Scca club racing non-specatator events

[dj10]

I am amazed to understand this still… It’s not like I’ve not know about SCCA Club Racing being a non-spectator event but as a businessman I am sick in my stomach to see all this potential earning for the regions, SCCA and events like the ProIT just get flushed down the toilet because of this antiquated way of thinking and doing business by the SCCA and regions. I don’t see any additional protection needed at any of these events that I’ve been at for possible spectators and I’d like to know what the actual cost of the insurance would be. As long as you don't let them into the hot pits, where's the danger? I doubt these events will bring in hoards of people but anything is better than nothing. I heard NASA draws all kinds of spectators to their events and from what I’ve heard NASA is growing while SCCA is floundering and only relying on the club members to support the club. What is the difference of the membership and competition license fees between NASA and SCCA? Maybe it’s time to bring the SCCA into the 21st century.

[Ron Earp]

I heard NASA draws all kinds of spectators to their events and from what I’ve heard NASA is growing

I don't know if NASA is growing in relation to the SCCA. But I can confirm that NASA does draw a good number of non-racers and interested parties to the paddock.

I attended a NASA race event at VIR back in July. There were large numbers of people in and around the paddock who were there to learn about racing, look at cars, and check out the scene. I think the the membership numbers that would come from this activity is somewhat minimal but at least it is there and non-club members can see what is going on. I can't see any downsides.

[Butch Kummer]

Since at least the mid-90's all Atlanta Region events have been spectator events so someone else will have to explain why theirs are not. There used to be an insurance premium difference between spectator and non-spectator, but that went away a couple of years ago.

Our contract with Road Atlanta requires that we allow spectators and they make those events part of the season-ticket package they offer. I suspect part of the reason (other than "we've always done it that way") is the tracks would need to bring in extra staff to handle opening up all the spectator areas. I know we went to an event at Mid-Ohio years ago and we were not allowed to cross the drive-over bridge into the infield even though we were participants.

[gran racing]

With some tracks, the fees would go to the track not SCCA.

But I can confirm that NASA does draw a good number of non-racers and interested parties to the paddock.

There's good and bad with this. This weekend at the Glen I left my truck keys and wallet in the center console, never giving it a tought. All of my tools were left out over night, the video camera attached to the roll bar, the racecar unlocked, tires left out....this was true for almost everyone at the track.

At the NASA events held at Summit Point, there's no way in hell I'm leaving ANYTHING out. There have been plenty of instances where stuff is stolen, and other issues are created.

Oh, ask Jake Gulick on his Road Atlanta spectator enjoyment. <sigh> While for the ARRC I agree it's nice to have as an open event, we can not forget that sometimes it might not be worth it. Like you said, not like many of our events will draw a lot of people anyways. Guess we'd need the rollover and female wet t-shirt contests to do that. lol

[dave parker]

Washington DC Region SCCA events at Summit Point are ALL spectator events and have been since I started going to races there in the early nineties.
This was at the request of the track owner who wanted spectators. I think it is still a good idea unless there is someone who can convince me that we should continue to be the Secret Car Club of America.

However, the SCCA will need to do much more than have spectators at road races to grow itself.

Dave Gran, you should stop being so trusting and lock your stuff up. There are thieves at SCCA regional and national events too.

cheers
dave parker

[EV]

At the NASA events held at Summit Point, there's no way in hell I'm leaving ANYTHING out. There have been plenty of instances where stuff is stolen, and other issues are created.

If this was at the Hyperfest, then ya, it's true. At their regular events, never seen/heard of an issue.

[Terry Hanushek]

Dan

I am amazed to understand this still… It’s not like I’ve not know about SCCA Club Racing being a non-spectator event but as a businessman I am sick in my stomach to see all this potential earning for the regions, SCCA and events like the ProIT just get flushed down the toilet because of this antiquated way of thinking and doing business by the SCCA and regions. I don’t see any additional protection needed at any of these events that I’ve been at for possible spectators and I’d like to know what the actual cost of the insurance would be. As long as you don't let them into the hot pits, where's the danger? I doubt these events will bring in hoards of people but anything is better than nothing.

The distinction between spectator and non-spectator events is somewhat blurred in SCCA. The liability rate differential between spectator and non-spectator events was removed in 2009. Even before 2009, a limited number of spectators (less than 1000?) could have been admitted under the non-spectator rate. The spectator rate was reserved for major events (think June Sprints, Runoffs) where there was a major promotion and x thousand spectators. Liability insurance is required when paying individuals are admitted to private property to protect against all manners of injury / lawsuits not just exposure to race cars.

I believe that most SCCA events are now conducted as spectator events from a sanction / insurance prospective. Sanction numbers 11-X-NNNN-S are spectator events. Even if they are not, there is no financial penalty from doing so.

Just because the sanction / insurance will permit spectators does not mean that ticket revenue is 'gravy' for SCCA or the region. There are definite costs associated with spectators - promotion / ticket distribution, security, etc. The potential revenue (variable) must exceed the costs (mostly fixed).

That said, each track situation is different. As Butch said, Road Atlanta requires spectator events. He didn't say who collects the revenues and who pays the expenses but I suspect that it is a track venture. At NJMP, our Club Racing events are on their spectator event schedule with the track managing the revenue / expense. Lately, we have been working with them to help with their promotion. We prefer spectator events from the exposure standpoint but do not have the resources to conduct our own spectator program. We feel that having a successful track-sponsored spectator event is a win-win because - if the track prospers, they can keep the facility open and will give us favorable access and privileges. We are anticipating expanded cooperation in 2012.

Terry

[gran racing]

Dave Gran, you should stop being so trusting and lock your stuff up.

My stuff isn't worth stealing. lol

[Kai Noeske]

My stuff isn't worth stealing. lol

But you should still remember to throw it into your truck before you drive home

[dave parker]

Note to Gran
On next trip to Summit Point, leave all belongings brought to Summit with Dave Parker, including race car.

What items I cannot use myself will be distributed to folks more needy than I.

That is all.

cheers
dave parker

[gran racing]

It's is pretty damn embarrassing to tell my sponsors or friends thay can't come up to Walkins Glen and watch the races because they (who they?) don't want them there!!!

That's all on you Dan. Did you speak with people at registration before or contact the RE? The women who did registration had both her e-mail and phone number. I've reached out to regions in these instances and had absolutely no problems. You could have also posted on this forum with a simple "looking for crew spots". Both Kai and myself had no one listed on our crew spots and would have been happy to help out.

In the end, you told your sponsors or friends they couldn't come.

Yes, I agree it would be nice if it were easier but at the same token......

[dj10]

It's is pretty damn embarrassing to tell my sponsors or friends thay can't come up to Walkins Glen and watch the races because they (who they?) don't want them there!!! I was at Atlanta when Jakes wallet got stolen...major bummer and if i would have caught them they wouldn't had to worry about jail. We can't let this hinder what is good for racing in general and that is to open up all tracks & club racing to spectators.

BTW Butch you can drive across the bridge @ Mid Ohio now. I beleive Ron Earp NASA is growing and SCCA is becoming a mediocare at best racing organization and they better get off their collective asses and do something about this! Lead or get out of the way!