The following answers and logic apply to the
operation of a weekly short track. While a lengthy essay could be written on each, we have attempted to be as brief as possible. Experienced and "successful" track operators surveyed agree with the opinions
expressed.1. FALSE: Size of the purse is not necessarily proportional to the amount of profit you make. Your profit is the difference between your income and expenses (including purse). It the huge
purse doesn't result In increased attendance and/or increased ticket prices enough to cover the increased purse and produce an adequate profit, you fail.
2. FALSE: Sometimes the cost of attracting 'top' drivers
is prohibitive (see answer above). Often, local "non-top" drivers actually draw more spectators.
3. FALSE: Although this Is not a bad idea, this Is not why they come to your track. They come to
your track because it pays the most money and/or offers them the best chance to win and/or gives them the best exposure or notoriety because it has the most fans, prestige etc.
4. FALSE: it is impossible to make
everybody happy all the time. If you try, you will never make anyone happy any of the time. Almost certainly, at some point, every competitor will have a narrow minded perception that you are not fair. However, if you
do enforce your rules fairly on everyone, you will be better off. You must always remember, however, that it is not important for you to win any popularity contests and thus getting along with the
competitors is not your most important job.
5. FALSE: Although this is not a bad Idea, what is most important is to put on a good show for your spectators. They will return only if it's In their best interest,
not because it's in your best interest.
6. FALSE: Speed and sophistication will only completely satisfy a very small percentage of your spectators. The vast majority of them will be satisfied much more by a
healthy car count and good competition.
7. FALSE: Although this might be all right for longer races, it is one of the dumbest things the average short track operator could do. At very least, a predetermined
number of the fastest cars should be inverted.
8. FALSE: Sheer numbers of admission paying spectators are most important. They set the stage for successful concession operations, sponsorship programs, etc.
9. FALSE: It is mandatory that the announcer be knowledgeable about racing because it is his job to educate, reeducate and increase the spectators' knowledge about racing in general and local cars & drivers in
particular.
10. FALSE: Generally speaking, for the same relative purse, more "lower class cars" will be attracted. They seem to generate more crashes, competition, friends, neighbors, coworkers,
school friends, etc.
1 1. FALSE: Repeatedly personally visiting automotive related businesses In the track's market area is one of the best ways to increase the car count.
12. FALSE: It is better to have
10 businesses interested in participating in your program than just one.
13. FALSE: Competent real estate, legal and accounting advice is a must. Besides just the real estate, you need to make sure you are
buying the name; that values are allocated properly for tax purposes; etc.
14. FALSE. They are good businessmen/women first and foremost.
15. FALSE: How about letting the drivers vote on the purse? No
doubt the result wouldn't be in the track operators best interest. There is no room for democracy here!
16. False: Track operators are more professional than ever before. Successful track operators have
been sharing ideas and experiences at Stewart Doty's Race Track Promoters Workshop for years. Furthermore, they have too many common goals and interests not to benefit from sharing.
17. FALSE: it's not in
anyone's long term best Interest for the promoter to go broke! You will find very few fans seated on wet bleachers. It is in everyone's best interest for the promoter to "cut his losses" when necessary
to stay in business.
18. FALSE: Good press relations, for example, result in benefits to the track operator that he could never afford to buy. Simply spending money on advertising is very low on the list of
important things to do.
19. FALSE., A rule is no better than the track operator's ability to enforce it. simpler and more enforceable the rules are the better off the track operator is.
20. FALSE:
Usually too many classes will only split the competitors up more and wear out the spectators (especially the important first timers) with long shows.
