Not sure how hosting a NHRA event, ends up costing the track money? The National event at Brainerd, will keep the track in the black, with that event alone. Everything else is profit.
Event sanction fees. The NHRA charges each track a fee to host a national event. The track keeps all revenue beyond the sanction fee. These days, gate admission, vendors, concessions, etc probably cover that cost, but may not make the facility enough money to justify the effort to promote and host such a large event. That's why title event sponsors are so important, and it sounds like VMP couldn't find a partner to sponsor the event. I'm sure the Lucas Oil partnership is a big reason Brainerd national event remains profitable for the track.
