5/27/08
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THE ‘NO PROBLEM’ SOLUTION
Here's what is working at NPR that other tracks may want to try...
No Problem Raceway has Friday night trophy racing just about every weekend. (none during our major NHRA, FFW, BikeFest, and special weekends) Our spectator fee is $10; $20 to race. We run Street, Motorcycle, Footbrake, Super Pro, and Jr. Dragster. But here is the fun part...
Before 1st round of the Trophy race, we hold round 1 of an All-Run Gambler's race. Open to all but the Jr.'s, each racer who wants to enter brings $20 with them to the lanes. Round 1 winners continue in the Gambler's Race; losers fall back into their respective Trophy category. There are no buy-backs in the gambler's race. The track deducts $50 from the total entry fees to cover the cost of the trophies given to the gambler winner & r/u. (yes... they still want the trophy!) The remaining money is paid back to the racers... Winner gets 50%, R/U gets 30%, semi finalist each get 10%. If only 3 racers in the semi's... winner gets 60%. Our biggest gambler's race paid $800 to the winner.
The track got $20 from the gamblers that won 1st round because they did not participate in the trophy race. Either way, the choice is up to the racer. Pay $20 to race for a trophy, or pay an extra $20 to race for the cash. It gives those who only want to run their car a chance to have some fun, while those who want to race for some cash have an opportunity.
We leave the gates open on Friday night when we have a Saturday race; that allows the racers and their families to come "camp out" at the track.
Pat Joffrion
General Managing Partner
No Problem Raceway Park
Belle Rose, Louisiana
BRACKET RACING A PART OF SUPER CHEVY SHOWS
I spend very little time on the internet, simply too busy, however I read (Jok’s) feature on DRO often. Bracket racing is very important to me as it has always been one of the largest segments of our Super Chevy shows. In my opinion bracket racing is the major reason that drag racing continues to survive -- no doubt the best racers in motorsports. When I took over the management of SCS 14 years ago, SCS opened the gates on Friday, no racing Saturday, time trials only, no race Sunday. The bracket race, the first year I watched several racers make 2 or 3 tt, load up, drive out the gate to race at another track.
Each event I always spend time talking to these racers. They wanted to race on Saturday. We started a Saturday bonus race. Soon after they wanted to test & tune on Friday. We added the Friday T&T. I agree it has become an expensive trip, regardless of how far you go to race. Despite the outrageous fuel prices, recession, bank failures, plus all the nonsense in Washington, who fights small business more than crime. Bracket racing is still alive and well at Super Chevy shows. Please continue promoting bracket racing. My best.
Roger Gustin