Post by Mike Stark on Jun 12, 2006 18:37:55 GMT -5
Let me start off by saying that VFN Fiberglass had absolutely nothing to do with the decisions that were made for the June 10th event. They were gracious enough to be a sponsor and are not responsible for anything more. VFN has been one of the biggest supporters of Heads-up, and drag racing in general. Please continue to support those that support your sport. If you wish to point fingers, point them at myself and the track.
I’m very sorry to say that the June 10th race was far from successful. There were many factors involved, most of which being the dismal forecast of rain. I’m extremely appreciative of those racers that made the trek to come and race with us. I’m the most appreciative of those racers that have run with the series since the very beginning. It’s your kind that make this sport what it is, “Exciting”. You should all be very proud of yourselves. The rain forced us to have a small turn out of spectators and cars. It saddened us to have had to make the difficult decision we did. The track owner and myself looked at all of the sponsor money, and all of the money collected that day only to realize that we barely had enough for a 50% payout. While the track had agreed to guarantee the purse, it was not even remotely feasible. Sponsor monies only covered a mere 15% of the total purse. We were relying heavily on car and spectator count, as well as the car show to make up the difference. Being that the track took new ownership over the winter and is in essence a small business. There was simply no possible way for the total purse to be paid. It’s not as if we were in the ballpark and talking 1 to 2 thousand dollars. We were $10,000 short of breaking even. I took it upon myself to jump on the grenade and face the music. I feel as though I did it with as much class and dignity as I could muster. The announcement of the reduced purse was made before eliminations so as to give the racers a choice of a returned entry fee or to continue racing for a reduced but still $10,000 payout. I’m very thankful for all of the understanding from all of the great racers that were there. I have been organizing/promoting Heads-up street car events for nearly 10 years. Most would agree that they were all successful in some fashion. I never expected for us to have to do what we did. I am very humbled by the experience. I started the meeting at the track by saying that it was the last race I would ever try to organize. I stand by that now, and I graciously bow out as a promoter. I know that I have suffered a severe blow to my credibility, my humility, and most of all my pride. I am not proud of the way we handled the situation. I still feel it was the best way of resolving the issue. It would have been financially devastating for the track to take a $10,000 loss. It was a strong financial burden on me as well. I hope that all of you will see the reality of that. I’m sincerely appreciative of the understanding that most of you have. I’m also respectful of those that don’t share that same sentiment. I took a leap of faith and tried to do what no one else would in this region. It seems that faith just simply wasn’t enough.
Sincerely,
Mike Stark
Officially retired race promoter
Our sponsors are simply victims of circumstance. Please don’t hold them responsible for what has transpired. No one can control the weather and we all paid the price. Please continue to support those that have supported you all these years.
VFN Fiberglass, M&M automotive, Promax Carbs, Hoch’s Garage, Jax Wax, Junk in the trunk photos and video, Motorsports Engineering
I’m very sorry to say that the June 10th race was far from successful. There were many factors involved, most of which being the dismal forecast of rain. I’m extremely appreciative of those racers that made the trek to come and race with us. I’m the most appreciative of those racers that have run with the series since the very beginning. It’s your kind that make this sport what it is, “Exciting”. You should all be very proud of yourselves. The rain forced us to have a small turn out of spectators and cars. It saddened us to have had to make the difficult decision we did. The track owner and myself looked at all of the sponsor money, and all of the money collected that day only to realize that we barely had enough for a 50% payout. While the track had agreed to guarantee the purse, it was not even remotely feasible. Sponsor monies only covered a mere 15% of the total purse. We were relying heavily on car and spectator count, as well as the car show to make up the difference. Being that the track took new ownership over the winter and is in essence a small business. There was simply no possible way for the total purse to be paid. It’s not as if we were in the ballpark and talking 1 to 2 thousand dollars. We were $10,000 short of breaking even. I took it upon myself to jump on the grenade and face the music. I feel as though I did it with as much class and dignity as I could muster. The announcement of the reduced purse was made before eliminations so as to give the racers a choice of a returned entry fee or to continue racing for a reduced but still $10,000 payout. I’m very thankful for all of the understanding from all of the great racers that were there. I have been organizing/promoting Heads-up street car events for nearly 10 years. Most would agree that they were all successful in some fashion. I never expected for us to have to do what we did. I am very humbled by the experience. I started the meeting at the track by saying that it was the last race I would ever try to organize. I stand by that now, and I graciously bow out as a promoter. I know that I have suffered a severe blow to my credibility, my humility, and most of all my pride. I am not proud of the way we handled the situation. I still feel it was the best way of resolving the issue. It would have been financially devastating for the track to take a $10,000 loss. It was a strong financial burden on me as well. I hope that all of you will see the reality of that. I’m sincerely appreciative of the understanding that most of you have. I’m also respectful of those that don’t share that same sentiment. I took a leap of faith and tried to do what no one else would in this region. It seems that faith just simply wasn’t enough.
Sincerely,
Mike Stark
Officially retired race promoter
Our sponsors are simply victims of circumstance. Please don’t hold them responsible for what has transpired. No one can control the weather and we all paid the price. Please continue to support those that have supported you all these years.
VFN Fiberglass, M&M automotive, Promax Carbs, Hoch’s Garage, Jax Wax, Junk in the trunk photos and video, Motorsports Engineering
I personally want to thank you for doing all you have to give everyone a place and time to race and to give me something to take pictures of......No matter what the payout or turn out I can honestly say I have NEVER had a dull moment at one of your events......Props to ya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
