OWM 50 Lap Race

[OldSchool+]

Jacko,

You have been to both variations of the sport.

Am guessing that the sports car set as a rule has mo money (lots of professional types) and likes to polish the thing more than replace the front clip (correct me if I am wrong).

Therefore they are not exactly analogous.

That is, SCCA can survive without a fan base, am not so sure about short track racing.

[jacko241]

OS, as far as replacing clips, I think you are right, there is much less contact as a rule in road racing. But as far as money goes, I see about as many tractor trailers and big rigs at big super late model shows as at amateur road racing events. As far as fan base, I think there are already short tracks that ARE surviving without a meaningful fan base, surviving being the key word.

[OldSchool+]

And the tracks are generally larger venues (ie Daytona) that have a big 'ol facility that sits empty most of the year.

The small amount of revenue is just incremental, not what they need to pay the monthly rent.

I am still guessing that the SCCA has more lawyers and doctors, and that the largest investment is the initial purchase of equipment.

In other words, more analogous to taking a classic chevelle to a car show than mixing it up in a modified.

Certainly no offense to the SCCA (or etc) participants, I have a lot of respect for what they do. They are not skiing, they are racin', er, participating most vigorously in a motorsports event!

[Matt Albee]

There have been 2 very different SCCAs over the years. The amateur division and the pro. That may not be their exact designation, but it's similar. In other words, a class of racing for guys who just like racing, and a class for big money racing. The Trans Am series over the years is a good example. That i think has been SCCA for it's entire existence, about 50 years. No one could call that a low buck series, then or now.
The SCCA amateur racer model has worked well for decades. There's no purse, so you race for the enjoyment of it. I would think money changes hands from contingency sponsors and such. But that's about it. I've actually gone to an SCCA event at Sebring where i was informed that spectators were not allowed. I ended up having to purchase a Temp. Competitor license to get in. They might sell those to every one who wants to spectate. So i guess they do in a way get front injector money. And i think they rely on volunteers.
I'm not sure what the entry fees, pit passes, season memberships and various licenses add up to when running SCCA, but probably more in total than short tracks. I do know they have great insurance and the famous corner workers are some of the best in racing.

[al_tere_go_05]

about 1/2 the cars at an scca event show up on an open trailer. the only stacker trailers are the teams that are racing more than one car.

there may not be as much car contact as circle track racing but there is alot more of it in SCCA than you think. most of the cars at the races have dents, tire marks or cracks in the body work. there's only about 10 cars in Spec Miata that don't have body damage.

not sure how many of them are doctors and lawyers but ive only met one that was. (think he was some sort of eye doctor). Most of the racers seem to be Mechanics, sales people, or some sort of engineer

[al_tere_go_05]

albee, it must have been a whils since the last time you went to a scca race. Spectators no longer need a temp membership. Alot of the events now are free for spectators, The ones that they do charge for is usually $5 .

[OldSchool+]

altered,

Thx for sharing. My experience was what I mentioned, but I overgeneralized.

Never a great thing (lol).

[Don Nerone]

so someone tell the entry fuel tire haters how much a scca entry is. also the track is the fuel dealer and the tire people are the sponsors of the class and the event.
Rember they are racing for free.
Then look at drag racing and thank ur local track promoter for still trying to save the dying dog.
then I get on here and read how bad they are treating the racer..??
Think about going to the oil change place and telling them you are going to bring your own oil because its cheeper at walmart and see if you don't change your own oil...or race in your own back yard..
The local tracks need your help to stay open.
You will look good at the SCCA race.

don62

[kendo]

Think about going to the oil change place and telling them you are going to bring your own oil because its cheeper at walmart and see if you don't change your own oil...or race in your own back yard..

don62

As a former auto tech of 25+ years,I never worked at any establishment that frowned upon bringing your own oil.

[jacko241]

Don, the entry fee varies depending on the event between approx. $150-$300.
Al Tere is correct about the contact. When you step up to the pro level like we did for a couple years, it is super aggressive. Old School, Daytona most certainly does not sit empty most of the year. There is always something going on. SCCA, BMW club, Porsche club, Ferrari club and many more amateur events. I am an instructor with the Petty Driving Experience, and we have over 40 days there this year, plus private testing and the list goes on. The SCCA gets a break on rental fee because they supply all the corner workers for Nascar's pro road racing events. Don is right, it is up to the racers to support these local tracks, just like us club racers support our clubs.

[OldSchool+]

Jacko,

The point remains the same. Daytona makes the majority of its coin from it's major Cup events, and while there is ARCA, bike week, the turkey rod run, RV world extragarbanzo, and on and on, the big bucks are made at Cup events.

SCCA & etc are just gravy on the cake (!).

Citrus County and Beethlo need both gates to be successful.

It only stands to reason that whether you get a lot or a little at the rearjector, the front gate is additional revenue.

Again, I think it is a matter of--"how much can these boys stand before I start losing them?" as opposed to "lessee, I made more at the front gate so I should charge less at the back--or vice versa".

[OldSchool+]

Another difference.

There aren't 4 SCCA venues per weekend to choose from--every weekend.

(I think...)

If you guys want to race, "support" and no prize money are just part of the deal, and you accept that in order to race. And more power to you, but that is a leap of faith chosen as you go into the deal.

Stock car guys are at least hoping to defray costs with a little winnings--and it is a mental thing too, probably. At any rate, if that is the mindset and then the pit pass(es), tars, and gasoline add up to more than what routinely comes back from the pay window, it "feels" different than the SCCA deal.

[Matt Albee]

so someone tell the entry fuel tire haters how much a scca entry is. also the track is the fuel dealer and the tire people are the sponsors of the class and the event.
Rember they are racing for free.
Then look at drag racing and thank ur local track promoter for still trying to save the dying dog.
then I get on here and read how bad they are treating the racer..??
Think about going to the oil change place and telling them you are going to bring your own oil because its cheeper at walmart and see if you don't change your own oil...or race in your own back yard..
The local tracks need your help to stay open.
You will look good at the SCCA race.

don62

Unlike the oval tracks, drag racing, and amateur road racing allow you to use any brand of tires and any brand of gas you want. And you can bring them with you if you like. No one is required to use track supplied tires or gas. There are no mandatory purchases. And unlike some of the greedy oval track owners, the drag strip operators are smart enough to know that including more sponsors is always better. I doubt they even charge you for pit slabs.
I take my own oil to the oil change places, i have for 20 years. I've never been turned away yet.

[Don Nerone]

i have for 20 years. I've never been turned away yet.

I was sure u did.


don62

[OldSchool+]

I take my own oil to the funnel.

Often (heavy sigh...).