RaceNewYork

RaceNewYork Discussion => Racing Discussion => Topic started by: Walt on January 11, 2013, 07:19:15 PM

Title: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Walt on January 11, 2013, 07:19:15 PM
I've seen hundreds of threads on how much racing cost and how much everyone spends on racing, But I have never seen a thread on how much everyone thinks the track owners make a week / season. So whats everyone think ? Also if ya want you can tell us what track you think makes the most ? No bashing please, Lets just have some fun and see if we can't make a track owner laugh. lol
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: crankyhick on January 11, 2013, 08:14:44 PM
Walt, great question!..I must say in my 50+ years around racing, I have never heard a promoter/ owner admit to making a profit. I guess some of those briefcasses/ overnight bags/ suitcasses I saw going into the trunks of their cars, as they feft, were filled with leftover hot dogs & rolls..But on the other hand, I think it was much easier to turn a profit years ago, compared to now..My question has always been, "If they are losing money, why & how do they continue to opperate"?..Must be that they save money on their food budget at home, with those hot dogs & rolls..lol.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: racer76j on January 11, 2013, 08:29:42 PM
ill take a stab.at 40k a yr profit.I have no idea but just guessing.Which isn't much considering all the paper work and taxes and insurance and pay roll with paper work for that.I am guessing this number cause it is a number that could easily cause the demise of a track but if ran right could keep alive but not so much that it is making owners rich.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: BClapp on January 11, 2013, 09:02:49 PM
You can tell how much money a track is making by how quick they are to pull the plug for bad weather. If they pull the plug way early with a slight possibility ofbad weather they are losing their @$$ weekly.  If they wait until everyone is there, then cancel and its been raining and likely will rain all night, then they are probably losing money consistantly, but are hoping they can pull in a few bucks to make the mortgage or rent payment that week. If there is a chance but they cancel as soon as it sprinkles, they are probably breaking even on a good night, but losing on an off-night.  If they bust ***** to get the show in no matter what, they can afford to take a hit, and are probably decent money ahead.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: agitator57 on January 11, 2013, 09:03:37 PM
OOOOOOOOOOOOO probably somewhares in tha 7 figuare dipartment for evary trak Mr. Walt is premotin!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Walt on January 11, 2013, 09:57:05 PM
Hey Dave, hows my good Ole buddy Mr. Maytag doing these days ? Oh and BTW that was a good one. Frank & Audrey and Dean will enjoy it for sure....... Hope to see ya somewhere this summer

Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: BClapp on January 11, 2013, 11:19:10 PM
I forgot to add a " ::)" to the end of my post.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: raceannouncer on January 12, 2013, 12:07:33 AM
I will repeat what I've posted so many times here: Neither I (nor anyone else) have any idea of an exact dollar amount of any track's profit;  I've worked at several different local tracks offering different types of racing.  I have yet to see or know any LOCAL promoter/owners live a luxurious lifestyle solely off of whatever money they "make" by promoting/owning a racing facility! Most or nearly all of them have either owned a successful small business before sinking their hard-earned money into a racetrack or were members of families already with a vested interest in the sport.  This much I know for certain: ALL of them have a burning passion for the sport--they must have a great deal of it and must possess extreme patience since they own/run a seasonal business; they must also endure the scrutiny, criticism and "second-guessing" of nearly all who want to find fault with every decision made.  Local tracks all around the country are slowly, one by one, closing for whatever reason(s) and are not being replaced quickly since we all know it takes MOUNTAINS of money to build new ones.   Many people take for granted the existence of racetracks and yes, that goes both ways!!!I've often heard that racers ARE the show, which is certainly true but how can you be the show if there's NO place to have one?

Oh, YEAH and "to make an owner laugh!" IT MUST BE A MILLION DOLLARS, AT LEAST...)  ;D
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Chargincharlie on January 12, 2013, 05:57:43 AM
I hope there all making lots of money..
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: itchypav on January 12, 2013, 06:48:25 AM
.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: maweenie on January 12, 2013, 07:22:16 AM
since you can find anything on the internet im sure with the right keywords for a search ANYONE could get that information for any track. Either that or public records, but who really cares how much a track makes as long as its open. THAT WASNT MEANT TO BE SARCASTIC
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: RPark on January 12, 2013, 08:14:22 AM
any one tell me how wyoming speedway keeps its doors open . they get about 30 cars total to come put on a show. if they are making money then the other traks that are getting 100 cars should be doing alright for them selves.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: ask0329 on January 12, 2013, 08:38:33 AM
ill take a stab.at 40k a yr profit.I have no idea but just guessing.Which isn't much considering all the paper work and taxes and insurance and pay roll with paper work for that.I am guessing this number cause it is a number that could easily cause the demise of a track but if ran right could keep alive but not so much that it is making owners rich.

I'm not saying that the amount quoted in this post is correct (or incorrect) but if I owned a track that was successful, and I cleared 40K profit for my salary alone (as an owner) I would be one happy fella. Thats enough money to live off of for a good lifestyle to do something you really love to do and be a part of.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: raceannouncer on January 12, 2013, 08:45:36 AM
any one tell me how wyoming speedway keeps its doors open . they get about 30 cars total to come put on a show. if they are making money then the other traks that are getting 100 cars should be doing alright for them selves.

I would suggest the money to keep operating ANY facility to keep it open during tough times might come from a secondary source of income(another business, property remortgage, massive amounts of borrowing, etc.)
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: racin28 on January 12, 2013, 10:19:19 AM
more then the car owners are  ;D
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: itchypav on January 12, 2013, 10:55:29 AM
Whatever they make or lose - good for them. It's none of my business.
If I wanted to make or lose what they do then it's my right to give it a try.
This is just my opinion.
You see today I have a different perspective on things. This week after having a cardiac catherization and stenosis to clear a 100% blocked coronary artery I see things differently.
For me, maybe carrying that stress of running a side business as well as a day time job isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Whether I made money or not is unimportant. I can’t take it with me. If you have not or do not have a business to the extent one of these track owners do then how can you begin to understand what they have or deal with?? I do not envy or am not jealous of anything they earn.
I choose to race because it is fun … period. I work because I like to and because I choose not to be jealous of those who have more. I have tried to earn it myself and that means making money from someone else. That’s about the only way to do it.
Put yourself in there shoes for a minute ( I mean really put your self in there shoes)

Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Bigdog13 on January 12, 2013, 01:23:03 PM
I've said it once before and I'll say it again for those of you not paying attention, How does a promoter, car owner, driver, etc... make a small fortune in local auto racing ?  Start off with a large fortune !!!  Very few folks are making big money at the local tracks !!!
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: ron.m on January 12, 2013, 04:37:23 PM
when they have to reach into their personal bank account to make the nights payment they are not makeing near enough for what they have to do for it
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Gomerpyle on January 12, 2013, 06:12:10 PM
Between 2000-2005, Karl at Thunder Mountain cleared about $85,000 after taxes.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: SRXtripman on January 12, 2013, 08:25:15 PM
My gues would be 70,000 - 80,000 a year at a succesful track that is getting good numbers in most of there classes and has some extra shows , remember no track in particular. Im just happy the tracks in this area are still open and allowing us to have a place to race . Now lets talk about hot dogs im needing a race track meaner weaner soon , damn.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Gomerpyle on January 12, 2013, 09:37:45 PM
That's per year folks. We were averaging 120 to 140 racecars every Saturday night with a high one night of 162. And the crowds were mammoth.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: shawnie2469 on January 13, 2013, 03:47:13 AM
Between 2000-2005, Karl at Thunder Mountain cleared about $85,000 after taxes.
Now that made me laugh and soda shot out my nose lmao
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: BClapp on January 13, 2013, 06:46:56 AM
I would say that's probably accurate.  The place was packed in the pits and stands.  I remember showing up during hotlaps one night and having to pit outside the gate by the campers.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: dirttrackrocker on January 13, 2013, 08:59:33 AM
You see today I have a different perspective on things. This week after having a cardiac catherization and stenosis to clear a 100% blocked coronary artery I see things differently.


Hope they fixed ya up good, stay well and healthy in the future.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Sunny on January 13, 2013, 09:55:55 AM
Mr. Pavlick - I second what the Rocker said.... Get well soon, sir!

Walt, there is an old adage, and it holds true in anything you do in life. Unless you are quite comfortable milking the system, you work HARD (for myself, from the age of 14 to current - which is only, like, 5 years or so ;) ) for what you have. You or your family goes without on some instances. It is the same in motorsports.

"You have to spend somemoney, to make some money."
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: raceannouncer on January 13, 2013, 11:28:19 AM
Between 2000-2005, Karl at Thunder Mountain cleared about $85,000 after taxes.

...and the propblem with that IS???
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: TidTow on January 13, 2013, 12:59:22 PM
Between 2000-2005, Karl at Thunder Mountain cleared about $85,000 after taxes.

...and the propblem with that IS???
The thread's title is: How Much Money Does Your Local track Make and Gomerpyle responded with an answer about Thunder Mountain during the years 2000-2005.
Again, he gave an answer to the question asked and that's all.  For some strange reason you're taking his reply to another level.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Gomerpyle on January 13, 2013, 01:47:24 PM
That was for every year also. Give or take a couple g's.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: racer76j on January 13, 2013, 10:20:32 PM
Was i reasonably close walt?
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Walt on January 13, 2013, 11:04:25 PM
I don't have a clue as to how much money tracks make. I highly doubt they make as much as they did back 30 or 40 years ago.
(https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/31601_4333426415311_292731492_n.jpg)
I haven't seen crowds like this in a while...............
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: raceannouncer on January 14, 2013, 09:42:54 AM
Between 2000-2005, Karl at Thunder Mountain cleared about $85,000 after taxes.

...and the propblem with that IS???
The thread's title is: How Much Money Does Your Local track Make and Gomerpyle responded with an answer about Thunder Mountain during the years 2000-2005.
Again, he gave an answer to the question asked and that's all.  For some strange reason you're taking his reply to another level.

Well, I guess you can count me in as the ONLY one who wondered why it was started in the first place...
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: AISannouncer on January 14, 2013, 01:17:57 PM
I can tell you for a fact that Adirondack has made as much these past three years as all the prior eight years combined!

Keith Zehr
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Salukifan on January 14, 2013, 08:02:28 PM
I'd say probably not as much as most people would think.  It is not as easy as opening the gates and collecting the money and putting it in the bank.  Besides the race night expenses of purse and payroll, insurance takes a big bite (when I was involved at Moc-A-Tek back in the early 80's, the insurance bill was around $1,200 per night, I would assume that number is much higher these days), along with repairs and fuel for all of the equipment adds up quickly.  While I'm sure that there are some who are making some decent money, I highly doubt that anyone is getting rich in the racing game these days. 
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: Gomerpyle on January 14, 2013, 09:06:38 PM
Between 2000-2005, Thunder Mountain was doing very very well.
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: jack3 on January 21, 2013, 09:03:48 AM
Walt
  you can make money if you have track. as my moM alway said you  have to spend money to make money.BUT you have to sit down do your home work every week and see what your fans like.Listern to your fans because  they are the ones that are spending the money.And making YOU money.You need to try and have a good repoor with your fans. come out in the stands and talk to them like you do that makes a difference.And you do diferent things for all  fans even the kids races that makes the fans want to come too. And try to be fair to everyone its hard sometimes.
   But most of all do your home work , listern to the fans and what they want ."
Have great food and have specials like hamburger, fries, a pespi for one meal price .you be suprise how that goes have diferent food specials i see some other tracks have it and that seem to be a hit. Racing is a' family event' and they bring there kids and spend money on them.
But you spend alot to keep racing going too  The big thing is "USE YOUR HEAD" and dont spend foolishly. You can make a go at it. Skyline has showed that.
They just need a little help in other areas.  'Just saying'
Title: Re: How Much Money Does Your Local Race Track Make
Post by: hurricane on January 21, 2013, 09:41:09 PM
The two crash-a-rammas at Holland probably foot the bill the rest of the year!