Ric,
You are 100% correct! I for the life cannot understand how they do it!! I noticed that the entry fees are at pre Y2K levels when compared to what the normal entry fee is in the Southeast. I am sure that is dictated by the track rental fee. Maybe not as much competition for weekend race dates as well as population density drving the lower prices.
I have voiced my opinion very often about how the current business model of long track road racing in the southeast is one of the MAIN LIMITING FACTORS to inhibiting it's sustainability. When entry levels for a given race reach $100.00 per class, it DRIVES RACERS AWAY FROM THE SPORT. Period.
I am just guessing here, but I think my numbers are pretty close.
Entry Fee - $95.00 to $100.00 per class
Pit Pass - 2 day is $25.00 - 3 day is $35.00
Transponder rental - $30.00 for 2 days
Temporary WKA membership - $10.00 per entry
Camping at the track - $20.00
Travel cost to the event - 4 tanks of gas at $75.00 per tank
For a total of approximately $585.00
Add $100.00 plus if you get a motel room
Add $100.00 plus for food, drinks etc...
Now, it looks like you will have close to $1000.00 for a weekend IF THERE IS ONLY ONE PERSON RACING.
Multiply that by 3 or 4 weekends and you have spent the equivalent of a cruise or some other vacation.
COST is what drives this sport. People cannot afford $100.00 a class to race. I have spoke to many racer promoters and have shared this with them. They seem to think that I am just spouting off.
I contend, that if series would lower the price of entry fees, they would get more racers coming out. As costs have risen, we have lost members racing. It is an inverse relationship. Cost go up, attendance goes down. The only way for series to thrive and grow is to lower price and make up the difference on volume.
You are 100% correct! I for the life cannot understand how they do it!! I noticed that the entry fees are at pre Y2K levels when compared to what the normal entry fee is in the Southeast. I am sure that is dictated by the track rental fee. Maybe not as much competition for weekend race dates as well as population density drving the lower prices.
I have voiced my opinion very often about how the current business model of long track road racing in the southeast is one of the MAIN LIMITING FACTORS to inhibiting it's sustainability. When entry levels for a given race reach $100.00 per class, it DRIVES RACERS AWAY FROM THE SPORT. Period.
I am just guessing here, but I think my numbers are pretty close.
Entry Fee - $95.00 to $100.00 per class
Pit Pass - 2 day is $25.00 - 3 day is $35.00
Transponder rental - $30.00 for 2 days
Temporary WKA membership - $10.00 per entry
Camping at the track - $20.00
Travel cost to the event - 4 tanks of gas at $75.00 per tank
For a total of approximately $585.00
Add $100.00 plus if you get a motel room
Add $100.00 plus for food, drinks etc...
Now, it looks like you will have close to $1000.00 for a weekend IF THERE IS ONLY ONE PERSON RACING.
Multiply that by 3 or 4 weekends and you have spent the equivalent of a cruise or some other vacation.
COST is what drives this sport. People cannot afford $100.00 a class to race. I have spoke to many racer promoters and have shared this with them. They seem to think that I am just spouting off.
I contend, that if series would lower the price of entry fees, they would get more racers coming out. As costs have risen, we have lost members racing. It is an inverse relationship. Cost go up, attendance goes down. The only way for series to thrive and grow is to lower price and make up the difference on volume.