, the event is entertaining enough that some people are willing to pay to watch it. Some racing folk realize that increasing the entertainment value will bring in more people and more money. Since they get part of that money, that's a good thing.

If you check around, I think you will find that is true of most sporting events. I'll bet Tiger Woods pays an entry fee every weekend.

We need a directory of all the treads on this topic (and similar recurring topics), so when it inevitably comes up again, we could just post a link and go on about our business. :-)

I'm wondering which sprint/midget event is paying a PGA purse.

I have no dog in this fight. However here is something to ponder.

Every time we go into the USAC pits we hear teams are complaining about the purses. These same teams have tried to approach USAC (NOT Greg Stabb) on this only to be brushed aside. Could it be these teams are not playing the PR game for the sport because the sanctioning bodies care less about the competitors? In my simple way of seeing things..... you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. Take care of the people putting on your show and they will promote the hell out of the sport.

Also from a fan's perspective..... Josh and Jerry Spencer. Class people thru and thru. NOTHING but nice to the fans.... everytime we go by if they see us they holler to us to say hi. The Spencers, when told about the flooding in Columbus area, asked if there was anything they could do. This again speaks to the class of the whole team. They are GREAT ambassadors to the sport. Be glad we have teams like this. I personally hope they succeed..... because there will be a hole left in the sport if they exit.

That was a great post. :greenflag:

Sorry Don but you arent Rosa Parks, never will be. that was about civil rights this certianly is NOT nearly as important issue as the issues you have with USAC.

From IOW: "Vermilion county speedway is cancellling the friday night sprint shows."

The comments expressed by a fan concerning Josh Spencer are not surprising. Josh is a professional. The professional racer knows he's in the entertainment business and understands that the grandstand paying patron enjoys some interaction with the performers upon the conclusion of the event. Too many racers are in a hurry to pack-up and leave. A hour spent with your fans could be the most rewarding thing you could ever do !

The comments ( as expressed by Don Moore ) would be responded to differently if stated by , say a Josh Spencer.

Just because we've always paid an entry fee and purchased pit passes to entertain others doesn't necessarily say that this is the best policy for the continued growth and health of the sport. I agree with Don.

I've paid my entry fee and purchased pit passes for everyone who has ever accompanied me to a race since 1971. But I often thought that something is inherently wrong with a system that charges the performers a fee to take the stage to the financial benefit of others.

Kevin Miller was on here lurking around the Greg Staab "last day" thread yesterday. You would think he would take an opportunity to respond to those things said both of him and USAC in a very questionable decision to terminate someone who has been an asset always to an often troubled organization.

Mr. Miller-
A few questions:
1)- Will there be an Eastern Swing next season, if it is up to you?
2)- Will it return to the same tracks as this year?
3)- Will it be on dirt tracks?
4)- Will YOU be there to meet and greet the loyal fans?
5)- Will someone new be hired to travel to and oversee these "swings"?
6)- Will highlights of these races get to National Media (TV) Outlets?
a)-promptly?
b)-eventually?
c)-possibly?
d)-not at all?
7)- Will rain-postponed make-up dates be discussed in advance?
8)- Will you be serving Kool-Aid? And who will be drinking your Kool-Aid?