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| East Bay Listens To Fans & Racers, Late Models Get Purse Guarantee | by Bill Green
Tampa, FL. (May 13th, 2004) - In an unprecedented move to remind the racers and the race fans that they are out to take care of their long time racers and fans, East Bay Raceway Park owners announced that they would GUARANTEE the regular season FULL PURSE for the Late Model class no matter the car count.
After meeting late Thursday afternoon and considering all the views of racer, fans and the owners themselves, the track owners issued the Full Purse Guarantee. "We felt that it was the right thing to do to let the racers and especially the fans know that the track is hoping this will result in better car counts as the late models will know that when they show up at East Bay, they'll get to run for the regular season Full Purse. No matter the car count." Stated co-owner Fred Lay. "If only 5 cars show up, they'll still run for the $800 top prize!"
The Full Purse guarantee came after several weeks of low car counts, fiery confrontations and Late Model drivers refusing to run for a smaller purse based on the lower car count. After starting the season with three weeks of 20 plus Late Models in the pits, East Bay suffered a slump in Late Model participation. The car count slid first to 12 racers and then tumbled to 10 the following week, springing back to 15 the last night they ran on May 1st. But, the word had been put forward that fewer than 14 cars, meant smaller purses loomed if car counts did not return.
This past Saturday Night, East Bay owners found themselves where they didn't want to be. Only 13 Late Models sat in the pits and they had to draw the line or continue to loose money. The decision was made and the Late Models drivers were told the smaller purse would be used. As the Late Model drivers and car owners sought some since of solidarity, they refused to run for the lower amount and most loaded up to leave. Fans were told the news and given the option to remain and see the race program or leave and receive a reentry at a later date, most fans stayed.
Track officials were really surprised that so few requested their reentry for a later date. "I expected to see larger groups of people headed for the exit, but when only a few rose up and walked away, I was pleasantly surprised." Recalled track President Al Varnadore. "The phone calls and discussions have been many this week, but it's what we've been trying to tell everyone from the beginning, we are only a phone call away. We listened, gathered information on many areas of discussion and after reviewing it all, decided that guaranteeing a full purse, no matter the car count would send the right message that we stand here today trying to make things work for all of us in racing, including the Late Models."
Going one step further though is the sign of this ownership team. "For the Friday Night Big School Bus Oval Race coming on May 21st, East Bay owners will bump the winners share of the Late Model purse to $1200. They will also add a 40-lap feature in coming weeks that will pay a cool $1500 to win. The old thinking of track owners and promoters doing classes in by pulling money out of a purse are gone from East Bay. New ideas are a dime a dozen, but this one will definitely mean East Bay's owners have taken the high road on this issue and left it to the Late Model class to show the fans that the car count is available for more entertaining shows and closer action.
This will not satisfy everyone I'm sure, but you have to admit, East Bay Raceway Park has a different breed of owner and don't be surprised if they continue to surprise you by doing what's right for racing in the future. For more information, call 813-677-7223.
We'll See You At The RACES!
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