The best "races run by racers" are those that are promoted well and often. Dillman, Beard, and Stites, along with Anthony Walton, Jared Pennington, the Biondos, etc., spend a lot of time securing sponsors, updating websites (almost to the minute) appearing on different message boards regularly, always making sure that racers know what to expect. Look at the flyers put out, most will list a minimum number of entries to pay the advertised payout, round prizes, etc. It is a LOT of work for an independant promoter to put on a race and be sucessful at it. I know that none of these guys are getting rich from being promoters. Be patient and be respectful when asking questions, and you will get that back...usually.
Hope to some of you at VMP this weekend!