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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: tboomer]
#1619493
05/13/14 11:12 AM
05/13/14 11:12 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,008
Sweet Home Alabama
MRMOPAR622
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,008
Sweet Home Alabama
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There is very few weeks down here in the South that you can not find a $10,000.00 Bracket Race and we race 10-11 months out of the year.Most of the time for a 3day Race Fri pays $5,000.00 Sat & Sun pays $10,000.00 each day Pre-Enter and its $300.00 for the race or $150.00 per day.Now winning one of them is not easy!  The local track has a free 4:70 $1500.00 to win race once a month,and if the racers want to add any extra $$$ which all of it goes to the purse it pays more.And in the final of each driver wants to put up a couple of Grand each and run them out the Back Door they turn the clocks off and let them race.The 5:50 & 6:00 pay a $1,000.00 & 6:00 pays $700.00 all free entry if there is 4 cars or 40 cars.Free $$$
"To Be The Man'You Have Got To Beat The Man"
"T/D and Pro-Bracket Racer"
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: MRMOPAR622]
#1619494
05/13/14 11:51 AM
05/13/14 11:51 AM
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,189
aZLiViN
J_BODY
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 13,189
aZLiViN
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I'll worry about the payout when I know I'm a "hitter"..... Until then it's a great big waste of money hobby that's given me some good times and the opportunity to meet some pretty cool people over the years. $100 to fill the truck, $90 for two days entry, $75 for fuel, $20 for cereal, milk, bread, beef jerky, coffee. All this to camp out in the heat, blazing desert sun, on a huge asphalt parking lot for two days..... So far the return on my investment is about $200 in 4 races. 
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: Blucuda413]
#1619496
05/13/14 01:50 PM
05/13/14 01:50 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,330
Lynchburg, VA
Leon441
master
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master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,330
Lynchburg, VA
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This is old news. It cost a lot more to build a competitive car these days. Fuel prices have qaudropled. Anyone clueless enough to bash the well none facts has never had a budget.
Now for what you don't want to hear. The better the payout the harder the competition. Whether it be heads up or bracket racing. These 10k beds up races most who enter can only dream of making the field.
I would like to see businesses with Mopar interest support Mopar races. Muscle motors was very good to us kos guys.
Career best 8.02 @ 169 at 3050# and 10" tires small block power.
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: Blucuda413]
#1619497
05/13/14 02:00 PM
05/13/14 02:00 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,894
Florida
Locomotion
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,894
Florida
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There is a way to help protect a promotor's investment while keeping racers informed on what to expect for a payout at an event. Michael Beard of loose Rocker Promotions uses a formula that guarantees round money up through runner up. The winner's purse is the only figure pro-rated if the minimum car count isn't met while the round money is self-regulating: Less cars=less rounds=less tiered payouts! The track/event promotor just has to sit down and crunch the numbers to see what formulas would work best for him/her, whether it be for a local weekend bracket race or a big buck event. Some tracks even RAISE the payout if a certain number of cars is exceeded! The best perspective is to see it first hand: Payout structure used by Loose Rocker Promotions. As much as I enjoy drag racing, I can't afford to do it unless I can win sometimes. I thank God I can be competitive, even as I get older, but the purses are often a deciding factor in attending some events. I can't and don't win all the time. But if I can't expect to even break even if I win an event, it's simply not practical to go. It's very upsetting when a purse is advertised and potentially being pro-rated based on car counts, but no hint on what to expect. Then when you win, it turns out to be slashed substantially! It's happened to me as well as others I know. I simply like to know what to expect, whether it ends up with a low or a high car count, and then I can decide if I will attend a particular event.
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: Triple Threat]
#1619499
05/13/14 02:26 PM
05/13/14 02:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,367
Las Vegas
Al_Alguire
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,367
Las Vegas
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Well as most of you guys know I tend to stick to Divisonal and some national events. The entry is very steep, at least compared to what most are saying here. But we have the potential for some pretty decent paydday if you can make the final. We also generally get paid after round three, it aint much but covers entry fees. Like many I am not a wealthy guy and the oppourtunity to take home some money sure helps along the way to soften the blow.
"I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know."
"It's never wrong to do the right thing"
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: Al_Alguire]
#1619500
05/13/14 03:09 PM
05/13/14 03:09 PM
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 655
Huntsville, AL
Airwoofer
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 655
Huntsville, AL
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I think a big factor is the spectator count dropping like it has. Face it drag racing isn't that popular like it was in the 60's and 70's. There are a lot of factors why the stands are not getting filled like they used to. As for payout vs entry fees, sometines it makes more sense to footbrake with the lower entry fee. Here is a race that will be at my home track this weekend. Payout a little better but the race will be drug out all day so the track can sell burgers. Oh BTW, look who is one of the sponsors!  http://www.huntsvilledragway.com/rcity_n_5-14.jpg
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: Airwoofer]
#1619501
05/13/14 08:01 PM
05/13/14 08:01 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,464
Sydney,Australia
tex013
top fuel
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top fuel
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,464
Sydney,Australia
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its no better down here . same arguments and complaints .
and we have way less tracks , I race local or 10-12 hour drive - to the next state .
track championship is $180 enter to $200 win / $100ru .
I think the National event earlier this month paid $700 to win,Super Street class , with a $390 entry
There is a noticeable lack of sponsorship , the Naional series does not even have a title sponsor . lack of spectators is a given .
there is no big dollar events per se , even if there was my car is too slow and not teched or licenced to run with the Pro Street Association . Mostly heads up classes , all faster than 10.99
Racing to me is relaxation and personal goals , but I definitely don't aim to be there just to make up numbers
Tex
New best ET 10.259@129.65 .
New best MPH 130.32
Finally fitted a solid cam,
stepped it up a bit more
3690lbs through the mufflers
New World block 3780lbs 10.278@130.80 . Wowser 10.253@130.24 footbraking from 1500rpm
Power by Tex's Automotive
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: coronetville]
#1619503
05/13/14 09:11 PM
05/13/14 09:11 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 92
Michigan
Kudakid
member
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member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 92
Michigan
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At Mopar Nats this year;
Catergory Win R/Up Semi 1/4 1/8
Super Pro $2000 $1000 $100 $50
Pro $2000 $1000 $100 $50 $25
Quick 16 $1500 $500 $100
Sportsman $1000 $500 $75 $50
Hemi $300 $100 $50
Stick Shift $1000 $400 $100
Nostalgic $1000 $500 $100
2010 Challenger R/T
2001 Jeep Cherokee
1970 AAR Cuda
1970 T/A
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: Kudakid]
#1619504
05/13/14 09:16 PM
05/13/14 09:16 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,367
Las Vegas
Al_Alguire
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 19,367
Las Vegas
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National and Divisional events are guaranteed payouts. $1200 win $750 runner up(at least in D7 and the few D6 races I have been to) and for a National event it is $1800 to win and $1200 r/u. Payouts don't change with car count and start at round three. Divisonal entry is $165 and Nationals are $310 with the mandatory $100 insurance. Contingency pays $300 per deal for winner and $100 for R/U at Nats and $100 and $50 at the divison level. There are some exceptions to that such as Mother Mopar who actually pays much better contingency. Just FYI
"I am not ashamed to confess I am ignorant of what I do not know."
"It's never wrong to do the right thing"
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: Al_Alguire]
#1619505
05/13/14 09:51 PM
05/13/14 09:51 PM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,288
Oregon
sg66mopar
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,288
Oregon
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I have to agree with everyone that says we (most of us anyway) aren't racing to make money. That said, when the payouts were better and the cost was lower I made 400-500 passes a year and paid most of my expenses with winnings. A few years I might have actually come out a little ahead. Last year I made 13 and so far this year 9. I don't see it getting any better but I'm not crying in my beer or planning to quit just yet. I realize how lucky I am to be able to do this. BTW Al, wifey says MATS race next year or divorce imminent! 
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: sg66mopar]
#1619506
05/13/14 11:32 PM
05/13/14 11:32 PM
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 686
PA
ajcasini
mopar
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mopar
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 686
PA
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I have my thoughts on the subject and the cost of everything has gone up, way up. I remember back when I first started driving my Roadrunner I could race Thursday - Sunday, tow to 3 different tracks and spend less than 300 bucks. (Granted I slept in the truck.) Point is entry fees were around $35-$40 payouts were anywhere from $500-$1000 to win with round money. The change came in the cost of diesel. I still have receipts where I was paying 1.19 a gallon for diesel. Now at $4.29+ per gallon (nearly a 4x increase) my 4 day trips would now cost 1200 bucks and only about 40-50 bucks is an increase in entry fee. With that said I too look at the purse before I travel. However I dont look at the top number I look at everything below it. RU/SEMI and RD Money. I would rather go to a race that pays a little less at the top but has good round money. I go to the events with the intention of winning and taking home that big check but bringing in 100-400 bucks for a good showing is nice. It softens the blow of the high gas prices. I see a lot of "Big Money" races that pay $2500 W $500 RU $100 SEMI $25 to the quarters. I have raced in these and lost late in the rounds 4th or 5th round and get the big goose egg. I would rather have the payout that goes back further and nets me $50-$100 for my 5th RD loss. Just my  on the subject.
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: Al_Alguire]
#1619507
05/14/14 12:18 AM
05/14/14 12:18 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,070
Taylor, Michigan
1BadLiLCharger
OP
top fuel
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OP
top fuel
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,070
Taylor, Michigan
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First off, thanks to all of you for the nice things that were said about me.
I'm not out to make a profit in this hobby, it would be nice, but I don't get out enough anymore to make that happen. I'm happy if I can come out ahead for the WEEKEND expenses. But as stated, if you can get the same (or better) payout closer to home, with the cost of gas for the tow vehicle, motels, entry fees, race fuel, etc - I just saved $500-$800 by NOT going to a far away specialty event, (assuming I didn't get to the semis or better) So, I guess the car COULD make money sitting in the shop, Monte. lol (if I had a shop)
I saw the word 'fun' thrown in a few replies. I'm gonna have 'fun' anywhere I race. Not a factor. I'll see the Mopar crowd up at Norwalk in September...again, not happy with the payout structure of that event (street paying the same as pro with half as many entries, you can see what purse my 'pro' entry fee is helping to pay) but it's about 2 hours away and the best facility to race at.
As for events growing...let's hope so, it seems like a few of them are in their beginning stages, maybe the payout will get better with time. We'll see.
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: ajcasini]
#1619509
05/14/14 10:26 AM
05/14/14 10:26 AM
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 47
North Branch, MI, USA
notchbackcuda
member
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member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 47
North Branch, MI, USA
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Quote:
I have my thoughts on the subject and the cost of everything has gone up, way up. I remember back when I first started driving my Roadrunner I could race Thursday - Sunday, tow to 3 different tracks and spend less than 300 bucks. (Granted I slept in the truck.) Point is entry fees were around $35-$40 payouts were anywhere from $500-$1000 to win with round money. The change came in the cost of diesel. I still have receipts where I was paying 1.19 a gallon for diesel. Now at $4.29+ per gallon (nearly a 4x increase) my 4 day trips would now cost 1200 bucks and only about 40-50 bucks is an increase in entry fee.
With that said I too look at the purse before I travel. However I dont look at the top number I look at everything below it. RU/SEMI and RD Money. I would rather go to a race that pays a little less at the top but has good round money. I go to the events with the intention of winning and taking home that big check but bringing in 100-400 bucks for a good showing is nice. It softens the blow of the high gas prices.
I see a lot of "Big Money" races that pay $2500 W $500 RU $100 SEMI $25 to the quarters. I have raced in these and lost late in the rounds 4th or 5th round and get the big goose egg. I would rather have the payout that goes back further and nets me $50-$100 for my 5th RD loss.
Just my on the subject.
I agree. I race because it's fun, but if I can win something....it's found money whether it's $50 (I won $50 recently for a 4th round loss) or winning the final which I've only ever done once (got paid $150).
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Re: Payouts are going downhill.
[Re: notchbackcuda]
#1619510
05/14/14 11:56 AM
05/14/14 11:56 AM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,910
Eighty Four, PA
B G Racing
master
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master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,910
Eighty Four, PA
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Many people race for the chance of winning some cash,but most race for recoginition and accomplishment of their hard work and effort.Racing at a local track will net you local recoginition but not at any great scale.Racing at the larger events that get TV,internet and magazine coverage will get you national if not world recoginition for your hard work and effort.Take for example,we had a elderly guy that never won a race and was virtually unheard of,he was fortunate enough to get picked for "Pinks All Out".His first career win was on national TV infront of 40,000 people.Now he's a legend.Sure the money and prizes were great,but the accomplishment,moment,self pride and the memories are priceless and will live on forever even if he never wins another race. 
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I'm not racing to get rich. I'd be better off picking up loose change off the streets if that was the case. But its hard to justify hauling my car 3-4 hours to an event thats not paying any better that my local track 20 minutes away.
