Lots of information and questions, please give me some input. The Pittsburgh event last year was great, 12 cars is a pretty good field, and I wasn't the only new guy to attend. The monster mopar people have dropped support for the event this year, but I deceided to contact the track and see what I can do.



In an effort to keep the home fires burning, I contacted the Pittsburgh Raceway Park to ask about a possible slant six only race at their mopar event on the weekend of July 22-24. This was their reply:

"I spoke with Frank, our track manager, and his reply was that this is our first year doing the Mopar event ourselves and we would like to keep it simple. We only have one class that is sponsored. If you can find a sponsor very quickly to cover the purse, we will add the slantsix class."

http://www.pittsburghracewaypark.com/Schedule/

I've heard it mentioned that it is a bad idea to have races on back to back weekends. Would this extra race be welcome on that weekend?

If the race is welcomed, can anyone suggest who I can approach as a sponsor. What types of places would be interested enough in slant six racing to pony up some bucks? I'm not much of a salesman, but It doesn't hurt to try. I'm waiting on the track to see how much sponsorship is needed and what I can offer the sponsors in return for their gift.



Someone either help me out or talk me down!!!! Please!

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

That's awesome you're getting out there and trying!

The schedule is already set for the year as far as official points races, but that doesn't mean you can't have a Slant 6 Race anyway. As long as it doesn't directly conflict with another points race. I've spoken with both Doug and Seymour about this same type thing when I was trying to sponsor a race in Georgia.

1. Don't try to have a race the same weekend as an offical points race.

2. Back to back is still tough, but you can draw some local guys.

3. If there is some support it could eventually turn into a points race.

4. The track owner and sponsor will probably want to know how many cars you are expecting. They want to know that they will get some sort of a return for their investment. Don't make promises you can't keep! Just be honest and let them know what you're trying to do. Let them know there were 12 cars last year, but that you can't promise that same number this year (it's not a points race and won't draw the same guys).

5. You can mention the success of Slant 6 racing: Mopar Collector's Guide coverage, cars running 10's and even 9's (don't promise they'll be there).

6. Don't ask for too much. It costs money to print flyers and adds another task to the already stressed out announcers, staging lane crew, etc to manage another class of racers. Try to keep it simple.

7. Good places to approach are Dodge/Chrysler dealerships or local Mopar friendly shops. Maybe other board members can help out here. I sponsored the event myself with change I had been saving. I offered a $100 purse and the sponsor of the event didn't charge extra for the Slant 6 class. They just had to enter the bracket program. Otherwise, part of the entry fee to enter the Slant 6 class could go towards a purse.

8. Don't expect people to fall all over themselves wanting to help you. It's your passion to do it, not theirs.

9. You're doing the right things just by trying. You should offer to help coordinate the racers on the day of the event and be willing to sacrifice your own racing enjoyment for the cause. It's a lot of logistical stuff of keeping the racers and the track personnel informed of what's going on, when they will be in the program, what lanes they will stage in, how you are going to set up the ladder, etc. etc....

I'm not telling you all this stuff to discourage you. Just the opposite! I want you to have a realistic view of what you can expect. I've only done one of these by the seat of my pants, so I'm no expert by any means.

Just approach it as wanting to build some interest in the Slant 6 Racing cause and don't expect an event like you had last year. If things go well it could eventually grow into a bigger event.

When I sponsored the race in Georgia a couple years ago there were only three cars that made the call. I didn't even race. But it was a blast and I can't wait to try it again! The event in Georgia was probably a lot smaller than what you have where you are and the track guys and sponsor were very easy to work with. You may not (probably won't) have the same experience I did. The bigger shows are harder to get into. You have your foot in the door just by them having an open mind about it!

Go for it! Just don't set your sights too high. Even if it doesn't work out, keep a positive attitude and remember the people you worked with. They will be many of the same people running the Friday night drags or weekly bracket race program. They may remember you and be more willing to help you with a Slant 6 class or event later if you work well with them.

Keep us informed and good luck!

Rob

I would suggest calling Seymour. He has spoken with the track(I think) and decided against trying to add it to the schedule. Call him and see why.


Tom

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Nitrous cars are like old men on Viagra. Once the bottle is empty they are useless.
FJD

Is the points series schedule really closed to new races already?:(
Guess I better check with Seymor

That puts a real crimp in the project, since I expected a draw based on points interest. I had also hoped to be able to get a try for points a little closer to home.

I will still make an effort to get a slant six bracket, but I don't expect we will get as many cars, or any big names to a non-points event.

There is always next year I guess, and a good start would be to have a history at the track and make some friends.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

i just dont think the tedescos are very mopar friendly.
i dont know the whole story but looking at last years Classic turnout, and not having that event back doesnt add up.
whether it was a $$ issue or logistics i dont know??

the previous track ownership had a couple mopar nights during the season with respectable turnouts.

try eastgate dodge they've sponsored events and racers in that area for a long time......

Welcome back vegas racers!

I guess it may still be a day or two before Seymour gets back to me.

I'm giving this a bump, because I can't do much until I hear from him, but I don't want people to think I've lost interest.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six

You can certainly still coordinate with the track and or sponsors to get something/anything started. Even if it isn't a points race. The more you do now and maintain throughout the year will help grow interest and support for later.
Even if all you wind up doing is getting 5 or 6 local guys to show up occasionally to race Slant 6s together. That's more than you've got now!

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

About 3 of us are currently planning to hit the test and tune nights as a group when weather and schedules allow. Perhaps we'll post some fliers and get some people interested just by showing up. Opening night is the 16th (I think), but we'll have to see what the weather is like.

Seymour hasn't called me yet, but I heard that he was at the Vegas event and I expect he hasn't had time since returning to contact me.

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1980 Aspen 225 super six