First one to the lanes....there must be a prize???
At the beginning of each season I fill my racing calendar with as many events as I can find in the order that schedules are released...no prioritization up front. Yes, there are weekends where I would expect to be at certain tracks based upon history of annual events that rarely shift from their typical dates. As the year unfolds, we make decisions based upon an ever changing list of influences, and no two years are identical. This is where things get complicated because loyalties, habits and even superstitions can hold racers to a pattern from which they can be reluctant to switch.
Taking all of the variables out of the conversation that have been kicked around as long as choices have been entertained, I think change comes about most reliably as a result of one racer convincing others to give something different a chance to become a "must attend" experience. The promoters can only do so much and in this case have proven that they deserve to see a great deal more response for their effort. A business that treats a client with respect and delivers good value is usually well on the way to attracting more customers through referrals and positive reviews. On this, my first trip to both Numidia Dragway and the Class Racer Nationals I left with nothing but positive memories and a good story to share with my racing friends back home.
It's up to me and others with a similar message to start working on next year NOW. With no assumptions of the climate we may be served in 2023, I will do my personal best to convince some of the local Stock/SS community to give this event a chance to impress them as it has me. There were over 20 of our gang that did not turn a wheel last week and I believe that we can convince some of them to do otherwise next year.
Best of luck with your plans for the future and much respect from my corner.