When was the last time National midgets got a pay raise?

I do not think anyone is asking for 10k to win each week but a $500 increase in both divisons to 3k and 4.5k would be nice.

You can make money racing but it is not on the track. You have to be a great salesman and a great busness man. The money is out there for the taking you just have to convence people why they should give you money.

I have talked to hundreds of teams over the years and most of them did hardly anything for their sponsers and most of them never stepped outside their circle to find sponsors. The best I have ever seen with sponsor relations in USAC has been John Scott. John made sure everything was clean tidy and presented a great image for the sponsers. He was always in constant contact with the sponsers not just when he needed something but kept them informed along the way. John told me one day and I stick by it that 25% of the value of any sponsorship he ever got was spent taking care of the sponsor. How many teams can say that?

On a National level the teams need to become more profesional through out the entire sport. Just look at NASCAR they did not start taking off and making stupid money until they started to shed the "Southern" image.

They didn't start making stupid money until Winston came in a promoted the poop out of it. Winston went to the tracks and asked if they could pay to paint and spruce up the joint for signage in return.

Granted, Winston had a high profit margin and money to burn, but that is when it all changed. Then they got the live T.V. to go along with it and it just grew and grew until it reached the tipping point when Jeff got there and provided the counterpoint to Earnhardt.

They had a vision and something to prove and they have followed that to until just the last few years when it seems they have lost that down home friendly feeling their fans had towards them. They have allowed themselves to "APPEAR" as if they are a greedy corporate entity and it's hurting them.

What USAC and the others must do is show the racer that they are indeed trying to find ways to put money in the racers pocket and help grow the sport "WITH" the racer. It's going to be hard and honestly nearly impossible to pay what I believe is a good purse to be fair to the teams. The N.C. show and most of the midget shows should pay $1,000to start and $10,000 to win. It can be done, but it will require a whole new mindset for all involved.

Quote "John told me one day and I stick by it that 25% of the value of any sponsorship he ever got was spent taking care of the sponsor. How many teams can say that?"

This team can say that, Josh calls his sponsors every Mon. good or bad he also sends a newsletter once a month to keep everyone up to speed. We also try to put the car in front of as many people as we can. (in a positive way)

Jerry #66j
www.joshspencer.com

As long as the Oklahoma Sweat Shop sets the national example by attracting 300 midget owners/drivers for a penny purse, nothing is going to change. The midget community is it's own worst enemy, but no one understands that. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

IMO
Fix the sprint car problems first, then the midget's and finally the Big Car's.
The goal seems to be $1,000.00 to start and $10,000.00 to win.

Paul, Somebody posted a late fifties early sixties payout for a USAC or AAA national Sprint car race and the payout today based on the inflation caculator was actually close to being the same return as it was back then.

You used to build your motors for a couple grand, Your own car. A set of tires would last you 7-10 races. hell your whole car probably cost 4grand back in the sixties.

Now you got motors your forced to pay 40g to compete. A chassis thats junk after one good roll. Tires that last three races tops.

It's not all USACs fault but what do you want? it's been proven people won't travel for non series and your not gonna get a $30 front gate for the shows.

While I certainly understand where your coming from. It certainly isn't the only form of auto racing suffering the high cost vs return syndrome.

Best of luck in 08
Chuck

Don - I agree with your thoughts on the Silly Bowl but ASCS does not force 300 team drivers/owners to show up and race. As long as owners and drivers support the event nothing will change.

I have to agree with Paul, that is a long haul for one race and with todays fuel costs the average racer is not going to make that tow.

You used to build your motors for a couple grand, Your own car. A set of tires would last you 7-10 races. hell your whole car probably cost 4grand back in the sixties......Chuck Nungester

Oakie Drout paid $5,000 cash for the Bobby Marshman/Herb Porter/Don Brown Sprinter with a fresh TRACO Chevy in 1966. The car was first class all of the way. Ross Smith won the L'Burg Track Championship with it in 66 (or 67).

" Do you think Dave Darland made the trip and drove for a percentage of $ 330.00 ? "

Paul Gray :greenflag: www.paulgray28.com

I was just wondering ,Why do late model shows pay so much to win??? How much does WOO sprints make to win?