Jeff Yammer wrote:
Hydroid , great post and thank you.
I only attended the Gravenhurst race and I can remember that their were some rumours of monies etc etc and what happened and the cause of I have no idea as the topic seemed to die out unfortunately rather quickly.
The tow money is always a great way to attract longer distance racers.
In my use of the word issues it was meant as issues and not a finger point what so ever so if there's a reason for some one to think otherwise I'd like to know as to possibly eliminate any confused parties.
It was also evident that there seemed to be some either A: conflicted opinions of what each class could do for themselves or B: a reason to wait to know if a class by itself could gather it's own resources.
TORC is the reason we are all here racing and it must be clear as to what is acceptable and fair to the organization. . . that seemed to be unclear in what I remember.
In no way what so ever was any ill meant by anything I posted what so ever in the above post. I had asked a few questions in the past and some very muddy answers were given and I'm sure it was that way for a very good reason. I was not officially part of anything up until this past year and hope to do the racing even a little bit of good.
The meaning of this entire post is to know what the racers would like to see to make things better or enjoyable for the now and the growth of the sport.
No money has been promised by me or anyone involved that I know of as I yet and there will always be people that want to take shots at other's efforts.
I take this racing way too serious most of the time but I truly love it.
Let's hope for some sort of warmth in the near future.
Cheers
Jeff, Im providing following to ensure transparency. Indeed late 2012/early 2013 there was much talk about a sizeable 2013 Drag sponsorship forthcoming from a Drag connection. This went on for months, nothing concrete despite phone calls placed. Finally I called John & Greg early Spring, 2 capable guys I respect for their integrity & getting sh** done; they pursued this, confirmed with a source it would not materialize.
Quickly they both stepped up as Drag/TORC sponsors, we(John, Greg, Jason, I) discussed options, their expectations, tow vs prize money. Consensus was to spread tow $ between several long distance attendees, as greater long term benefit for Drag/TORC to attract racers from US to play in our backyard(Dunnville or Muskoka), build CDA/US Drag relations with Jasper months away. We also agreed prize $$ can have unintended consequences, pit racers to risk what they otherwise would not unless $$'s on the line. There was discussion to spread some $ to a SO/T racer that came from furthest to offset cost.
With few evident US attendees, we could have done better with a more forceful marketing/promotional campaign toward US Drag guys to come up here, whether Muskoka or Dunnville; that's where the sponsorship was to have been best employed.
Now is the time to re-engage in Drag sponsorship/promotion, entice US Drag guys to come, understand their barriers(eg: passport), get commitments on their calendar.
Jeff, it seems you have plenty Car/boat drag experience & enthusiasm to build the 2014 season, this thread is great avenue for racers to express their wants, propose alternatives. If interested I can provide race event cost breakdown, and economics(sponsor, entry fees) to be viable. Keep at it, always welcome to reach out to me to bounce stuff.
Erik
