Indoor lawnmower racing

[pudekooh]

just here to see if anyone is interested in doing some indoor coke syrup racing  in waterloo, iowa?  if so please post back on here and let us know.  the first race is on oct 31 with 4 more races to follow throughout the winter.  thank you

[lvine2001]

Hey, Got your e-mails,
And yes I am sure the guys/girls of the MNLMRA would be happy to supprot this event but we will need more info asap on dates etc...

Thanks
Lee

[lustymonkey]

i cant make the 31st but would be interested in comin down to race

[lvine2001]

As seen on heymow..

King of the Bullring
2009/2010 EXTREME Indoor Race Dates
October 31st November 14th
December 5th February 6th March 6th 
Mcelroy Auditorium
250 Ansborough Ave
Waterloo, Iowa

Doors Open @ 8:00am, Sign in by 12:00pm
Hot Laps 10:30a-1:00p
Mandatory Drivers and Owners Meeting at 10:15
Heat Races Following Practice Features to start approx. 6:00pm
Entry Fee $40 per class, All Pit Passes $15
No Refunds and No Exceptions
General Admission $5, Kids 3 and under FREE

Lawnmowers

Super Stock Lawnmowers
(SP, CP, BP Mowers)
AP's can run here also
NO kart tires
   
Outlaw Lawnmowers
(FX Mowers)

USLMRA/ARMA Rules Apply for all classes
See Website for rules

Classes subject to change

Mufflers are recommended but not required for this first race.  We will be evaluating the noise as it is an indoor event and want to make the noise as minimal as possible for our spectators. 

Must have number on drivers side (left) for scorers to be able to score your mower.  Numbers on both side recommended.

Payout TBD

This is the first race we have run mowers in.  This will be a learning experience for all of us.  We are going to run just 2 classes this first race running a prepared class and a fx class.  We will be following the USLMRA and ARMA rules.  If your legal there your legal here.

I would like to tell everyone to bring a bucket and some dish soap or simple green and towels to clean (coke syrup off) your tires after you hit the track.  There are some other ways to clean the syrup off the tires that work just as well.

This event will also have go karts Outlaw Golf Carts and flat track motorcycles.

Note to competitors:
The King of the Syrup is an extreme form of racing, intended for all those who wish to develop skills and stay sharp over the winter months. If you can't or won't drive and act in a professional manner, then please race somewhere else. We don't necessarily want the most drivers; but we DO want the best, and we have had the best!


Check out the NEW King of the Bullring Coming Soon.....
www.kingofthebullring.com

For questions call Jerry or Sue Janssen @ 641-780-3079

As a USLMRA LCP I am not officialy promoting this event simply promoting our sport at this event.
I am not going to make the first one but making plans for the rest, it will be nice to just be a racer for a few races.....
Anyone else

[Mr. Whatever]

So am I getting this right. It would cost 40 plus 15 pit pass per person per class. So it would cost Blase and I 165 to race 3 classes?

[dave]

i don't think you have to pay the 15 pit fee.  So it would only cost you $120.00  If we car pool we could share the $150. gas bill on top of the racing fee.  I may be able to race once with you?  If I race against you just plan on not winning any money.  Make sure you go to that cyro because you are going to need a strong back to raise me up because I kicked your grass.
Dave

[lvine2001]

So am I getting this right. It would cost 40 plus 15 pit pass per person per class. So it would cost Blase and I 165 to race 3 classes?

I agree that the entry fee is not very appealing to those if us mower racers that enjoy "No Fee" racing.
I am up for at least one to give it a try and see where it goes...

When I spoke with Brian he told me that, just to keep it easy we were not going to change the fee/payout format for this year but, that they were open to a different arrangement i.e. tow $$ for all drivers if we proved to be a good show...

[dave]

How much do the monter trucks PAY to put on a show?

[lvine2001]

It depends on the size of the show/promoter.

If I remember I think we got $100 each from Rolling Thunder when they were in Duluth.

[cycloneracer]

Guys, 
I have a few thoughts and comments on the money thing.

This is a money race.  It pays to win.  It is NOT tied to the USLMRA or ARMA.  It is a single promoter that runs a Kart track and that is how things go at Kart tracks in Iowa.  I have raced at a couple this year and you have to pay to play.

Do I like it?  Not realy.  I got into this for fun.

Have there been problems?  None with mowers at the races I have attended.

That is one of the GREAT benefits of USLMRA racing.  There is never a fee to race.  The money is raised by the officers of each club to cover the costs of the race.  Remeber guys that we have AWESOME insurance!  That isn't free!  The kart tracks have the same insurance and their premiums are A LOT higher than ours.

The money has to come from somewhere.

We are a bit spoiled between Minnesota and Iowa generally having GREAT tow money for drivers.   I know that in Iowa, Krut and myself work VERY hard to get this money to put on races.  This takes time and effort.  And we take nothing in return, just the satisfaction that we were able to have a good mower count and have fun.

The Nebraska group has a different approach.  They charge $10 per class at each event.  They pay their insurance and other expenses, keep a certain ammount in the checking account.  AND then pay tow money at the end of the year, based off of points accumulated through the season.  It isn't much, but still a way of paying racers back.

Unfortunately I may have to go to a pay to race system with the Missouri Valley Mower racers.  It is a lot of work getting sponsors for each race.  I send out 30-40 letters a year asking for sponsorship.  Phone Calls, setting up the track, maintaining the track, city meetings for the track, celebration committee meetings for races............................it gets old fast and need help.  How do I get help?  Pay someone.

It comes down to this.  Do we want to continue to be a "show" or do we want to race?  Every other motorsport there is an entry fee for each vehicle.  Some have pay outs, some don't.

Not bashing anyone or trying to stir the pot.  Just offering up my opinion.

Paul

[Mr. Whatever]

I hear what your saying Paul and totally understand. I would not mind paying a few $ to race on a good track close to home, but to drive that far and pay that much is not worth it to me. Good luck to the guys that go tho. Mr. Whatever

[dave]

Mr. Whatever,
I would only do the trip if I could share the tow with you or someone, so It looks like I will not make the shows also.
Sorry.
Dave

[lvine2001]

I hear you guys loud and clear about the expense of this sort of event.

If I/we were to make it to one or more of these I would suggest that we get as many mowers into as many trucks/trailers as possible and all go together to keep the costs down as much as possible.

Then..

No matter what, we all pool the winnings and pay for as much of the travel costs as possible and then ... beer.

The best we can do is come out even but more than likely a few $$ for gas.

If after one, we decide that it's really not worth it then we don't return.

Don't get me wrong I would rather see our "normal" model in play here as well but we are not running this one someone else is and they have been gracious enough to invite us to come and play.

Would I like to see this sort of racing closer? of course.
Does anyone have any ideas of where?
Who will sponsor it?