I have been out of racing (as a racer) for a number of years but have been keeping an eye on what's been going on from the side lines.
The effects of the economy has taken a few tracks down with it (Kawartha and Mosport). These 2 closings don't come as a shock with 1 being the result of a looming Toronto Casino rumor and the other a US Owned place that's makes decisions solely on the "bottom line".
I agree with the Polish Princess, there are a number of the original "Thunder Cars" siting around in barns and back yards here in Ontario. Every 10 years or so we see the cycle of evolution seeing Thunder cars evolve to being "almost Limited Late Models". (Challengers as well).
Racing costs go up annually....due too simple inflation. Then racers being racers want to go faster....so the addition of load bolts......then 8" rims....then standard transmissions yadda...yadda.....and this happens all the time.
So now were at the point where today's Thunder Cars.....if you look at McColl's new ride that is being allowed...(which was just a matter of time due to the very limited availability of "frames") I have heard numbers as high as $30,000. Is this a good or bad thing? I guess it depends on weather you can afford one of these and if you want to run near the front...or not.
The future for stock car racing I believe will be in big trouble IF the "cost" factor is not respected at the racer level. I agree there needs to be a "lock in" of rules at the beginner levels.....at the very minimum.
How many "new" racers are coming into racing these days?
This is a dwindling sport due to uncontrollable cost increases.......fuel....parts.....class improvements and others. Costs increase for the promoters as well....insurance goes up annually, the fuel/parts they sell, the operational costs in wages and so on.
First thing we need to do is get more newbies into racing. How? Reintroduce enduro races all around Ontario. Same rules at every track........4 and/or 6cyl FWD only. use the same rules JP uses....simple..understandable and basic to get peoples feet wet. (car buildable for under $2,500 race ready). Run this Enduro class every other weekend as last race of the night with a 40 lapper. Get local sponsors (couple for each race) to kick in to help with the payout.
Tracks to promote the "local builders" who would put these cars together for the newcomers.
The 4 cyl class......there is a class that could be dialed back in order to have a class where you could have a race ready competitive car for $5,000. (I know.....don't yell at me.....not what you want to hear....but to preserve the sport this should happen).
Finally....as the Polish one was saying.......the Thunder Cars from 10 years ago where stock frame with stock all bolt ons need to make a return. No Load Bolts.....no ISKY Cams....(stock 390/410's only), 4 eyebrow flat tops......75cc heads.......Automatics only......9:1 compression max......manifolds only... (no Brazinskys).... stock rear ends with mini spool only. Buildable for $7.500. Cheap...Cheap...Cheap.
Need a starting car? Look on racing junk....lots of US street stocks available for little money.
Sponsors are hard to find these days........and tracks are not going to be raising purses any time soon....so low cost....easy fix racing is what will help promoters......bring more fans....bring new racers sell more food and help our hobby survive.
The only other thing I would say regarding the tracks is too TECH crate engines. Take the "seal" bolts out...put regular bolts in...and tech the bastards. Keeping a level playing field must happen to bring some integrity back to the tracks and divisions running crate engines. After all........were all racers and running legal crates.....right? lmfao.
This is intended to be a support letter for the big guy...in advance for those of you who's feathers I may have ruffled....im sorry. But the reality of the situation for the stock car community is.....its time to start thinking long term.......not short......and to make decisions that will see steady growth over the next 3 - 5 years for the remaining tracks.
RJ
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