139 replies to this topic

[Parity]

I have no idea what the economics of the contingencies do the the price of the tire but it would really surprise me if it was more that $10/tire which I would think makes it negligible for most. Tire longevity on the other hand can have a huge impact on our budgets. I get 2 to 3 times more cycles out of Toyo's that Hoosiers. That's a big factor. 

[LarryKing]

I bet no one quits racing, or quits trying to win because they won't get free tires.

 

As someone who has never received a free anything in 14 years of racing, the program could go away tomorrow and I wouldn't miss a thing.

 

Cheaper tires? I LIKE THAT!  (40 bucks saved is 40 bucks I could spend on something else)

 

In my division it's usually the same 3-4 drivers that win the tire contingencies. They all seem to be able to afford the best of everything for their 'program', so contingencies are kind of like welfare for the wealthy.

[Steve Scheifler]

Frank, I don't like the trophies for all mentality even for kids, so for me the analogy just doesn't work. I think there has been a degree of "conditioning" over time such that the original purpose and intent of contingency programs has been lost by some. Thanks to a couple tiny regionals we probably came out ahead this year compared to a lower tire price, but those were essentially "trophy for all" races, so maybe we should give them back.

Here's an idea, instead of free tires roll the money into a tech reimbursement fund. Many of the same people will get it in the end but better tech can at least be viewed as an indirect benefit to all.

[Erik Hardy]

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!! I hope this doesn't spread to SM

 

Hell I even won 2 tires this year, they were so fresh and fast I didn't even know where to put them. On the front, back, left side, right side, in the bedroom.

[James York]

........, the real issue that we are discussing here is distribution of wealth, so to speak. ...........  I personally feel that those who put in the effort to win should get some free tires, at the small expense of those who don't win having to pay a smidge extra for theirs.

 

If I worked in a restaurant and I was the best waiter in the building and regularly received $$$ tips, I'd be ticked off if I had to split those tips with all the other wait staff who didn't put in the same effort that I did.................

 

I don't know you yet, but I like you already...  Whether or not if your belief is applicable to SM tire contingency discussion.

 

And you live in MIchigan? .. I bet your thoughts are in the minority.

[Jim Drago]

As someone who has never received a free anything in 14 years

Not even the last 7? I can understand the first seven If you didn't get anything free in the last seven years... Your in trouble Now if Trump keeps in it, you have a better shot in the upcoming four

[Rob Burgoon]

Let's say 20 entries, and they all buy new tires every other weekend (yeah right).  So 80 tires.  In those two weekends, hoosier gives away 6 tires.  Each tire is $200.

 

$16,000 in revenue - $1200 in free tires = $14800.

 

Each racer would get $15 off each tire.  And that's probably optimistic.

 

If the 20 entries are buying tires every weekend, call it $7.  

 

Should be able to do this math with the number of races in the country vs the number of racers.

 

 

Finally, I'll bet you a dollar the tire company just raises prices to compensate and "forgets" the deal.

[38bfast]

Obama rule is if you win you have to pay more for your tires and the last place finishers will get the free tires. If you are not a US citizen your entree fee will be paid as well. Top three will pay for the fields crash damage for making them try so hard to catch up. 

[wheel]

Really, we have to listen to political bull shit on this site?

[Steve Scheifler]

So now I'm a pinko commie socialist for suggesting that we all pay the same price for tires. Good to know how minds work.

I notice that nobody answered my question about parts discounts. Is that because it seems like a ridiculous comparison? Seems spot-on to me, certainly closer than the rest of this.

[LarryKing]

 

Really, we have to listen to political bull shit on this site?

 

Apparently there is not enough on every other social media site.

[DrDomm]

Steve will never win this argument here, but spec classes are supposed to be about creating a level playing field.  This class is supposed to be about reducing costs.  I don't see how giving free "performance advantages" to the winners is consistent with that philosophy.  Next, win a race...get an extra mm off your RP?

 

Finish on the podium and cherish your trophy.  I'd take that piece of plastic over rubber any day.

[Steve Scheifler]

To me, the key is the negotiated contract which is supposed to benefit all competitors.

[Jim Drago]

I am for contingencies and competition. You can have all my trophies, I don't keep many.  As far as the tire and contract goes.. I would be fine in saving $5.00 and entry and no trophies

 

 

As far as deeper discounts from Mazda.. It certainly should be done so by volume and it is not. I pay the same as a guy with 1 car ordering his first fender liner. We don't have a contract with Mazdaspeed, you can buy your parts from anywhere you like on 95% of all your parts needed. You can also buy from local Mazda dealers. You can ONLY buy tires from Hoosier.  We also have no proof that contingency tires have any added cost to tire price. The contingency from what I have been told comes from the advertising budget. The tire is already at a VERY significant discount when you compare to an R7 in the same size, I don't see Hoosier further discounting the tire, if so it wilt be negligible. Within a year or two the discount will be gone as well as the contingency. A lose-lose deal.  

Jim

[Ron Alan]

Not starting a pissing match with you Steve...just voicing my opinion. I like contingencies!

But to parrot your earlier comments, I don't think Mazdaspeed parts has anything to do with Hoosier contingencies. We don't race for parts discounts? But Hoosier, as a private company, offers contingencies(incentives) for potential customers to buy their products correct? SM is not a spec tire across the board yet. Regions have options to spec a tire or leave it open.


Edit...I wrote this last night Steve right after you asked me the question. Apparently I did not hit post on my iPad

[Ron Alan]

Steve will never win this argument here, but spec classes are supposed to be about creating a level playing field.  This class is supposed to be about reducing costs.  I don't see how giving free "performance advantages" to the winners is consistent with that philosophy.  Next, win a race...get an extra mm off your RP?

 

Finish on the podium and cherish your trophy.  I'd take that piece of plastic over rubber any day.

can i have your tires please ?

[Bench Racer]

Ron, you most likely may have free contingency tires from all folks outside the 25% pointy end.

 

You may have all my contingency tires free. How about those of you outside the 25% pointy end, will you freely give Ron your tires. Yup, I understand now and then someone outside the 25% pointy end receives a contingency tire. 

[Jim Drago]

Ron, you most likely may have free contingency tires from all folks outside the 25% pointy end.
 
You may have all my contingency tires free. How about those of you outside the 25% pointy end, will you freely give Ron your tires. Yup, I understand now and then someone outside the 25% pointy end receives a contingency tire.

Pick up the pace:) It is racing and it is an incentive.

[Bench Racer]

Pick up the pace It is racing and it is an incentive.

 

Says the guy who talked handicap after 40 years and is about to turn 50 years, comments from yours truley who is about to turn 74. May you enjoy the race car and race community when your 70 years.  

 

Helped you pick up the pace with your smiley face.

[Ron Alan]

Not privy to anything Hoosier related...but isnt the current price difference between a R7 and SM7 quite a bit? Any chance we are already getting SM7's at dam near cost? Did Hoosier not provide a set of SM7's for every competitor at Daytona? 

To repeat again...I think prizes, rewards, contingencies are part of every competition and just a way of life! 

 

I think for the most part we all do a good job of keeping politics off here...but not because we are told its bullshit!