For only being in their second season I would have to say they are doing well. Are they the NHRA ?? no. As far as revenue there are multiple revenue streams to balance the ledger, I am sure DC has a plan as you do not get to where he is winging it. I would say he has a 5-10 year turn around plan for this to be successful. First this was a relocated event so you have people that already have plans, have not budgeted finances to attend especially if traveling any distance and needing lodging. Second this was not a "big show" event for them, this IMO was a local venue more like a divisional NHRA race which does not draw many spectators.
IHRA is running nitro at most events but do not confuse that with big events they are supplying a place for smaller nitro teams to race. The Triple crown will be a little more telling but it is still going to take a few years to get there. I could care less if any NHRA teams show up for the Triple, let the smaller guys win the money and maybe they will be the next big team growing IHRA along the way. how many IHRA champions now run NHRA ?? You have to start somewhere, which brings up another topic. How many kids have been turned off by the racers making fun of their 13 second cars ?? why would you come back after racers made fun of your slow car ?? But that is a whole other subject.
In closing drag racing is dying a slow death as not many are coming into the sport, The big show stuff is cost prohibitive to 99%. Instead of being on here complaining why not go out and try to support a sport you supposedly love. One man has stepped up and is spending a lot of his money to try and revive a series which could be a feeder or be the next big show itself. You are complaining about attendance but where were you ?? certainly not at the event.