In response to what the National Midget Driver of the Year championship has paid in the previous years. For the 2007 season the cash point fund was a little over $12,000 cash with Jerry Coons winning $2,000 cash. The top ten drivers and car owners all recieved point fund checks. Last year the point fund was around $10,000 cash with Tracy Hines also winning $2,000 cash for the title, again the top ten drivers and owners all recieved point checks, along with the top five recieving trophies. This combined with NMDOTY race Nights in 2008 we paid out over $13,000. This year the point fund will be much less due to the fact that our 2008 title sponsors Chevrolet & Ford were unable to continue their support due to the sagging ecomony of the auto industry. Hope this clears up any questions.

Exactly my point. I by no means am saying the other groups are perfect. USAC is the "big dog" and under scrutiny at all times.

If you want I can list other groups screwups. I have many in my memory that I and would be glad to post.

Knoke--
I don't know where that cartoon came from. I don't know exactly how you processed it such that it shows up not as a link, but as the actual cartoon form it is in, but That absolutely forever RETIRES THE AWARD for the greatest post ever in the history of Indiana Open Wheel, and I say that with no fear of contradiction despite getting on this site approximately once-a-week on average.
That is beyond gold. It is diamond-encrusted platinum with a carbon fibre base and plutonium liquid core. I haven't seen it's match and I never expect I will.
You are first ballot hall of fame for that.

Well said Jerry, however, all the positive thinking, prayers, and good intensions cannot overcome what leadership is not providing. For change to incur and progress to become, leadership must prevail. I know there is always potential; the sport has so many great aspects in favor, history being a main factor! You do not need change for change sake, you need rules enforced, deadlines and agendas set and maintained … not much to change it is more the enactment of maintaining structure, organization, and definitely consistency. It is all about the details and organization within the organization. The little things can break or make the bigger picture. Therefore, you are correct it is not far off base, with a bit of organizational leadership it can truly regain the respect it so well deserves and preserve the future with quality and surety.

And these comments apply to any group or organization that is struggling ... usually it is fixable when leadership exerts positive energy, sets good examples, and is willing to tackle the obvious and often not so easy. When you expect others to perform as you do then your example better be on target, if not, then the obvious is to enact the concept of "Change the man or Change the Man!"