Losing my business

[Toejam]

Most races I attend I go 3 days except Indy where I go 4! I run into a TON of people who would love to go to more than one day, but $50-60 per is just to expensive! How Families can afford even one day at one of these things is beyond me!

 

[StockersRock]

I chose Friday.

Sorry if I do not fit you definition of a fan but spending time with my family at this point in time is a little more important the attending more then one day of a national event.

There are any number of reasons people can not attend every day of a national event and that does not make them any less of a fan. Sometimes it makes them more of a fan because they are doing whatever the can to get out to see as much racing as they can, if even for only a day or just a few hours. People make sacrifices to attend racing weather it be spending time away from family or financially. Just the sacrifices they make makes them a big fan no matter how many or how few days they attend. Under your logic would it also mean that someone who does not own season tickets to a football team, baseball team or whatever sport is less then a fan of some one who does have season tickets? I don't think so.

Well said. I was planning on a Friday trip, as I had commitments for Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately, or not in this case, I came off the unemployment list a few weeks ago, so that was the end of my dream of getting up there on Friday.

 

[.]

When Sonoma took the alcohol cars off their national event there but kept charging the same for the ticket, they lost my business. I just feel like it is less value for my money.

Yet, that event sells out everytime (just about). Go figure.

 

[Frank]

My thoughts on both the shortened Sunday schedule and the price of tickets. First the shortened schedule. I'm actually a fan of it. For diehard fans, which is pretty much everyone on this message board, it kind of sucks just seeing mostly pros on Sunday. But for the casual fan, the newbie, or the old timers, I think it's better. If you can get new fans hooked after watching a Sunday race, maybe next season they buy a Friday or Saturday ticket to go with that Sunday ticket which would expose them to the other great classes besides the pros. As for the old-timers, my mom has arthritis and my uncle is in a wheel chair and as they continue to age, going to the track gets harder and harder. Having the shortened Sunday schedule gives them a nice option. Instead of spending 10 hours at the track on Friday, or 7-9 hours on Saturday, they can spend 5 hours on Sunday, get their nitro fix, not have as much hiking and stairs (especially here at Bandimere), all while preserving their tradition of going to the Mile High's every year for 30+ years.

As for the price of a ticket, here are my thoughts on this topic. Being a diehard who loves sportsman racing I find great entertainment watching the racing on Friday and Saturday besides the 4 pro qualifying sessions. This being the case, I feel the ticket price is relatively cheap. The full event ticket for the Mile High's this year is $132. So I get 10 hours on Friday, about 8 hours on Saturday, and 5 hours on Sunday of what I consider great entertainment. That's 23 hours for 132 bucks. That equates to $5.75 I'm paying per hour. I think that is more than fair. Even if you go on just Sunday, at $58 per ticket, it works out to $11.60 per hour of fun.

To compare, at the Broncos/Ravens playoff game last year I saw a husband and wife pay $500 each for their seats to the game from a scalper. If you include the 2 hours’ worth of tailgating beforehand, that comes to about 5.5 hours of entertainment, which equates to about $91 per hour. There were scalpers selling tickets anywhere from $200 to $1k per seat for that playoff game. Another example, I went to a Nuggets/Spurs game this season. I paid $90 for my ticket which was below face value. Figure about a 2.5 hour game so I paid about $36 per hour of entertainment. Even another example, to take my nephews to the local amusement park, tickets would be about $100 for the 3 of us. We could probably do 6 hours before they tire out, so that equates to about $16.67 per hour.

Each of these events have parking fees, concession stands, souvenirs, etc., some more than others, but again, I'm guessing the NHRA stuff is the same price or cheaper. I mean really, what is more expensive, a Peyton Manning jersey or a John Force t shirt/sweatshirt?

So Joe, when you say you can't believe a family can afford going to the races, it's my opinion that they are getting the most bang for the buck compared to some of the other popular sporting/amusement events. Having to take a family of 4 or 5 to a Broncos game would scare the heck out of me!

 

[Larry jr.]

Who made you an arbiter of who is or isn't a fan? By this logic, if someone goes to a Nascar race or Indy 500, and only goes on raceday but not the supporting truck/Nationwide race, or Carb day, etc, they aren't a real fan.

Did it occur to you that maybe people have things called jobs which may not allow them to get to a race on Thursday or Friday? Perhaps someone has a family they would like to take (what a concept- exposing kids to the sport), but financially can only swing one day. Maybe if someone can only go one day, they want to see the action where the winners are decided. There could be other reasons also.

This goes back to my original point - the ticket prices aren't any lower, but now there is less racing for the same cost for what should the climactic day of the event. I like Friday and Saturdays too when possible, but sometimes people can't always make it for the entire weekend.

I know people who make it a point to take the time off to attend the racing events in they're area.

And yes believe it or not I know what a "Job " is, I know several "fans" who have them and make the race week they're vacation time every year, others who just take the time off.

As far as ticket prices being to high, they are not when you consider the entire weekend of entertainment you get for what you are paying . I know people who save all year to get the "good reserved seats" pit parking etc..

Hey the top eliminator club is 300 bucks, thats only putting away 10 bucks a week for 30 weeks a year, you know what else, if you set aside 20 bucks a week for a year you can have a stellar time at an NHRA or Nascar race.

Thats what I mean by not being much of a fan to begin with.

Those who are real fans will save the money and be at the show, thoses who arent go one day, and complain the whole time about how expensive it is to attend, etc.........

BTW 40 + years of racing has made me an arbitrator of who are real race fans and who are not.

 

[clwill]

So the only fans NHRA is looking for is the person who saves up all year and uses their precious vacation to see a race?

 

[JB3]

I know people who make it a point to take the time off to attend the racing events in they're area.

And yes believe it or not I know what a "Job " is, I know several "fans" who have them and make the race week they're vacation time every year, others who just take the time off.

As far as ticket prices being to high, they are not when you consider the entire weekend of entertainment you get for what you are paying . I know people who save all year to get the "good reserved seats" pit parking etc..

Hey the top eliminator club is 300 bucks, thats only putting away 10 bucks a week for 30 weeks a year, you know what else, if you set aside 20 bucks a week for a year you can have a stellar time at an NHRA or Nascar race.

Thats what I mean by not being much of a fan to begin with.

Those who are real fans will save the money and be at the show, thoses who arent go one day, and complain the whole time about how expensive it is to attend, etc.........

BTW 40 + years of racing has made me an arbitrator of who are real race fans and who are not.

I have never heard of anything more myopic in my life. Your 40+ years of experience simply entitles you to an opinion (a poor one albeit).

Who are you to judge what makes a true fan? More importantly, what gives you the right to rationalize how people should save / spend their $$ in these economic times. That $10 / week you so callously reference could equally be new clothes for the kids, gas in the car to get to work to earn more $, etc. The fact that people buy tickets for one day should be applauded. They are there and supporting our sport and possibly introducing new people to it. Too bad if they don't meet your extremely outdated stereotype of the drag racing fan. You obviously have the free time and resources to do it your way ... good for you.

Let's all genuflect to Larry the real drag racing fan. I'm sorry, but you need to get a clue.

 

[Larry jr.]

I have never heard of anything more myopic in my life. Your 40+ years of experience simply entitles you to an opinion (a poor one albeit).

Who are you to judge what makes a true fan? More importantly, what gives you the right to rationalize how people should save / spend their $$ in these economic times. That $10 / week you so callously reference could equally be new clothes for the kids, gas in the car to get to work to earn more $, etc. The fact that people buy tickets for one day should be applauded. They are there and supporting our sport and possibly introducing new people to it. Too bad if they don't meet your extremely outdated stereotype of the drag racing fan. You obviously have the free time and resources to do it your way ... good for you.

Let's all genuflect to Larry the real drag racing fan. I'm sorry, but you need to get a clue.

Sorry, I'm not a race fan. Never been one. But I do particapate in and promote the sport on a very regular basis, which includes hospital charity work, and shows with local churchs' and law enforcement agencys,promoting safety amoung the younger set in hot rodding and racing, keep the racing on the track not the street And I actualy find time to do some racing when time permits, along with running My Corvette buisness, and helping with Dave Mandella's Top Fuel car, and building the 68' Wing, and My funny car.

As far as bringing new people to the sport, well I have been doing that since the late 1960's.

And , Yep I do it My way, and thats just how it is.

 

[FC138fan]

But I do particapate in and promote the sport on a very regular basis, which includes hospital charity work, and shows with local churchs' and law enforcement agencys,promoting safety amoung the younger set in hot rodding and racing, keep the racing on the track not the street...

You should be applauded for your work. That being said-

I wouldn't think many sponsors or sanctioning bodies would want to be associated with a guy so opinionated and judgmental as yourself. Could you imagine the fallout if someone like John Force said some of the things you have typed in this thread?

I can't believe you held your position given some of the responces to your comments. You are entitled to your opinion, but sometimes some opinions are best kept to yourself.

 

[mick]

in the early 90's we would start planning and talking about next year's
BIR august event as soon as the christmas holidays were over; a few of us
that camped together would have lists, piles of stuff, banners (that used
to be given to campgrounds @ BIR by the mfgr's; those days are long gone),
campers/rv's/awnings/tables/chairs/tents/grills/coolers/yard ornaments/etc.
we used to be at the track on tuesday when the gates didn't open till thurs.

some of our group still makes BIR week their annual big holiday;
i choose not to; still spend sat & sun there each year, but there is no
anticipation like there used to be and getting ready for the race is usually
about an hour affair.
Am I as much a fan as I used to be?...probably not; still bring my kids
when they can go (figuring at least $400/adult for admission & seat (no GA)
+ camping, food & beverage; have brought 3 newbies in last 5 years;
still love to hang in pits; still love to watch stock eliminator; still stay
up waaaaay too late on sat. and cram in as much 'fun' as possible.

the decline in enjoyment/excitement for me is two-fold, i'm getting older
and IMO the entertainment value isn't what it used to be; if BIR did not
have their great campground I doubt I would make 2 days there; that
experience alone is at least half, if not more of the enjoyment.
just my .02

 

[FC138fan]

if BIR did not
have their great campground I doubt I would make 2 days there; that
experience alone is at least half, if not more of the enjoyment.
just my .02

Mike, I'm in the exact same boat you are in. Well, I never stayed the entire week, but we were talking about that Fri-Sun weekend in BIR as soon as the Winternats ran. Back then I had no kids, and my friend was single. Back then, for me it was 95% about the races, 5% camping and extracirricular activities. Slowly, it became less about the races and more about the extra stuff.

Nowadays, I have 3 kids and my friend is married and expecting his first in September. I've scaled it back to just going for Sat-Sun (Yeah, I'll be staying up waaaay too late Saturday just like you). But priorities change, I guess Larry's generalization holds true for me, I'm not as big a fan as I was back then... but that 2 days and one night away from the wife and 3 kids with all thats going to happen Saturday after the last pass of the day is well worth my $400 or so for admission, tickets, camping, food, beer, gas etc. etc. But you're right, less the camping I would only be going for one day as well.

 

[Larry jr.]

Totally disagree with you there. I was only able to attend one day at Epping. I chose Friday. I could not afford to take Thursday off as well as Friday. Saturday I attended the Jimmy Buffett show w my wife. My wife is currently battling cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, so her going to the concert was a big deal. Sunday I chose to spend w my wife and our 4 yo daughter. Sorry if I do not fit you definition of a fan but spending time with my family at this point in time is a little more important the attending more then one day of a national event.

Both of us are passionate about racing , maybe for the same reasons maybe not.

Yes there are many reasons racers and fans can't or don't attend events, I can relate to going to a Jimmy Buffett show with you're wife who is battling cancer, going through Chemo .

Mine was Crosby, Stills & Nash at the Doheny Blues Festrival when I was diagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer in April 2010.
Then helping My friend "RooMan" Keith Burgan licence in Dan Horan sr's NTF at drag fest 2010.

I missed a few races that season also, but The day after My Chemo and Radiation ended in October 2010 My son and I drove to CHRR in Famoso for the Cacklefest saturday night.

That is the reason I believe you are Not a real race fan if you only buy a ticket for one day just to complain about the show. Some of you don't like some of what I say on here....Fair enough........... I stand by may remarks.

Jim, My thoughts and prayers are with you're wife, you and you're family in this most difficlut of times..........LF.

 

[Larry jr.]

So the only fans NHRA is looking for is the person who saves up all year and uses their precious vacation to see a race?

Yes, they want those fans , along with the fan who has the means to spend at the events, and does.
Its a buisness Not a charity. Don't forget how many people make a living from being part of the tour, the guys who work on the race teams, the NHRA and ESPN the Track opperations , food concession, and all the other things like t-shirt sales and race team souvenior trailers, how about the Manufacture Midway, aren't they there to make money showcasing and selling products to fans? .

Yes NHRA want's people with money at they're races.

 

[clwill]

Reading comprehension is apparently not a strong suit.

 

[Larry jr.]

Reading comprehension is apparently not a strong suit.

Very funny , right.

 

[clwill]

Very funny , right.

"... only ..."

 

[Huge]

Yes, they want those fans , along with the fan who has the means to spend at the events, and does.
Its a buisness Not a charity. Don't forget how many people make a living from being part of the tour, the guys who work on the race teams, the NHRA and ESPN the Track opperations , food concession, and all the other things like t-shirt sales and race team souvenior trailers, how about the Manufacture Midway, aren't they there to make money showcasing and selling products to fans? .

Yes NHRA want's people with money at they're races.

Great post, Larry. I agree 100%

 

[Toejam]

Yes, they want those fans , along with the fan who has the means to spend at the events, and does.
Its a buisness Not a charity. Don't forget how many people make a living from being part of the tour, the guys who work on the race teams, the NHRA and ESPN the Track opperations , food concession, and all the other things like t-shirt sales and race team souvenior trailers, how about the Manufacture Midway, aren't they there to make money showcasing and selling products to fans? .

Yes NHRA want's people with money at they're races.

It scares me to Death how much I have thrown at this sport the past 20 years! Could very well be my Retirement, but You only live once! Would I do it again? Hell Yes!

 

[Larry jr.]

Joe, You are so right you only live once.

Well in my case after beating both a heart attack and cancer over the past 4 years, I may actualy be beating thoses odds.............. I'm with you, doing for it again.

Getting ready as we speak. More Nitro, More Mag, and more weight on the clutch.......I intend on winning this deal.