Big $$$ S/SS Races as a Business Model..Viable?

[CMcAllister]

Most first round losers in the big money bracket races buy back, and race each other with the winners going into second round. That sure helps with the size of the pot. How many are willing to do that?

Not saying it can't be done, purse vs. entry needs to be realistic. The money has to come from somewhere. Can't print it like the government.

[Adger Smith]

As a former track owner I can tell you the buy backs are all about what the track makes. Nothing else.
like them or hate them they can make a race be in the black instead of the red for a track owner.
Class racers may have to consider doing it for the sake of a place to race.

[JeremyDuncan]

Buybacks are an absolute deal breaker for me. I will not participate in a Stk/Ss race with buybacks.

[jmcarter]

Easter weekend was a deal breaker for me and that was the first possible weekend that I could have made. I'm absolutely going to Ken's race and hoping the turnout will be so good that promoters will step up to offer more of these. That said, even though I don't like buy backs it may be a necessary evil to insure these races survive. I'm a little befuddled that the NMCA races don't get better turnouts so if these races do not survive I guess that means a Wally is the golden calf that ultimately killed class racing.

[Ken Miele]

Mark,

I can not speak for the other promoters as I have had no contact with them. I think its great that they put these races on to give STK/SS more options. As for what we do, I plan on doing a Class Racer National every year, and hoping for two next season. Its not about the money for us, its about racing at a good event were the racer is treated with respect and appreciated for there support.

From what I saw and heard about these two races, the racers were treated great and had a good time. The promoters did and excellent job as far as I am concerned. Whether they have them next season, who knows, but I hope they do.

This biggest hurdle on promoting these races are finding a race date that does not interfere with NHRA scheduling. Another issue is finding a track that you can work with. Fortunately for us Numidia Dragway owned by the DiMino family is a great place to promote races. You could not ask for a better family to work with.

The racing we all do, whether it is NHRA, NMCA or promotion races like these, are mostly supported by our entries. With that being said, we all deserve to be treated as paying customers. And as the saying goes... the customer is always right.

So guys, CRN will be around for sometime. We want to give a better option for the racers and make them feel like they are the stars, and are treated as they should be.

[MR DERBY CITY]

Originally Posted by JeremyDuncan

Buybacks are an absolute deal breaker for me. I will not participate in a Stk/Ss race with buybacks.

Sorry, but BUYBACKS are for ( ) races, this past weeks race at St. Louis was a stock/superstock race. Instead of BUYBACKS, there was a 5 Grand to win combo for a 100 dollar entry fee that all FIRST rd. losers could enter. Tyler B then opened up this race for ALL racers. I thought this was a WIN ...WIN... for the racer and the PROMOTER. BOTTOM LINE, these races must be PROFITABLE for the PROMOTERS ......Scheduling is crucial to the success, although you sure can’t please everyone....A track the caliber of Gateway only has a few OPEN dates to work with ....I had to laugh when Jeremy said buybacks were his dealbreaker .....Personally my dealbreaker is this....I don’t ENJOY racing when toboggans and gloves are involved ....

[CMcAllister]

Originally Posted by JeremyDuncan

Buybacks are an absolute deal breaker for me. I will not participate in a Stk/Ss race with buybacks.

I don't like or advocate for them either. Just saying they are a normal part of bracket racing to get the size of the pot and the purse up. Obviously the track or promoter gets a piece of the pie.

[James Perrone]

Originally Posted by CMcAllister

I don't like or advocate for them either. Just saying they are a normal part of bracket racing to get the size of the pot and the purse up. Obviously the track or promoter gets a piece of the pie.

Don’t know where you race.
Buyback only happen in big bucks bracket races.
And most tracks down south do it on a regular bracket program
Not stock super stock combos.
Buybacks suck. You lost go home.

[Mark Yacavone]

A few thoughts...
Buyback will never fly..Neither will No heads up in the eliminator. S/SS want the races run in the traditional way.. Just the way it is.

As MJ mentioned, early Div 3 races are a big gamble, seeing they normally start in late April ., early May. ..Not criticizing these boys. They took an available date, which are few and far between at the larger tracks.

So far no one mentioned spectators....To me ,that's the key to a profit. If you pay out 90 % of the entry money ,and let the crew in for free, what does that leave you? ..Again, not being critical.
Bringing in spectators just might take more than just break out racing. Sorry to say, but my opinion.

[JWhalen58]

Totally agree about buybacks but the solution is very simple. Just have a consolation race for 1st or 2nd round losers.