my opinion

Evan Smith · 12-11-2009, 06:12 AM

I would venture to guess that 95 percent of the Pro racers wouldn't know where to start with a sportsman Class car and have only heard the term "bracket" racing in the pits. I would also venture to guess that most touring-pro sportsman racers started out on the divisional level, raced a lot and realized they had a knack or talent at this game we play and since we race for money, decided they could have a go trying it for a living since there is enough opportunity to make a living at it.

Guys like Mark sacrifice and risk a lot but the payback is more seat time and more opportunity to win. If you are racing and just getting by, what type of outlook is there for the future? What about things like health insurance? It is risky to put yourself in that position (unless you have serious backing, which some do) and if you have a bad year or two it can be a financial disaster. Most of us would never take that chance no matter how many races we won in a year.

But still, since we live in a free country, ANYONE can quit their job and take that chance, just like Fletcher did. This is America so don't complain and bitch about the rules, if the water is so nice then jump in. Hey, I don't like getting beat by these guys or anyone, but I realize that I can try to do what they do if I want to reach that level. I'll ask this to Jeff, would you feel any better if you got beat by a guy who is an unknown because he races, say, Heavy Eliminator, every week, or twice a week, or three times week, at local track, as some do, then jumps in a Stocker and cleans up? Most of the successful Stock drivers I know came from the bracket ranks, where they raced often and honed their skills in street bracket cars.

But how many are living the good life on S/SS winnings alone? There is lots of stress involved, if you don't make the final the pay is nil. If you break and engine or major part your profit just dropped in the toilet. If you're rig breaks you can't be out there earning. Plus, the extended time on the road has to be tough, because I'm sure they miss important family things like kid's birthdays and such.

I give those guys credit because that is no easy way to make a living.

12-11-2009, 06:12 AM	#11
Evan Smith Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Tampa Posts: 400 Likes: 7 Liked 115 Times in 5 Posts	Re: my opinion I would venture to guess that 95 percent of the Pro racers wouldn't know where to start with a sportsman Class car and have only heard the term "bracket" racing in the pits. I would also venture to guess that most touring-pro sportsman racers started out on the divisional level, raced a lot and realized they had a knack or talent at this game we play and since we race for money, decided they could have a go trying it for a living since there is enough opportunity to make a living at it. Guys like Mark sacrifice and risk a lot but the payback is more seat time and more opportunity to win. If you are racing and just getting by, what type of outlook is there for the future? What about things like health insurance? It is risky to put yourself in that position (unless you have serious backing, which some do) and if you have a bad year or two it can be a financial disaster. Most of us would never take that chance no matter how many races we won in a year. But still, since we live in a free country, ANYONE can quit their job and take that chance, just like Fletcher did. This is America so don't complain and bitch about the rules, if the water is so nice then jump in. Hey, I don't like getting beat by these guys or anyone, but I realize that I can try to do what they do if I want to reach that level. I'll ask this to Jeff, would you feel any better if you got beat by a guy who is an unknown because he races, say, Heavy Eliminator, every week, or twice a week, or three times week, at local track, as some do, then jumps in a Stocker and cleans up? Most of the successful Stock drivers I know came from the bracket ranks, where they raced often and honed their skills in street bracket cars. But how many are living the good life on S/SS winnings alone? There is lots of stress involved, if you don't make the final the pay is nil. If you break and engine or major part your profit just dropped in the toilet. If you're rig breaks you can't be out there earning. Plus, the extended time on the road has to be tough, because I'm sure they miss important family things like kid's birthdays and such. I give those guys credit because that is no easy way to make a living. __________________ Evan Smith 1798 STK Last edited by Evan Smith; 12-11-2009 at 06:15 AM.