Note change in reply to #13 in the sentence of co-operation with tracks from ( WWS ) it should have read no co-operation.Thought I should tell you the word no was left off

I have to say, you had me for a minute with that one. You are quite right about the WWS dwindling to two tracks and no apparent points purse, at least nothing is listed on the website in regards to money awards. But I suppose that requires a sponsor and the WWS lacks that as well, therefore no money, just a mention on the site. Can you say "irrelevant"?  😉 I remember the big intro of the WWS program at Autumn Colours '03 or '04. It was a big yawn that day to listen to them attempting to explain it over Peterborough's track p.a. and it never got any better. It didn't work and JP should put it to bed. It's over.
To the original question I'd say that mid-america and others have all hit on many of the problems that the favourite brand of racing of this board is confronted with. It's all these things to varying degrees at different tracks that play a role in car counts. The strength of the 4 cyl. classes offers proof that cost is probably the single biggest factor in whether someone gets into racing or not. These guys and girls just want to race. Sheer speed in itself is not the goal necessarily so you go as fast as your dollars can carry you, hence the popularity of the 4's. All the other issues, from purses to rules to whether you like a promoter or not, come into play after that.
As for the overall popularity of dirt racing, which is the brand of grassroots racing of choice for many many people (see the ratio of dirt to asphalt tracks in New York State, one of the most populous of states, as an example. Not exactly even). The primary reason for that is that probably the sheer spectacle of cars of whatever sort sliding through the corners! Asphalt really can't match it, but that's not to suggest that asphalt racing isn't exciting too, it's just a different type of excitement!  ;D
Great thread.

NY's a different case as well, with the vast majority of the paved ovals having ownership changes/issues over the past 3 years. That being said, the paved modified community in NYS is HUGE...

I am going to assume that everyone here is talking about pavement racing.

Just to be clear...we are.

Its nice to sit here and say "well the tracks should start working together" but the bottom line is that it HAS to be profitable for each track do do so.

Here's the problem: Big races mean bigger purses, which means more money paid out, which means a bigger gamble....as well as not really making any more money than you usually would with a regular race. I think right now certain tracks are simply playing it safe and going with what works. I'll use Delaware as an example.

I'm sure most of you have noticed their push to promote the King of the Hill nights. Delaware's always done King of the Hill. Its nothing new. But the promotional thrust that they're going with for them is fairly new...its (unfortunately for fans of real racers) not just a sideshow anymore. They pack the place on these nights...always have, and they don't really have to pay anything out. So what's the incentive to put on a big LM race that could potentially fail, when you could just do another King of the Hill that makes you more money?

Its the same reason that reality shows proliferate on TV...most of them are crap, everyone knows they're crap, but they use regular people instead of actors...because actors have a certain pay scale. Non-actors will participate just for the chance at a prize and some notoriety. So reality shows are much cheaper to produce.

In racing-land there's just no incentive for anyone to try and go through the bother of attracting a stellar, and large, field of upper tier race cars on any sort of regular basis. The money's not there, the sponsors aren't there, and getting guys to travel is like pulling teeth. (and promoters have mollified themselves by saying "car counts don't matter that much" over and over till they believe it.)

In a nutshell, nobody wants to leave their safe little hidey hole.

But, this is the time for someone to step forward. Maybe some tracks will get smart and get together. Maybe someone will come up with a big sponsor. Who knows. I know for one thing though that the WWS is at least a step in the right direction. It has tremendous potential, despite what's happened in the past, and despite what some might want to say about the people running it. At least they're DOING something.

I know for one thing though that the WWS is at least a step in the right direction. It has tremendous potential, despite what's happened in the past, and despite what some might want to say about the people running it. At least they're DOING something.

The concept is generally valid, but the execution was botched from the start. There have been thousands and thousands of words posted on the topic, and yes, the nabobs of negativity win this one. They are not always wrong. Sometimes "doing something" is better left undone rather than create much ado about essentially nothing. We've had far too much of that over the years.

Very true Shadow regarding the King of the hill vs reality show analogy. There was a lot of grumbling in the pits last night about this. Bring your street car out to try and win a grand. Work your butt of all summer on your SS, truck or Mod to win barely half a grand. Not to mention the 30 to 50 thousand were spending on the LM's to win a grand. They need to be careful with this deal.
The enthusiasm with the fans is amazing. Last night I had this guy walk up to me and ask if he could borrow my helmet right after the feature. I said " guy you dont want to put your head in my helmet, I just got out of the car its soaked with sweat, I wouldn't want to put my head back in it." He says " I dont care I just want to race. I will leave you my ownership and insurance if I dont bring it back you can own my car." So we all laughed and off he went with my raunchy old helmet. He went out first round but was ecstatic with the experience.