[Pat O'Connor Fan]

Originally Posted by FishBurger While I'm all for improvements to the USAC product, I will once again trot out that old caution, "Be careful what you wish for." Some, dissatisfied with current 40 to 50 sprinters in the pits (for dirt), apparently long for a WoO like field where half the cars are junk, and half or more of those left are nothing but field fillers. For this, some wish to pay more at the gate and sprinkle the increase through the field. Some desire a more national series like WoO having 8 or 10 regulars chasing points around the country and depending upon locals to run for what's left. Since few of us (fans and competitors) will be able to support USAC in this all over the globe scenario as we have in the past with a more regional strategy, let's put it on TV or the internet so all we need to do is kick back and grab the remote. And if we're not going to schedule against ourselves we either need to drop a couple of divisions or switch to a 75 week calendar. There are only so many raceable weekends in the current 52 week deal. Much of this is of course overstated and tongue in cheek. But, I repeat "Careful what you wish for.". USAC, warts and all, has provided me with the best racing on the planet for over 40 years. I hope the powers that now be will move very carefully with much consideration for any major changes. JMHO, as always. :checkered:

Once again, Marv proves to be quite the sage. Tongue-in-cheek, or not, his post contains more wisdom than is normal for many posts, not authored by wise older fellows like Mr. Fish, on this board.

[Seadog]

Originally Posted by FishBurger I'm disturbed (that's common knowledge) and concerned that Jerry would know what happens when you "come through the gate" for a WoO event. :eek: Who knew this guy was a closet "winger"? :wink1: While I'm all for improvements to the USAC product, I will once again trot out that old caution, "Be careful what you wish for." Some, dissatisfied with current 40 to 50 sprinters in the pits (for dirt), apparently long for a WoO like field where half the cars are junk, and half or more of those left are nothing but field fillers. For this, some wish to pay more at the gate and sprinkle the increase through the field. Some desire a more national series like WoO having 8 or 10 regulars chasing points around the country and depending upon locals to run for what's left. Since few of us (fans and competitors) will be able to support USAC in this all over the globe scenario as we have in the past with a more regional strategy, let's put it on TV or the internet so all we need to do is kick back and grab the remote. And if we're not going to schedule against ourselves we either need to drop a couple of divisions or switch to a 75 week calendar. There are only so many raceable weekends in the current 52 week deal. Much of this is of course overstated and tongue in cheek. But, I repeat "Careful what you wish for.". USAC, warts and all, has provided me with the best racing on the planet for over 40 years. I hope the powers that now be will move very carefully with much consideration for any major changes. JMHO, as always. :checkered:

Marv, you echoed my thoughts exactly. Excellent post. I agree that if it ain't broke, don't fix it. There are problems that will have to be solved short term and long term, but I think the product that is currently put forth is top notch in my book. It's the peripheral items that need to be addressed - like marketing, etc. But let's not overmarket this deal and end up like Nascar. Like you said, with all the divisions, double booking is a necessary evil. Nobody likes it, but it comes with the territory.

[Andrew S. Quinn]

Originally Posted by FishBurger While I'm all for improvements to the USAC product, I will once again trot out that old caution, "Be careful what you wish for." Some, dissatisfied with current 40 to 50 sprinters in the pits (for dirt), apparently long for a WoO like field where half the cars are junk, and half or more of those left are nothing but field fillers. For this, some wish to pay more at the gate and sprinkle the increase through the field. Some desire a more national series like WoO having 8 or 10 regulars chasing points around the country and depending upon locals to run for what's left. Since few of us (fans and competitors) will be able to support USAC in this all over the globe scenario as we have in the past with a more regional strategy, let's put it on TV or the internet so all we need to do is kick back and grab the remote. And if we're not going to schedule against ourselves we either need to drop a couple of divisions or switch to a 75 week calendar. There are only so many raceable weekends in the current 52 week deal. Much of this is of course overstated and tongue in cheek. But, I repeat "Careful what you wish for.". USAC, warts and all, has provided me with the best racing on the planet for over 40 years. I hope the powers that now be will move very carefully with much consideration for any major changes. JMHO, as always. :checkered:

Very well said Marv.

[D.O.]

Chuck brought up some good points!

I really don't get how "More races broadcasted on the INTERNET" Helps promote the sport. It helps me, A existing race fan but reaches very few potential new fans.
He talked of pod casting highlights from all of usac in a weekly or biweekly format. Look at the number here on IOW that have joined and how many lurk? But what if some new people start watching the pod cast? They might what to see more and show up at a USAC race near them. Drifting has nothing to do with us but look how it has grown in a few years! All kids with i-pods and computers show up at the races. Remember when you were a kid and you read every magazine in the store while mom shopped? Motor Trend, Car & Driver for any info on any racing you could find? Well that's all done on the keyboard nowdays. Today is a computer world and that isn't going to change and non-fans will find our sport.


TV's the way to go. Not knocking these shows. I just don't see it doing nothing but hurting local gates.
TV will come in time as they are continuing their TV deal into next year with Lucas Oil's production crew. All taped delayed, NASCAR will hurt the gate more than a taped delayed event.

Lets see, You go to a USAC show and you see a 30lap race for 5000 to win, not very much at the back in pay and no local drivers or very few?
If you tossed the local drivers out, how many cars would you have? Usac pays more in the back than a lot of local show do. You would have TSR,KKR,HAR,Contos, and who else?

What do we do to change this? USAC's been stuck on it's 20 dollar gate for what? 20 years? 25 dollar regular USAC shows 6000 to win 300 to start, Every ten cars is a heat and no LCQ
30-35 dollar shows, 40-50 lap features. 8000 to win 400 to start.
USAC doesn't dictate what a track operator charges, only how much money their show and officals cost. I would assume that besides the big changes, they will be looking at making the night move faster. I do agree that they have paid the same at the top for a while, but can the track operators afford more?

Lets do it! Make it special! Market it and Go!

Chuck

Good idea Chuck, time will show what changes are coming, it's all talk right now but change is coming.

Living in this area we are spoiled rotten with race tracks and big events. In Cali it's not unusally for fans and teams to make at 6 to 8 to 12 hour trip to see or race. Sure we have people who drive a long ways around here but does LA have 6 tracks within an hour?? No.
With a real marketing person pushing USAC from the top for a more National series, like Williams Grove in 2008, with races to help a team run more than one event a weekend after a travel day. I think USAC is going to be fine and the new Prez Kevin Miller is talking and trying to do the proper stuff for a long time, to turn USAC around for all fans and teams and tracks.

D.O.
:dologob:

Originally Posted by Honest-Sam I agree wholeheartedly. You did a better job of expressing my concern than I did. :emote20:

Guy's thanks for the concern and kind thoughts on my position with USAC. As of Monday I'm still scheduled to be at the Fort Wayne Dec. 28-29 indoor event working for USAC. So for now I will keep the phone turned on and wait like everyone else to see what happens.
Ron

[Jerry Shaw]

Originally Posted by FishBurger I'm disturbed (that's common knowledge) and concerned that Jerry would know what happens when you "come through the gate" for a WoO event. :eek: Who knew this guy was a closet "winger"? :wink1: While I'm all for improvements to the USAC product, I will once again trot out that old caution, "Be careful what you wish for." Some, dissatisfied with current 40 to 50 sprinters in the pits (for dirt), apparently long for a WoO like field where half the cars are junk, and half or more of those left are nothing but field fillers. For this, some wish to pay more at the gate and sprinkle the increase through the field. Some desire a more national series like WoO having 8 or 10 regulars chasing points around the country and depending upon locals to run for what's left. Since few of us (fans and competitors) will be able to support USAC in this all over the globe scenario as we have in the past with a more regional strategy, let's put it on TV or the internet so all we need to do is kick back and grab the remote. And if we're not going to schedule against ourselves we either need to drop a couple of divisions or switch to a 75 week calendar. There are only so many raceable weekends in the current 52 week deal. Much of this is of course overstated and tongue in cheek. But, I repeat "Careful what you wish for.". USAC, warts and all, has provided me with the best racing on the planet for over 40 years. I hope the powers that now be will move very carefully with much consideration for any major changes. JMHO, as always. :checkered:

It would definitely be a mistake to change anything about the "field" or the racing part of the show, Marv. The marketing and showmanship aspects of the show are to attract and captivate "new" fans. All of us, we're already sold and hooked. The Barhorst shows at Kamp Motor Speedway, this year, were excellent examples of what I'm talking about. The Midget Week show was very successful and ran during the middle of the week, at a track right in the middle of tin top country. And Megasaurus was the bait, for many. But USAC Midgets and non-wing sprints were the hook. Tony obviously understood this.

USAC has the best product there is. They would be crazy to change that part of it. How they get 'em in the seats and how they keep 'em entertained while they're there. Now that's what I'm talking about.

Jerry

[Charles Nungester]

Originally Posted by D.O. Chuck brought up some good points! I really don't get how "More races broadcasted on the INTERNET" Helps promote the sport. It helps me, A existing race fan but reaches very few potential new fans. He talked of pod casting highlights from all of usac in a weekly or biweekly format. Look at the number here on IOW that have joined and how many lurk? But what if some new people start watching the pod cast? They might what to see more and show up at a USAC race near them. Drifting has nothing to do with us but look how it has grown in a few years! All kids with i-pods and computers show up at the races. Remember when you were a kid and you read every magazine in the store while mom shopped? Motor Trend, Car & Driver for any info on any racing you could find? Well that's all done on the keyboard nowdays. Today is a computer world and that isn't going to change and non-fans will find our sport. TV's the way to go. Not knocking these shows. I just don't see it doing nothing but hurting local gates. TV will come in time as they are continuing their TV deal into next year with Lucas Oil's production crew. All taped delayed, NASCAR will hurt the gate more than a taped delayed event. Lets see, You go to a USAC show and you see a 30lap race for 5000 to win, not very much at the back in pay and no local drivers or very few? If you tossed the local drivers out, how many cars would you have? Usac pays more in the back than a lot of local show do. You would have TSR,KKR,HAR,Contos, and who else? What do we do to change this? USAC's been stuck on it's 20 dollar gate for what? 20 years? 25 dollar regular USAC shows 6000 to win 300 to start, Every ten cars is a heat and no LCQ 30-35 dollar shows, 40-50 lap features. 8000 to win 400 to start. USAC doesn't dictate what a track operator charges, only how much money their show and officals cost. I would assume that besides the big changes, they will be looking at making the night move faster. I do agree that they have paid the same at the top for a while, but can the track operators afford more? Lets do it! Make it special! Market it and Go! Chuck Good idea Chuck, time will show what changes are coming, it's all talk right now but change is coming. Living in this area we are spoiled rotten with race tracks and big events. In Cali it's not unusally for fans and teams to make at 6 to 8 to 12 hour trip to see or race. Sure we have people who drive a long ways around here but does LA have 6 tracks within an hour?? No. With a real marketing person pushing USAC from the top for a more National series, like Williams Grove in 2008, with races to help a team run more than one event a weekend after a travel day. I think USAC is going to be fine and the new Prez Kevin Miller is talking and trying to do the proper stuff for a long time, to turn USAC around for all fans and teams and tracks. D.O. :dologob:

D.O. Thanks for the responses, Many people might take my knocks or statements and USAC bashing and it's not meant to be! Like I said, Yeah you have 20 drivers or more that have championships or could win on any given night and I like that.

The format to me tho is not much better and in some cases worse than a local show. I still think locking the top 32 and the LCQ are what keeps locals away (Many don't qualify or very rarely period).
Quite simply, You pay more, You kinda expect to see more racing, Not less heat races and 5 laps more in a feature. Qualifying. Time honored tradition I guess but when the show starts at 9pm because of it, theres problems and it also cost to go qualifying, Motor is a big issue here where it may or may not be in the races itself.

I keep hearing how the WoO is so great, That WOO oughta take over USAC then I hear they on the edge of bankruptcy every year and most of the teams except maybe ten of them are on that same edge.

Id love to see the BIG TIME attention, 40 lap features and locals chomping at the bit to run against em in USAC with a nice payout and some high dollar races spread around.

I do believe USAC does set the gate as it was pretty much across the board at every show and track I went at this year. At least the back gate.

Chuck, just hoping they can find the sponsorships, tracks and TV marketing to support this kind of series in NON WING FORMAT.

TY for listening.

[Dirtfan]

Originally Posted by FishBurger I'm disturbed (that's common knowledge) and concerned that Jerry would know what happens when you "come through the gate" for a WoO event. :eek: Who knew this guy was a closet "winger"? :wink1: While I'm all for improvements to the USAC product, I will once again trot out that old caution, "Be careful what you wish for." Some, dissatisfied with current 40 to 50 sprinters in the pits (for dirt), apparently long for a WoO like field where half the cars are junk, and half or more of those left are nothing but field fillers. For this, some wish to pay more at the gate and sprinkle the increase through the field. Some desire a more national series like WoO having 8 or 10 regulars chasing points around the country and depending upon locals to run for what's left. Since few of us (fans and competitors) will be able to support USAC in this all over the globe scenario as we have in the past with a more regional strategy, let's put it on TV or the internet so all we need to do is kick back and grab the remote. And if we're not going to schedule against ourselves we either need to drop a couple of divisions or switch to a 75 week calendar. There are only so many raceable weekends in the current 52 week deal. Much of this is of course overstated and tongue in cheek. But, I repeat "Careful what you wish for.". USAC, warts and all, has provided me with the best racing on the planet for over 40 years. I hope the powers that now be will move very carefully with much consideration for any major changes. JMHO, as always. :checkered:

Sometimes Jerry has been known to come out of the "closet":emote20:
Marv,this was an excellent post, and I would have expected nothing from you! Thanks I listened to DO'S show last night,this Miller guy has some good ideas but I just get the impression that he wants to forget the, owners,drivers,sponsors and yes the fans that have in the past paid all the entry fees, gate fees etc.
No matter what kind of business people are in, it would be a HUGE mistake IMHO to forget the people that got you where you are today.:confused:

[Rex W.]

IMHO as long as JC has ANYTHING to do with USAC ...nothing will change no matter who the PRESIDENT is. If USAC is so great & the WoO & All Stars are going in the tank how is it that at the end of the year there point fund not only pays out $$$$$ but parts like Blocks , Heads, Rear ends, PARTS! Why doesn't USAC do anything to help the racers?

[BrentTFunk]

I know a 10 car heat race sounds good, but who does it really help if the invert changes? I think there are alot of positives being talked about here. Raising ticket prices too much could exclude fans and limit some tracks. Most people who don't think $10 dollar increase is no big deal don't have to pay to get in. I hope for positive changes not drastic changes.

Funk, who feels the best part of a USAC show are the heats, because the inversion promotes passing.