[Myron Piatek]

Bob,

I understand that your idea could be an option. But these shootouts are a method of marketing for the companies that step-up and sponsor them. Basically, they get a whole season of special attention at the races, decals, ads, headers in the points standings charts, etc. It also encourages racers to buy their products to be able to participate in them. (i.e.: Moser) . After Summit stepped up for the Sportsman All-Stars, they did not require any special product purchases and opened it up for more racers to qualify. So basically, their title-rights get them a lot more exposure than they would get otherwise. They already spread some of their money around through their contingency program. Of course, they could have title-rights to the classes when they are announced, like Mr. Gasket did, i.e.: Accell Super Stock, Hays Stock, etc. But it's up to their marketing department to determine what will give them the most "bang-for-the-buc".

Personally, I think the attention the Moser Shootout gets from its huge purse is quite significant, from racers as well as spectators. It may work the same way as "Deal or No Deal". The huge audience seems to be attracted to the show to see an average person win a huge amount of money, with some drama thrown in. Same with the Moser Shootout. $22,500 is a lot in anybodies book and there is an interest to see what "little guy" sportsman will win it. Their market would seem to be more with the participants rather than the spectators. But, again, it's their marketing department that determines what to do and where. They went to using divisional points ONLY this year so more racers outside of the "touring pros" could qualify.

The Summit Shootout puts the qualified racers in front of spectators which appear to be a much bigger market than Moser would get. $5k isn't anything to sneeze at either. Just signing up and displaying decals gives you a chance to qualify. This and the Moser deal also helps educate spectators to the sportsman classes and handicap racing. It's a perfect opportunity because the shootouts are normally mixed in with the Pro's. This is one way sportsman racers can get some attention and credibility.

The Summit ET Super Series puts local racers on a national event stage and more exposure for Summit. Remember your roots. Wouldn't it have been cool to be able to qualify for something like that by just racing at your local track back in the '60's or '70's? Not sure about IHRA, but NHRA offered the ET racer their first shot at a World Champioship in 1980. I was fortunate enough to win my division in Pro ET and traveled to Ontario, CA with 2 other winners representing Orlando Speed World also. We didn't get much money, didn't get anywhere near the exposure and I got hassled in tech after passing everywhere else. I redlighted in the first round, but it was an unforgetful experience. Opportunities like that sell parts, which is why Summit sponsors it.

It's all boils down to marketing. Despite racing at all my possible claim races, I certainly don't consider myself a pro/semi-pro sportsman racer. But I'm grateful for the shootouts because it can help racers, including me, by just qualifying. If I can't win back at least 50% of what I spend, I won't be able to race, and I'm very budget-minded. So I hope that Moser and Summit (presented by Mr. Gasket) find it feasible to continue their programs. I'm sure there are other ways to get the race in more efficiently, weather permitting.