Make Divisionals Great Again

[CMcAllister]

These days, the buzz is all about No Prep, No Time, Drag Radial, Cash Days, Street Outlaws, boosted and sprayed, grudge, etc. If it helps tracks make money and stay open, good for them.

National events are fuel cars and everybody else for filler

Local tracks don't typically get spectators for bracket shows and rely on specialty events to get people in the gate.

Not sure how much more can be packed into a 3 day Divisional, or a race like the Dutch, when it seems like they have trouble getting it all done if there are any weather or on track incident delays now.

Not sure how you can attract people who don't understand, or appreciate, class or .90 racing without dumbing it down or fundamentally changing it. They might show up once, but if it's not their cup o tea, they probably won't keep coming back.

Different audiences. Not a lot of Jamey Johnson fans showing up at a Limp Bizkit show. Not even if it were free.

[JeremyDuncan]

As a non retired working racer the Economics of of Division race are way out of wack. Too much time from work for way too little potential to win $$$. Add in the ridiculous long delay in receiving contingency money when you do Win and Runner up, only makes it worse!

Once upon a time Top Fuel, Funny Car, & Pro Stock were contested at Division races. That went away when not enough people were showing up to justify the teams and tracks costs. Now Non Alcohol categories subsidies the Alcohol categories with the high entry fees to payouts Time is now to move TAFC and TAD out of Divisional races and raise the payouts for the Sportsman classes.

[rboyle]

Some realistic low cost options I think could help
Incorporate car shows also where space allows. Most of my local cruise nights get a bigger crowd than a divisional
Track promoters can do their own podcasts especially to cover last races results and next races scheduled events
Local band night is a-good idea or DJ
Food trucks are usually better than concession stands
Gambling used to take place in the Raceway Park grandstands unofficially but if the announcer says just “who ya got in this race the Mopar or Chevy?” It drums up the people a little.

[1legjerry]

I'm a big drag race fan, but I will not watch throttle stop racing ever. even if my best friend is in the final. Get back to index and heads up racing.

[B/S 428]

I know this a little outside the box thinking but I would propose 1 of the days at a divisional would be free for all spectators, people will spend $ if they get in free, possibly charge $2 parking and $2 hot dogs $6 tshirts, have a car set up that kids can sit in and take pictures..etc Brian Seaberg

[GUMP]

It's very obvious that a lot of you guys have never run a business...

[1320racer]

The key is to restart the car culture, love of cars Americans, specifically boys had with cars. In an effort to do that, allow any kid up to 18 wearing a team or scout uniform/jersey in for free all weekend long and advertise it in the local communities where the divisionals are being held. These kids will bring at least one paying parent and maybe a friend or two. Also have a few junior dragsters on display too and have some of the junior racers and their parents do a Q&A on Saturday morning for 30 minutes.

[BILL TAYLOR]

Originally Posted by GUMP

It's very obvious that a lot of you guys have never run a business...

How people look at things has a great deal to do with which side of the paycheck they're signing!

[340Cuda]

Originally Posted by GUMP

It's very obvious that a lot of you guys have never run a business...

While that is true, the track here in Tulsa has a what they call "The Throw Down in T-Town". Admission is free but they do charge for parking ($25). They fill the place up.

The following classed are contested:
Top Sportsman
Top Dragster
6.0 Index
Jr Pro
Jr Sportsman
Super Pro - Bracket
MWDRS - Pro Mod
Gassers
No Electronics
Pro 420

It would be interesting to see them try this at the Division 4 doubles in September.

[Sgrossi7158]

Originally Posted by B/S 428

I know this a little outside the box thinking but I would propose 1 of the days at a divisional would be free for all spectators, people will spend $ if they get in free, possibly charge $2 parking and $2 hot dogs $6 tshirts, have a car set up that kids can sit in and take pictures..etc Brian Seaberg

I like your ideas Brian. I think with some local advertising and treating the divisional races like MLB Minor League ball games you could make the event something very entertaining and affordable for people. Throw in some local live music and tasty bbq food on Friday and Saturday nights!