OK, so I have been approached by a few different organizations (mostly dirt racers) for donations to there big races. The point being why are they able to pull in 100+ entries for there events, $$$$ M.O.N.E.Y plain and simple.

So I am asking why do we not try that route at our track? Is there a reason not to? I know the juniors might be a problem, and some might have issues in giving there money to Bobby every week but... It might just grow the club to where it should be. Some have stated why race when you can run practice days for less. OK, why not "Pay to play" on Sunday?

Click this: Lightning Valley Motorsports
Check - World Dirt Karting Championship race

Just some thoughts....Fire away!

what does it cost currently to run on "race day" i cant seem to find it posted anywhere?

Anyway, I like the idea. as you may know i race motorcycles and i can enter the race there for less $$$ than a practice day at the kart track and win approx $150 when they have a light turn out of say 12-15 entries in the class. when we have special events its still only about $30 to enter and your running for $600 with about 40 entries in the class.

i do find it interesting that so many kart tracks DONT race for money, i dont know what the reasoning is for that but i found it to be a little odd that that was how it works, hence one of the reasons i run used tires and hit practice days instead of race days.

overall the economy does SUCK, most of the other race tracks i know of around here have seen much lighter turnouts, dont know if racing for cash can lure some people back in or not in todays tough econimic climate???? heck for that matter i have only raced my bike 4-5 times this year and only had the kart out once, i simply cant afford to spend $120 every time i need to fill my truck now when it used to be $45 just a few years ago. i would say i go to the tracks about 4 times less now than i did 2 years ago.... my boss doesnt seem to understand "cost of living increases" and "inflation"....

Racing for a cash payout at this level really opens a can of worms. First the fun aspect dissapears and racing becomes a money eating machine. What you you do to win? new tires every week, fresh engine every two, new chassis? These are real possibilities. I follow dirt kart racing very closely and realize there are more problems than we as a club could handle. I for one would leave karting if we started racing for cash. I would not be able to afford to be competitive and frankly don't want the hassle.
As for bike racing they have the AMA to back them up. I know AREA 51 is in trouble because they don't have enough races at that track. If kart racing had only one set of rules we would be able to run everywhere like the Rotax series and like the AMA but for right now club racing offers a low cost alternative into the motorsports world.

I just wanna have fun and race. I race for pride and hope of making it to big leaugues 1 day. I'm just living the dream

How are we going to race for money. Bob isn't going to put up the cash. The club only gets a few dollars from the entry fees. Where is this money going to come from? I already harvested the money tree in my back yard and we still have no sponsorships. For now I'm happy just to come out and race. My dad and I have a good time and we enjoy the comrodery of the other racers. I would hate to lose that because a $100 is on the line.

Lets forget about the money how would we regulate this. We would need impartial judges to officiate, a machineshop or enginebuilder to do tech, security to break up fights in the pits. We as a CLUB are not ready for this. We can barely pull off a club race.

I agree Adam. Then again, if we don't race for cash how will Bobby pay for college?

Money typically comes from the race fee's Yep that would mean an extra $$$ on top. If you have 10 racers at $5 thats $25 first $15 second and $10 third. Not much I know, and just another burden on the racer thats not there to race up front but just enjoys the day . That being said if there are 30 racers, you do the math.

Yes it brings up tech issues, but if theres 5-6 classes with 20-30 karts we could afford it.

I know its a touchy subject but keep the comments going, It is our club and we all have a say

The only way I can see where this would work is to have one special class that has a cash payout. This class would need to have their own rules and tech after every event. This can be worked out if there is enough interest. Mike you are right, this is our club and this type of discussion is very positive. There is a god!