30 replies to this topic

[TUNACAN]

Can someone please enlighten me why all of the sudden tracks are mandating a $500 lap counter that does nothing for the racer?   If you want one by choice, that's one thing.  The supporting classes such as your PS and FWD classes are having a hard time swallowing that $500 pill.   I just looked at TM results...4 PS and 2 FWD.   Hummingbird is next.

 

The funny thing is, generally speaking, tracks today have less cars than they did 20 years ago, but somehow now we need to pay $500 to get scored, when the tracks have done it the same way for the last 50 years.  

[714d]

They're probably can't get reliable scorers every week. They can't get fans, so I imagine it's tough to find workers too. Plus they're tired of people bitching about 10 caution laps for a single car spin and racers bitching about losing spots under caution. Now, after pointing out the tracks' point of view....... I agree, you can't expect a bunch of broke racers to shell out half the value of their race car to be allowed to race. It's definitely too much to ask of the lower classes.

[jo73]

The people that score (used to anyhow) have a position that nobody raises there hand for. I believe it's probably the hardest job at a dirt track. As for the cost, It's a no win deal for all involved.

[thebigdueceduece]

I think its a lot to ask for a fwd. But a PS? I don't think so. I like the idea of quicker line ups. Its more fan friendly and will allow for quicker shows. This is the future of the sport. Quite frankly...500$ for 5 years I think it is. Isn't asking much at all. Youd spend that amount on a raised pit entry For a full year for 5 years easy. Jmo

[tnt6race]

There are good used ones for 150 to 250$ on several different message boards and eBay. Always 1 or 2 on flag2 flag.com. South Jersey message board is always good for 1 a week or so.

[Skull]

One of tbe biggest things killing support classes is the fact that their are too many of them.

[Bo99]

Our goal at Thunder Mountain is to restore the Pure Stock class to its original form. Car counts have been low because we will not allow cars outside of our rules to participate. I have had many opportunities to tell a driver to “just add weight” or “run it this week and then fix it” This will never happen as long as BLM is operating any facility. Transponders cost anywhere from $10 a night rental, $150 for a year, and up to $500 to buy one outright. This may keep a few guys away as well. This is my take however.

I will never allow the following in our facility for Pure Stocks.

Triple Disk Clutch $649.99 Duel Plane Intake $231.99 Holley Vacuum secondary 4 barrel carburetor $421.99 

Total $1,303.97                          this price is through www.speedwaymotors.com

 

These prices will continue to add.

 

Pure Stock drivers at Thunder Mountain Speedway will enjoy building for at least $1,303.97 less and still run for the same exact money if not more than other tracks in the area. On top of this they will also feel comforted knowing they are running against legit cars that do not have the high dollar mods that this class has squeezed itself into. This will all take time for drivers to want to spend less to achieve the same pay and satisfaction they get while spending bigger money. It’s time I’m willing to spend teching and cleaning up this class for those that want to get into the sport or continue at a lower budget. This is an “Entry Level” class for most. The last thing I want to do is detour a new driver away from the sport because natural human error keeps making mistakes in my line up. I will pick professionalism over unneeded expense every time.

A high school teenager delivering pizza on average makes $5 a delivery; after two delivery’s his transponder is paid for that week.

To run all that high dollar aftermarket parts it will take 261 deliveries on average.

What device do you think is killing car counts?

[thebigdueceduece]

Well said!!! Its exactly what you need to do. Great post Bo!

Edited by thebigdueceduece, 02 June 2015 - 05:50 AM.

[PORTROYAL]

nice to see a promoter that understands racing

[ramsey31]

Its just as much about the fans as it is the drivers.   Everyone always voices their concern with how to make the show better for the drivers, but why shouldn't the fans who pay the purses have an equal say? The cars bring fans, and the fans bring cars.  The biggest complaint you always hear in the stands is the show is taking forever, and taking 10 minutes to reset the field after each caution at some tracks.  I spent an evening in the booth with a couple scorers and they by far have a very demanding job.   Anything that helps the fans enjoy the show better, and keeps it moving is a win-win for all IMO

[Fwig]

First off, kudos to Bo to taking the time to come on here and explain the details. Every track has had scoring conflicts over the years and could have easily cost a driver the price or more of a transponder. I would think Bo still has a person scoring as well, because a computer is only as good as the person running it. I have seen the transponder system fail, but it is by far the best way to operate/manage on track.

 

This is not a cost savings move for them, rather a necessity to deliver the best and affordable racing to his racers and customers.    

 

Skull is right too, too many classes with way too many rules does not help either.   

Edited by Fwig, 02 June 2015 - 09:03 AM.

[Walt Wimer]

Usually tracks still have a scorer doing the races by hand as a "back-up" in case the transponder system fails.  At last that was what we did at Tri-City when my wife was scoring.   I don't know that there has ever been a mechanical or electrical device made that can't fail!!   So a track still needs to have someone on the staff who can score a race by hand and the forms to do so just in case of a unexpected problem.

 

Walt

[NotToday]

I agree most with what the man said with exception of the triple disk. Maybe he is unaware that 10,000 RPM sells their " 10 1/2" stock appearing" light weight set up for $1,000.00 ++. Which is way more than the triple and won't last near as long, good news is it can be rebuilt for $550 plus shipping. Triples go for $300 on Ebay CL etc. and new disc can be had for $150. Now going to triples is not the answer but maybe a rules change that allows ANY Single disc.and dump the 10 1/2" rule. Then you could contact Brake and Clutch exchange and get a NEW 7" set up for $350, which is lighter than most, last long, and rebuilds for $150.00.

[snooky]

It is the way of the future. I can remember guys whining about firesuits and raceceivers. It will make shows better in the end. I saw TM track officials teching cars before they even pulled off the track. They pulled them right in the infield. Bird is teching to or supposed to.

[jo73]

#1. It's good to see a person reply that has a direct concern about racing. It's also good to hear his side and point of view. BO. Know from a racers perspective. There are way to many, ridiculously low car count support divisions. 2 and 4 car fields just piss people off sitting in the stands. Unfortunate, yes. True, u betcha. Know cost. To build a competitive, safe, entry level car. Yes, I am going to talk about the sportsman class. Used, there all over the place with pricing the same. New, it's like anything else, you can spend stupid money. If you compare the prices and what you get I believe you get a lot more bang for the buck as they say. You can purchase used speed parts and have a competitive car. Bodies, Tires, wheels, seats, the complete drive line, and to top it all off. The same car can still be considered a threat to win years down the road. Sprints and Late models, forget about it. Mods, I think you can get a few extra years out of them. Some say they don't look like a car. What does anymore ? O yea the 2 and 4 car fields.

[thebigdueceduece]

Given time....I expect to see those car counts go up. I think he is right with the fwd class...those numbers will.go up if they tech. Just will take time

[interceptor10]

Our goal at Thunder Mountain is to restore the Pure Stock class to its original form. Car counts have been low because we will not allow cars outside of our rules to participate. I have had many opportunities to tell a driver to just add weight or run it this week and then fix it This will never happen as long as BLM is operating any facility. Transponders cost anywhere from $10 a night rental, $150 for a year, and up to $500 to buy one outright. This may keep a few guys away as well. This is my take however.
I will never allow the following in our facility for Pure Stocks.
Triple Disk Clutch $649.99 Duel Plane Intake $231.99 Holley Vacuum secondary 4 barrel carburetor $421.99 
Total $1,303.97                          this price is through www.speedwaymotors.com
 
These prices will continue to add.
 
Pure Stock drivers at Thunder Mountain Speedway will enjoy building for at least $1,303.97 less and still run for the same exact money if not more than other tracks in the area. On top of this they will also feel comforted knowing they are running against legit cars that do not have the high dollar mods that this class has squeezed itself into. This will all take time for drivers to want to spend less to achieve the same pay and satisfaction they get while spending bigger money. Its time Im willing to spend teching and cleaning up this class for those that want to get into the sport or continue at a lower budget. This is an Entry Level class for most. The last thing I want to do is detour a new driver away from the sport because natural human error keeps making mistakes in my line up. I will pick professionalism over unneeded expense every time.
A high school teenager delivering pizza on average makes $5 a delivery; after two deliverys his transponder is paid for that week.
To run all that high dollar aftermarket parts it will take 261 deliveries on average.
What device do you think is killing car counts?

[interceptor10]

Let's say the same pizza delivery boy buys a turn key pure stock already equipped with the parts you mentioned. How many deliveries does he have to make to buy an intake, 2bbl carb and possibly heads to race at TM? Just food for thought.

[714d]

That's his point though. The rules aren't made to be what people have. They were made to bring the class back to what it should be. If you want heads, 4-barrels, and triple discs, there's a class for that. Deliver enough pizzas to buy 10 inch wheels and run it in the class it belongs in.

[crazylarry12345]

He should not but the car with the illeagal parts , know what you buying