[BKSG1198]

This thread really brings me back to a few years back with the YB Nationals at Cecil, now granted it's a different breed of racers (Pro Mod, 10.5 Outlaw, Etc), the event was huge but was growing so big that they couldn't finish the 600+ cars in a weekend if they had weather issues and the sportsman were being pushed to late Sunday Night / Monday morning. The promoter and track decided that those classes were going to be a pre-register only for the next year taking 40 and qualifying 32, of course it filled quickly just like a NE does but those who didn't make it made the argument that they bring all the spectators in, the fans come to see them only (Not Pro Mods or 10.5 outlaw) so they decided to form their own race at Maple Grove (8.50, 10.00, 11.50.Pro Dial) on the same weekend and it was a huge bust but, YB was packed that weekend proving their theory wrong. The event has gone back to its regular format now but, I think it proves that as much as we argue on here about .90 cars, Juniors, Stock/SS we have to realize WE ARE NOT THE SHOW and never will be, we are fillers. I know that will hurt people's feelings, I'm sure I will get tomato's thrown at me next year but, we have to face the facts.

The most successful Divisionals on paper have a show associated with them, Norwalk D3 race, New England D1 Race, Sometimes Maple Grove D1 race in May but, only the diehard people want to come at 9am in the morning to watch the sportsman, it's like going to a sporting event, they want to be entertained for 3-5 hours at the most, not 12 hours and they want to get the best bang for their dollar, it has to be a show (Pro Mods, Wheel standers, Alky Cars, Jet Cars, Fireworks) but that also comes at a cost, these special event cars are not racing for free, I helped out at MG before Kyle bought it with some of the previous employees and can tell you - Jet Cars $1,000 - $2,000 per car to make two passes, they get paid if they make a run or not (weather, etc).

Let's also think why did the entry fees for D1 races go up from $200 to $225 in 2023? The reason is because the track owners told NHRA they aren't making any money at these Divisional races...I can tell you we're glad it was ONLY $25 increase because it was on the table to be much more.

Also, for those of you who think I haven't beaten this drum before with a DD - here is an e-mail to Bob Lang from 2011 about the same topic we are talking about 12 years later in which I was told he's brought this up at the D1 meeting in January in 2012...did it happen, only track owners at that time would know...

From: Rob Keister
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 3:11 PM
To: Bob Lang
Subject: Quick Question

Dear Bob,

The reason for my e-mail is a recent discussion I had with some racers. A few racers came to me regarding this issue since I help out Lucky with MASGA and I’m also the President of the Super Comp Series. The discussion that was brought up was about how can we promote sportsman racing better and get more fans to a Lucas Oil Series Races. I know at a few tracks this year they did a special promotion for fans such as Carloads for $25.00 at Maple Grove, Atco had a special “Buy 1, Get 1 ½ off” on Saturday and so forth. The real only good turn-out seemed to be at Epping where you had 10,000 people show up for the race on Saturday Night. Not saying the other promotions were a flop for the track owners but, I don’t think it was the turnout they were looking for. I know from a fan and racer aspect the promotions seemed to be announced on a Monday or Tuesday before the event and many fans were already committed to other things on the weekend. I know I handed out about 15 of the coupons at my office for the Atco Race but, most of the people already had something going on that weekend.

As a promoter myself I know how it’s hard to get people to come to a race when the economy is in the toilet and people are more worried about putting a meal on the table rather than spending the day at the track but, you give them a deal in advance they may just come check it out. What I was wondering is if we could put something together for 2012 as in a division 1 marketing program. I know Gary from PC Richard & the Alessi’s normally have their rigs at the track a few days in advance of a Lucas Oil Event and if we could set something up like NASCAR does at a local Wal-Mart, PC Richards, Etc with the cars out for people to see and look at I think people might get interested in coming to see them. I know I’ve looked over Gary’s Mustang a few times and I think people would see that car and be like “This car, which looks like my street cars…run’s what??” Maybe offer up discounted tickets at these events to people with a “See these cars and many more at Atco Raceway August 5th to 7th”. Or maybe do something similar to what NHRA did this year with the 60th anniversary “walk the track program” get someone like Manzo or Kosky to walk Atco with their memories of running at the track. Last but, not least maybe go around and visit automotive technical schools or automotive dealerships in the areas with cars and discounted tickets.

I don’t see much new blood in the series due to cost and not understanding the classes. Like why does a Super Gas car leave the line then fall on its face and take back off? Maybe have a few racers at the local dealerships explain how the classes work and what a throttle stop does and why when Stock or Super Stock come up it was 10.50 on the scoreboard but, he runs 9.40…I don’t get it?

Rob Keister
1198 S/G

Here also is some pics from NHRA TV of the Norwalk D3 race, the less filled stands are when the sportsman (Stock/SS, .90) are running and the filled stands are when Alky, PM, etc are running....yes they did run R1 od SC & SS in between Alky with the stands somewhat full but, like anything else unless you go to the bathroom or want to grab food, you don't want to miss the action.