$10 is much better then the $19 they were making us pay before. they talked about this at the meeting.. something like more money that comes in the more they can pay out..?
why do people have to take such a simple post and turn it negative!
It's always easier to criticize than to have a positive answer.
There are hundreds of legitimate arguments for and against what fees should be.
But there are some difficult issues that need to be addressed now and in the future.
The only ones making money in this industry are track operators, vendors that supply the racer and perhaps pockets of the top 5 to 10 teams in various divisions / classes in various parts of the world excluding F1 and Sprint Cup whom live and operate in their own unique bubbles. That's not to imply that EVERY track is making money and even then, you have to ask yourself what is the definition of making money and bring profitable is while attempting it.
Tracks do fail - as do vendors. In a free market, that's what happens. There are solutions to every problem - it's all a question of cooperation and agreement and sticking to it - something that I think some operators take for granted - as do racers alike...
Both sides of the equation want to see things improve. Right now I think some track operators are trying to push the limits of what racers will take. So long as they believe they can get away with it, that's what they'll do. Something has to give - question is whom, when and which side is gonna fall first. Cayuga didn't run a single event in 2010. Which track is next?
If there's one thing car owners and racers have in their favor; racing isn't everything and can move around if they so choose. Some are just hanging it up. Several teams have simply left and have not been heard from in over a year, some very competitive too. As much as operators are wishing every other race track success, it's not gonna mean a hill of beans if its themselves thats close to shutting the gates! 2011 could be the year where only the strongest will survive and prosper while others will have just enough funds to try again in 2012 and the weakest may fall and be sold or foreclosed on.
I could be very wrong regarding what will happen this year. Still, I'm thinking (IMO) 3 tracks are concerned about car counts and fan retention; they should be.
One must also remember that the race track owners are there to run a business. Anyone that runs or has run a business knows the only way to run one is to create ways to generate a profit, the racers are the show for sure this is not to be disputed BUT leave running the race tracks to those who have the money invested, go to the track on race night, and put on the best show you can.If you fill the stands everyone, racers and track owners alike will be happy because more people equates to more $$ for everyone.
I just meant drivers in for free, the rest would have to pay of course.