Wes, good points.
Part, or most of the reason teams wont flock to Barrie for the big payouts and free admission is simple, the season is half over. People have made their beds and are gonna sleep in them. Most people are in a points race at Sunset so they are not going to switch for anything. The off season would have been the time to try this move for Barrie.
As far as 2011 going bad for racing, and needing bigger payouts, im not so sure. Last year Mark Dilly had a meeting when he took over the track, and told the guys that it was impossible to pay out massive payouts, while still keeping the track affloat. I think people ( or most people, myself included ) realize the GIFT that the Sunset owners have given us with the millions of dollors they spent on a TOY, a race track, something NOT needed in this day and age. The track is not gonna pay for itself and make profit on that much renovation for years. Its a toy for them, just like the cars are for us drivers. They are not interested in making it all back right away im sure. My point is, I dont think people should wine and bitch about the cost to get in, food, and gas, when those 7 owners saved racings butt in Barrie and surrounding area.
The biggest problem is not low payouts, but costly cars. Changing to floater rear ends, standards, new shock rules, and flip flopping the tires we have to run every year is what hurts. Leave the rule book alone and people can start to catch up and save or make some money.
The pay out is good for the top 5 spots. Over 300 to win or a top 5 some nights is more then a weeks pay cheque for some folks, I would not complain about that to much. The track cant keep its doors open if everyone in last place wants 200 bucks for last place. Do your homework and go get the big bucks if you want it, homework doesnt cost money, just time and effort.
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It was great to see the Zardos racing their superstocks,a long with the 31 of gallant i think it was and silverthorne,been a long while since i've made the trek to the southern tracks. Hope to see more of them this year. Also just love it when al inglis and gord shepherd make the haul to sunset,always makes for an exciting night of racing. Hope to see more of them this year too.