How many Limited, Pro, and Supers are JUST sitting as garage trophies?

[Matt Albee]

Sure looks and sounds like some don't feel the same as some. All I know is if a car's owner doesn't have a level playing field you only have what you got. I think everyone WIN's if the car count are good. If 8 to 10 is good for you. You must not be a Track Owner. Or like small payouts.

The playing field will never be level. The only guys complaining about the shock packages are the guys who don't have them. And if the shock packages are eliminated the guys will find something else that they don't have so it too must be eliminated. Write a good rules package that addresses everything in the beginning, then racers who don't have what the big money teams have will just have to do what they can to compete. Otherwise, they're always going to want to change the rules to benefit their combo.
Track owners shouldn't be track owners if they can't or aren't willing to put up the money for a first class show. This ridiculous insistence that if the front and back gates don't bring in wheelbarrows full of money then the payouts will be low has to be stopped. Any business owner not willing to dip into his own pocket if needed to upgrade the customer experience isn't going to have many customers.
This idea seems to be lost on race track promoters and owners. Fresh paint and lettering on everything, clean modern restrooms and concessions, grass instead of weeds, clean pit areas where you aren't forced to rent a decent place to park your race car, PA systems that actually work, clean weed free parking lots for the fans, lights that actually work for the track and the parking lot, fencing to protect fans....that's what the track owner should be providing. If he can't afford it, then he should let the lease go to someone who can. If he can afford, but refuses to, then he shouldn't be surprised when he has no fans in the stands.

The payouts really haven't changed over the past 20 years or more. And in that time, race track car and fan counts have been high, and low. Yet the payouts never really increased. Until track owners start bringing in sponsors like Aarons, then the situation will never get better. And there are lots of local and national companies out there who sponsor NASCAR, IRL, SCCA, NHRA, IHRA, ARCA. Why can't local short tracks figure out how to bring those dollars to their tracks to pay bigger purses. Not just one or two of those sponsors, but dozens.

[Bobby Diehl]

Another call about a level playing field.

Just got off the phone with a racer that has raced for over 50 plus year in Late Models. He suggested to look up Tom Curley Series with a GM Crate motor, $150.00 claimer shock package, and other rules that level the field. The car count is huge. Matt I think you need to buy a track and show us how it's done. Call me I have a idea for you. Again 813-817-7223. Looking forward to your call.

[Matt Albee]

I don't doubt that i could do a better job than many who have already struck out. Because they all did things exactly alike and where are they now? In fact, a number of guys on this site could probably do fine with owning a race track. It isn't science, and it isn't business. It's entertainment. Some of us fans realize that, most track operators do not it seems.

[jacko241]

I don't think he is going to call you, Bobby

[Matt Albee]

I'll be happy to call him Bobby. Or anything else he likes.
Yes, the Tom Curley model works perfectly. His series has been around a long time, i've never understood why Florida tracks ignore it.

[Bobby Diehl]

Matt I thought you would be great becuase of .......

I'll be happy to call him Bobby. Or anything else he likes.
Yes, the Tom Curley model works perfectly. His series has been around a long time, i've never understood why Florida tracks ignore it.

Matt thought you would be great because of your passions for the Short Track World (and it would be well ground view). Thought if you haven't seen the Road Racing World you would have a Great perspective. Sorry maybe next time. Hope the see you at Show Time. We old Frats need all the support we can muster. Remember friends enjoy the time they have together. Jacko241 I love your picture by your name. Think maybe you would of LOVED it!!!~!

[jacko241]

Thanks Bobby, that is a car we raced in HSR 2010-2011. It was BMW powered Picchio that raced Internationally in World Sports Car series. Super fast and fun to drive! That picture was taken at Sebring in 2010 at the hairpin, you can see the Chateau Elan hotel in the background.

[Bobby Diehl]

Now thanks a place to get a room.

The noise, the sounds, smells, now that the view for a true Fan. The car is AWSOME Toooooooo

[Bobby Diehl]

Another call from a Super Late Model sitting ong jack stands.....

A voice from the past. Art Cross call me and asked how the Late Model Level Challenge (sound good????) is coming together. I have known Art for to many years than either would like to admit. His last race was 2007 or 2008 (brain fart) and he finished 4th in the New Smyrna Super Late Models. The cars had just gotten to far out on the "How much Money can you spend" level of Racing. He like many others had to park it (oh yeah the economy took a dump). It was great to talk to him about the concept. Had to go into school when he called so I will update after we talk again with his ideas. Man can you believe if we could get 12 to 15 Lates added to the car count?????

[Bobby Diehl]

Amazed about how many this have cars, but.....

I thought to myself that I still have some 100 plus racers phone numbers (from the CCMP group that raced back in 2007,8,&9) and I am amazed how many still have cars (talking to the Late Model Racers). Yesterday Johnny Kay (who is racing in the NASCAR Modified Series in the New England races). He still has his Limited sitting on jack stands (Johnny was many of the different Winners we had not only setting fast time, but having many top finishes). Rob Elting Super is in the garage and covered. I ask them why they are not racing and asking what would it take to get them back to the track. It's interesting what their answers are, but more important I asking them to give so input about the future of our Sport. The Tracks can't be making it on what I've have seen (and following on Karnac, Face Book) in person. We have gone to Show Time, Desoto, Citrus, and Auburndale. Not only cars count, but the Fan count in so very low Monday mornings must be a scramble at the banks. We all know cars count make the Fans want to come have a great time. Front Gate count will only improve with car count. If you know of your favorite racers (Late Model that's not racing) let me know and I'll talk to them. We have the answers we just must contact them find out their thoughts. Till later keep thinking and please go support your local tracks..... ='s

[OldSchool+]

Thank you for your efforts, sir.

[andre]

Maybe you should ''serie'' alized that project.

If the number of those cars is as high as stated, and the desire to race is there, why not putting them together and drop the green.

I do not know about down South, but up this way, many series rent the tracks for their events. So since nobody spits on money, many track owners would be willing to rent, you could race pretty much where you want, pay what you want, with the structure that you want. You would be king in your kingdom. And maybe make money with it.

From what I have seen, all over North America, way too many classes of cars too close together. Maybe it's time to step back a little, and grow the main event car count by regrouping those so similar cars.

Imagine that, 60+ cars showing up at a quarter mile track for 24 open spots in main event. The heat races alone would be worth the admission price, like at the Oxford 250, The Milk Bowl, Chili Bowl, IMCA National, World 100 and so on.

With that kind of a show, you could even throw in a well paid B Feature.

[Bobby Diehl]

It sure is great to talk to old Friends.....

Calling everyone has been a real eye opener. Talking to old Friend is fun, but keeping in mind the reason. "Why aren't you racing"????? Again three calls and three more cars sitting????? Mr. Ed Link, Gary Padula ,and Joe Winchell all are very excited that someone even cared to called and ask the questions. And to get their input. Gary's has ideas about the engines differences, Mr. Ed was about tires, and Joe's concern were the shocks. All very good (and addressable concerns) input. I told them I was working a possible Series that would be based on payout verses car counts (based around the leveling of the playing field). Everyone burns gasoline, uses tires, and need racing parts (bodies, brakes, safety gear, on and on......). Now just to get those in the business to make their profits come from the people that support them. Easy right. Well I am taking the time to put it all together. I will keep calling and building a Advisory Committee (the goal is to gather the question / concern why they aren't racing)that can get behind making it happen. Keep your cards and lettings coming. Till next time. Have a GREAT DAY!!! I sure am......

[zerofor]

One way to level it a little is follow the lead of the dirt tracks a little bit with some modifications.Instead of endless hot lap sessions how about unloading the damn things and just racing.Maybe a 5 or 8 lap session where your fastest lap is your qualifying lap.You have had all week to work on it now how about racing it?Sure go ahead and make the track owners rich paying their price for fuel and tires you are burning up in endless hot lap sessions.For that matter go ahead and run 20 different classes a night knowing full well that they are basing your payout on how many cars start the feature.The track owners know damn well they never have to make a full payout when they split the classes up that many ways.

[Bobby Diehl]

As going throug the list....

When first getting the track (CCMP) I only knew what the 10 years of running the FASTRUCK Series (rented tracks to put on the FASTRUCK Driving Experience, races, and Special Events). So knowing the power of experience I asked many questions and listened to the people that have been there and done that before. Some of the most insightful people were the Bigley Family. They had a track even though it was many years ago. The business play was the same. I called Billy Jr. yesterday and asked if they still had a Limited Late Model. And they do. I got him up to speed on what we are looking at and why. He said the reason the car was parked was because the car had a Limited small port heads and the tracks said we only could run with a 2blr carb. The Crates got a 4blr carb. He said "It's just not competitive!". Knowing that racers LOVE to race they won't bring a knife to a gun fight to many times. Oh yeah zerofor Billy is in agreement with you to STOP making the racers to come on a Friday or wear out (and spend the money on tires and gas)their car by running so much practice. One last thing that Billy suggest that it not in the best interest for the Track Promoters have a GREAT Winners share with the rest of the field getting peanuts for 8th place back. My comment to that was in order to have a great beef stew it's not just the beef that makes it palatable. $4 or $5 grand to win only brings a few BIG DOGS, but the Fans won't support that very long.



So it seems there are only several things to look at (that are keeping cars in the garage rather than the tracks):
Shocks
Carburetors (motor specific)
weights (over all and left side)
tires
track time
payout though out the field.

I know I still haven't gotten many call return yet, but I think the main reasons are all doable to get a 20 to 30 ( heck maybe 40?????)car field back on the tracks. Now that might get the Fans back in the stands!!!!! Just my thoughts. Remember please support your tracks and life is to short to waste time bitching..... Please call me at 813-817-RACE (7223) if you have any ideas!!!!!