Several years ago I went nuts (although some say I have always been a
little
off!) when I saw a reference in a magazine about organizers paying towing
cost of some Can-Am owners "to insure a quality field" of those cars at an
event where they were to be featured. I wrote a letter that was published in
Victory Lane and said that it insults the intelligence to think that any
owners of very expensive machinery need help with towing expenses! It is
also an insult to the other 200-300 entrants that make the event possible, as
if to imply that they are not important. I'll bet that the MG and Triumph
guys never get a free entry or towing expenses paid when their marque is
featured!
This is an issue that needs to be addressed again. We hear the
organizers
cry and moan that they are losing money and then we find out that they had
enough cash to let 40 or so of the wealthier owners come to an event gratis!
That works out to about $10,000 at $250 per entry. If this incentive
persuades those guys to come to an event it is not because they need the
money, it is because they like to have their ego stroked. I agree with Mordy
that I don't want to subsidize the ego stroking of wealthy owners. (I don't
hate all wealthy car owners. I have met some very nice ones and I am aware
that some are very generous contributors, sponsoring track parties and such)
Vintage racing is a growing industry. Entries are up at most events,
more
fans are coming (and paying) to watch the events and corporate sponsors are
beginning to have more presence at more events as well. If an organization
wants to have loyal members and be successful with big entries, I believe
they should show the rank and file that they value our participation as much
as the rich guys with expensive cars. If the organizer had $10,000 to pass
out, why not pass it around to ALL ENTRANTS. Wouldn't you have a warm fuzzy
about that event and organization if they refunded $40 or $50 of your entry?
Wouldn't you be more likely to go to one of their events again?
Does all this sound socialist? I don't think it is. We (rank and file
owners) are the market (in terms of entry fees) and also the product (by
using our cars to put on the show). Market share and quality product are
important to the vintage race organizers. It is in their best interest to
establish some 'brand loyalty' and put out a good product. I am suggesting
that they can further these goals by making their events more financially
attractive to all entrants, so you see it's all very capitolist.
So, let's get the torches and pitchforks and march to the doors of the
organizers demanding immediate reforms. If they refuse, we will begin a
terrorist campaign promising that at least one british motor (I don't have
enough parts to sacrifice mine!) will self destruct and oil up the track
during every session! Hmm, do you think they would notice any change? I'll
think of something else. Maybe we should unionize.
Your humble rabble rousing writer,
Doug Meis - Team Escargot
1967 Honda S800
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