Kevin Miller Tonight Racin' with D.O. @ Kelly's Pub

Jerry Shaw · 5/12/08, 9:25 PM

When I'm listening to this, I'm hearing a guy who is definitely in charge, has a vision and is lining out parts a, b, c, d, etc. of his business plan, that he's going to use to carry it out. If I were a shareholder and this were a CEO laying out his plan for the company he is running, I wouldn't be in any hurry to sell that stock. His plans to reach and market the sport to younger potential fans included some things that were definitely cutting edge and way different from the way things have always been done at USAC. And even though there have been some individual decisions that I wish I didn't have to see, in the long run, his business model includes many things that are the kind of things that need to be done, to keep the sport alive and thriving. You have to take the bad with the good. And in this case, I see more bad than good, big picture wise.

Jerry

Kirk Spridgeon · 5/12/08, 9:42 PM

Chuck, I hate to say it, but you're out in left field.

The promoters want events. What races get the crowds? The multiple day-shows, along with legitimate events, are what bring people in. The races that aren't special just don't bring people in, which is why all races should have a "name" and hold some sort of clout.

Honestly, the longer MSCS races have largely been disappointing. Haubstadt can pull it off, but the 30-lappers are every bit as good or better. Sprint car races should usually be 30 laps, and 40 at the most. (Except for special circumstances, like Anderson)

Who do you need to see competing for a win? Cottle has gotten his deal. Brady Short is the man. The good ones can compete. Why would you try to make it easier? It shouldn't be easy - it wasn't easy for those guys to get to the point of being competitive with the best guys. If someone can't compete the way it is now, they just need to work harder and get faster. It's so beautiful to see a guy sneak up on the USAC guys and then become a constant contender.

I agree that they could include more guys in the heat races, but there's no need to make it too expansive. Beyond 40 or so cars, there's just no need to keep including cars in the rest of the program. We don't need anybody to cause unneeded cautions or become heat race lapped traffic.

And honestly, the racing isn't competitive enough right now? I've been seeing some unreal racing, even on some poorly-prepared tracks. That's a testament to the equipment and talent on the track. All it takes is a great race track to take it to the next level...

Charles Nungester · 5/12/08, 9:57 PM

Spridg, I don't dissagree with you on most of this.

I do want everybody to want to try and have a competitive chance to do it.

A drivers cream still rises to the top. However the days of not being able to hookup outlaw motors are over.

Chuck

Pat O'Connor Fan · 5/12/08, 9:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Shaw

You have to take the bad with the good. And in this case, I see more bad than good, big picture wise.

Did you mean this statement to come off the way I read it? It actually sounds more like something a pessimist like me would say than an optimist like you. I truly wish I could see that half-full glass, but the loss of Greg Staab along with the return of Jason Smith makes that half-empty glass all too visible for me.

AERO410SCJA · 5/12/08, 10:11 PM

There BEST 32 car bullchit may hold water, if they DIDN'T GIVE PROVISIONALS to their drivers:angry-smiley-007:

Other then that I have no beefs(well maybe pavement and phantom rain outs

)

Jerry Shaw · 5/12/08, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pat O'Connor Fan

Did you mean this statement to come off the way I read it? It actually sounds more like something a pessimist like me would say than an optimist like you. I truly wish I could see that half-full glass, but the loss of Greg Staab along with the return of Jason Smith makes that half-empty glass all too visible for me.

I meant it just like I said it. In the long run, I think this guy's plans will probably steer the USAC ship in the right direction. Only time will tell. I know one thing, I'm not going to stop going to USAC races because I disagree with some personnel decision they made. Even if it's someone I like. If they lose my business, it'll be because of their product on the track. And so far, this year, their product has been sensational.

Jerry

cabjr111 · 5/12/08, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cecil98

Greg is not leaving on his own. FACT! I could tell you more but Greg doesn't want to go negative on here. Like the class act he is, he wants to take the high road. What happened is BULLSH!!!!!

Why does everybody always want to take the high road?
GIVE US THE DIRT!:shout

D.O. · 5/12/08, 10:37 PM

I see lofty goals and great ideas but everything is centered on money to make it happen.
He has been in power 5 months, We wanted change so hang on it's coming, good or bad.
He told us his limits and that he isn't a puppet but doing HIS job. Reform USAC and rebuild.

USAC has a product and the at race part is fine. Fans are headed home at a fair hour.

Pod-casting is coming. check out www.mo-pod.com

Thanks to all who listen and suggest that everybody take a listen and lets everybody know what you think. Kevin reads the board.

:dologob:

hoosierhillbilly · 5/12/08, 11:00 PM

To follow up to what DO said, Kevin reads the board and will respond to emails and suggestions. I think one of my suggestions has actually seen some implementation.

riskybrisky5 · 5/12/08, 11:16 PM

I told myself I was going to keep this to my self and not post this on the message board. But I cant I think it is to important to stay quiet. I have personally made a vow not to run with USAC again until one thing is changed. I participated in the Brownstown USAC race. It cost me $40.00 to enter one car, which is new this year to non members. On top of that it was $35.00 for each pit pass. I had 6 people that we paid to get in to help us. It cost us not counting methanal around $290.00 to enter the pits that is for 2 cars and pit passes. I didnt realize this until after the event we recieved 0 dollars for the event. If you do not make it through the non qualifers you recieve nothing. I dont know about other racers we cannot spend 200.00 per night to get in the races and get nothing back. We just can't afford it. My question is what is the $40.00 bucks per car for? Why are the racers expected to pay an entry fee over and above the pit pass. It should not be the racers responsibility to pay for USACS overhead. We are there to put on the show for the fans, and what a show it was the heats were outstanding. USAC should be paying there overhead through sponsorships, sanctioning fees, promotions and many other ways but not form there competitors. While all wing series find ways to pay show up money with no entry fees we are having to pay entry fees. MSCS pays all competitors $100.00 to show up. I have never been to a series where you recieve no money for racing. I could understand if you never hit the track, but if you race you should recieve money back. So until USAC takes the entry fee away or pays everyone I will not compete in another USAC event.

I urge all other racers who agree with me to voice your opinion and stay home also until this changes.

All promoters should stand up to USAC on this issue also. Take the Bloomington show for example that was rained out. By me not going and participating would have cost the promoter around $500.00 when you figure my crews pit pass money they lost as well as all my family and friends that follow me to the races. For that $40.00 dollar entry fee and no money at the end of the night for non qualifers cost you the promoter $500.00. Multiply that times every car that may not come because of the costs to participate with USAC.

I know some of you are going to bash me that if you cant afford $200.00 a night you dont need to be racing. Well fact is we cant. Also some will say drive harder and you will make the show. Fact is USAC is tough right now as tough as it has ever been. Some big teams will even find there way into the non qualifiers before years end. The diffence is some will have provisionals.

Point is this is not right and USAC needs to realize they made a mistake with the entry fees and step up and change it.

I have nothing against the new regimin and wish them the best. I do think they made a mistake with Greg Stabb. But that is just my opinion.

5/12/08, 9:25 PM	#11 Re: Kevin Miller Tonight Racin' with D.O. @ Kelly's Pub
Jerry Shaw Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 4,722	When I'm listening to this, I'm hearing a guy who is definitely in charge, has a vision and is lining out parts a, b, c, d, etc. of his business plan, that he's going to use to carry it out. If I were a shareholder and this were a CEO laying out his plan for the company he is running, I wouldn't be in any hurry to sell that stock. His plans to reach and market the sport to younger potential fans included some things that were definitely cutting edge and way different from the way things have always been done at USAC. And even though there have been some individual decisions that I wish I didn't have to see, in the long run, his business model includes many things that are the kind of things that need to be done, to keep the sport alive and thriving. You have to take the bad with the good. And in this case, I see more bad than good, big picture wise. Jerry __________________ A man is about as big as the things that make him angry. Winston Churchill

5/12/08, 9:57 PM	#13 Re: Kevin Miller Tonight Racin' with D.O. @ Kelly's Pub
Charles Nungester Senior Member Race Count This Year: 6 Race Count Last Year: 14 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 21,731	Spridg, I don't dissagree with you on most of this. I do want everybody to want to try and have a competitive chance to do it. A drivers cream still rises to the top. However the days of not being able to hookup outlaw motors are over. Chuck __________________ Charles Nungester

5/12/08, 10:11 PM	#15 Re: Kevin Miller Tonight Racin' with D.O. @ Kelly's Pub
AERO410SCJA Senior Member Race Count This Year: 24 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,131	There BEST 32 car bullchit may hold water, if they DIDN'T GIVE PROVISIONALS to their drivers:angry-smiley-007: Other then that I have no beefs(well maybe pavement and phantom rain outs)

5/12/08, 9:42 PM	#12 Re: Kevin Miller Tonight Racin' with D.O. @ Kelly's Pub
Kirk Spridgeon Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 802	Chuck, I hate to say it, but you're out in left field. The promoters want events. What races get the crowds? The multiple day-shows, along with legitimate events, are what bring people in. The races that aren't special just don't bring people in, which is why all races should have a "name" and hold some sort of clout. Honestly, the longer MSCS races have largely been disappointing. Haubstadt can pull it off, but the 30-lappers are every bit as good or better. Sprint car races should usually be 30 laps, and 40 at the most. (Except for special circumstances, like Anderson) Who do you need to see competing for a win? Cottle has gotten his deal. Brady Short is the man. The good ones can compete. Why would you try to make it easier? It shouldn't be easy - it wasn't easy for those guys to get to the point of being competitive with the best guys. If someone can't compete the way it is now, they just need to work harder and get faster. It's so beautiful to see a guy sneak up on the USAC guys and then become a constant contender. I agree that they could include more guys in the heat races, but there's no need to make it too expansive. Beyond 40 or so cars, there's just no need to keep including cars in the rest of the program. We don't need anybody to cause unneeded cautions or become heat race lapped traffic. And honestly, the racing isn't competitive enough right now? I've been seeing some unreal racing, even on some poorly-prepared tracks. That's a testament to the equipment and talent on the track. All it takes is a great race track to take it to the next level...

5/12/08, 10:37 PM	#18 Re: Kevin Miller Tonight Racin' with D.O. @ Kelly's Pub
D.O. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,915	I see lofty goals and great ideas but everything is centered on money to make it happen. He has been in power 5 months, We wanted change so hang on it's coming, good or bad. He told us his limits and that he isn't a puppet but doing HIS job. Reform USAC and rebuild. USAC has a product and the at race part is fine. Fans are headed home at a fair hour. Pod-casting is coming. check out www.mo-pod.com Thanks to all who listen and suggest that everybody take a listen and lets everybody know what you think. Kevin reads the board. :dologob:

5/12/08, 11:00 PM	#19 Re: Kevin Miller Tonight Racin' with D.O. @ Kelly's Pub
hoosierhillbilly Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 603	To follow up to what DO said, Kevin reads the board and will respond to emails and suggestions. I think one of my suggestions has actually seen some implementation.

5/12/08, 11:16 PM	#20 Re: Kevin Miller Tonight Racin' with D.O. @ Kelly's Pub
riskybrisky5 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 284	I told myself I was going to keep this to my self and not post this on the message board. But I cant I think it is to important to stay quiet. I have personally made a vow not to run with USAC again until one thing is changed. I participated in the Brownstown USAC race. It cost me $40.00 to enter one car, which is new this year to non members. On top of that it was $35.00 for each pit pass. I had 6 people that we paid to get in to help us. It cost us not counting methanal around $290.00 to enter the pits that is for 2 cars and pit passes. I didnt realize this until after the event we recieved 0 dollars for the event. If you do not make it through the non qualifers you recieve nothing. I dont know about other racers we cannot spend 200.00 per night to get in the races and get nothing back. We just can't afford it. My question is what is the $40.00 bucks per car for? Why are the racers expected to pay an entry fee over and above the pit pass. It should not be the racers responsibility to pay for USACS overhead. We are there to put on the show for the fans, and what a show it was the heats were outstanding. USAC should be paying there overhead through sponsorships, sanctioning fees, promotions and many other ways but not form there competitors. While all wing series find ways to pay show up money with no entry fees we are having to pay entry fees. MSCS pays all competitors $100.00 to show up. I have never been to a series where you recieve no money for racing. I could understand if you never hit the track, but if you race you should recieve money back. So until USAC takes the entry fee away or pays everyone I will not compete in another USAC event. I urge all other racers who agree with me to voice your opinion and stay home also until this changes. All promoters should stand up to USAC on this issue also. Take the Bloomington show for example that was rained out. By me not going and participating would have cost the promoter around $500.00 when you figure my crews pit pass money they lost as well as all my family and friends that follow me to the races. For that $40.00 dollar entry fee and no money at the end of the night for non qualifers cost you the promoter $500.00. Multiply that times every car that may not come because of the costs to participate with USAC. I know some of you are going to bash me that if you cant afford $200.00 a night you dont need to be racing. Well fact is we cant. Also some will say drive harder and you will make the show. Fact is USAC is tough right now as tough as it has ever been. Some big teams will even find there way into the non qualifiers before years end. The diffence is some will have provisionals. Point is this is not right and USAC needs to realize they made a mistake with the entry fees and step up and change it. I have nothing against the new regimin and wish them the best. I do think they made a mistake with Greg Stabb. But that is just my opinion.