The numbers for this years CSC are down from last year. That’s a simple fact. If we add another track to the mix, the CSC in its current form grows to 9 races and it stops club racing altogether. In addition, the pressure will be on to add still another drop. So a 9 race series with 2 drops, who gest hurt. Bandimere and Grand Junction, two the base stalwarts of the series.
Brad, you are right about two things. First, most karters only stay in it for 2-3 years. We’ve been racing for 9. Mitch has been in karting his entire life. We were stupid enough to fall in love with this sport and we care about it deeply. Most get tired of the bull crap and bail. Second, racer have only enough money and time on average for 10 events per year. If the CSC grows to 9, kiss club racing goodby.
What I’m proposing is something like what is going on in southern California except YOU get to control everything. Two series like Gatorz and ProKart. Change the name if you’re hung up on it but if you had two series, one for clutch karts and one for shifter. Each series is 5 (or 4) races, no drops and a racer has to do 2 or 3 club races (any track) for their points to be good in the regional series.
You as a track owner get two events, just like now. If you spend some time promoting the events, each series will get more total racers than if you continued with one series only. You will gain additional entries for your club races. At the end of the year, you will have more money in your pocket than if you continue down the current path.
I know some think that the addition of The Track will hurt existing tracks. But I disagree. If each track works on promoting karting, each track is located in a stratigically different area. It opens up karting to new potential customers who dont know what’s going on, on the other side of town. It also gives racers a chance to go around different tracks. I know that for us, we quickly got tired on only going around one track. If your track was the only one in town, we would have quit the sport a long time ago. But the fact that we have been able to go to over 24 different tracks around the country has helped keep our interest in the sport. Many people quit because they are bored. More tracks gives more options and will only help keep racers in the sport.
I see three option for next year.
First, add The Track and do the CSC just like this year. 9 races, 2 drops. The results I see are lower overall numbers per event than this year ( a continuing trend from last year) and fewer entries for club races.
Second, two series like I suggest and we will have more overall racers with increased club participation.
Three. Every man (track) for themself.
What will it be?