S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

I just got home from a group meeting at Brainerd. The s/ss combo is a go for 2011
It was a very positive & productive start to having some excellent s/ss racing at BIR

Many of the issues keeping races away from BIR that were presented to myself
as well as Jim S., Ron P. & Ron Z. were very much the same.

We made some positive headway on some issues.
Allot of thing were a BIG eye opener to us,
as well as the track owners and staff in attendance.

I think this will be a very good thing & we are going to work on the following:

1. Tech ( make more efficient) ...More to come on this I think you will like it!

2. RUN-ORDER Will be in black and white bold print & easy to understand.

3. TIME MANAGEMENT Again... efficiency we are looking at a situation as follows:

( 1st Call Get your car ready tires, fuel ECT.

( 2nd CALL GO TO STAGING for your Qualifying run.

( 3rd CALL FIRST PAIR WILL BE IN THE WATER BOX
so... IF YOU DiNgGeL DaLLy AROUND, AND ARE LATE YOU GET NO RUN!!!

!!!!!!!! again THIS WILL APPLY TO ALL CLASSES BRACKETS EVERYONE .!!!!!!!

If we all co-op and work with BIR this will be a good thing.
I will know more next Sunday we have another meeting next Sat.

Ho ya I almost forgot...
I was voted to be the Rep. for the STOCK SUPER/STOCK GROUP @ BIR IN 2011.
I will do my best to answer ?'s and help the racers to see the track's point of view
As well for the track to see where we as racers and sportsmen and women are coming from.
Wish me luck and I will do my best for all.
Thank You
Glen DeMenge

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Good luck Glen I think you will be a good representative for the class. With any luck I will make it out there this year for a race or two.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Good luck Glen!

If the payout vs. entry fee is good, I will be there.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Glen, I think you will make a good rep. Great to hear there still will be a combo. I don;t get out as much as before, but the two times I ran this year found it to be ok. The USA race in July was a disapointment in terms of racer turnout. The only other thing is we get there around 3am and in order to get in have to pay the previous days admission or sit at the gas station till 7am till there system goes into the next day. Hopefully see you all in May. John gsa612

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Glen, this is great news, we have a place to race without driving 6hrs or more and
with the improvements in tech,entry and so on, this looks really good. The payout is
also decent as i heard its 1200.00 to win if we get 32 cars, is this correct? if we can get
all the Mn and surrounding racers on the same page should not be a problem. i added
up around 60 s/ss just in Mn. I cant wait, winter is getting long already im ready to race!!!

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Thanks for the support.

Payout is $1,200 on a 33 car field.

THAT'S ON A 1 DAY RACE (Q1, Q2, then RACE ALL in THE SAME DAY)

ENTRY FEE IS $10 @ GATE PER DAY AND
$90 FOR A S/SS Sat. RACE Tech card.

You can stay and race on Sunday if you would like to bracket race
(see BIR web site for prices.)

All we need to do is get some cars up to BIR and we can have a good S/SS pay day
Maybe some cash (KERBY'S IDEAS)
OR the USA deal could be an over-lay for even more$$$$ ????????? (JUST IDEAS) :)

I do not see how you cold load-up and tow more miles and take days off work
spend more$$ and think you could do better.

BIR is working very hard to fix the (pet peeves) that we have, and to make it fun to race!

1 thing that I got out of the meeting is THE PAY AT THE GATE DEAL.....
The reason for the $10 gate fee and then going to the condo-shirt shack for tech cards.
IS THIS!
The main gate is NOW used for the drag racers AS WELL AS the road racers on the same week-end.

The help at the gate ARE ALL TEMPS. & with all the classes and 2 types of racing going on it is just to confusing for them.

AND THIS!!
People were pulling a fast one on them like; saying they were racing one class
(like street trophy) then going back and saying they had payed for a another class
( like bracket 1) and had gotten the wrong card.
Now if you think about it that's not good.

It gets rid of the bottle neck at the gate as well !! Trucks & trailers out on hwy 371 is not good!

ANYWAY....
If you look at what happens at a Div. race
YES you just pay & go in
BUT after tech
you go and stand in line to get your run card at the trailer so what's the Diff.????? :)

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Glen,

I think it's great that the management at BIR is willing to sit down and address the problems they experience and what the racers deal with.

BIR has always had a fair payout schedule for a combo and the points series IMO.

I kinda of figured the gate help was a problem. You said $10 each day, is this new for this year? Last year we were forced to pay for the whole weekend, including camping of course.

Keep up the good work Glen! I need some decals from you. Do you still have time?

Tim

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Thanks Tim
I sure can take care of your decals !
I don't think they are charging a camping fee..
$10 PER HEAD PER DAY.
Unless you are renting a pro-pit spot with a power hookup.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Wow, I have to say that must have been one of the most productive racer/staff meetings in a LONG time! Nice job Glen, I hope everything you've heard comes to fruition. I haven't attended a combo race in several years, but this definitely has appeal with the one-day race, nice payout, and reasonable entry fee.

When you get word on the payout schedule (Win, R/U, Semi's etc...) please post as well. Pro-rated for various car counts is a must so nobody gets surprised when they get to the payout windows.

Also, please post the results on scooter fees or any other non-traditional fees we don't get at Divisional races.

Thanks for the good work,
Mike Mans

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Thanks for your help Mexican Joe, I think your the perfect man for the job. If you can succeed at fixing the issues at BIR, you might want to run for higher office.

I too would like to see a fee schedule for all charges they tend to impose for 2011.

I'm still a big fan of the kiss method ( keep it simple stupid ). I think they tend to over complicate their system. Most racers have been trained over many years. Car & driver covers all incidental costs excluding crew members.

Just an idea, but if there is confusion with the front gate during dual event weekends, why don't they open Gate B to allow the drag cars entry to allow for payment for all fees once. BIR is the only track I have ever raced at that you have to work hard to have them collect your money.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

I must have missed something with the fair payout in the past. Paying a $110 entry fee to pretty much just get it back in the Semi's isn't too appealing to me. But heck, I've only been at this (Bracket racing for the most part) for close to 20 years.

HOPEFULLY, 2011 will be different! I DO BELIEVE BIR is on the right track. I just have a 'wait n see' attitude.

No reason in my eyes we can't have a S/SS 2-DAY Event that pays a min. of $1000 to win/$500 r/u every race weekend. It doesn't pay to even start these cars for less, esp. a super stocker. Heck, a lot of stocker's even have HIGH buck engines now days.
For sure there needs to be a more realistic payout for the typical car count of around 16 to 24 cars.

I can Bracket race for $80 and have a shot at $1000 to win on average at most tracks (granted the car count is higher). And the Saturday's $50 gambler's pays around $750 if I recall.

If the track was prepped right on test-n-tune days, that would be a HUGE bonus. Easy $ too for BIR---NO PAYOUT. I don't like to hear from BIR management that VHT costs so much. Crashing a car because of a poor track costs way more! Anyone recalling the Lucas Oil Nationals in '09 or '10??? Ask Terry Edwards, Gary Stinnett, Mark Nolwicki, Mike Mans or Jimmy DeFrank to name a few. Don't get me wrong, BIR isn't the only track with prep issues. I myself almost crashed in Oahe, SD at the National Open this past fall...along with several others. But somewhere here, saving a buck has to be put aside for safety!

BIR has LOTS of advertising space. It shouldn't be the drag racer's responsibility to get advertising as well.

Anyone remember when Champion Auto Stores put on a FREE 64 car shoot out that paid out thousands??? When the USA first started and had on average 32 to 40 cars at EVERY race??? I do...and I want those days back. Heck, it's the biggest reason I bought Dan Larson's car...Class racing is fun!

With fuel prices going the way they are, NHRA and their rule changes, these combo races are the way to go.

Glen--you have your work cut out, but I will support you anyway I can.


Off my soap box. Going back to Internet Forum Racer Rehab. Hope to be out in the spring of 2011!

Travis Sorokie
GT/HA 5919

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

At the points meet in May the track was very poorly prepared, bald spots every time up. I spun on every pass and banged my oil pan very hard when the car left left and I had to get off the gas at the top of a wheelstand. If they are unwilling tp prep the track at a points race, what are they going to do for a S/SS combo bracket weekend. I better buy that Valiant for a nice K orL/SA car, easier on parts. Thanks for everyones efforts. Dyno

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Thanks for your Ideas & support I WILL pass them on down the line!!

I understand what you are saying... I like the KISS METHOD as well!
However BIR is not going to change the
( pay $10 at the gate & get Tec. card & pay for your class and all other things) at the condo deal.
Trying to do more with less man power I guess?

But all that aside...as long as people know what to expect and BIR is up front with the costs and
payout 33 cars and pro-rate.
I think we will have a much better deal for all involved.

I will get the totals on what charges are going to be for golf carts, kids, crew, goats
( although i don't want any goats jumping up on my car :) pro pit parking & camping with power and all charges intended. As well as info on how the policing of this will be implemented. So people don't feel harassed.

I am going to work hard to make it fun to race at BIR again.

Thanks for your support; again
Glen DeMenge

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Thanks Mike
I will be in the trenches for the S/SS group I am thinking we could have a heck of a good deal going here.
We need to get our car counts up the rest will follow.
I will get the payout for pro-rate and 33+car payout on Sat.at the meeting.
I will be posting the scooter fees or any other non-traditional fees.
I will get to the bottom of this and have an explanation for everyone on why this charge is put on in the first place.

It is a 1 day deal and you could stay for Sun. and raise heck with the bracket guys if you were so inclined:)

Thanks for the support.
Glen DeMnge

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Hi Dyno
The track prep, I will never be able to go out and fix my-self.
I wish you would have put this on here last week.
we had a real opportunity to express what was the matter with the track.

The main track prep guy was at the meeting last week. Maybe he could have shed some light on this for all of us. And from us to him!

The cars have changed quite a bit in recent years (lots more power) and require more prep. farther down the track. As well as the starting line.
Also more power = more car and chassis tuning, so that can go both ways.

I'll try to get this fixed the best I can.
The BIR people are trying to make it a positive experience for everyone.
Please help me to keep things moving forward in a positive manner.
Thanks for your support
GlenDeMenge

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Travis,
Thank you for your concern.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
It is my understanding that you were on the invite list to attend the S/SS meeting last week.
However you chose not to show up??

We had a VERY positive out come and we are working on fixing the things that were on everyone's bitch list that attended.
As well; it offered allot of insight to the operations of the track LIKE; financial as well as basic operations of the facility.

As far as payout goes kinda works like this...
More cars = more$$$ it's that simple.

I will, possibly, hopefully be working with USA to try and get some kind of a deal going to UP the payout.

Sponsorship is the only other way to get more payout but it's hard to get someone to sponsor a class that has only 13-20 cars showing up to race.
(Not much exposure with that)

(QT) (Having the track was prepped right on test-n-tune days, that would be a HUGE bonus.)
!!! This is the kind of thing we needed to have on our list last week.!!!
I will pass this on on Sat. at the meeting.
Its A good IDEA and would cut down on congestion in the tech line Sat. morn.
(I Hope I will have a chance to get some 1on1 time again with the track prep crew. and owners.)

(QT)( I don't like to hear from BIR management that VHT costs so much. Crashing a car because of a poor track costs way more!)
Another good point, I could have used this for my bitch list LAST Sat.

I think if we all stay positive and work toward a common goal of getting 33 cars at every event that are actually racing and not just showing up trying to make some sort of statement with a “wait n see' attitude. .”
We WILL have FUN and get a VERY good payout for a 1 day race!

We all need to remember that, this is a hobby not a job or a way of making a living.
Hobbies cost $$$
Be it, fishing, hunting, golf, bowling, boating what ever. It all cost $$.
So we may as well have fun at it!!!
Remember.... Life is a one way deal!!!!!!

Travis, I hope you can race S/SS at BIR this summer I think it going to be fun!!! Again!!!

Thank you.

Glen DeMenge

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Glen,

Yes, I was invited but could not make it due to work obligations---which BIR mgt was told by me might happen.
Kristi did have my 'bitch' list in a 1/12/11 email, which you are now aware of as well...funny it wasn't discussed. Must have been an oversight. I have talked with her several times on facebook about everything.

Not sure how a 1 day event is going to attract many long distance racer's. This is why, in my opinion it needs to be a 2-day event! What's so hard about that. Sportsman ladder day 1, Pro day 2 (if no Q run). I know you say they can run the bracket race on Sunday, but why bracket race a Class car? I'm the minority here, as I have a different bracket car I can run.

As for advertising, I'm not talking about a 'class' sponsor. I'm talking about a 'track' sponsor that can add to EVERYONE's payout. BIR is a 1st Class track!!! But.....they have to win a lot of customer's back.

As for payout, why is it #33 cars to get $1200 to Win? You should be able to pay $1k minimum with about #24 cars (if the entry fee is $100)...I have a Bracket Racing Excel format I have from Tony Leonard that figures this out.
Heck, if it's only a 1-day event let's pay $150 to enter and race for some good $$$!

I run my bracket car in 2 classes @ $80 per, plus run the $50 gamblers. I'd save money and just bring my Class car.

If all else fails, there is a track to the west that is very interested in Class racing.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

In our series, 23 cars pays $1,000 win/$500 r/u, using our normal payout structure:
2nd round loser - $50
3rd round loser - $100
4th round loser - $200
Runner-up - $500
Winner - $1,000

(based on $100 entry, 23 cars, $2,300 purse)

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Thanks Mike!!! I KNEW it could be done....

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Thanks
This looks real good on paper but whare is the track making any profit??
Am I missing something here?
$2300
2nd rd pays 6 people @ total of $300
3rd rd pays 3 people @ total of $300
4th rd pays 1 person @ total of $200
R/U pays 1 person @ total of $500
WINNER pays1 person @ total of $1000
NOW IF YOU ADD THIS UP YOU GET $2300
THIS IS VERY COOL if you are a racer but how in the heck will the track stay open???
I don't get it!
Unless!!!! this is what I would call a group, or club payout,
and you pay "X "amount to the track for use of the facility; prior to the stated amounts???

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Check with Mike Beard.....he had a neat little Excel program made up that you could crunch all your numbers.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

That looks great, but from a business standpoint - why would any track pay out every bit of your entry fees? I mean, if you can convince them on the basis that you will be able to draw a crowd and sell concessions etc... That's worth it and a great proposition! But in the case of Brainerd on a typical bracket race weekend the crowds are zero to none, the car count has (in the past several years) been low and inconsistent, and we are more work to cater to than another bracket class with the scaling aspect for each run.

I think that Glen and the people involved are on the right track to build up a program that has a nice payout with a fair entry to hopefully get the local S/SS racers involved in a great facilities program again. If all works out well and it turns out to be a united group of racers, then there might be a leg to stand on for raising payouts beyond what is proposed. For now, I think it would just be greedy to expect the track to put the entire race on for free.

Two races in one weekend, also a good idea. For me - one day is great. I am eager to have Sunday open at home for once!

Mike Mans

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Glen, all our races are 100% payback. We don't pay the track to be there, and we do not require any money from the track to have us. We show up, race, and have a good time. The track makes their money, from us, by way of crew/spectator fees (normal admission is $10 per person), concession and souvenir stands, and any tech card fee they charge at the gate (in the past, anywhere from $10 to $40, of which sometimes they kick some into the purse). We have our own people to handle entry, payouts, ladder and pairings, etc. The only thing we need from the track is the people to tech the cars in. You could work a deal out with the track, to the benefit of them, or for all involved. Say the track charges a $20 tech card fee, and you get the 23 cars I mentioned above. That's $460 for the track. Some tracks may elect to keep it all, or put x-amount back into the purse. I leave that up to each track's preference as to what they want to do. It usually works out pretty well for both. Even at $75 per car into the purse, $1,725 total for 23 cars, you can still make for a decent payout without it being top-heavy. $25 second round, 75 third, 150 fourth, 400 r/u and 800 win. Just tossing some ideas out there. Travis mentioned a two-day event. Even if you don't have two races in those two days, a Saturday test session plus S/SS Gamblers race would work out. The track keeps the test and tune tech card money, and do a lower entry Gamblers-style race, something like $50 to enter, and pay back winner, r/u and semifinal (maybe 1/4 final if there are enough cars--we've done this format in the past as well). I think these races (local assocations for S/SS, .90 racing, etc) will be the way to go in the future as people tire of the costs and hassles with NHRA/IHRA racing.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Mike Mans is exactly right, the track has to be able to make something off this
deal. Brainerd is a very nice but expensive facility with im sure tons of expenses
and if we want a place to race, must remain a viably business entity to remain open
and give us this opportunity. All of our cars are expensive take Lyn Johnsons real
R-code mustang and Koppiens COPO camaro as examples they arent complaining
about payouts they just love to race, going to a divisional is not financially a good
match as the fuel will kill your winnings unless you win the whole thing and if you
dont your way backwards financially compared to a combo 1hr from your house.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Thanks again
Allot of good info here but BIR has a very low
spectator count as mike mans pointed out.
I could not even imagine trying to get BIR to go for
a deal like you folks have got going.
Count your blessing and be thankful for it.
That is awesome for you guys!
We have a different set of circumstances at hand.
Not only do we have basically 0 spectators
we have allot of races that for one reason or another
are not happy to race at BIR. I am trying to fix that!

However the program could possibly benefit from
some more advertising and exposure.
As S/SS Racers have a marketable product.
After all who doesn't like watching a beautiful
drag car standing on the bumper! It's like a car show with wheelies!!!!

Again thanks for the ideas & info all in-put is good!
We need good ideas
I am just trying to be a positive go between for the
racers and BIR.
Thanks
Glen DeMenge

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Let's look at it like this Glen...the track has quite a few spots it 'reserves' for the year. If I recall correctly it has been $225 no electric hook-ups, $275 w/electric. Not sure how many "spots" are rented, but lets assume 50 for the year (random number), probably more being the car count is roughly 300+.
Let's now say it's 50/50 electric, no electric. Total = $12,500 for 5 events. Pretty much 100% profit---agree?
Now throw in the fact that you can rent an open spot for the weekend ($30 if I recall correctly...which a few do)...let's say 10 per/event. That adds another $1,500 for the year. Total = $14,000 No payout. 100% profit before you even open the gate.

Bracket 1 and Bracket 2 average 70 cars (est.) @ $80 entry. Total = $11,200 per/wknd x 5 events = $56,000 per/year

S/SS average 16 (est.) @ $100 entry. Total = $1,600 per/wknd x 5 events = $8,000 per/year

S/ST, S/G, S/C average 60 combined let's say @ $100 entry. Total =$6,000 per/wknd x 5 events =$30,000 per/year.

Now let's throw in Trophy, Bracket 3, & Jr's. I'm not sure what the entry fee is for these as I've never run them. But let's say $30 for Trophy and assume 30 cars (probably more, since there are 2 Trophy classes). Total = $900 per/wknd
Bracket 3, I will assume 25 cars @ $40. Total = $1,000 per/wknd
Jr's, I will assume 20 @ $25. Total = $500 per/wknd
Above for 5 events. Total = $12,000 per/year...not to mention, very little Payout for these.

Let's again assume, every entry has at least 1 crew member, family member, or friend that comes to watch @ $10 per/day (2 day event). Total =$6,000 per/wknd or Total = $30,000 per/year

Add all that up and you get $150,000 per/year (conserative number too in my book). That's doesn't include Test-n-Tune, camping, on site condo rental (which are super sweet...stayed in one last season), golf carts/scooters, advertising, consessions & goats. And that's just for the drag racing. The road course is run often at the same time the drag strip is. I fail to see how this track isn't profitable.

Now I agree, back in the 90s car counts were closer to 400 + per/weekend. I recall winning one race in Bracket 2 (no gizmo) that was 8 rounds!

What has changed? Why don't racer's want to race at one of the BEST drag strips in the country? MY $.02----Long Tech lines, long waits at the gate, security issues, long waits in the lanes, slow to payout when you do earn some money (weeks most of the time), very few runs in the course of the weekend.
I realize this is what your working on Glen, along with the Bracket reps. on this new formed committee.

In the past 2 years alone, I have run my super stocker at Topeka, Cordova, Tri-State, Route 66, Interstate Dragways, Oahe, and BIR. I won't even touch on where I have bracket raced. Yet the only place I ever see 'security' is BIR. What's the purpose? I guarantee if I EVER need security, it will be the Co. Sheriff that needs to be called. Some staffing overhead can be cut.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Travis
I wish you would have been at the meeting.
The track opened up & showed us the total $ for the year. IN , OUT, AND HOLD.

You may not believe this,... but by god... THEY HAVE BILLS TOO!!!!!!!!

As far as 100% profit maybe you are not seeing the whole picture here.
First you need to look at the property tax on the huge establishment it's self.
Then insurance on buildings & public liability.
Electric bills for the lighting and all those "pure profit" camping out-lets.
Sewer & port-a-potty pumping and R/M on the showers and toilets.
Garbage pick-up and dumpster rental.
Track scrubber and all the equipment to prep the track.( and all the gas and R/M on all that stuff.)
VHT
General up keep
Staff
Security
(The staff and security are being scaled back this year.)
and on and on and on.
NOW
The bottom line is this. BIR IS a for profit biz.
If you can't handle that, I don't know what I can do for you?
If you look at the numbers you put down that total will not go all that far in operation costs.

I would like to keep this a positive thing so lets just get some more cars up to BIR for the S/SS RACES!!

By the way.. I have run my own shop for 20 years and have never seen this 100% profit you speak of??

Thanks
Glen DeMENGE

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Glen,

Can you post the scheduled race dates for 2011?

Kari and I will do our best to support BIR and your efforts.

We may only run her car until mine is back together.

Keep your positive attitude. You are the right man for the job!

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Thanks for the support.
I truly do think this is going to be a darn good year to race S/SS at BIR

2011 BIR Race Dates
May 6-8
May 27-29 LODRS
June 3-5
July 8-10
Aug. 5-6
Aug. 18-21 Nationals
Sept. 16-18 E.T. FINALS
Oct.1-2

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Glen,

I guess we can agree to disagree on my math. But if the bracket program is pulling in an est. $150,000 alone, add in Nationals, the LODRS Event, Street Legal nights, and all the road racing events....I'm still at a loss on how it can't be profitable.

I guess we just have to see if it is possible to get the 'magic' 33 S/SS cars to show up at BIR so we could race for a fair payout. Someone mentioned the Koppien's previously. This IS one of my points I've been trying to make. Where are the Class racer's from 4-6hrs away? They sure haven't been racing at BIR!

The 100% profit I am refering to Glen is charging for the pro pad parking. There is no payout involved, so there for it is straight profit. Now I realize the insurance, employees, maintenance, property taxes, etc. I GET all of that. However, that isn't the racer's issue in my opinion. The track itself needs to find backing in the form of advertising if that is the case.

I DO hope this works! And again I will do what I can to be at the events I can with either my Super Stocker or my Bracket car.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Sounds good!
Lets all go racing and have fun.
That's all I'm looking for here. We need to have 30+ cars to keep this thing going so... let's just do it.
It will be fun.
I think more racers from 4-5 hrs away will come if we can fix the small things
and get a good crowd of S/SS races at BIR.

Nothing attracts a crowd; like a crowd, I always say!

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Travis $150,000 is nothing for a place this large. Not to mention you didn't subtract the payouts from the classes.
If you read Mikes he says that the payout is100% but it really is not if there is a tech card fee. In BIR's case the tech card fee is part of the entry fee.
The only thing with the BIR plan that I would like to see different is making it 2 races for the S/SS cars on Saturday and Sunday. But I think what they have going should be a good start.
Glen Thanks for all the hard work. I may need a G or H that matches the last decals you did for me if you still have a record of what you did.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Profit, go to your local bank and ask what the payments would be on 5 or 10 million
dollars for 10 yrs as that is the longest you can borrow on a business loan, then let us know how far 150,000.00 pr yr gets you, im interested, simple math will tell you not far.
for each million borrowed its 8333.00 pr month without interest,and im sure the track was way more than 1 million, so 8333.00 x 12= 100k x5= 500000.00 yearly payment without
interest again, then add wages and operating expenses yeehaa more than i have this wk
but maybee next week will be better...lololololololololol

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Well it sounds like we have a good chance of having a Bigger Car Count this year.

But the main issue that I hear is More Money, More Money, More Money.

Solution THE BOX :) Put $ 20.00 in the Envelope name & car number, Drop in Box, If Place or Win get the Cash this is like Jammie's kiss method (Keep It Simple Stupid) 30 car's = $600.00 Extra cash :cool:

Good Job Glen
Kerby

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Well put Kerby..

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

As racer in the 4-6 hour away category, I will give my thoughts.....BIR #1 Very nice facility! #2 My experience there outside of the LODRS and Nats is very limited, once about 1990 we went up to race outside of that. So recent history keeping us from going are the horror stories as previously stated. I like easy...........TVD=easy. Drive in, tech, 3 Q's on a schedule, line up, race/repeat on day 2. No BS from telling where we can/can't park, charged for every nickel and dime item possible, waiting for call to maybe make one pass, yada yada yada..... That's not to say there isn't alot of work going on behind the scenes. Alot of racers volunteer their time and MONEY to make it successful. I think disproportionately so for some. Bottom line, some want to pay, race, win, go home. Some want to pay, see their friends, race, BS, drive cool cars, try to win, see their friends, go home. We all have our own agendas, the key is to channel individual talents and resources enough so as many people as possible enjoy it enough to return and build a solid program. If you don't have buy in from at least the minimum number of racers to make the program work then......good luck. Making it painful just to show up and do what we do = dead end.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Glen,

I appreciate the efforts of you and others to make BIR better for the class cars. Hopefully I will make it up there a couple times this year.


[QUOTE=Kelly Petterson;237781]TVD=easy. Drive in, tech, 3 Q's on a schedule, line up, race/repeat on day 2. No BS from telling where we can/can't park, charged for every nickel and dime item possible, waiting for call to maybe make one pass, yada yada yada..... QUOTE]

But, if there was a choice between the 2 tracks, the above statement is part of why I will drive over 300 miles to race at TVD vs the 115 to BIR. It is just more fun for me to go there and race. That's why I race in the 1st place. It all starts with a guy at the gate that is not a temp and knows something about racing.

Jason

superstock5150@gmail.com

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

Hi Kelly
I know the horror stories about BIR as previously stated.
I however think that Sometimes we as racers can get stuck in a rut and resist change.
FOR INSTANCE: I like going to a track with help that knows what is going on with the race and
race cars & classes.
However I WOULD ALSO like calling for help with my computer and talking to someone who can
speak English!
I guess we don’t always get things the way we think they should be.
Lots of things may not be perfect but still can be great!

As for the Midwest Class Racer races we had a darn good time and I love the relaxed
Atmosphere.
Now; I could find things to complain about at those races as well. But what’s the point.
It would only cause harm and de-rail the years of hard work and $$$ put in to an overall excellent program.

We as racers have an obligation to stay positive & support as many local races as
time and $ will allow. If we don’t support the tracks we have they will be gone!
If that happens what is the point in having a car at all.

When we have an chance like BIR is giving us to give and get in-put.
I believe is the best we can ask for. I want to work with all the S/SS races to get a good relationship
with the track and the track with us.

A schedule/ run order is one thing I am personally going to get in black & white.

I am working to improve time management efficiency with the staff.

I am working on a deal to make tech a painless experience for S/SS Race.

While many of the horror stories about BIR as previously stated have some validity.

I (we) are working hard to fix the things that are bugging people and make racing at BIR fun again.
I would love to see a deal possibly with USA & MwCR clubs working together again. Maybe a
BIR.or TVR.
The key IS to channel individual talents and resources. You are right on with that!!
MwCR group has done an excellent job with that!

At any rate I would love to have all you SD. Racers at the BIR combos.
I will be working hard to make it worth your while.

Thanks for your support and please stay positive & help me to help you all.
I’ll see you in the spring!

Thanks again
Glen DeMenge

.

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

I can never win this debate...My point being in all of this, one last time...the $150,000k is just for the Bracket racing. Not including the Lucas Oil Nationals, LODRS event, Wed. night Street Legal, or any of the road racing...plus, advertising the track sells. I realize BIR probably has the HIGEST overhead of any drag racing facility in the 5 state area. But, how is that the racer's issue?

Like Jason stated, trailers have wheels. I too in the last 3-4 years would much rather drive 4hr to 8hr to have fun and race for a good/fair payout...and BIR is only 65mi from my race shop. I do hope this get's turned around!!! I love racing at BIR, I have done well there both in brackets and Super Stock, the majority of the people are great to deal with. It's those few you come in contact with that sour things. Anyone who knows me personally, knows I'm not a bad guy. I would bend over backwards for most anyone. I am just driven to race for a fair ROI (return on investment).

On a POSITIVE NOTE...some idea's I have communicated, but may not be known to the majority----The Committee should gather lists and addresses of ALL the racer's who have entered the S/SS program and send out a mailer. Cover the 5 state area and Canada.
If this S/SS combo is truly set in stone as being only a 1-day event, why not raise the entry fee to $150 so we can race for some good money? Track get's $30 per/tech card...the rest into the payout (we could even do it---like USA back in the day). Or something along those lines. Very similar to Kerber's idea, only all involved...not those who choose to do it.

Test-n-Tune SHOULD be a money maker for the track on the days they have them. There is no payout. HOWEVER, to get the cars the track has to be prepped well so useful data can be gained! This will help lay rubber on the track for the weekend...less VHT...less track prep, not to mention shorter tech lines on Saturday.

Tech---for whatever reason, is somewhat of a mistery when it comes to 'class' cars at BIR. We seriously aren't all that difficult. From Q-Jets, Holley's, 4GC's to throttle body's. These Combo event's are not Nationals/Divisionals. I guess if you have to 'cheat' to gain an advantage amongst your friends at a club race that's shame on you!
Helmet's are the same, jackets/pants are the same, roll cages the same, belts, etc. Correct Wt/Hp on your car/truck...scale after the pass---done! This isn't ANY of ours first rodeo...we know the rules, we know what class and wt we are suppose to be.
No fuel check at a combo. Tech should seriously take NO MORE than 10min per/car---any class! Once the Tech inspecter's have seen your car a few times in the year it should even be quicker! The past 2 years I have attended 4-5 NHRA Divisional events, and 3 Nationals. Tech takes me maybe, maybe 20min from when I leave my pit til when I get back. Yet I have spent close to 3hrs in line at BIR in the past for a combo weekend...and that was after WINNING the Divisional the weekend prior at BIR!
I know your working on this Glen---and thank you!

Let's put the "UNITED" back in USA and get the cars to show up at tracks and race for a good payout! I'm sure there are a lot of tracks that would love to have a 'class' racing show once a month. This means we need to pull some of our friends from Midwest Classracer's and Heartland to pool together and help save class racing.

I'm done! See you in the Spring!!!

Re: S/SS combo @ BIR 2011
 

I'll be to as many as I can make it to and I'm sure if I go Schultzy will bring the lil duster out as well. Have a good one! P.S where are the Lines?