107 replies to this topic

[LarryKing]

While the overall car count hasn't been what we'd hoped, its going to be a lot of fun this weekend. Goad folks who aren't signed up into coming. We've worked very hard to make this a great event and every entry counts.

 

I really would have loved to enter this but cost is prohibitive.

[Jim Drago]

I really would have loved to enter this but cost is prohibitive.

too lazy to look it up
what is cost of it versus normal double national or double regional?

[LarryKing]

$495 one car, one driver (in line with other Nationals, actually less than the Major at Mid-O in 2 weeks, which I also won't be entering)

 

About $150 - $175 more than an average double regional.

 

For me and my wife to share MIS event = two one day entries = $590 = no go

[Ron Alan]

I really would have loved to enter this but cost is prohibitive.

For us it seems the average weekend cost is around $1300-$1500 between all the typical costs including entry fees. 2hrs is our average tow. I scratch my head every time I see a post like this...10-15% increase is a deal breaker?

[LarryKing]

Ron, You and I have different tolerance levels I suppose. Given my budget an extra $200 - $300 is a deal breaker. Why is that hard to understand?

 

When I can have the same amount of fun and roughly the same amount of track time at a regional why would I pay 50% higher entry fee to race a national?

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Isn't that why we have majors and regionals now?

Different strokes for different folks!

I want to race against the best comp... and I am willing to travel and pay a bit more to do so.

[Kyle Freiheit]

Kyle,

  Not starting a pissing match but its all backwards. More prestige should pull more sponsorship for the event and ticket sales(lol!) therefore lowering entry costs.Lower entry costs, pull in larger fields. The only reason for higher fees is I assume scca/national/major fees, CYA for potential lower car counts and that whole supply/demand price gouging.

 

Kyle

[Motor City Hamilton]

What's the word on bicycles, scooters and/or golf carts around MIS?  Allowed?

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Kyle,
  Not starting a pissing match but its all backwards. More prestige should pull more sponsorship for the event and ticket sales(lol!) therefore lowering entry costs.Lower entry costs, pull in larger fields. The only reason for higher fees is I assume scca/national/major fees, CYA for potential lower car counts and that whole supply/demand price gouging.
 
Kyle

.

Apparently there is another way to measure prestige... with your way of thinking if we have a bikini car wash raising money while attracting a crowd even selling tickets for lurkers to watch and then taking the proceeds to lower entry fees for the race no matter what level of competition we race against = prestige...

[Kyle Freiheit]

Kyle,

  I hear ya. Its a catch 22. How do you get prestigious? By racing in big events,

 

Kyle

[Jim Drago]

Kyle,
  Not starting a pissing match but its all backwards. More prestige should pull more sponsorship for the event and ticket sales(lol!) therefore lowering entry costs.Lower entry costs, pull in larger fields. The only reason for higher fees is I assume scca/national/major fees, CYA for potential lower car counts and that whole supply/demand price gouging.
 
Kyle

Kyle
I know while this may or may not be important to you( not so much to me either). Some of the extra costs are podium ceremonies, better trophies( yeah I know) and some of the national staff comes in for each Major. people throw gouging around too freely IMO. This stuff does cost, I too would like to race for $150/250 entry, but I think it is not as easy as we think and I really don't think SCCA is making near the money many think they are. I am glad the club is healthy and making money, so I don't mind spending a little extra to make sure the events end up in the black.
Jim

[Caveman-kwebb99]

I am not attending for the prestige. Obviously you never met me or you would know I am not very prestigious lol...

I am attending this race to race with a friend that ask me to race at this one...

Won't name any names or me being his friend might hurt his prestige

I picked this event over the major at VIR, at the request of said friend... I plan on having a good time at this event no matter how well I do.

If I win this event by some miracle I seriously doubt I will leave with any real prestige. But it should be a good time!

[LarryKing]

My only reason for my earlier post was to help the GreatLakes Division understand why their nationals have had such dismal attendance the past several years. I know many others that share my opinion that national events are not worth the extra fees.

 

What is more discouraging is the number of GL events that no longer exist. (another Catch 22 - don't enter, events die)

 

Haven't run NASA for two years - but frankly they're looking better to me lately. All of their events are considered "nationals" and their entries fees are around $350.

 

Just for perspective, in my town we have a 1/3 mile short track called Columbus Motor Speedway that hosts NASCAR weekly racing series just about every weekend Spring to Fall. Last time I checked the entry fee was $20 plus $30 for a pit pass - and they actually have purses at these races. Looks like fun.

[Kyle Freiheit]

Jim/Kyle

 I do agree with that side of the argument. It probably costs 2k for every weekend I race, so an extra $100-150 is almost a drop in the bucket. That being said, It is real money and to some people that is the difference between racing and staying home(gas money?). Just saying. 

 

IMHO, The prestige argument seems overblown. If the fast guys are there and you are one of them, nothing changes for you if there are more midpack racers. Yes, there could possibly be some lap traffic but that is part of racing.

 

Kyle 

[Ron Alan]

Ron, You and I have different tolerance levels I suppose. Given my budget an extra $200 - $300 is a deal breaker. Why is that hard to understand?
 
When I can have the same amount of fun and roughly the same amount of track time at a regional why would I pay 50% higher entry fee to race a national?

We have had this debate before...and as I've said in the past, our(you and i)budgets and ability to race are very similar I'm sure. But I went into this with my eyes wide open and knew at times we(son and I)would need to skip events to save up for the next. You say 50% more entry fee cost to give the allusion that it cost twice as much to run a national...when in reality you have to take ALL your costs of a typical weekend into consideration which lowers that percentage to more what I listed above. At times I've considered towing north or south(6-8hrs) to run in different regions and tracks. But the additional time and expense in doing this has always kept us from going. But I'm not complaining about it or holding it against those who can...which I guess is why I chuckle and scratch at those who do

As Jim says, I would hope the increased fees are there for a reason and not just some attempt to "gouge"

Sorry for the thread jack!

[LarryKing]

our(you and i)budgets and ability to race are very similar I'm sure

 

You presume a lot my good man. Allow me to suggest that you know nothing about my circumstances.

 

PS: I'm not complaining, just stating facts.

[Bench Racer]

I tow an open trailer with a 4l v6 Ranger. Should tell anyone about my budget.

 

Moose, a little guess work here. When the SCCA Runoffs were at Mud Ohio and the GLD was area 4 of the CenDiv here were many more cars racing from the arae 4 and many cars from area 5 of the CenDiv traveled to area 4. Area 4 got just what they asked for, a divorce from the CenDiv.  

[makus0025]

Is there away to tell what reserved spot you have been given before you show up?

[Motor City Hamilton]

New paint on the Miata pretty much ensures the someone will give it her first scratch/dent this weekend.  

 

 

 

 

 

This one even comes with instructions right on the back bumper.  I will be needing some help on the NASCAR section.  The hamsters under the hood are of the Mazda crate variety.  

[LarryKing]

The hamsters under the hood are of the Mazda crate variety

 

Hope you punched some airholes so they can breath. Nice 'before' picture. Looks (looked?) sharp!

 

Do I spy a '72 Vette in the background?