The New IHRA ???

[Adger Smith]

The Baders knew their market place and as track owners promoted the races to get the spectator base to attend. They put paying people in the stands that wanted to see a show. They didn't just do like the avg racetrack owner and open the gate and expect the racers to provide them with a profit. Unfortunately the mindset today is that there has to be so many cars as a "Break even" for the track operator. (even Beard discusses that theory of operation & has a nifty little excel program for it) The Baders also did something for the racers. They made them feel welcome and appreciated. Their racers wanted to be part of the show & reaped some of the rewards.
Back when I ran my tracks how big the pit gate was wasn't my priority. I was way more interested in what the spectator count was. My opinion of the pit gate was if I had enough parking spaces and if there was enough racers to put on a good show. When I had spectators I knew I was doing a good job promoting the show the racers provided. Today there are a few track owners and operators that know their market and do a great job filling the stands and pits. The ones that do are the ones that are rewarded for their efforts. I saw, first hand, what I'm posting play out with 5 tracks last year when I was Race Director for Hot Rod Drag Week.