Making a profit in drag racing ???? - Page 2

Myron Piatek · 08-19-2010, 07:53 PM

For what it's worth, I finally got a minute to comment.

I went from local bracket racing to IHRA CM because I figured there would be more consistent opportunities to win more money and I could get more exposure for the people and companies that help out (sponsors) - so they would continue, or help more! Fortunately, I was right. But as far as sponsors go, I don't have anyone that would be considered a "big" sponsor. Almost all of my help is from product & service discounts or allowances. BUT that is money I don't have to spend that can go towards travel and entry expenses. Trying to keep up with them is a part-time job in itself. Nonetheless, "I" have to do well to keep racing, otherwise I start worrying about how much longer I can continue. I finished 16th in IHRA one year and almost couldn't race the following year.

I admit, I'm a tightwad and cut corners at home too to help! I always sleep at truck stops on the way to and from races, split motels when possible, including with Beard or other friends, or stay with them at "local" events. My 96 qt. cooler is always filled to the top with ice (free from work

) and food/drinks. When I stay at a motel, their ice machines usually help keep it up. I ran a Holley carb on the street and at the races all my life, so a Crate Motor combo with the mandatory Holley was a no-brainer for tuning. I also like IHRA for the shorter event durations, double-headers, lower entries, great programs like the Summit Allstars and Moser Axle Mania (which I didn't qualify for in 2011), etc. Overall IHRA pays less than NHRA, but I figured I could win more often. Hopefully things will improve soon with their contingency. I also started using an enclosed trailer only 4 years ago, which is literally my only "garage". (Had it unused for many years before that - but that's a long story.) Buying a used dually in 2005 was a tough decision. But I figured I had to take the gamble and get a newer, reliable truck if I was going to run around the country so much. A breakdown on the road would not only hurt my racing but force me to take more time off from work.

I chose the lowest HP/heaviest A-body combo so it could be outside the "hornet's nest" of G-H-I/CM combos. I like to go fast and can pick it up some, but i didn't want to get into a $$$ and HP battle in more populated classes. Gotta have money to race FIRST, then worry about going faster when time and money allow.

I also sell parts I don't need on the internet or the big local swap meet inside Daytona Speedway over Thanksgiving.

I actually came out ahead a bit 2-3 times since 1999, including 2009. Not sure how 2010 will end up yet. But getting rich or living off of drag racing ain't happinin'!

Last but not least, I thank God that I somehow developed the ability to do well enough to keep going and make it through the leaner years. It's not easy, but racing is like a "vacation" that let's me "get away from it all" at home. The "fun factor" and great people I've met is priceless. I'll do it as long as I can. I also know that it can end at any time.

08-19-2010, 07:53 PM	#11
Myron Piatek VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 1,542 Likes: 34 Liked 138 Times in 51 Posts	Re: Making a profit in drag racing ???? For what it's worth, I finally got a minute to comment. I went from local bracket racing to IHRA CM because I figured there would be more consistent opportunities to win more money and I could get more exposure for the people and companies that help out (sponsors) - so they would continue, or help more! Fortunately, I was right. But as far as sponsors go, I don't have anyone that would be considered a "big" sponsor. Almost all of my help is from product & service discounts or allowances. BUT that is money I don't have to spend that can go towards travel and entry expenses. Trying to keep up with them is a part-time job in itself. Nonetheless, "I" have to do well to keep racing, otherwise I start worrying about how much longer I can continue. I finished 16th in IHRA one year and almost couldn't race the following year. I admit, I'm a tightwad and cut corners at home too to help! I always sleep at truck stops on the way to and from races, split motels when possible, including with Beard or other friends, or stay with them at "local" events. My 96 qt. cooler is always filled to the top with ice (free from work ) and food/drinks. When I stay at a motel, their ice machines usually help keep it up. I ran a Holley carb on the street and at the races all my life, so a Crate Motor combo with the mandatory Holley was a no-brainer for tuning. I also like IHRA for the shorter event durations, double-headers, lower entries, great programs like the Summit Allstars and Moser Axle Mania (which I didn't qualify for in 2011), etc. Overall IHRA pays less than NHRA, but I figured I could win more often. Hopefully things will improve soon with their contingency. I also started using an enclosed trailer only 4 years ago, which is literally my only "garage". (Had it unused for many years before that - but that's a long story.) Buying a used dually in 2005 was a tough decision. But I figured I had to take the gamble and get a newer, reliable truck if I was going to run around the country so much. A breakdown on the road would not only hurt my racing but force me to take more time off from work. I chose the lowest HP/heaviest A-body combo so it could be outside the "hornet's nest" of G-H-I/CM combos. I like to go fast and can pick it up some, but i didn't want to get into a $$$ and HP battle in more populated classes. Gotta have money to race FIRST, then worry about going faster when time and money allow. I also sell parts I don't need on the internet or the big local swap meet inside Daytona Speedway over Thanksgiving. I actually came out ahead a bit 2-3 times since 1999, including 2009. Not sure how 2010 will end up yet. But getting rich or living off of drag racing ain't happinin'! Last but not least, I thank God that I somehow developed the ability to do well enough to keep going and make it through the leaner years. It's not easy, but racing is like a "vacation" that let's me "get away from it all" at home. The "fun factor" and great people I've met is priceless. I'll do it as long as I can. I also know that it can end at any time.