Why Aren't You Racing?

[Ed Carpenter]

Nitro Joe you need to do another S/SS combo in Houston like a few years ago. it was cool and I know alot of guys would come out for it. Ed

[Kegracing]

When there is a question (big question) on the current and future economy, we have to make decisions. I love racing as much as anyone. When I was single, it was 3 days a week plus... Now, Jim Carter hit some of it on the head... what is going to happen? Does the government want things to be "fixed"...?

I am blessed to have a good job now, and I am being careful with my money, as we never know what tomorrow brings. I am having to balance my time and spending with wife and kids wants and needs. They like the races, but not as much as I do! I have had my new project down the track, still have some things to do to it, but it is close. I do not have anywhere near the talents or resources that Wade has, but I have built this car myself. Yes, it has taken a lot longer, and maybe not perfect, but I will keep working on it. Will have new chrome and paint someday, but not this year, etc. I have a crate motor in it now, and the Pontiac motor core sitting in the shed... will be a while probably. I can run IHRA stuff when I have a few close, and bracket race some. Better than sitting and crying...

I am a long time NHRA member, raced with them long before I ever knew about IHRA... with that said, NHRA is still stupid with their big money, in my opinion. Higher fees, not as friendly overall to sportsmen. Yes, can win more $ with them, but when you add it all up, not much more if any.

While I would love to blame the contigency companies for not paying and that being a reason, I do understand they are struggling also. I would say this is one area that either N or I could help... beat the bushes and get more contigency money on the paper, and do not make it so complicated to get paid. I would rather have 3 pay easy and quick at $100 than have to fight with one for $300???

Lastly... it is hot! Please drink a lot of Gatorade! If you have not tried it, go buy some of the "G2" Gatorade. Less sugar, no HFCS and lighter - crisper taste! (guess what I make for a living!)

Hope everyone has a great holiday and God bless our troops!

Ken Graham

[Michael Beard]

Originally Posted by Kegracing

do not make it so complicated to get paid. I would rather have 3 pay easy and quick at $100 than have to fight with one for $300???

Lastly... it is hot! Please drink a lot of Gatorade! If you have not tried it, go buy some of the "G2" Gatorade. Less sugar, no HFCS and lighter - crisper taste! (guess what I make for a living!)

Re: Contingency... I really haven't had any problems, and have had numerous claims over the years.

Re: G2. Yup, dead-on. Thanks for your good work! I've been supporting your economy! LOL (Think I got Fisher turned onto it the other year, too.) Good stuff.

[Mike Gray]

All the above. Been here on the forum a while although I don't post much. Probably because I don't have a class car (yet). I sold my super-gas car about 4 years ago and started on a Shelby stocker. (Not the cheapest car to build, LOL)
Being self employeed I've seen my income drop over 60% the past couple of years. Car building is on hold until the economy comes back.

[Michael Beard]

Wow. Maybe I'm not too good at math, but I'm seeing a lot of self-inflicted issues here. There have been at least two posts on this thread already noting that it costs $500 or $600 min. to go to a Divisional race.

A few weeks ago, I went to Richmond for a double-header Pro-Am/Sportsman National. Pickup and open trailer, round trip fuel, $100. Test n' tune $30. Pro-Am: $135 Sportsman Nat'ls: $150 2 nights hotel: $75 (and that was a really nice place... split cost, thanks to Mike Bolton) Total: $490 to run TWO races *and* a Test n' Tune. And that's a lot for me. Last year, I left the house early Saturday AM, and I stayed overnight at the track. Total cost for 2 races: $385 (less than $200/race)

Couple weeks ago, South Georgia Motorsports Park. Ran TWO Southern S/SS Association Races and TWO of Scotty Richardson's BottomBulb Series races. Fuel: $200. Hotel: $80 Entry Fees: $180 total Total Expenses: $460 That's an average of $115 per race.

Last week, Dunn-Benson Pro-Am. Left the house, ran the race, and came home all in the same day. Total cost: $160.

On another thread somewhere, I compared travel time and costs for a racer from middle Tennessee could run for an NHRA Divisional championship vs running for an IHRA Divisional AND World Championship.... the time (including time off work) and mileage to do the latter was nearly HALF.

As Beaver Bob says, "Put a pencil to it." I've personally had an amazing year, and I count my blessings, but I didn't get to where I am because I have a toterhome and stacker with my flavor of the week selection of a CJ or DP, or even a Super Stocker of any kind. I still tow an open trailer (that I won in a shootout race when I was a kid) with a 1500 Ram 4.7L (that I just paid off), and race a car that is paid off. (H*ll, if a guy hadn't pulled out in front of me years ago, I'd probably still be towing with my '89 Ramcharger... R.I.P.) I run races that make sense for me (see above paragraph), and when I do have to stay in a hotel, I try to split a room with somebody. For years, my season-long lodging costs have run around $700/year. How many motorhome payments is that? (and that's not touching on the massively increased fuel costs, etc.) I can run 55+ races a year for more than 15 years on what some guys have in their racing operations, and I'll still be racing when the big rigs are parked. I got a new EZ-Up and two new folding chairs this year. As the Legend told me, "Boy, ya can't hide money, can ya?"

So the question is, how bad do you want to go racing? If you make up your mind that you really want it, you can do it. Wade is dead-on. We are a proud bunch, but you *can* do it for half the cost if you really want to.

[Robert Simpson]

Originally Posted by Michael Beard

Wow. Maybe I'm not too good at math, but I'm seeing a lot of self-inflicted issues here. There have been at least two posts on this thread already noting that it costs $500 or $600 min. to go to a Divisional race.

A few weeks ago, I went to Richmond for a double-header Pro-Am/Sportsman National. Pickup and open trailer, round trip fuel, $100. Test n' tune $30. Pro-Am: $135 Sportsman Nat'ls: $150 2 nights hotel: $75 (and that was a really nice place... split cost, thanks to Mike Bolton) Total: $490 to run TWO races *and* a Test n' Tune. And that's a lot for me. Last year, I left the house early Saturday AM, and I stayed overnight at the track. Total cost for 2 races: $385 (less than $200/race)

Couple weeks ago, South Georgia Motorsports Park. Ran TWO Southern S/SS Association Races and TWO of Scotty Richardson's BottomBulb Series races. Fuel: $200. Hotel: $80 Entry Fees: $180 total Total Expenses: $460 That's an average of $115 per race.

Last week, Dunn-Benson Pro-Am. Left the house, ran the race, and came home all in the same day. Total cost: $160.

On another thread somewhere, I compared travel time and costs for a racer from middle Tennessee could run for an NHRA Divisional championship vs running for an IHRA Divisional AND World Championship.... the time (including time off work) and mileage to do the latter was nearly HALF.

As Beaver Bob says, "Put a pencil to it." I've personally had an amazing year, and I count my blessings, but I didn't get to where I am because I have a toterhome and stacker with my flavor of the week selection of a CJ or DP, or even a Super Stocker of any kind. I still tow an open trailer (that I won in a shootout race when I was a kid) with a 1500 Ram 4.7L (that I just paid off), and race a car that is paid off. (H*ll, if a guy hadn't pulled out in front of me years ago, I'd probably still be towing with my '89 Ramcharger... R.I.P.) I run races that make sense for me (see above paragraph), and when I do have to stay in a hotel, I try to split a room with somebody. For years, my season-long lodging costs have run around $700/year. How many motorhome payments is that? (and that's not touching on the massively increased fuel costs, etc.) I can run 55+ races a year for more than 15 years on what some guys have in their racing operations, and I'll still be racing when the big rigs are parked. I got a new EZ-Up and two new folding chairs this year. As the Legend told me, "Boy, ya can't hide money, can ya?"

So the question is, how bad do you want to go racing? If you make up your mind that you really want it, you can do it. Wade is dead-on. We are a proud bunch, but you *can* do it for half the cost if you really want to.

Michael you are absolutely correct. As my father says "How bad do you want it?" I have a open trailer (paid for), just bought a used truck (low mileage, low price). While some things are nice allot are not nec. to go racing. The only thing about where I live it the 2+ hr tow to go to any track. But, other than that at least there are some tracks!! Good luck and keep up the good work. Robert

[Ed Carpenter]

Michael I race on a budget trust me I mean budget. I work the State of Texas. I'm not doubting your numbers. here is what it cost me to race at Baton Rouge in May at the double. My wife looked at all the receipts. She wasn't amused at all!!LOL

Entry fee 135.00X2=270.00
Crew 40.00
Hotel bill 109.00
race gas 50.00
fuel for truck roundtrip 324.00 ouch 445 miles each way
food misc 75.00

Not complaining just stating my costs. I had never went that far before to a race. probably won't anytime soon because of the costs. We normally stick closer to home Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Crandall, Lufkin, etc.

[WheelsUp]

Originally Posted by deuces wild

Michael I race on a budget trust me I mean budget. I work the State of Texas. I'm not doubting your numbers. here is what it cost me to race at Baton Rouge in May at the double. My wife looked at all the receipts. She wasn't amused at all!!LOL

Entry fee 135.00X2=270.00
Crew 40.00
Hotel bill 109.00
race gas 50.00
fuel for truck roundtrip 324.00 ouch 445 miles each way
food misc 75.00
How many rounds did you go?
Not complaining just stating my costs. I had never went that far before to a race. probably won't anytime soon because of the costs. We normally stick closer to home Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Crandall, Lufkin, etc.

How many rounds did you go?

[Ed Carpenter]

Originally Posted by WheelsUp

How many rounds did you go?

Whats that have to do with costs?

[WheelsUp]

Originally Posted by deuces wild

Whats that have to do with costs?

Nothing, I was just curious.