Would you race for free?

[77v8stock]

Just curious what others think. If it meant the track being a success and staying in business would you race say the first 2 races of the season with no pay out at the window. I know I would just to help keep a place to race. Dirt tracks in general are a fading sport. It is hard for a dirt track to keep going without some capital in reserve. The first two races in a season would make a big difference.

I know there are a lot of folks trying to help the track any way that they can. My resources are limited but I would be willing to forfiet my purse from the first couple races in a season to help the track get on their feet from the start. As a driver that has been in a position of no track to race at in the past I would gladly do it. This is a big sacrifice to a lot of teams, especially the smaller ones like myself. But I have paid money to go to a practice session with no return I see this as possibly the same. What do others think. Im sure there are some that would not buy into it but im sure there are many out there that feel as I do. Lets see what everyone thinks.

77ministock

[Racerchaser]

what about the series racer?
most drive for another person (owner)

[77v8stock]

Maybe a non points race or post season. I dont know its just a thought and a way the drivers could help the track.

[w1ck3d0n3l0st]

I think that would be kewl BUT with tires costin 110-115 a tire and gas costin 5 a gallon.It hurts not gettin paid at the end of the night.

[bigkid]

If you're talking a one race deal, I think it would be very nice of the racers. A few years ago when I was racing mini-sprints the track had a night rasing money for Cancer research. I won and ask all the other guys to donate our whole purse to the cause and everyone did. About $850 or so I think from about 15 racers.
For one night, if you think about it, when you leave the shop you know you could loose your engine, your car could be totaled, so you understand you might not get any money that night. So if you could roll it on the trailer in running condition, you come out ahead. But racers can't afford to do it more than once. I read an article in Speedway Illustrated a couple of years ago where the first race of the season the racers did race for free, to help the track get started out for the year. But it would have to be for a track that would APPRECIATE it.

[Ricky Dickens]

It would be nice to think that we could do something like that for the track but the cost of racing is so expensive. I got to sit out for a while because of a blown motor Saturday night and they are not cheap. It's expensive on our side also.

[jhofficial]

Its expensive for eveyone. Maybe not race for free but everyone take a hit in pay for one night, drivers track staff everyone chip in to build up a ;ittle nest egg everyyear

[w1ck3d0n3l0st]

maybe cut the pay out in half one night

[CHansen]

Beleive it or not there are some racers out there that have FORFEITED thier purse over the years to helps some tracks out.................

I can remember Rusty Kelly giving his back to us at King's when we were struggling, I think there were a few more.

I also know of 3 drivers that did not take thier purse at Dubin a few times.

[drt-racn]

It would be nice to think that we could do something like that for the track but the cost of racing is so expensive. I got to sit out for a while because of a blown motor Saturday night and they are not cheap. It's expensive on our side also.

Also when you have other family members traveling with you on seperate cars.That's another car to put gas in plus others paying to get in the pits and stands.Then we spend about $28.00 or more in hot dogs and french fries. Yeah it adds up for us.That's not talking about the gas of the race car.It would be nice to do a charity for someone in need,but it it would have to be planned out on both sides--free food for the drivers and their family and free gas for the race cars ???:donate2_NBS:

[w1ck3d0n3l0st]

How would be givin food away and givin gas away to the drivers and people ho come with them be helpin the track out any. It cost alot of money to feed the people at the track and the gas isn't cheap at all.?

[drt-racn]

I said to the race drivers family and gas for the race cars. Because they pay out ALOT of money to the winners especilly in the late model class. If these guys travel a long way to get here and they could blow up motors and have tire trouble or mechanical promblems. I don't think a free hot dog and free gas for their race car is asking too much.Besides if it's a charity event and with good advertisement,I bet some sponsors would be willing to help support a great race track and race drivers if they where to put on a charity event to raise money for a special cause.That's what we do.We care.

[w1ck3d0n3l0st]

Sponsor's are the main thing i know the gas bill for us just for the race car was 70.00 dollar's a weekend that was last season.

[drt-racn]

Sponsor's are the main thing i know the gas bill for us just for the race car was 70.00 dollar's a weekend that was last season.

I would be willing to help out for a good charity.Children are my #1 charitys.:blue9:

[jhofficial]

I would be willing to help out for a good charity.Children are my #1 charitys.:blue9:

Dont know how this got off on a talk about a charity event. The first post the gentleman asked would you race for free to help a track build up a little nest egg. Everyone supports their charity of choice in thier own way. That wasnt what he was asking.

[drt-racn]

If you're talking a one race deal, I think it would be very nice of the racers. A few years ago when I was racing mini-sprints the track had a night rasing money for Cancer research. I won and ask all the other guys to donate our whole purse to the cause and everyone did. About $850 or so I think from about 15 racers.
For one night, if you think about it, when you leave the shop you know you could loose your engine, your car could be totaled, so you understand you might not get any money that night. So if you could roll it on the trailer in running condition, you come out ahead. But racers can't afford to do it more than once. I read an article in Speedway Illustrated a couple of years ago where the first race of the season the racers did race for free, to help the track get started out for the year. But it would have to be for a track that would APPRECIATE it.

Dont know how this got off on a talk about a charity event. The first post the gentleman asked would you race for free to help a track build up a little nest egg. Everyone supports their charity of choice in thier own way. That wasnt what he was asking.

I guess right here is how we starting talking about a charity race???:wings_sorry:

[jhofficial]

I guess right here is how we starting talking about a charity race???:wings_sorry:

Yeah he did include charity in there, but he quickly went back to speaking about helping the tracks out

[bigkid]

I'm sorry to get it off track guys, I was only bragging about the heart of racers. People rarely get to hear about that part, my bad.......

[jhofficial]

I'm sorry to get it off track guys, I was only bragging about the heart of racers. People rarely get to hear about that part, my bad.......

Not a :HighFive: :icon_coffiecup: problem You only got a couple of people of track

[w1ck3d0n3l0st]

Not me...

[77v8stock]

Im looking at the list of folks that have viewed this thread. At least 2 dozen drivers have viewed and not responded. I guess I got my answer. I didnt know how much support for this idea there would be. Im just trying to come up with ideas to help give the track staying power and keep us a place to race. Thanks to all that responded.


77ministock

[Red Dust]

i sure would race for free. so far this year i am far in the hole. i have been paying to race all year with no return a couple of times cause i couldnt even make it to the feature. i think it would help the tracks out but good luck. everybody nowadays thinks racing is about making money and not having fun. :banghead:

[Marcia Reed]

Well, I can say we would do a race for free to help the track out at the beginning of the year.......I know it sounds like a lot to ask of drivers and crews, but if you look at it kinda like a practice and a time to bring the car and really shake it down before the "regular" racing starts, it doesn't seem so much like doing it for "free", it could be to the advantage of some drivers to get a better handle on the car and such.........

[77v8stock]

That was my point exactly Marcia. Everyone knows to race conservatively in a non points race. It is a chance to test and tune before it counts. We all have spent money on practice sessions and the same risk applies then as when it is a race night. Motors may blow, tires may get cut down, but it could potentially be a way for the track to get off to a good start and have some capital to work with throughout the season. I live 1 mile from a closed track and it is a shame for any track to close. With my home track closed I plan on giving my full support to Clarys to try and help them stay open and be a success. I personally would race for trophys only but I know that I am a budget racer and dont have alot of $ in my car but do truly love the sport that much. Many of the guys and girls racing have big $ in their cars and it may be too big of a sacrifice and I do understand that. Just weighing ideas to try and help. Thanks for responding and giving opinions.

77ministock
John Van Zandt

[loosechange07]

i would not mind racing for free. it would be like practice(that is of course it wasn't a points race) lol.

[Racerchaser]

now I want to know what points have to do with the purse. :DontKnow: :confuzeld:

[jhofficial]

now I want to know what points have to do with the purse. :DontKnow: :confuzeld:

Thinking maybe folks would drive a little more conserved? You think?:BustinAss:

[loosechange07]

that is exactly what i was refering to jh. everybody is not so "wide open":smiley_691: :banghead:

[77v8stock]

It is the end of the season now and we can all make this happen now. The track breaking even or to even show a profit will make it an easier pill to swallow with hopes of re-opening next season. Hope we can put on a good show for the fans and help keep a track running.

Thanks for the support from the drivers and crews that are willing to make this happen.

77 V8 Stock
John Van Zandt

[KingRacing44]

i thank maybe race for half or no money bt a trophy the first week i thank that wld help i knw i wld race it and maybe the track cld go half price to get in and i knw i b there

[Trevor Blue 47]

So the staff has to work for free as well right? You talking about people not picking up purses to help out, thats cool!! Why are ya'll guilt triping the poor folk? I take this running for free as an insult!

[Price]

So the staff has to work for free as well right? You talking about people not picking up purses to help out, thats cool!! Why are ya'll guilt triping the poor folk? I take this running for free as an insult!

Nobody is asking YOU to come and Race for FREE..
It is your chose to come if you want to. If not, that's fine.
:donate2_NBS: your Support to the Track if you feel you can't, I (WE) totally understand.

Thank you for your Past Support for the 2008 Race season and Hope to see you Next year....

:Elvis_NBS: Lauren Price

[77v8stock]

If you dont want to do it Trevor you dont have to. It is your choice to run or not. I will do what I can to keep it a one hour haul from the house instead of a 2 hour haul. I know many others feel the same as I do and im sure there are many that have the same opinion as you. If tracks keep closing we will all be putting those high output motors on a tractor frame and doing a once a year tractor pull which is definately not my cup of tea.

[Southernbelle]

So the staff has to work for free as well right? You talking about people not picking up purses to help out, thats cool!! Why are ya'll guilt triping the poor folk? I take this running for free as an insult!
where is the quilt tripping at all that was ask was "are you willing to race for free" that should not be an insult or quilt tripping to anyone. Racing is not cheap and it cost a lot to race but it takes dedication and hard work for racers and track. everyone at leasts wants to break even and not be in the hole. Good Luck Clarys hope you can get off to a good start for the up coming season.:donate2_NBS:

[Trevor Blue 47]

The guilt triping is coming from other post I read! "Other drivers can give up there purse to help a track out"! Posts about how much people make woking at the track!! Marcia seemed right to say, at the begining of the year, this would have been helpful to the teams for a shakedown, or setting up the car! It would seem to be my understanding that the track would do something for the drivers at the end of the year, not the other way around!!!

[Marcia Reed]

The guilt triping is coming from other post I read! "Other drivers can give up there purse to help a track out"! Posts about how much people make woking at the track!! Marcia seemed right to say, at the begining of the year, this would have been helpful to the teams for a shakedown, or setting up the car! It would seem to be my understanding that the track would do something for the drivers at the end of the year, not the other way around!!!

remember now when I posted that it was back in June.......I do still feel it would be helpful at the begining of the year, but I also am supporting this one 100% for the end of the year because I like several others want the track to be open next season........and I'm supporting Mason and Lauren.......

[Marcia Reed]

one more thought on the end of the season "trophy race"........it's a good time to try different set ups to see how they work and maybe get a new starting base for the 09 season......

[ktting]

and you dont know if they are going to be open next year,so why take a changes on that.

[Marcia Reed]

and you dont know if they are going to be open next year,so why take a changes on that.

qoute form Price in another post:
"Thank you for your Past Support for the 2008 Race season and Hope to see you Next year....

:Elvis_NBS: Lauren Price"

looks to me like they are trying real hard to make this work so we will have a place to race next season so we will take our chances and support this race, heck, every race is a gamble anyway and NO ONE makes any money at it, we do it because we love it..........

[CHansen]

one more thought on the end of the season "trophy race"........it's a good time to try different set ups to see how they work and maybe get a new starting base for the 09 season......

It will be one of the few chances all classes will get to time trial............ Thats what we have heard all year......lol:YesNo:

[ktting]

is the last races this weekend or next mouth on the nov 15,which is it or are going to races at all let some people know,please.thanks

[Marcia Reed]

is the last races this weekend or next mouth on the nov 15,which is it or are going to races at all let some people know,please.thanks

the next scheduled race for Clary's which will be the last race for Clary's this season is the TROPHY race on NOVEMBER 15, 2008.