One More Year at BIR!
 

I talked to the BIR management a week ago and they will run S/SS this year at their bracket events, but they would like to see more than 15 cars there.If we can better our car count they will probably keep us in the future races, if not, we'll be running brackets. I am guilty of not having a good attendance also, so I am committing myself to make all the bracket races. It would be a shame if we lost that opportunity to race S/SS at their local events. The more cars, the better the payout.
Thank you, Joe Demarais

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

I'll try to attend more this season if they can finish the program on time. Dyno

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

well put big joe, we need to get more cars there and support this unless you "LIKE" to
drive 6-8 hrs for a s/ss race. hear that all minnesota,wisconsin and dakota boys and girls
bir wants us there and i mean all of us not just one or two whiners that if things dont go
exactly their way they refuse to play with all the other kids....c-ya in may!!!!!!!

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

What a great idea, support the only 1/4 mile facility we have available that holds a s/ss racing point series.... There has been a group of us that have been saying this for 3 years now. Last year they raced us on Saturday only. Three hits, on to eliminations. If you wanted you could run brackets on Sunday.

It's really an easy decision for me. There is racers who want to chase Divisionals and/or drive to Iowa for USA races, if you can do it and it makes you happy so be it, just don't bitch when we lose the oppurtunity to race at one of the nicest facilities available to us.

Tim

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Those that know me, know I have beaten my head on this issue with BIR for years! Those that don't, I will spell it out one more time.

If the payout/entry fee were more in line that would be a different story for a lot of drivers (myself included). I can't cost justify running a Super Stock car for $350 to WIN (which is about what it's been in the past), with a $110 entry fee to boot. I've raced a few times there in the past with my Super Stocker when I have need to test for one reason or another. Otherwise, I have a bracket car as well and run that for less entry fee and a higher payout...it just makes sense.

It would be fantastic to see 32 plus car fields of S/SS cars at the races. Especially for me, as the track is only 62 miles from my home. I think the track should guarantee a $1000 minimum to win as well. A higher GUARANTEED payout is the only way I see BIR getting cars to come from outside Minnesota. Let's face it, Minnesota isn't exactly a hot bed of S/SS racing.

The track needs to do some advertising, have solid track prep from Test-n-Tune thru eliminations, not nickel & dime the racer's for everything when you enter the gate, and get some fans in the stands during these weekend series. That shouldn't be the racer's responsibility too.

Last season, Ron Zenzen and myself tried to organize a S/SS combo at Interstate Dragways in Moorhead, MN. Another track that would LOVE to have a regular S/SS program. And there was a VERY POOR turn out. Perhaps it was the weekend, but there wasn't a single NHRA race in the 5 state area. I believe we had something like 10 cars, and still paid fairly well with what we had. We are planning it again the same weekend this season (July 24-25)---race both days.

YES, it would be fantastic for BIR to keep S/SS racing as part of their regular program. But as Al Corda told me a few years ago when we were talking about this very thing---'Trailer's do have wheels you know Travis.'

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

here is my take on this, i went to topeka a few years ago and lost in the semi's, went to get
paid and got 180.00 total.. now let me see it cost me 2 days work,gas to go 11hrs one way
hotel for 2 nights at 100.00 pr night meals for 3 days to the tune of approx 1000.00 out of
my pocket for 180.00 now that was a good deal....F... me yeah right.. i can drive a little over
a hour to brainerd go 3 rounds and make more. with little expense.. besides that unless
you are of Biondo or Fletchers ability i wouldnt count on this as a "source of sustainable income" as it was put to me by the IRS. also the trailer tires uncle al spoke of are about
200.00 each last time i checked and they do wear out also. so if any local "hitters" are
doing this for the money i would take a good look at your wallet and see if there is any more
in it in sept than may, doubt it..this is a HOBBY for 99.9 % of us so get used to it.

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

As I said before, I can bracket race my Chevelle for less entry and win more at BIR.

Therefore, unless the payout/entry fee changes at BIR or I need to test something I doubt you will see me there (that's just me). I would rather travel to a National/Divisional and have a 'chance' at a larger pay day and race less to save 'travel money' and wear/tear on equipment.

To each their own, I just don't see it happening.

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Travis-

I obviously have no ties with the track, matter of fact Rock Falls is little under two hours closer to me than BIR, however since BIR is the only track that has a season points program established specifically for S/SS, I plan on supporting them. Last year I joined the points program and only raced two of the races due to engine failure. I received a check in the fall for my fourth place finish ($100), that's right a check. Come to find out only 4 people signed up for the points. I was told the winner received $1,000, amount that I have not personally verified with the champion, but will.

You talk about a guranteed amount, BIR has the payout structure posted on their website. I don't see how they could keep the lights on if they paid more than what the car count entries total. Of course I wouldn't be against the entry fee being reduced, but with the points championship money and BIR gold card up available, I'll pay it.

When you were at Moorhead was it a guaranteed $1,000 to the winner for the ten racers that showed up? What spots did they pay other than winner and runner up? That same weekend BIR paid $750 to the winner, 350 RU, (2) $130 semi's, and (4) $60 quarters.

Like I said earlier, there is racers that want to chase Divisionals and that is great, I just hope every racers attitude is not the same as yours or we will lose out on a pretty good thing that is in our backyard, well, your backyard.

Just think, we could have went to Phoenix and went after that big payday..

Good luck racing this year and I'll see you at the first race!

Tim

$$ it's usually not me$$
 

Hi every one!

I LOVE TO RACE MY (NEW) CAR!!!

I LIVE ONLY 55 MILES FORM B I R, So it IS going to get my vote for a place to race.
HOWEVER...

I like to race ANY PLACE THAT IS HAVING A S/SS RACE!

I SPENT WAY TO MUCH $$$$$ BUILDING THIS NEW CAR AND IT'S NOT OVER YET!

I don't give a **** about the payout
After all there is only one winner and it USUALLY IS NOT ME!!!

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

I obviously don't have the answer and never said I did.
Some will race at BIR's S/SS program, and some won't. I for one, will not be this season and I doubt you will miss me.

I personally have different goals/views on how and where I want to spend my time and money racing. Nothing wrong with that. I MYSELF can't justify racing a $40,000 car for anything less than $1000 to win (unless again, I need to test).

Tim---If I recall correctly the race I helped put on at Interstate dragways paid $300 or so to Win, and if you won 1st Rd you got a little back ($30 or so). I was up for trying something NEW and different, than the same ol same ol at BIR. If we would have had (I believe) 24 cars, we would have paid out a grand. From what I've read today, it looks as if Interstate might be CLOSED this season, so we might be out of luck there for a S/SS combo.

And if by 1st event at BIR your talking the Lucas Oil Divisional race, I will be there.
BIR's "season opener" always seems to fall on Opener of Fishing weekend/Mother's Day weekend...and this year my girlfriends daughter graduates from college that same weekend.

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Listen up all you MN S/SS racers, you better do what Big JOE says and support that program. The last thing you want is Joe to drive up on his old golf cart in the pits and start verbally abusing you in front of other racers and or your family. Joe's barrage of degrogatory and demeaning comments can drastically deflate anyones ego and destroy a racers self confidence, not to mention losing the respect from the family pet. And as an example of long tern exposure from Joes constant berating look at the devastating hair loss Tom Schmidt has experienced. Its truly a miracle Tom can still win Wallys with Joe as his crew chief. Weird kinda chemistry I suspect.
but more importantly, the more you race your S/SS car at BIR during the year the more valuable your logo book will be to you when the Fletchers and Biondos show up for the Nationals in August.
Right Joe??

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

and another thing, DYNO, whats your hurry to get home?

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Money is an important issue to most racer's. I believe most racer's race for the chance to win the winner's purse. Round money is nice, but doesn't really impact the checking account.

I grew up at BIR. I love the place as much as anyone.

I don't believe BIR's problems stem from the payout structure. I think we are all smart enough to realize you can't pay out more than you take in on entry fee's.

I have a hard time looking forward to racing at BIR Bracket Races for numerous reasons :

1. It is like an act of congress to even gain access to the facility. How many people do you need to see to pay your money?
2. Every time we go, I pay a different amount. Why not pay a flat rate for racecar, pit vehicle, dogs, goats, etc. ? Is the yearly golf cart fee that important to BIR's bottom line?
3. Why do we have to pay extra to park on blacktop. Shouldn't it be first come first serve? If I come early, I shouldn't have to pit in cat litter.
4. Why does Tech take so long? I think I went thru teardown at Indy in 2009 faster than I could tech 2 cars at Brainerd.
5. Why are license runs more important than actual competing racers? How many times have we been ready to go in staging, only to be held back for a license pass.
6. Have a defined run order and follow. The thing I like most about NHRA races is a schedule. If I'm only gonna get 1 run a day let me know. Don't hold the racer's hostage while you try to complete too much in a day.
7. Get car's down the track faster. Most racers can do their burnout and will not stage until the track is clear. Open another turn-off for the jr's and slower cars if possible.

I feel as a group we can try to make this work. I will attempt to make a few races this year. I may only let my wife drive, but atleast it will be one extra car. I would have a hard time with the pace of time trials and eliminations on 1 day while helping my wife and kids.

That said, BIR is one of the premier facilities in the country. I believe with a combined effort it may work for parties.

Hopefully with Pat & Joyce, BIR will have some continuity in leadership. This may be the step in the right direction we all need.

Jamie

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

I think Jamie brings up some very good points. It's been a few of years since we've attended a S/SS race at Brainerd but a lot of what was said held true when we did attend.
You can argue purse and round money until you're blue in the face and nobody will ever be satisfied. We put together a race at Interstate a couple years back and had some help with USA and it paid okay for the amount of car's and Travis tried one last year as well with roughly the same success. We went because for us it was close and we liked Interstate.
I like Brainerd as well but for us it's over a five hour drive one way. Which means I'd have to leave right after work Friday to get there by midnight and either spend an addtional night in a hotel or front seat of the truck. This also means sometimes we wouldn't get home until around midnight and that can make for a long weekend when you don't have much vacation to use. This is also the reason why the purse does mean something to us. I like Jamie would at least like to trick myself into thinking if I do well I at least covered my weekend. It can be tough to swallow if you win a race and still come home in the hole for the weekend.
You can't ask for Brainerd to take a loss on the class but the regulars could with some assitance from the track maybe come up with some area businesses or suppliers that would throw in $100 here or there. If you find a half dozen or dozen over the year that will put in a little money it can add up in a hurry. This is what we try to do around here and that usually lets the track get a decent cut and still guarantee at least a fair purse. Maybe this has been tried I don't know.
One question as I don't remember do they run two separate S/SS races one on Sat one on Sun? Or is it just a single day during the bracket weekend? That too has an impact on attendance. That's my take on the issue. If there are two days of racing and a decent payout I'd try my best to attend a couple if possible. But, if it's just a one day deal and the other day you have to run a bracket class anyway I'd assume do it much closer to home.

Rick Ryan

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

A lot of good thoughts guys, I talked to A BIR staff member a couple of weeks ago, and a lot of your complaints are being worked on. Their payouts are posted on their web site, paying to get into the track is being made easier, buying your entry to race what class you want to is easier, i think parking is easier as long as you don't park in a reserved spot, and a lot of the spots have a plug-in you can rent very reasonably. They are trying to make things easier to race there. I, myself, don't want to drive 5 or 6 hours to race everytime I want to hit a S/SS race, and some of you guys want to go to pts races and nat events which is great, but for every one of them there are 5 of us that really don't like the idea of not being able to race 2 hrs away at a grade A track. A friend of mine has already been to 2 divisional races this year, entry fee's were $210 and 230, he was parked in the rubarb, BIR is looking like a deal. Again this year they will race us on Saturday, and if you want, you can run brackets on Sunday.
PS BIR is the only track where I have red lighted and still won the round!!! Right Larry!!!!

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Joe you are good friend and you are doing the right thing for bir .BUT where was the cars for Trav. at Inerstate last year or TVD. corky

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Corky, I had a problem making either one of those that weekend, but I think BIR had a race that weekend also, I even asked Lawrence Line why none of them from middle Minn went up there, and I'll never ask again! joe

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

I will agree with the way time is wasted at BIR
they could use some tips on time efficiency!
At the gate and the tech line has gotten quite extreme.
I did see we now have the option to pre-enter (GENERAL ADM.)and pay for racing entry at the tower?????

What I don't understand is how TRI-STATE can take care of all the cars it gets with 3 ladies an old cash register and a garden shed.
While BIR Has 8 OR 9 young people running back and forth with Digital Scanners, Clip Boards with a bunch of paperwork on and a Big Fancy Gate House, and still ......just can't seem to take some money from you & let people (Goats & Dogs) in in a timely fashion ???????

I do however,.. like that BIR goes to the effort to have a S/SS program for us & the scale is maned.

BTW
(Goats ?????) Maybe that's why it a GOAT ROPE!!! ;)

I will go and take it!
But it is easy when I race by myself.
I don't have any family going along
I can see how it can get TO BE $$$$ !!! For those who do.

Nothing is perfect and never will be.

I am just happy to have a place to race and I am thank-full
some developer didn't buy BIR and build a bunch of new homes and townhomes
that, would likely be sitting empty, We would have no race track at all.
Just the memories of all the good times and fine people that
we had the chance to race with at BIR.

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Hi Corky

I had intended to go but it was the same day as a race at BIR.

Now, when I leave here and drive to Brainerd it is very hard to have justified driving another 3 hours with a race right there.

Not to mention the fact my car was not running very good.(NEW CAR BUGS)

I hope people can understand.

Not showing at that race WAS NOT an act of defiance!
Nor was it a way of saying one place, or group is better than another.

Simply it was a matter of time, as well as some were in the points deal at BIR.
That's all.

Like I said,.. I like to race my car and will attend any track that has a S/SS EVENT.

See you in the spring!
Take care
Glen

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Thats Right ! Joe did win a round against me after he redlighted.
It happened back in the 70's when Big Joe was one of the baddest bracket racers in all the land, and I was just a wanna be racer from Duluth.But after studying the basic principals of bracket racing I was able to appy my knowledge to beat Joe like a redheaded step child and get the win light in several straight races. But on this fateful day at BIR, when it appeared to Joe that he was going to take a 1st round whipping against me again, he decended on me with a verbal assault in which he promised to rip off my head and crap down my neck if I drove up on him, whopped the throttle and won the round again. Well I got soooo intimidated and flustered that I left the starting line with wheels up and the steering wheel cranked a 1/4 turn, thus crossing the centerline right behind Joe when the wheels came down. A painful memory 30 years later.

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

BIR's time management skills are lacking......Someone please wake me up when the staging lanes start moving again.

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Guys don't shoot the meesenger because nothing has changed in Stock/SS racing since 2005 that I know of except the entry fees going up in price & the payouts going down !!! Why on earth are you all whinning about it but still continue to race at BIR and other tracks when you can't even come out ahead for expenses on the weekend even IF YOU WIN !!! So either stop bitching or stop racing one or the other cause it isn't going to change period. You'ed all be better off in expenses by staying home, taking the wife out to a good movie and steak dinner at the bar & turning your $140.00 entry fee into $500.00 in pull tab winnings wouldn't ya??? LOL

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Marty, have you ever seen me gamble, I'd be better off racing!!!!!

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Let me know if I might help in anyway !

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

with just a quick count i came up with over 60 s/ss cars in minnesota, now i understand
that not everyone can come race every weekend but i think 20- 32 cars per wknd is
not a unreal number and would show that we want to be there. also we may be able to
come up with something for extra winnings if we all put our minds to it.

Re: One More Year at BIR!
 

Joe;

What's the latest update ?