The Great Debate about the Crate. Sounds like a Dr. Suess book. When we started the process of rebuilding Evergreen Speedway, the topic of Late Models always continue to resurface. Low car counts, high operations cost, low payouts , tire and shock prices too high, and then everyones favorite subject...Crate vs the Open Motor. This is one of the most hotly debated subjects at any conference, forum or local watering hole. The original idea of taking a 5K motor that could last 20-30 races with reliability and no refreshes makes complete sense. Spend a thousand more in extras, bolt it in and go racing....Cheap. No brainer. Stop. Are you going to run apples to apples? The dilemma starts there. The answer is no. Unless it is an exclusive Spec 604 class. The state of where we are today. Blending the Motors it appears, will satisfy no one. No matter if we use restrictor plates or weight, the question remains, will the car count increase?
IF we ran a 3/8's Spec 604 class for 14 races then open up 4 - 5/8's races to invite open motors would that work? 100 lap features with good pay outs. We Need 18 races for NASCAR. Need to decide on featured division.
I am asking for your input. Besides fixing the economy, letting you run for free, and paying $10K to win, what would make you WANT to run at Evergreen Speedway?
We have tryed to combine, blend, and be as liberal as possible on rules to increase car counts without costing a bunch of extra money for the Late Models. It is a work in progress.
If you would, please send me an email. What is your best solution to fix the Late Model Car Counts? doug@highroadgroup.com
A couple of areas we are doing for 2011. Lowering the front gate ticket prices, eliminating the back gate weekly car fee, lowering the pit age to 14, giving teams sponsor tickets, increased marketing and advertising, comp pit passes for team sponsors, purses that pay out all the way or pay to start, starting our complete upgrade of the track and facilities to name a few. Rather odd, that we would ask for your opinions or ideas?
How will racing be better served then to explore every side of an issue? The only way to build a better team is to communicate with the players and coaches. ( drivers and crew chiefs )
In all seriousness, please respond if you have something that will help.
