Run the numbers!

US Nationals Sportman count times lets say $700 a pop. That includes entry fees ins. and crew passes for each racer. 600 sportman cars. Gross revenue $420,000. If HD Partners are good buisiness people they will keep the sportman racers as part of there circus.

Just my .02

Steve Dillman,
Yes on all counts. More good announcers, Yes on you spend and support sponsors too but some questions come up.
Are the spectators who walk through the pits at National events attending to SEE super classes? I know they appreciate the same things you quoted before. Nice cars, nice teams, etc while they are at the event in the pits. That is important.
I think S and SS and SUPER classes are being "allowed to run "at an event where spectators are drawn by a combination of things mostly other than the Sportsman racing.
1) Pro teams racing Heads up.
2) A big Happening type atmosphere
3) Gee whiz smoke and Noise and danger of Funnies and T/F.
4) stronger advertising by NHRA because they feel the "show" will attract the spectators to PAY to watch.
Example Sportsnational event at Columbus. NOT A CAR in the East parking Lots. Not a camper in the Camp grounds.Great cars running.
When there are no Pros or if there were no Alcohol show at an event who would spectate? The local tracks are hurting on race nights and winning on Grudge nights.Doesnt that suggest similar things about style of racing and appeal? Everyone is entitled to enter and race but is there room to adjust for better appeal? What about S/G and S/c in T/Sportsman or T/Dragster form?( no studdering, no delaying)
Thanks again. We all need these honest discussions and I appreciate other opinions.


Dick Butler 3529

Dick,

I agree that the super classes aren't the best class for the spectators. However, most of us arent there for the spectators we are there to race. If we make the super classes heads up or more like t/s or t/d then it will just defeat the purpose of their creation, to make it affordable. If it goes that way it will be back to "he with the most money wins". The super classes allow a lot of racers to compete at the NHRA divisional and National level that would not otherwise be able to afford it.

I agree

Guys I TOTALLY agree on the costs of racing being out of control and the Super concept is great for this reason. I just feel as many have stated the studdering off the line is a weak link in the "show" Would removing that component be major problem? if spectator appeal would increase?
We all just like to race.... my concern is there has to be some form of Spectator appeal, to draw fans, this might keep sponsors, and NHRA spot to race. For this reason I think everyone should look past our cars and our forms of racing to how to improve the "drawing power" for all the above.
Thanks

Dick Butler 3529

WHATS THIS! Super class guys not being able to afford a real class car. Yeah right, maybe they need to cut back on the gazillion dollar motor homes and stacker trailers with 2 mega $$$$$$ cars with those BIG cubic inch engines and etc. Not to mention the electronics and latest gimick to run the number every run. NO amount of announcers will EVER be able to run thier mouths enough to attract spectators to watch studder, putt putt cars. It will never happen. Get rid of the crap and MAYBE they will watch. Sell both the S/C and S/ G cars and you will have enough to buid a S/S, Stock, or even a T/S, T/D car not to mention that over grown motor home and stacker trailer. Get real!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Who pulled your cord anyway?!

When I go to the fence, I say just as many spectators watching S, S/ST as I do the super classes, ZERO, ok, maybe a couple, Nobody comes to watch sportsman racers period! Ask Bill Badar, want a crowd, do not use sportsman racers, get a jet truck, this will fill the stands, it was proved at the Div 3 race @ Norwalk.So GET OVER YOURSELF!
Tony

I don't see how the new investment group could throw away the bottom line profit dollars that the sportsmen add to the coffers. In fact, if NHRA hadnt limited it so much they would have had more profit revenue for the sale.

*Racer entry fee
*Racer's passenger (1 average?)
*Food $ Spent
*Souvenirs
*Fans coming to see SS and S which as a whole out popularizes most professional categories.
*Contribution from contingency sponsors that don't support pros.
*Baby Boomers" walking the pits to see the sportsmen cars.

Most of these revenues would fall off of bottom line profits equally. They will likely try to increase profits, not decrease them.

Lynn

What is a STREET ROD?