Saferacer SCCA national racing series?

[Steve Demeter]

Nice to have a series sponsor.

But....

If it only benefits 30 drivers out of IIRC 5000 licensed SCCA club racers, the distribution is all wrong...

Nothing against saferacer, but IMHO if $15K is the total amount out there, there are lots of companies that pay out lots more $ and merchandise than that and they are not listed as the title sponsor.

Does that mean say if Chicago Region has a company wanting to put up some amount of cash for naming rights for the Sprints, that they can't accept it now because of this?

[Todd Benne]

Does that mean say if Chicago Region has a company wanting to put up some amount of cash for naming rights for the Sprints, that they can't accept it now because of this?

I would think it is ok for a June Sprints 'presenting' sponsor. The Saferacer deal is for the National points champions.

The SCCA gave away the farm on this deal. No other way to spin it. They sold out the national racing scene for a handful of coupons.

[Roger Eade]

I know that I'm looking at this from the other side of the world, what I have seen in this is a lot of could be's maybe's should be, but the fact as it seems to me is this, these guys are the only ones that have had the balls to do a deal like this, and something is better than nothing, so maybe some one, in the future comes up with a better deal, plus nobody knows just what the full deal is, and once again, if you want get paid for racing get a F1 drive, otherwise just enjoy what you do now, as most are to old to get paid for this.

Roger

[sauce_racer]

I don't think that SCCA gave away the farm with this action. Give this deal a chance. Yeah the sticker is ugly, but do you have an idea about what this is really going to do for the club?


Give it a chance, what's the worst it could do?

Meg

[M.Sauce]

You know I am tired of this politically correct bs all the time.If the program was out on the web tell me where it is so I can understand why anyone should be bitching about some extra contingency money or product being offered to the last place car or the first three or whatever.Give the program a chance.Wait and find out who gets what and then bitch.But be glad in this economy someone is willing to step up and help our club racers.If the program turns out to go to the top three finishers ,then if that is not you, step up your program and quit circulating the track and race to beat someone.And even if you have to purchase new stickers consider it will make your car look a little better than those old SCCA stickers that have been on your car for the last ten or so seasons.Sorry My New years resolution was to speak up and say what is on my mind.For those of you that know me,you think I probably have been all along.Not hardly just wait.It is a new year and things are going to get better.

[budawe]

Not only do I agree with Mike, I would personally like to thank him for all his work and honest appraisals while on the BOD. What we need is more active competitors like him on the board. Thanks again.

[DanW]

You know I am tired of this politically correct bs all the time.If the program was out on the web tell me where it is so I can understand why anyone should be bitching about some extra contingency money or product being offered to the last place car or the first three or whatever.Give the program a chance.Wait and find out who gets what and then bitch.But be glad in this economy someone is willing to step up and help our club racers.If the program turns out to go to the top three finishers ,then if that is not you, step up your program and quit circulating the track and race to beat someone.And even if you have to purchase new stickers consider it will make your car look a little better than those old SCCA stickers that have been on your car for the last ten or so seasons.Sorry My New years resolution was to speak up and say what is on my mind.For those of you that know me,you think I probably have been all along.Not hardly just wait.It is a new year and things are going to get better.

Mike,
We really appreciate your efforts on behalf of all of us. Board Member is a thankless job, particularly with a very diverse and vocal membership who seldom consider the the interests of the club over their own. Looks like the only exercise some get this past week is speculate, jump to conclusions and fly off the handle.

Megan,
When the club changed the traditional/original "wire wheel" sticker to the current blue "SCCA" on white as mandatory for all cars, the howls of protest were loud and long. It was an amazing circus to watch, since we lived in Denver and knew some of the board members and staff at the track.

This was about 1979 or 80, I think. The reason for the new sticker? It was more visible/legible on TV.

Regards,
Dan Wise

[cooleyjb]

I don't think that SCCA gave away the farm with this action. Give this deal a chance. Yeah the sticker is ugly, but do you have an idea about what this is really going to do for the club?


Give it a chance, what's the worst it could do?

Meg

Set a precedent for cheap sponsorship deals and drive away other contingency sponsors.

Yes, It's a move in the 'right' direction but it's not a step. More like when someone turns to go out a door and runs into the doorjam.

For this to make even a 20 dollar impact on every national entry it would cost north of 150thousand dollars. If SafeRacer did that, that's awesome, but nothing has led me to believe anything of this level was achieved.

[Wren]

I just checked and the needle on my give-a-****-o-meter has not budged. Maybe the SCCA could have gotten more for the title sponsor status, but we don't actually know what the SCCA got out of it.

I need new stickers for my car and we have needed 2 already this weekend for Brandon's car. If there was a stack of them at tech for us to grab a few, that would be convenient.

[stonebridge20]

You know I am tired of this politically correct bs all the time.


My New years resolution was to speak up and say what is on my mind.For those of you that know me,you think I probably have been all along.Not hardly just wait.It is a new year and things are going to get better.

Mike, Welcome home!

[RobLav]

I'll wait and see what this all about before making a decision concerning whether or not these stickers go on my car. If I do not receive a direct benefit from this advertising, I will not put them on my car. If Saferacer offers some deep discounts of products we need, then I'm OK with it.

However, if there is some connection between this Saferacer contingency and the recent HNR mandate, then I don't know what I'll do...

[aerobach]

There's no way we have seen the whole pie.

General rule of sanctioning body sponsorship is that racers will see about 10 to 15 percent of the actual money trading hands. Think Nascar Million (and even later on Millions), pick any stadium that's sold its naming rights (and actually owns the team playing there) and how much really trickles down to the players, or TV revenue sharing for any sport. All we've seen is the tip of the iceberg.

The real question is: what will the organization do with their share of the money to better the club???

Something to ponder for the new year.
-John Bachmann

[jwr914]

Actually this isn't "just another" contingency program. There's no requirement to use the services. It'd be nice if other suppliers would step up in a similar manner across the board. Perhaps they should make the same deal, whatever it is. Especially if they don't like the singularity of this one.

I see them complaining on several boards, but they have all required me to use their products in their current offerings. At least SafeRacer isn't requiring me to buy from them and I have a chance to get some gain if I just do some more work on my cars and my driving.

You should be more upset with SFI 17.1 enforcement.

James R.

[cooleyjb]

Actually this isn't "just another" contingency program. There's no requirement to use the services. It'd be nice if other suppliers would step up in a similar manner across the board. Perhaps they should make the same deal, whatever it is. Especially if they don't like the singularity of this one.

I see them complaining on several boards, but they have all required me to use their products in their current offerings. At least SafeRacer isn't requiring me to buy from them and I have a chance to get some gain if I just do some more work on my cars and my driving.

You should be more upset with SFI 17.1 enforcement.

James R.

Summit Racing has a contingency that doesn't require any prior purchase from them and the payout is a cash deal, not vouchers to buy stuff from them.

[tonyave]

Thanks, Mr. Sauce, and Saferacer.

If Saferacer were to pull out of this deal some of these ungrateful whiners would get a dose of reality as to what its really worth.

Tony

[cooleyjb]

Thanks, Mr. Sauce, and Saferacer.

If Saferacer were to pull out of this deal some of these ungrateful whiners would get a dose of reality as to what its really worth.

Tony

I have no issues with SafeRacer. They've done a great thing. Something I would have tried to do if I were in their position.

Also I'm assuming you're saying I'm one of the ungrateful whiners. However there has been absolutely nothing shown to be by the SCCA that would lead me to believe that I'm getting anything out of this. If I'm not getting anything, why should I be grateful.

I look at the contingency offers out there that I'm not required to be a part of.

Let's take Summit Racing's for example. Yes it only applies to 8 classes EP, GT1, AS, T1, T2, T3, SSB, SSC), but the payouts are for every national event with enough participation. 125,75,50. Total of 250 dollars per class, x 8 classes, for a maximum total value per national weekend of 2000 dollars. Multiply that by the 71 national races and we get a value of 142,000 dollars going directly to racers. 10 times what we as racers can get from the Saferacer deal. But the other thing is that we aren't required to wear their sticker if we have nothing to directly gain from it.

I'm questioning not the intentions of SafeRacer as those are correct. In this time any safety retailer who can afford to give anything to the racing community is very rare and they are a business and this makes good business sense for them. The vouchers bring business directly back to them which will in turn create more sales.

I'm questioning the rationale of SCCA for having a national sponsor for amateur club racing that so far only has direct benefits for a select few racers and for what so far has appeared to be quite a small amount of money. I'm also criticizing the piss poor level of communications that this member driven club seems to continually have with it's members. Sure the exact details of the deal will be kept secret as we are dealing in the business world but now that the 'cat's out of the bag' I think all the direct and indirect benefits the club racers will receive have no reason to be kept from us. To be honest the communication part is really what I think is chapping my hide.

[tonyave]

Joe,
I don't see where you've done any nationals recently, and if that is correct, then no, the program was not meant to benefit you.

This is not socialism, contrary to what you may think, a series sponsor does it not to benefit every member of the series, but to make money. Don't like it? Too bad.

You all constantly hide behind the 'were just amateurs' banner when it is convenient, yet when someone is willing to pony up a few bucks for your self named 'hobby' you want to negotiate like it's your primary source of income.

And speaking of devaluing sponsorships, club racers in general are the last ones who should be pointing fingers. Most of you list sponsors on entry sheets that do little but sell you product.

I do agree that the communication side of things is not helping, but as a friend of Eric Prill I can tell you he does have a lot to handle in Topeka, believe it or not.

Tony Ave

[cooleyjb]

This is not socialism, contrary to what you may think, a series sponsor does it not to benefit every member of the series, but to make money. Don't like it? Too bad.

I can't control what a series sponsor offers competitors but I'd hope that our club would do something in this situation that would benefit all the racers in the series. So yes, I do believe that the club should be more like socialism and less like capitalism.

You all constantly hide behind the 'were just amateurs' banner when it is convenient, yet when someone is willing to pony up a few bucks for your self named 'hobby' you want to negotiate like it's your primary source of income.

What about to all the guys who own/work/closely associated with all of the other companies that compete with SafeRacer. For some it IS their primary source of income.

And speaking of devaluing sponsorships, club racers in general are the last ones who should be pointing fingers. Most of you list sponsors on entry sheets that do little but sell you product.

What about those people who aren't like that? I don't have my own business on the side of my car. There are certainly people that don't mind the stickers but there are also a number of people I know who like nice empty clean looking cars without a bunch of sponsor logos. Again, the club is a member driven club. I have no problem putting whatever I have to on my car to run in the SRF pro series as it's 'Pro Racing'. Club racing... Not so much.

I do agree that the communication side of things is not helping, but as a friend of Eric Prill I can tell you he does have a lot to handle in Topeka, believe it or not.

Tony Ave

Yes he does have a lot to deal with but maybe at some point the powers that be would do one of a few things.

1. Stop rushing to get things out before there is even a thorough press release for something which puts Eric Prill in a tough spot.

2. Once 'a cat is out of the bag' put out a reasonably thorough press release.

3. Hire Eric some help with all this money we're getting from sponsors now.

[tonyave]

This IS my business, and all this whining on these boards is read by those who write checks, and is a large part of the problem in raising more money, like it or not.

You are not being asked to add any stickers to your car, only replace ones you had to buy with free ones. So, there is your benefit.

And lets not forget, you can now recieve the same deals you made before, AND something from Saferacer. I'm done talking about this now, I have a lot of work to do on my cars. Those of you upset at your long odds of recieving something because winning is required should do the same.

Tony

[Steve Demeter]

For many years before you came around Mr. Ave, I have been in SCCA club racing.

Abd I always had one simple policy on stickers on the car.

If they are not giving me SOMETHING, their sticker does ont go on the car.

Since I have about ZERO chance of winning the Runoffs, AND I hear that this deal will benefit ALL club racers directly, I will be forced to change my policy of 30+ years.

It is not about whining. It is simply that if I have to put your name on my car, I darn well ought to be getting SOMETHING (anything at all, a free case of oil or whatever, something of value) in return.

[RobLav]

What Steve said>>>>

[tonyave]

Steve,
How do you know you won't be getting something? We don't have all the info yet.

Oh, and by the way, if a free case of oil constitutes 'something of value', your standards are not as high as what you try to represent.

Let's not forget for your 30 plus years you had SCCA stickers on your car. Now they are free, so there you go. Nothings changed.

Now let's just wait until the information regarding the program is released.

Tony

[Marshall Mauney]

Now let's just wait until the information regarding the program is released.

Sounds fair to me. How do we know what we can or cannot get from this program until the details have been published?

I don't know about you guys, but I'm perfectly willing to give away 12 square inches of fiberglass for a contingency benefit. I've been doing it for quite some time with Hoosier, and it's a good program that actually does help reduce costs when you finish well (unless you have an unlimited tire budget and don't care about getting a few for free). Let's hope this deal is similar in nature.

[Phil Creighton]

Guys
We are a not for profit corporation that functions for the Club Racrers benefit. Last year we made about $100,000 as I recall on a fairly substantial turnover. We asked the Marketing dept to find sponsors for the Club as 'official' products etc or what ever to try to offset rising costs and the fall off in entries due to the economy. Every sponsor we get pushes back the increasing of fees a bit and Saferacer certainly put some cash in the Clubs coffers as well as the contingency program - they have also sponsored a good bit of the GCR cost with advertising. Any company can approach the Club for their own commercial reasons and we will consider the offers - sending it out to a bid at the point that someone wants to sponsor something that has previously not had a sponsor is not realistic - maybe someone else will step up in future, this is new territory and all credit for Eric Prill for making it happen.
We had 5 days to make the deal happen due to the rules change required in the GCR and it will benefit everyone indirectly. We really want to up the profile of the National Program and this is a good first step. To be honest, I really hope that potential sponsors don't look at threads like this because it would sure put them off dealing with our members if this is what they get for their money.

Oh, and to connect the H & N decision with this contingency program is just insulting.
Get real

Phil

[DaveW]

Thank you, Phil, et al, who have helped explain this. I appreciate the explanation.

[RussMcB]

Thanks, Phil.

This is what I've been thinking, too:

I really hope that potential sponsors don't look at threads like this because it would sure put them off dealing with our members if this is what they get for their money.

I think it's sad people have publicly complained about this, especially when they don't even know any details about it.

[Purple Frog]

Since guys i respect such as Mike Sauce, Tony Ave, and Phil say it's OK, it must be OK.

But, I think we can all agree that the parties involved with the 'launch' did a bad job of getting all of the information about the program out to the masses. It's 2010, folks read everything published almost instantly. Letting one piece of the launch out, and not releasing all the story creates the situation. Maybe, lesson learned in Topeka?

The past decade has created a heated climate of skepticism, only to be cooled by adequate information.

[flat tappet]

Guys
We are a not for profit corporation that functions for the Club Racrers benefit. Last year we made about $100,000 as I recall on a fairly substantial turnover. We asked the Marketing dept to find sponsors for the Club as 'official' products etc or what ever to try to offset rising costs and the fall off in entries due to the economy. Every sponsor we get pushes back the increasing of fees a bit and Saferacer certainly put some cash in the Clubs coffers as well as the contingency program - they have also sponsored a good bit of the GCR cost with advertising. Any company can approach the Club for their own commercial reasons and we will consider the offers - sending it out to a bid at the point that someone wants to sponsor something that has previously not had a sponsor is not realistic - maybe someone else will step up in future, this is new territory and all credit for Eric Prill for making it happen.
We had 5 days to make the deal happen due to the rules change required in the GCR and it will benefit everyone indirectly. We really want to up the profile of the National Program and this is a good first step. To be honest, I really hope that potential sponsors don't look at threads like this because it would sure put them off dealing with our members if this is what they get for their money.

Oh, and to connect the H & N decision with this contingency program is just insulting.
Get real

Phil

Which would folks rather have....an increase in club dues because SCCA's profit margin is so slim? or...a free fancy sticker and financial help from a vendor to keep costs down?.....LOL

[Steve Demeter]

Tony,

A free case of oil is something of value to me.

My standards are if it is something I would have to otherwise buy with money, it is of value.

As it would be to most on this forum.

My budget is better off because of it. small as it may be.

Everyone is never going to agree on whether or not this is a good thing for ALL club racers. But it is good for at least some.

Phil,

Can you clarify if we are going to have to pay for a paper copy of the GCR thiis year or does that not go in effect until next year. Have seen and heard a number of versions and just want to know whether or not I need to order it with my license renewal.

Thanks

[Robert Zecca]

We should welcome this arrangement.

[Roger Eade]

I guess like most clubs, time is a big thing, I don't know just how many payed employees the club has, but if its anything like our parent org here in NZ, MotorSport New Zealand, it will be less than a handfull, and in the main part they can just cope with the day to day running of the club, so when some one offers you money and comes up with what on the face of it a good plan, you go for it, as you can't get the whole membership around the camp fire to talk about it, I feel sure that your company puts its hand in its pocket to help the club as well, but in these hard times anything at alll, members should be gratefull for, and for those who whine about putting a sticker on their car, for what appears to them, to be no benifit, there is always another sand pit to play in
Roger

Really....is this the best than we can come up with for a sponsor. How does it really help the sport or give SCCA more expsosure. They really need to think....this is only common sense marketing 101. SCCA really needs to come up with a sponsor that will benefit the club for future growth. They need a major sponsor that will help the sport...maybe bring other potential sponsors to the sport. Saferacer is an excellent company....everybody knows of them but this is a wasted opportunity for SCCA. They really should of used this opportunity to find someone that can compliment us while at the same time help us to share the SCCA experience with others. This does absolutely nothing for the sport.

Too bad....
Robert Zecca

[Phil Creighton]

Steve
I don't think there is a charge for the hard copy - not positive, I'll find out. Again we are trying to reduce costs and with the electronic version "official" now it will save money to have it as a download or CD. It is not the intent to do away with the book at this point.

Bob
On the subject of the Saferacer deal being not good enough or not one that will complement the program - Saferacer made an offer to sponsor an area that had not been sponsored before, could there be better or more marketing deals out there - maybe. I feel its a small step to re-establishing the National Racing Program.
Phil

[Wren]

It's a few days later and I'm still having trouble understanding why someone giving the SCCA and some racers some money is a bad thing. I will get some free stickers out of it that I would have had to remember to order otherwise.

I doubt this is a permanent situation, maybe someone else will step up to sponsor a race series that no one outside of the SCCA has ever heard of. Maybe Bud Light?

[TimW]

As someone who still gets free PPG paint out of the PPG Indy Car World Series sponsorship from the 90s, I will argue that all sponsorships will trickle down to everyone in some manner or another. Even if it is in delayed fees increases.

Another question, are the decals going to be the same size the SCCA club racing decals? The reason I ask is the one on the nose of my car is under clear coat (and on the spare nose, for that matter)...

[John Robinson II]

I spoke with a long time friend, SE vendor and safety manufacturer, Tim Lee. His comment was great, unless the sponsor will be the only allowed vendor at the races.
We need to find out what the complete deal is before any judgement is made. Tim makes his living manufacturing safety gear and selling damn near everything you would need at the track, if he doenst have a problem with it, then we should not either.
John

[farrout]

I cannot remember seeing Safe Racer at a SEDIV Regional race.. BUT, Tim Lee is there for us at every race. Even the ones that do not draw well in racer numbers.

Tim has gone out of his way to help me and many of the SARRC guys. Thanx, Tim

[Phil Creighton]

John
This deal is for the National Championship SCCA required decal only. Conflicting sponsor decals or at-track arrangements remain un-affected by this sponsorship deal. Tell Tim he's fine! I use him too......
Phil

[John Robinson II]

Thanks Phil, is the decal required for all national competitors or just those who wish to contest for the points championship.

[Phil Creighton]

I believe it is all National Competitors and replaces the current required decals, valid but not required for Regional competition. I know that its unlikely to be implemented till decals are readily available.
Phil

[Robert Zecca]

Last I would like to add that things are very tough right now for all of us. SCCA is trying hard and I believe this will be in our best interests. We have to be thankful that a company like Saferacer will step up to the plate to help us. Be patient....this thing can turn out to be very good.....I believe there is more to it that we can not see right now but in the end we will all benefit in some way.