Survey for 1st Time Builders, S/SS

[joe cool]

I won't guess a figure but I would think the total payout for the class should be %60. The reason I say that is the more cars the bigger payout/ the more cars the bigger cut to the track.
The problem is the track can't function without the racers and the racers can't race without a track.Both the track and the racers need to understand the costs involved for both sides.
I race a $20 trophy class because I just want to race ,anybody,no matter what the payout. ( I don't ever win so payout is not relevant).

[Mike Carr]

Semifinals, I am guessing would be fifth round loser. So I will guess two-hundred bucks ($200). Sad, when some non-xHRA races pay 2 to 2 1/2 times that for fifth round.

[The Hawk]

Originally Posted by joe cool

I race a $20 trophy class because I just want to race ,anybody,no matter what the payout.

You are awesome!

[rognelson777]

You always have to look at the costs, but remember every hobby has costs.
Not many people make money racing. Go out and have fun and enjoy.
Now, some people make money with their hobbies but then it usually becomes a job.

Did you ever check out what one of those Bass boats costs?

You can buy a competitive stocker for about the same price.

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by joe cool

I race a $20 trophy class because I just want to race ,anybody,no matter what the payout. ( I don't ever win so payout is not relevant).

^^
Yep, I have done that more than once with my Stocker.

Late last year I wanted to test the car before a National Open.
The only track open was a track I rarely run at.
It was easier to pay the 20 bucks and put some DOT drag radials on the Stocker and enter the trophy class than it was to pay for test and tune and get maybe 2 runs the entire night. ( if I was lucky)

Got a runner trophy out of the deal.


As far the original question in post 1, with a 165 dollar buy-in, I would think the payout should be in the 500 range for a semi finish. ( or at least twice the buy-in)

But then again, class racing is the most expensive form of bracket racing. (99 % of the time)

[The Hawk]

Originally Posted by ALMACK

As far the original question in post 1, with a 165 dollar buy-in, I would think the payout should be in the 500 range for a semi finish. ( or at least twice the buy-in)

I don`t think you get $500 for a semi at a Nat`l Event and that`s double the Divisional entry fee.

[Mark Yacavone]

Okay ..as promised .
We have a winner...Some new guy...Lane something or other?

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS

[John E McLeod]

That's why Midwest Class Racers was formed 10 years ago good racers and good payout. 2000 winner 1000 ru 500 semi 250 quarter 125 third rd 75 2nd rd 9 weekends 18 races doesn't get any better than this. Only 100 dollar entry also. John

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by John E McLeod

That's why Midwest Class Racers was formed 10 years ago good racers and good payout. 2000 winner 1000 ru 500 semi 250 quarter 125 third rd 75 2nd rd 9 weekends 18 races doesn't get any better than this. Only 100 dollar entry also. John

John, Sounds good but it seem like you would need 60 + cars for this payout.
What happens if you only get 50?
...and how does the track make money, if you don't mind me asking?

We run a S/SS combo as part of our nostalgia drags, hoping to get enough spectators to make a little money, after paying the track rental...Doesn't always happen that way.
Even with a dozen cars , I will always make sure the semi finalists at least get their entry fee back.
Anything less is a total insult , in my mind.

[Mark Yacavone]

FWIW, During the divisional at Wild Horse, we were watching the rounds from the staging lanes in the early afternoon. We looked up in the grandstands, and there were about 40 people on the pit side and about 20 on the spec. side.
Granted, the finals were supposed to be on Sunday, not Saturday, due to the impending weather, but I wouldn't expect it would have made much difference.
Bottom line is , divisional races depend on the racer and crew count to make any money.
I don't know what the latest NHRA trim off the top is, but I would guess a track of this size would need 500+ cars to make it all worthwhile.
Meanwhile the tracks have to skim wherever they can, including the payouts.