S/SS combo @ BIR 2011

[5919 SSKA]

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

[Dyno]

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

[MEXJOE]

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

Originally Posted by Dyno

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

[MEXJOE]

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

Originally Posted by 5919 SSKA

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

[5919 SSKA]

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.

[Mike Carr]

Originally Posted by 5919 SSKA

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)...

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)

[5919 SSKA]

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

[Mike Mans]

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

[MEXJOE]

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???

Originally Posted by Mike Carr

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)

[XSTOCKER]

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