I made a post about the race. No short track is going to let you in for free. First, they have to pay insurance. Then, they have to pay workers. Then, they have to pay electric bill. Get the picture??
Short tracks do not make that much off the front gate. Normally costs $10 to get in for weekly show. They make more off concessions. Most also charge to get into the pits including drivers. Fee is usually $25. What they do not normally charge is an entry fee. But, the normal purse for a non late model race is less than $1000 total. So, if you guys want to do a purse, I suggest you appoint an individual to collect an agreed entry fee from each entrant and pay the purse. For obvious reasons, cash. I'd suggest you pay a percentage to each position and pay all positions. Say, 1st 25%, 2nd 15%, 3rd 10%, 4th 8%, 5th 6%, 6th 5%, 7th 4%, 8th 3%, 9th 2% and all others 1%. That's gives you 30 positions payout. A $300 entry fee with 30 entries means the winner collects $2250 while 30th gets $90.
Several of you have made comments about consumption of beverages. I can guarantee you this will get you tossed from the facility as will any bad behavior. Arguing with officials will not be tolerated. And fighting will get you a ride to the county lock up.
As I said before, Desoto Speedway is one of the few tracks around where this will work well. Since the pits are outside the track, there's plenty of room to park everyone late. Most short track events start about noon with practice and qualifying all day and races starting about 7 PM. This allows all time to get there from Sebring, get signed in, parked and a practice session. They use AMB transponders so timing would need your transponder #. Qualifying could be knock out with 5 minutes for all and two minutes for top 10.
As I said before, I'll come over for tech and Toni said she would help in the tower with control.