The Pros are getting a 25% raise

[Mike Meier]

Originally Posted by TCain

Been #@$%ing about payout for years. I realize it's almost impossible to get a couple hundred (sportsman) to agree on anything but, look at the pro's. They've got maybe 40-50 teams and they can push their weigh. I agree, sportsman racing should be advertised more. One thing that really would help fans is a good explanation of how handy-cap (HC) racing is done. I know Bob Frey tries to explain it over the PA sometimes but, usually you can't hear it anyway. When was the last time you saw (HC) explained in the ND? How about a program from a National meet?

I know this might sound crazy (no I'm not drinking or smoking anything right now) but has anyone thought about legalizing gambling at the races? Ya ever been to the horse races? Look at the excitement it creates and the cash cow it feeds.

I learned this from horse racing and in short, no it cant be done and shouldn't be done. If gambling were involved then that would mean the state would have to get involved on a very strict basis. You'd probably have to register yourself and any crew members with the state. Pit access for the fans would be out the window (i.e. can't let anyone near the cars so that there won't be any sabotage). With all the extra security staff and race officials they'd have to hire to monitor everything it would cost $1,000 to enter an event.

I'm ok with the $2 window though.