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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 15, 2012 17:08:50 GMT -6
Well guys, I'm going to post my personal business on an open forum just so everyone will understand.
I just don't think the $5 spectator fee is going to work at Sallisaw. We have been open 6 weekends and each weekend has COST me money. Yesterday cost me $900, and as successful as the shootout looked, it actually COST me money also. That was the red flag. I can blame yesterday on the rain, and the first 3 weekends were just TNT, but the shootout had an awesome spectator turnout and didn't make any profit.
We talked about cutting labor...but I have to have a crew. We raised Concession prices....we were told people were going to start bringing their own food. I'm not going to cut payouts because the racers shouldn't have to pay the bills. And I'm sure not going to use less VHT and I'm sure all the racers know why.
So, after saying all that, there are only a few options: Raise General admission or break my lease agreement and shut the track down. I will try the first option....but the second option will happen if people wont pay the $10.
I just want all you LOYAL racers to know, I am sorry, but I have no choice.
I hope everyone understands,
Thanks,
Joe Mumma
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Post by tamray on Apr 15, 2012 17:51:08 GMT -6
Spectators paid it for years so who knows they may pay it again...I hope option 1 works out for ya
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Post by johnnygilliam on Apr 15, 2012 17:51:27 GMT -6
I understand Joe and so should everyone else. $10 is a small price to pay for the entertainment. I was confused as to when index classes would be run by looking at your schedule. I was under the impression they ran about twice a month and yesterday was just supposed to be a bracket race. I couldn't run anyway due to medical reasons yesterday but if I could have I still wouldn't have brought my car because I didn't know you were running indexes. Good luck Joe. I try to support as much as possible!
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 15, 2012 17:56:28 GMT -6
I understand Joe and so should everyone else. $10 is a small price to pay for the entertainment. I was confused as to when index classes would be run by looking at your schedule. I was under the impression they ran about twice a month and yesterday was just supposed to be a bracket race. I couldn't run anyway due to medical reasons yesterday but if I could have I still wouldn't have brought my car because I didn't know you were running indexes. Good luck Joe. I try to support as much as possible! Thank you, I appreciate it! And yes, Indexes will run every weekend. I had to make it a 4 car minimum for the payout though. I'm trying to make as few changes as possible, but I have to make some changes.  |
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Post by cd on Apr 15, 2012 18:07:03 GMT -6
$10 is cheap enough, should be no problem for most.
You've got to make a profit or it's not worth it for you, easy economics.
Simply suggestions and nothing more, as I have never ran a track before, do whatever you have to do to make a profit and make it worth your while. If that means raising admission, dropping index classes on the regular basis and only having them on shootout nights. I know you are a heads-up guy, but if you cant make any $ on those shows with a big spectator turnout then you may have to rethink that program. I wish you all the luck and hope for your success in this venture. We will support you in any way we can to help make this work.
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Post by Jon Hollis on Apr 15, 2012 19:36:38 GMT -6
SHOOTOUT was great.. Worth way more than the $5 I payed to get in the gate. Concessions were out of food BUT the prices seemed fair enough. Though $2 for a warm can of Pepsi was a little high. Have you checked into fountain drinks? I know fountain drinks used to be money makers. $10 for Brackets and $15 or $20 for shootouts with discount coupons available from Sponsors sounds good to me. Your hard work is APPRECIATED!!!! Hope you can make a profit and keep the track open.
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 15, 2012 20:02:09 GMT -6
SHOOTOUT was great.. Worth way more than the $5 I payed to get in the gate. Concessions were out of food BUT the prices seemed fair enough. Though $2 for a warm can of Pepsi was a little high. Have you checked into fountain drinks? I know fountain drinks used to be money makers. $10 for Brackets and $15 or $20 for shootouts with discount coupons available from Sponsors sounds good to me. Your hard work is APPRECIATED!!!! Hope you can make a profit and keep the track open. All the complaints I have had, have been the concession stand. I cant blame it all on them, we just were not prepared for that crowd so I take blame for that. Now how slow they were....We are working on that part of it. The warm can of pop...that is a new one...so I will look into that. I did check into fountain drinks, but just Pepsi. They wont do concession stands any more. I may try to call coke and see what we can do. We raised the prices on the concession stand after the shootout. (not on canned pop though, LOL), We allow people to bring in outside food and drinks, and many people set up their own BBQ, and I don't want to pull what Tulsa did. I know people are going to complain no matter what you do, but you should hear me complain when I have to take money out of the bank to support the track! LOL  |
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Post by gordonl on Apr 15, 2012 21:21:24 GMT -6
10.00 dollars is fair for spectator entry and I think you shoud charge at least 25.00 for the Index class, and make them a 4 car minumum or prize money would have to be cut to pay winner only and if winner wants to split he can with runner-up. Right now between the weather and end of year school stuff is going to hurt till after May or the end of it. Hopefully things will turn around SOON.
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Post by justinmartin on Apr 15, 2012 21:26:38 GMT -6
With the free tickets I think you will be ok
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 15, 2012 21:30:01 GMT -6
10.00 dollars is fair for spectator entry and I think you shoud charge at least 25.00 for the Index class, and make them a 4 car minumum or prize money would have to be cut to pay winner only and if winner wants to split he can with runner-up. Right now between the weather and end of year school stuff is going to hurt till after May or the end of it. Hopefully things will turn around SOON. Hey Gordon...just wanted to let you know, that was really cool of you to do what you did for Kyle. I may have to charge for index classes, I'm going to see how the admission price change goes, and work from there. I'm not giving up! I'm super competitive so I feel like I have to make the track better than anyone else has LOL. And Ive never started anything that I planed on failing at...... |
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Post by jimmy on Apr 15, 2012 21:32:06 GMT -6
I'm fine with the indexes being charged but I figure if you do that you probably won't help because most of them will quit doing it and not get the 4 so would benignity the same just eliminateing them I think every class should pay an entry fee just my opinion though.
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 15, 2012 21:36:24 GMT -6
With the free tickets I think you will be ok I do plan on giving out free tickets for sure, maybe some half price tickets. I will do the same thing for you guys on the radio as last time. I just don't think at $5 it will ever make the profit it needs to make for me to want to do it. If I would have made money on the shootout, I would have never made the decision to raise the price, but we had a better spectator turnout then they have had in a long time and didn't even break even. Even if I would have charged an entry fee, we MIGHT have broke even....but that's still not good enough for the crowd we had. |
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Post by kellieann on Apr 16, 2012 16:16:50 GMT -6
Anyone in their right mind knows that you are trying to do the right thing by everyone, Joe. Being a racer or even a die-hard fan today has it's own challenges. But being a track operator presents challenges and so much more... This economy has been tough on many for several years now. However, most folks DO expect to pay a fair price for "entertainment." Those who want something for basically nothing have other issues than the economic downturn  In my neck of the racing woods, there is a top notch facility an hour + away, which has not been and apparently will not be "racer-friendly." Charges the same $10 to watch. Gives you heck about parking near your racing friends, doesn't allow outside food/drinks, takes all day and then some to run a bracket program (or any other, for that matter) & could give a darn less whether the fans enjoyed the racing-or lack thereof-or not. Don't know of any local tracks that don't rely on spectator admissions. (Or as others pointed out, so do movie theaters, concerts, other sporting venues, etc) And if they DON'T rely on spectator admissions, they aren't as concerned about the spectator experience. Although not impossible, sponsorship is hard to come by. Again, the economy. You are right, Joe, an operator wants to pay the best purse possible to his/her drivers. Without them, there is nothing to "spectate!" On the other hand, Sallisaw is a three-hour tow one-way now, which makes it economically unfeasible for us to visit but only a few times a year. BUT, but... if it were closer, given the "atmosphere" the track has, the efforts you've gone to in not only keeping it open but "hooking," open to improvement & growth, while at the same time, simply looking to providing a good track for racers & fans, we'd be there! Folks pay $10 for 2 packs of smokes-it's not unreasonable to pay $10 for a day packed full of memories! Folks are prone to gripe. It's not a legitimate gripe to complain about no longer having a drag racing facility just because the track charged a ten spot for them to have a great time. Glad to hear the stands have had fannies in them though. Keep up the good work & hang in there. As Jimmy put it, now I will get off my soapbox lol |
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Post by gingerlynn on Apr 16, 2012 18:34:36 GMT -6
Well put Kellie!
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Post by hudgens on Apr 16, 2012 20:25:01 GMT -6
Lots of good ideas on here!Here are some things they do at Ozark Raceway-your prices at $10.00 for general admission is about what they charge for bracket races.On the monthly shootouts-spectators are $20.00 at those races.They even charge for reserved parking!The best parking spots start at $500.00 per spot(This is suppose to be for repaving the pits-someday?)I have a friends that races in Colorado(not sure name of the track-but bracket racers pay $95.00 per parking spot there.I know right now most tracks is first come first serve!And is OK-but most people do have there favorite parking spots.Just some ideas,I know you have alot of support,and things will get better,Joe!!Terry
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 16, 2012 20:41:27 GMT -6
Lots of good ideas on here!Here are some things they do at Ozark Raceway-your prices at $10.00 for general admission is about what they charge for bracket races.On the monthly shootouts-spectators are $20.00 at those races.They even charge for reserved parking!The best parking spots start at $500.00 per spot(This is suppose to be for repaving the pits-someday?)I have a friends that races in Colorado(not sure name of the track-but bracket racers pay $95.00 per parking spot there.I know right now most tracks is first come first serve!And is OK-but most people do have there favorite parking spots.Just some ideas,I know you have alot of support,and things will get better,Joe!!Terry Hey Terry, I actually thought about the reserved parking idea, but it go lost in the cracks after all the other things I have had to do! Im not sure it would work here, but if someone wanted to reserve a spot for a shootout, or any other night for that matter, I wouldnt be against it. |
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 16, 2012 20:42:46 GMT -6
Anyone in their right mind knows that you are trying to do the right thing by everyone, Joe. Being a racer or even a die-hard fan today has it's own challenges. But being a track operator presents challenges and so much more... This economy has been tough on many for several years now. However, most folks DO expect to pay a fair price for "entertainment." Those who want something for basically nothing have other issues than the economic downturn In my neck of the racing woods, there is a top notch facility an hour + away, which has not been and apparently will not be "racer-friendly." Charges the same $10 to watch. Gives you heck about parking near your racing friends, doesn't allow outside food/drinks, takes all day and then some to run a bracket program (or any other, for that matter) & could give a darn less whether the fans enjoyed the racing-or lack thereof-or not. Don't know of any local tracks that don't rely on spectator admissions. (Or as others pointed out, so do movie theaters, concerts, other sporting venues, etc) And if they DON'T rely on spectator admissions, they aren't as concerned about the spectator experience. Although not impossible, sponsorship is hard to come by. Again, the economy. You are right, Joe, an operator wants to pay the best purse possible to his/her drivers. Without them, there is nothing to "spectate!" On the other hand, Sallisaw is a three-hour tow one-way now, which makes it economically unfeasible for us to visit but only a few times a year. BUT, but... if it were closer, given the "atmosphere" the track has, the efforts you've gone to in not only keeping it open but "hooking," open to improvement & growth, while at the same time, simply looking to providing a good track for racers & fans, we'd be there! Folks pay $10 for 2 packs of smokes-it's not unreasonable to pay $10 for a day packed full of memories! Folks are prone to gripe. It's not a legitimate gripe to complain about no longer having a drag racing facility just because the track charged a ten spot for them to have a great time. Glad to hear the stands have had fannies in them though. Keep up the good work & hang in there. As Jimmy put it, now I will get off my soapbox lol  |
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Post by Tony Jr. on Apr 17, 2012 19:30:15 GMT -6
Sry i didnt make it last weekend, wish i could of tho and sry to hear bout the downside of thaf but just wanted you to know that im there to help as a friend of course. Oh and im stubborn just like dad when it comes to certain things especially after last weekend. Im going to start announcing each event on facebook and possibly make a twitter and see how that goes. Ill help in any way to keep the track going, it keeps me out of trouble.......my car is too tempting lol
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Post by jaynorton on Apr 18, 2012 10:13:48 GMT -6
I own two commercial properties that are leased to businesses in the automotive after market. Over the years I have had to use tools such as market trends, depreciation and what I percieve that a business can shell out each month for rent and stay healthy.
I will tell you that due to the economy and not depreciation these properties do not bring the same amount of income than they used to because of the adjustments that I have made to the rent payments. This has resulted in both being occupied for the last seven years with both occupants paying there rent each month on time.
Your landlord may need to reexamine what he requires from his property each month as income. Because some income and a facility that is operating is better than a facility that is vacant and rotting to the ground. I feel if I had not made the adjustments I made, I would probabley be facing the rotting to the ground scenario.
Joe as a business owner you have looked at your expenses and they are where they have to be. You raised your admission while still reasonable it will cost you some warm bodies in the stands. This track will only bring in so much from the market.
If I was your land lord I would be busting my behind trying to make sure you are happy and making money because lets be honest you are pobabley his last hope as a succesful operator.
After the Woods Family left I thought the owner just as well turn it back in to a cow pasture because it was done. I forgot about you, at least you don't have to drive from Claremore.
Anyway I hope to see you some this year if you don't go broke first.
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 18, 2012 11:34:34 GMT -6
I own two commercial properties that are leased to businesses in the automotive after market. Over the years I have had to use tools such as market trends, depreciation and what I percieve that a business can shell out each month for rent and stay healthy. I will tell you that due to the economy and not depreciation these properties do not bring the same amount of income than they used to because of the adjustments that I have made to the rent payments. This has resulted in both being occupied for the last seven years with both occupants paying there rent each month on time. Your landlord may need to reexamine what he requires from his property each month as income. Because some income and a facility that is operating is better than a facility that is vacant and rotting to the ground. I feel if I had not made the adjustments I made, I would probabley be facing the rotting to the ground scenario. Joe as a business owner you have looked at your expenses and they are where they have to be. You raised your admission while still reasonable it will cost you some warm bodies in the stands. This track will only bring in so much from the market. If I was your land lord I would be busting my behind trying to make sure you are happy and making money because lets be honest you are pobabley his last hope as a succesful operator. After the Woods Family left I thought the owner just as well turn it back in to a cow pasture because it was done. I forgot about you, at least you don't have to drive from Claremore. Anyway I hope to see you some this year if you don't go broke first. Hey Jay! long time no see. The economy is what i had in mind when i decided to try the 5$ entry. I wanted it to be affordable to the racers and fans both, in the long run, it may or may not have worked. Truth is this this track needs a rich man to turn it around, i myself do not have the funds to keep losing while it builds back up. I have a good deal worked out with the landlord, believe it or not! Lol. And the other thing you mentioned about me being his last hope is true, i would not have took this on if anyone else would have stepped up. Hope to see you out soon! |
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Post by 93mustang on Apr 18, 2012 17:35:42 GMT -6
Will there be a charge for children and at what age do you start charging as an adult? Thanks
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 18, 2012 19:37:35 GMT -6
Will there be a charge for children and at what age do you start charging as an adult? Thanks 12 and under are free. What is your name? Thanks |
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Post by 93mustang on Apr 19, 2012 15:34:51 GMT -6
Shane Green
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 19, 2012 20:19:53 GMT -6
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Post by grubbracing on Apr 21, 2012 9:29:47 GMT -6
i dont know what the answer is for sallisaw. i have tried several times to race there but many things over the years have stopped me from coming back. there seems to be some kind of grit that comes from the pits on to the track even after a burnout my crew says u can feel it on the tires..last time i was there bump in right lane was terrible...many night ending mysterious red lights coming on before car ever moved... turning second stage bulb on and lights being dropped immediatly (quick tree)i dont mind racing my oppenent im just not good enough to race the track to....i understand you werent running the place then but there have been many owners and problems still remain...after i get car back together we will come over and check you guys out sometime....just my 2 cents............
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 21, 2012 9:36:03 GMT -6
i dont know what the answer is for sallisaw. i have tried several times to race there but many things over the years have stopped me from coming back. there seems to be some kind of grit that comes from the pits on to the track even after a burnout my crew says u can feel it on the tires..last time i was there bump in right lane was terrible...many night ending mysterious red lights coming on before car ever moved... turning second stage bulb on and lights being dropped immediatly (quick tree)i dont mind racing my oppenent im just not good enough to race the track to....i understand you werent running the place then but there have been many owners and problems still remain...after i get car back together we will come over and check you guys out sometime....just my 2 cents............ Believe me....i know lol |
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Post by johnnygilliam on Apr 21, 2012 13:32:52 GMT -6
I agree on the fast lights... I tried to run my transbrake on a .400 pro tree there and couldn't get set before the flash/go so I just footbrake it...
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 22, 2012 12:21:25 GMT -6
I agree on the fast lights... I tried to run my transbrake on a .400 pro tree there and couldn't get set before the flash/go so I just footbrake it... With my guys or the old guys? If its my guys we will fix it. |
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Post by johnnygilliam on Apr 22, 2012 17:32:50 GMT -6
Joe, I never had a transbrake till this yr... I tried it at a TNT twice and my heavy car at 5k it will spin (no 2-step). I tried to use it once time trialing for 6.50 index 2 weeks ago and once the 2nd yellow was lit by me I didn't have time to bring it up on the converter before the .400 pro tree activated so I just went back to footbraking...
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Post by Joe Mumma on Apr 22, 2012 17:56:17 GMT -6
Ok, we'll fix it. Only thing i cant do is burn the other guy down if he is on the converter for a long time. If your not used to a pro tree, you got to be ready to go when your fully staged! But i hear you, and we'll try to give you some more time.
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