WKA Mid-Ohio

Scott Davis · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2001 4:35 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

What is everone's opinion about a NRRS WKA race at Mid-Ohio?

scott berkheiser · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2001 4:45 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

I'm all for it....From what I heard there is a possibilty for next year.

I've heard Mid-Ohio is a great track and thats probably the only way I'll make it there.

Scott

David Cole · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2001 6:43 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

Scott, it is a great idea. I am sure that you will be able to pull about 500 entries like there were at VIR. Possible even more.

Phil Clements · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2001 11:47 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

Mid-Ohio is a great course. I've run it a couple of times and had fun every time. It would make an excellent addition to the WKA NRRS schedule.

Phil Clements · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2001 11:49 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

Scott,

Robby and a few folks from our area are going up for the race in October. Check with them at Kershaw.

Charlie Tackett · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2001 12:12 pm Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

WOuld this be in conjunction with the regular Dart Club races or instead of one, or in addition to the regular Dart events?

The difference is that I believe that the majority of racers in this area that run these independent events are not WKA members. We are so it doesn't matter to us, however, ig the WKA were to allow for a 1-event membership for the weekend, say for $10, no other benefits than being able to race a single event, then you could potentially draw a huge crowd!

scott berkheiser · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2001 2:57 pm Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

Charlie,

The main reason the WKA wants to hold a race at Mid-Ohio is to become stronger in the Mid-west. I saw several Mid-west tracks listed as possibilities for next season. So hopefully this would give people from the Mid-west a reason to join.

I think they are selling weekend passes for the upcoming WKA/Big South race.

Are you and Ted going to make it to Kershaw?

Scott

[ August 20, 2001: Message edited by: Scott Berkheiser ]

Charlie Tackett · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2001 3:15 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

If the WKA wants to become stronger in this region, then I think they will need to change the structure of their enduro program.
From this area, the closest WKA national is Summit, 10hrs away. Most are considerably further away than that. I seriously doubt that many more than what already run the WKA races from this area would participate.

Fortunately, we are lucky to hae many RR tracks and many events in the independent series in this region. I feel that if the WKA wants to draw more members into a RR program, then it has to look and focus more on regional events. Look at the Manuf. CUp and the oval series. They have well developed ragional based programs. Series around here such as the GLSS and the MWSS are strong well promoted regional series. You quite often see articles on tehm in various magazines, on this website, and in the WKA magazine. At the year end banquets,there used to be plaques and so forth with the WKA logo on them, etc.

The focus of the WKA enduro program has always had the appearence of being primarily only involved in the running of its national series. I think there needs to be more focus on developing and rewarding regional racers, otherwise the majority of these folks see little benefit in joining the organization.

Won't be at Kershaw. Looks to be about a 15-16hr drive from here and as we haven't run enough national races to be in any kind of points consideration, thats a long way to travel to a race.

scott berkheiser · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2001 4:04 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

Charlie,

As always you've made some very good points. Perhaps having more national races hosted by clubs in the mid-west will be the first step in building a relationship between those clubs and the WKA.

The one thing i'd like to see is that the national series have one race hosted by each region. Although living in the southeast the current schedule makes it easy for me

Scott

Bob Chiras · Joined: 30 Jul 2001 Posts: 198

Charlie is correct that there is no development program in WKA for road racing. There is very limited regional participation and there is a constant threat of further declines as WKA does not have any direct relationships with the race tracks but relies upon independent promoters to search for and to secure race dates.

Phil Clements · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2001 9:18 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

One of the reasons there isn't more emphasis on regional RR programs could be a cost factor. The tracks capabile of handling an enduro program are typically VERY expensive. Especially when compared to a 1/5 mile oval or 7/10 mile sprint track. Some of the established regional series may be able to combat that a little because of long standing relationships with their tracks. But, if an area doesn't already have something going, getting it started could be just about impossible from a dolars stand point.

Just adding my 2 cents worth.

Charlie Tackett · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2001 9:23 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

I agree, Phil. Also, fo those "regional" or independent series whcih have been operating on their own for the last 10yrs or more, there participants may be a hard sell to adopt a WKA regional program. If they have been satisfied with their racing opportunities for years, then why would they want to change now.

David Cole · Posted: Mon Aug 20, 2001 4:49 pm Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

I agree with you Charlie. WKA does need to focus more on regional then national. I think if you kept the regional programs scheduled around the national events, that would also work better. That way it gives those that run both regional and national time to go to all the events they can.

But like Phil said, it is hard to get with the tracks to schedule better. I think the Mid west tracks have pretty good relationships with the track in scheduling except for a few.

Chris Williamson · Joined: 03 Aug 2001 Posts: 16 Location: Michigan

I have talked to many of the people in the mid-west who have invested years at their local tracks puting their programs together and many say WKA will have to go a long way before they will think about puting on a point race at their track. Even doing a regional event is viewed with some suspicion although it has gotten better.
I think the problems came from before my short term in kart racing and some bitterness for whatever reason still remains.
A step in the right direction is an event that will benifit the host and WKA without scaring away the area karters with extra costs.

scott berkheiser · Posted: Tue Aug 21, 2001 2:01 am Post subject: WKA Mid-Ohio

Chris,

The WKA races aren't any more expensive than a club or regional race. I think the pit pass is a few bucks cheaper at a WKA National event. So cost shouldn't be an issue. I've also heard that clubs make out fairly well when hosting a national event because of the increased attendance.

Scott