Atco is done

[Dan Bennett]

I agree that running a dragstrip in 2023 is a very risky thing. But as for low/no profits due to the lack of spectators I get a bit confused. There is a classic textbook on how to make that work.

I doubt there is single operator in the US who doesn't know about the Baders. For years, they have sold out events. And from having covered events there along with renting the track for musclecar shows, I honestly have to say it's not a great track just by itself. Resort area means ludicrous prices for food and lodging with most some distance away on 2 lane roads. Close to a great lake so weather can be iffy.

But they make it work by closely watching what both racers and spectators want. And then doing whatever is necessary to keep improving.

I guess there is a chance that the money for improvements and advertising is just not there for most operators by now. But even after decades of loving class cars, I am positive you have to give the general public something that makes them think "I'd like to see that". We all know how great Stockers and Super Stockers are, both in the pits and on the track. Until you can get people into the place, they will not have a chance to realize that and continue to have no idea.

[Steve1118]

Spectators are not where the money is made, though the more the better. Spectators actually are way to measure interest and exposure. The money comes primarily from local business partners. The Baders are masters at that. That is how WDRA came to be. The group is basically a group of owners whose primary goal is to run profitable businesses.

[Mike Pearson]

Originally Posted by Steve1118

Spectators are not where the money is made, though the more the better. Spectators actually are way to measure interest and exposure. The money comes primarily from local business partners. The Baders are masters at that. That is how WDRA came to be. The group is basically a group of owners whose primary goal is to run profitable businesses.

Spectators are the track operators best revenue stream. The racers pay their own way. entry fees pretty much cover the purse and some overhead. Most racers bring at least 2 people with them as crew or friends. The track can make some money off of the spectators even if the gate price was $10/head and you get 200 spectators there that 2K in the track operators pocket with no outlay. Plus if you can sell them some beer, soda and hot dogs that helps as well. watching a bracket race with a bunch of dragsters is like watching paint dry. Most of the track operators do not do any sort of advertisement. There is lots of free places to advertise. Local news should be notified of special events at the track. All kinds of social media that can be used for no cost just some time.
Unfortunately, people are not as interested in cars as they used to be. Look at Stock and Super stock. most of us are well north of 50 years old. There are some 2nd and 3rd generation racers out there but not nearly enough to sustain the sport. Cost to build, maintain, transport, and actually race a car like ours is out of the reach of most young people today. That why I am always a champion of not lowering the indexes. Keep it to where a person with a decent job could get involved in class racing.

[Steve1118]

Spectators are the gravy, but not the operator's bread and butter.