Make Divisionals Great Again

[Doug Hoven]

Unfortunately I can't see Maple grove participating in any sort of "Free Spectator" day at any of their events. After the series of events and conversations that went down at the Dutch, it seems that we almost weren't even wanted due to the low car count. The new MG policy seems to be, if there's no guaranteed lump sum of profit, they aren't interested. I understand its not a good business move to host events that don't make money, but it seems like when a track is run solely from a businessman's approach, they soon realize that the land is more valuable than the track....

[Pistol Pete]

Originally Posted by HR9121

I can't say I disagree with Pete but I think one part of the problem is tracks just don't promote these races. Understandably this costs money and they're already paying NHRA to have the race anyway but I think some promotion could help atleast it works at Norwalk.
In reality though if anyone has been to their local bracket races lately they don't have any interest either, we don't have a car obsessed culture anymore. Like it or not the only sportsman racing that draws attention are the heads up radial stuff that is easy to comprehend and there might be a big crash at anytime.

All Great Points James. The crowd can understand Heads Up Racing Easier than Handicap Racing.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by Doug Hoven

Unfortunately I can't see Maple grove participating in any sort of "Free Spectator" day at any of their events. After the series of events and conversations that went down at the Dutch, it seems that we almost weren't even wanted due to the low car count. The new MG policy seems to be, if there's no guaranteed lump sum of profit, they aren't interested. I understand its not a good business move to host events that don't make money, but it seems like when a track is run solely from a businessman's approach, they soon realize that the land is more valuable than the track....

Ouch, but rings true given the decline of the car culture most racers grew up in.

[1320racer]

Bader absolutely did fail on his promises and that’s why he wasn’t bought back.

As to MG, Kyle told me last year that they have a 5 year plan and after 5 years if it’s not turning the profit they expect, it will be for sale.

[Glenn Briglio]

Originally Posted by 1320racer

Bader is successful because of that track's location, there's no magic to it. He couldn't move the needle in his stint at Maple Grove.

There's no manufactures midway to speak of anymore at national events because the NHRA chased them all away with their unreasonable fees, sane fees would apply to divisionals that have far less racers and no fans in the stands.

Didn't they have so many cars in some classes they couldn't finish every week when Bader was there on a regular bracket race day ?

[340Cuda]

Originally Posted by GUMP

It's very obvious that a lot of you guys have never run a business...

While that is true, the track here in Tulsa has a what they call "The Throw Down in T-Town". Admission is free but they do charge for parking ($25). They fill the place up.

The following classed are contested:
Top Sportsman
Top Dragster
6.0 Index
Jr Pro
Jr Sportsman
Super Pro - Bracket
MWDRS - Pro Mod
Gassers
No Electronics
Pro 420

It would be interesting to see them try this at the Division 4 doubles in September.

[Bobby Fazio]

Yes he got Maple Grove's bracket program back to record high car counts. He was brought in by previous owner. He was not given free reign to do everything he wanted to do because as a consultant you are limited to what the owner okays. Lastly, in 2019 in a good economy with low gas prices we had 128 stockers at Maple Grove divisional and God knows how many at the Dutch classic. Things move in waves so you can never say it is dying a slow death when car counts up-ticked since I started in 2009. Pandemic and high inflation likely brought it back down again. You have to wither storms.

Originally Posted by Glenn Briglio

Didn't they have so many cars in some classes they couldn't finish every week when Bader was there on a regular bracket race day ?

[Carguy49]

I know of 2 tracks in Division 6 that have many people attend the Divisionals.

One is Firebird Raceway near Boise Idaho. The New family knows how to pack the place. Last year when I went to the class runoffs on Saturday the parking lot was packed when I left about 5 p.m. I had lunch for $13. It was a big burger, french fries and a large Coke. Good time and good food.

The other one is Woodburn Drag Strip near Woodburn, Oregon. This track is run by the Severance family, I believe. I was there last year for all 4 days of the double Divisional. One side of the track was filled with people camping for ALL 4 days. The cost to do so was reasonable, I am told. The spectator parking lot was full for the weekend. The food was good and reasonably priced. The racers and spectators ALL had a good time and lots of people roaming the pits at various times.

I am sure some advertising was involved and word of mouth helps, also. The tracks have to promote the events and offer a good time at reasonable costs for these events to be profitable.

The racer costs are what they are. Probably set by someone above my paygrade.

[1320racer]

He did not and MG could never finish a big $ race. They never cap the entries and know they won’t finish. Regardless, this ain’t about MG it’s about division and which will never be great again especially in D1

To make divisional’s great again-. Spectators! You need them. The money is made on concessions.
Our home track did not advertise or have cars for spectators as in top Alky, wheelie or a jet car.
Most spectators don’t understand what the 90 classes , stock/ Superstock and Comp are about much less bracket cars
As much as some stk/SS don’t care for it , we need the 90 , comp and top classes. Otherwise it’s boring to spectators and it’s car counts.
Just my opinion.