FL United Promoters Series Update

[scottgarrity07]

I agree Jerry, 100%. The problem is that (at least in our class) we are trying to build a new Series and most of us have never raced each other before. We have to RACE each other for a while before we can even know, nevermind respect, each other. It is said respect is something that is earned and that ain't happened yet. To throw the "cone" double file restart at us didn't help. It was just a mess every race no matter what they did. You have got to look at it from a competitor's point of view. I work a 9 to 5 and have very little sponsorship (like most of my competitors). We all factor in the expenses of racing and the time it takes to prepare the car. Unnecessarily tearing up the car (and the money and time it wastes) make this sport not as much fun and a lot less justifiable financially. I don't know if you realize the financial sacrifice that has to be made just to run a Sportsman car. Even when you win, you've still lost money that night! As far as the restart change goes, the cars were being wrecked, the fields were shrinking because of it and attempts at fixing the mess were not working. As unpopular as it is with the fans, the decision had to made for the health and longevity of the Series. I think we can revisit it down the road, but a lot of clean racing and respectful driving has to occur before that happens. Single file will tame the "squirrels".

[Frasson118]

I'm fully aware of the very high costs it takes to run any kind of racecar. I also realize that even the winners lose money every night out. Nobody likes getting their car torn up. I just believe there is some kind of space in between 'action' and 'crash-fest'....... and that lies strictly with the decisions made by drivers in those situations.

If the drivers in the FUPS, no matter the division, can't provide 'action' without crashing, why would I spend extra admission costs, extra mileage and extra fuel to go see it? If there are too many 'amateurs' to provide a good, competitive, respectful side-by-side race..... what exactly is the fan paying for?

Is t that what a Touring Series is supposed to feature? The 'best of the best around'...?

I can watch complete jackasses for half the price & half the travel.

[andre]

Couple weeks ago, we had a PASS race at Autodrome Chaudière, here in Qc. For the main event, they started 28 Super Late Model on a high banked 1/4 mile. There was cautions, and of course as many restarts, all double file without any bad incidents worth mentioning on those restarts.

That being said, can anybody explain to me why races can be restart double file everywhere in North America but Florida? A real answer that makes sense. Bcuz in my book, if you cannot run inside or outside of another competitor car for a lap or few laps, how do you expect to better your position? Isn't that the basic of racing??? Get to the car in front of you, drive by his side, in or out, and pass him..........

BTW they was more than 4000 fans at that PASS race at $35. Why? Bcuz ........there was expectation of an action packed show to watch....and nobody left dissapointed.

That is short track racing my friend. That is what draws the fans by the thousands.

Do not let the inmates run the nut house. Grow a set, bring back the real racing for those Florida fans. When the word gets out, they will come. High speed parade do not draw, might as well sit along I95.

[RealDealRacing]

Double file

Double file restarts do taking a little practice but make for better racing on the track as well as for the spectators. Did it that way for many a season at a few different tracks and the opnes that don't get it in the beginning get it figured out pretty quick (sometimes with a little help). I also helps promote door to door racing as a norm rather than only when attempting/making a pass.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

ok

ya lets have single file starts fastest car on the pole only track promoter can soak tires no passing until start finishline that brings cars and fans not full field invert double file starts and let everyone soak not just the chosen.

[openwm53]

The last mod race at citrus

They did the cone type race...........I liked it as a driver. You had your choice to go out there. If not stay in line. Most of the time if the outside guy drives like an idiot he washes up the hill.............well at least in the corner. The cone race gives the guy with confidence the oppurtunity.

[Matt Albee]

I agree Jerry, 100%. The problem is that (at least in our class) we are trying to build a new Series and most of us have never raced each other before. We have to RACE each other for a while before we can even know, nevermind respect, each other. It is said respect is something that is earned and that ain't happened yet. To throw the "cone" double file restart at us didn't help. It was just a mess every race no matter what they did. You have got to look at it from a competitor's point of view. I work a 9 to 5 and have very little sponsorship (like most of my competitors). We all factor in the expenses of racing and the time it takes to prepare the car. Unnecessarily tearing up the car (and the money and time it wastes) make this sport not as much fun and a lot less justifiable financially. I don't know if you realize the financial sacrifice that has to be made just to run a Sportsman car. Even when you win, you've still lost money that night! As far as the restart change goes, the cars were being wrecked, the fields were shrinking because of it and attempts at fixing the mess were not working. As unpopular as it is with the fans, the decision had to made for the health and longevity of the Series. I think we can revisit it down the road, but a lot of clean racing and respectful driving has to occur before that happens. Single file will tame the "squirrels".

Just an observation here... " As unpopular as it is with the fans, the decision had to be made for the health and longevity of the Series " sounds like the same response that put Florida short track racing where it is today. To wit, if it's unpopular with the fans, the fans won't show up.
The FUPS/ACOP series has nowhere to go but up or out. Yet the racers insist on doing things their way instead of realizing that the show/fan has to come first and racer self interest second.
If you're planning to grow your series, you better put all your efforts into pleasing the fans.

[UREZ2PASS]

To attract fans, racing has to be exciting. Single file restarts are boring. The fact is cars get crashed going in circles. It amazes me how dirt cars can be all over the track with no radios and sliding around but most asphalt guys with radios tear up so much equipment. Maybe radios are the problem after all unless most of the spotters are clueless.

[andre]

Yet the racers insist on doing things their way instead of realizing that the show/fan has to come first and racer self interest second.

Like I wrote: you cannot let the inmates run the nut house.....

[scottgarrity07]

From what I have seen (correct me if I'm mistaken) but every track I have been to in FL currently utilizes single-file restarts. This originally was implemented by FUPS to try and make things more exciting for the fans. A departure from what was currently being done. Like it or not, you have to build the show from the back gate. When racers run out of money they can't come back. No cars, no show. Its not a question of balls, it's a question of survival. Matt, anyone who frequents this board realizes the disdain that you have for FUPS. And I will concede that sometimes you make some good points. However, as much as we would love to be able to shake some sense into the powers that be in FL short track racing and make some wholesale changes (tons of great ideas on this board alone) the fact of the matter is that we do not pull the strings. Sometimes you just have to do the best with what you've got. That's called living in the real world. As much as you don't care for FUPS, it is not in the dire position you portray it to be. The Late Models and Sportsman are drawing an average of around 20 cars per event and the crowds have been good. While not utopia, its a hell of a lot better car count than the tracks that chose to not be a part of FUPS are experiencing. I agree that just shuttling between A-Dale and Citrus is not much of a "Series", but there was a lot of turnover and changes in the off season and FUPS has done their best to roll with it. They are making inroads with events at Bronson, a rescheduling at Ellisville, a tentative date at Full Throttle and no doubt if Gary LaPlant is in at Punta Gorda, there will be FUPS events there too. You cherry picked my "unpopular with the fans" comment, but I hardly think that one rule change will make everybody write off the Series, especially when it has the best car counts in the state. Matt, you really need to take in a FUPS OWM, Truck and Sportsman event. Single or double file, the action will make you smile.

[Frasson118]

If I recall this correctly, the old Southern Sportsman Series had double file restarts for the first 3 restarts, or the halfway point whichever came first. It seemed to work out well, and was accepted by the fans. Nobody wants to see a caution-fest, and some nights, that's precisely what happens... in any division at any track.

I once saw, at Citrus County, a great way to handle an out-of-control field. The Mini Stocks were running a 100 lap race with a halfway break. The first half was a nightmare. I believe it was Critter who made this call:

Instead of fueling up and going back out, he 'red flagged' the 2nd half of the race and called a mandatory meeting with all Mini drivers. He basically told them that if the other divisions ran like the idiots that THEY had been doing, you guys won't get your 2nd half. If they can race respectfully, we expect you to do the same. The other divisions ran nice & clean, the Minis got their other 50 laps, and put on a heck of a show.

It was a GREAT call, and it salvaged the entire program.

Why let the few bad apples spoil the bunch? If they can't get their shit together as a whole, park the whole damn group and explain that "we are NOT going to let YOU GUYS stink up our show. Then, they either figure it out, or send them all packing for the week.

Is it fair for the guys who AREN'T causing problems? Of course not. But its not fair to anyone if the few bad seeds are ruining it for everyone else either.

How about a new idea.... if the racers are getting over-aggressive, aggravated, or just plain idiots, throw the Red & Black flags on the whole field, and send them to the 'penalty box' for a cooling down and a come-to-Jesus meeting with the race director. Get another division out there that might have their act together, give the fans a race to watch, and give the offending class time to come to their senses. If you can't get your shit together after that, then load them up.

Going to single file, as an automatic policy, just plain sucks to me.

[Buckwheat]

From what I have seen (correct me if I'm mistaken) but every track I have been to in FL currently utilizes single-file restarts.

false. new symyrna has double file restarts. i think orlando speed world does also. they have done it for a few years.

[Don Nerone]

From what I have seen (correct me if I'm mistaken) but every track I have been to in FL currently utilizes single-file restarts.

false. new symyrna has double file restarts. i think orlando speed world does also. they have done it for a few years.

Yes they have been doing it for about 4 years.....
Now i ask you whitch tracks in florida have the smallest car and fan counts????
Being the only one dooing it in florida all Jerrys fans should beee there every Sat night..

Just couldent help it...LOL

Don62

[Winger]

Yes they have been doing it for about 4 years.....
Now i ask you whitch tracks in florida have the smallest car and fan counts????
Being the only one dooing it in florida all Jerrys fans should beee there every Sat night..

Just couldent help it...LOL

Don62

I believe ALL the dirt tracks in Florida have double file restarts. Now I ask you what tracks in Florida have the largest car and fan counts. LOL Sorry, couldn't resist either.

[Don Nerone]

I believe ALL the dirt tracks in Florida have double file restarts. Now I ask you what tracks in Florida have the largest car and fan counts. LOL Sorry, couldn't resist either.

You win that round..Does East Bay have the largest car count???

don62