LODRS payout increases ideas

[MR DERBY CITY]

Originally Posted by Adger Smith

It may not be exactly like back when I ran tracks, but NHRA sells the Divisional races to the tracks. NHRA provides certain services and personnel that run the race. I know for a fact that at one time(Recently) the cost got so high for a Divisional that it took 400 entries for the track owner to break even. That brought about the Regional akly tour and separated them, unless a track wants them, from Divisional meets. I notice my old buddy Greenlight had a good plan and made a comment I totally agree with.
Track managers, operators and ownership in general have all gotten lazy. Quite a few years ago most of them quit being promoters and went to relying on just the income from the racers. That was brought about when Bracket Racing took root and Class Racing left the local tracks. Promotion is a key to putting butts in the stands and I feel that is where the effort should be concentrated. Years ago racers would invade a community like a bunch of locust. Every hotel parking lot was full of racers and race cars. The locals got an eye full and would come to the track to see the show. Now everyone stays at the track in their mega dollar MH's with enclosed trailers. As racers we have contributed to the problem just by the nature of how we transport our toys. When I had a big event I would do displays and radio/TV remotes at various locations in the trade area of my tracks. Most of the time I would use local favorites and the Booked in Show in the displays.
It took work and was well worth the effort.
I think the rise in social media could be a big benefit to put Butts in The Stands, too. When I was Race Director for Hot Rod Drag Week I saw first hand how social media worked well for putting a crowd in the stands after a rain delay at Tulsa. We were rained out on Friday & running in a window between big rains on Saturday. Todd and his staff did a good job bringing the crowd out, even with the threat of rain. He did some real specific advertisement and worked the social media angle. local racers could do the same for their tracks that have big races. When I was active racing I liked to see friends and customers come to the track to watch. A local newspaper article about the locals that are participating could bring a couple hundred spectators. Most Local newspapers are starved for content. Get with your buddies and write an article. Make it easy on the newspaper guys. Why can't we help and maybe be rewarded for our help promoting the races?

Great ideas Adger, IF and its a BIG IF.....I ever considered running a racetrack I would hang out with Bill Bader for a few days, he puts butts in the stands. He has a very successful business model that for the most part is Ignored by other track operators.