As mentioned above, the Saturday gamblers race was concluded at 7:30 PM and the "Race Olympics" was started at 8:00 PM. We had the biggest participation ever for the Olympics and fun was definitely the rule. I would also like to note that Cedar Falls had the lowest team turnout support for the games. Anyway, the games were concluded shortly after 9 PM. In addition, we also scheduled a "Racers Karaoke Party" at a pub located 3 miles from the track. This was to provide a venue for additional socializing. I want to also note here that we had some racers who said they would rather have had another gamblers race Saturday in place of the Racers Olympics and socializing time. Go figure.

And finally, the grind of bracket racing is based from what the bracket racers have said they wanted. I personally don't care for buy-backs or that grind (although buy-backs have become a vital revenue source on a regular basis for most tracks).

When I talk to many of the bracket racers from Cordova, it's all about races and how many they can have on a day or dates -- not to much like our grudge events, etc. The mini-casino aspect was born from the racers, not the operators (at least not this one) as it's often more profitable and easier for this operator to conduct a streamlined event than one with numerous races, etc.

That's why there will not be any big money events at CDP. In my opinion, those events are like Las Vegas, so you might as well go where the lights flash brightly.

Thanks for considering both sides.

Scott Gardner
Track Operator
Cordova Dragway Park
Cordova, Illinois

JOK NICHOLSON REPLIES

Scott,

I am sure you know this was not a personal attack. It is an attempt to get some change and some different thinking going concerning the ET Finals. The event ran OK but, as you can tell I do not like the idea of having to enter a gambler race to get some runs down the

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track. For the local guys it makes sense but for guys from Thunder Valley, some of our Modified guys, they just want to time trial and make some runs for their $50.

I just think if a couple lanes were left open for time runs during the gambler races that would be a good option.

To tell you the truth, I think the guys who qualify and spend the money to go to this race do it because they like the sport and a chance to be a part of a team -- unique to drag racing, that is for sure.

As for profits, it is all subjective, and I would guess the gambler races kick butt pretty good when about 75% or more buy back and payout isn't until the last three rounds. But I am sure expenses are high and I do not know what IHRA charges but if it is over $500 it is too much as they sure don't seem to have any input at the event. Good example is the guy a Team Byron racer ran, no dial- in on the car, they told him and the staging what it was then popped one up on the car and it was .50 different. The Byron racer got it before he staged but asked for a ruling from IHRA and they said they would "look into it." All they had to do was ask the starter and kick the cheater out; seems simple to me. But again, I always hated politics.

Anyway, the input to the column has been tremendous with most responses agreeing that the ET Finals, both IHRA and NHRA, need a major make-over. I couldn't agree more. We'll see if it is the "right time" for it or not.

Jok

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