Live from New England Dragway- Lucas Oil Series

[BKSG1198]

Originally Posted by Jack Matyas

Spoken like a true race promoter- except some of your talking points aren't true- I was at the gate to give them my money so I was there to make them money and didn't have ten secret people in my vehicle - I was planning on doing the TNT but the weatherman said rain ( can't believe he was right) - next I don't have a multimillion rig and most don't- this was a track operated TNT so NHRA had no one working - yes , the track had an employee at the gate but had to be there anyway to collect the Lucas Oil money - and I didn't see the notice on Facebook so I got blindsided .Lastly since Stock is almost always out first how much time would I have to get ready if I came thru the gate early Friday morning .Oh BTW $15 isn't the issue - they just found a new way to get it from us .PS- you would be amazed at how many people that move pissed off .

Not saying you were Jack, just saying I've seen people sneak people in trailers, in bathrooms, etc to save a few bucks and I've also seen where a track allows the racers to come in and park and have the honor system to come back and pay the next day and either they don't or only pay for themselves. It's just the point of the matter that we're seeing more and more tracks disappear (Just saw Skyview in NY is for Sale after re-opening this year) and you have to think the expenses to run these events are becoming insane. I got the P&L from my event at a track last year and it shocked me the amount of crew / spectator passes that were sold; I said this has to be a mistake, there was way more then 275 people as crew / spectators. I asked a few racers where their bands were.....Oh we don't pay, nobody checks anyways.... guess where that cost goes, to the promoter or to future events. I think the last real person who checked wristbands at a Lucas Race was at Maple Grove a few years back.

I do agree, a little communication goes a long way and sometimes that's the weak point of some organizations, I completely agree saying "Gates open at 5pm to 7pm but there is a $15 parking charge" would have changed some people's minds as to when they leave / arrive but, also in today's world you post that on Social Media and you have every Keyboard Cowboy form here to Sweden giving their input. I get yelled at all the time that I post too much for my series but, racers are informed, the less questions rolling into an event, I think it runs 10x more efficient. I look at is as everyone is a customer, and I am here to give them a good experience for thier money.