Paul Tracy's move to SSC

Chris Ortenburger · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2001 11:28 pm Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

WOW - What news.

Errrrr..

"The chassis formerly known and Tracy Kart"

This could get interesting.

Doug Welch · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 3:43 am Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

A question I have concerns motives. Paul Z. in his release alludes to Paul wanting a better deal. That means he wants money for the use fo his name. Is Paul putting money into karting or is he taking out? What is his real motivation here.

IMHO, karting has way too many individuals trying to cut a fat hog. Except that the hog is one skinny little pig. It seems like every time we turn around there is some person, some group who is going to give us the next big thing that will save karting (from what?) and take it to the next level. The question is, is Paul just the latest one who thinks he can pull a little gold out of karting? Or is he trying to put something in?

Guys, karting is enjoying unprecidented growth right now. Its starting to get media coverage. The programs are growing along with the number of entrants. As a privateer, if makes me sick to watch all this jockying for position by some folks who want to take advantage of karting for their selfish personal gain. Don't get me wrong, I have benifited from the capitalistic system better than most, but in many ways, karting plays apon the dreams of kids and their over indulgent parents.

There is a regular alphabet soup of organizations springing up who, if you believe their hype, if we just follow them (and give them $$$) they will lead us to karting nirevana(sp). Our kids will be the next F1 champion and the parents will be better looking. Except with a smaller walet.

Doug

Marc Miller · Advertiser Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1835

You know... being on both sides of karting.. end user and business side, I find it increasingly irritating that it has become a normal occurance for someone to be "evil" if they are trying to start or maintain a business in karting.

I have seen no business in karting promise a fake nirvana... I have seen businesses invest a great deal of time, effort and funding to promote products, provide acceptable customer service and advertise to entice customers, just as ANYONE would do in ANY other market in the world, from toothpaste to diapers.

I find it interesting that karting seems to be the only industry I am aware of that customers are actually put off by companies making money, often hearing the phrase "What are they giving back to karting?" or "I can't believe that I have to pay this much, since I know what he pays for it...".

As karting grows and as Doug points out, karting IS enjoying considerable gorwth and well deserved media attention, it must be treated more and more like a business to survive. If the end user constantly thinks that they deserve stuff for free, they shouldn't have to pay "retail" and that they were "duped" becuase they bought something that turns out they didn't need... then maybe they should try to break into another sport and try their hand at getting a free car from GM, or maybe try to talk their car dealer into paying half price, cause "I can drive down the highway better than anyone!".

This is a sarcastic view, but it truly is a problem. Marc Z. will do fine in his continuation with his business as he has been a successful part of the karting community for years and Paul Tracy, in my opinion owes nothing to the karting masses that he hasn't already done as he has supported karters and promoted it whenever the opportunity arises.

Regards-

Marc Miller

Erik Frank · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 4:25 am Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

So, will these new Tracy/SSC racing karts be upscale, "designer" CRG's???? Honestly, how different are they going to be?

Darren Swisher · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 4:30 am Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

Marc, I could not agree more with your verbage. Running a business within the karting niche is very difficult. If you can make it here you can make it anywhere it seems.

Good luck both Paul Tracy and Marc Zartarian

P.S. Maybe Marc Z. needs a new line of safetygear too!!!

Russ McGrane · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 6:07 am Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Doug Welch:
[QB]A question I have concerns motives. Paul Z. in his release alludes to Paul wanting a better deal. That means he wants money for the use fo his name. Is Paul putting money into karting or is he taking out? What is his real motivation here.

The Tracy Team has gone from non-existent to a front runner in 2 short years. All of the other teams are funded by the chassis importers or large shops. If Paul doesn't get anything from the sale of the chassis, how would the team be funded? My guess is that Paul's "cut" from the sale of the chassis is put right back into the team. As already mentioned, Paul has done a lot to promote the sport, and has helped some drivers in the meantime. Look at the success that Allmendinger is having. I am sure that if Paul was in it only for the money, he could find something a little more lucrative to endorse than a kart chassis.

Again, only my opinion.

Tim Pappas · Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 791 Location: Burkina Faso,

quote:
Originally posted by Doug Welch:
A question I have concerns motives. Paul Z. in his release alludes to Paul wanting a better deal. That means he wants money for the use fo his name. Is Paul putting money into karting or is he taking out? What is his real motivation here.

IMHO, karting has way too many individuals trying to cut a fat hog.

Doug

First of all, consider that there are two sides to every situation. If Paul wanted to make money he would have invested his money somewhere other than the kart business. He has not taken a dime out of karting and has and will continue to support his race team and the industry.

TP

Tim Pappas · Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 791 Location: Burkina Faso,

quote:
Originally posted by Erik Frank:
So, will these new Tracy/SSC racing karts be upscale, "designer" CRG's???? Honestly, how different are they going to be?

The 125 will be a completely different kart from the CRG line.

TP

Darren Swisher · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 7:44 am Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

What will Marc Z. do at this point? Has he lost the drivers from Tracy? I assume he will find new ones (I hope) What about his inventory?

Marc Z. Are you out there???

Darren

Arie Ouimet · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 7:46 am Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

I have a couple of thoughts. First, is ther something wrong with profiting from ones hard work? Paul Tracy has worked hard for what he has earned, he risks his life out there and I don't believe there is anything wrong with some profit taking (if that is the reason for leaving). Secondly, he has moved to SSC, I think that speaks volumes to his intent and involvement with the sport, he could have just taken his name and walked away. I can only hope that Paul Tracy's association with SSC Racing can help elivate the awareness of the sport.
For what its worth, thats my 2cents
Mark

Victor Roth · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 7:53 am Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

I believe there is plenty of room for both to stay in the sport(business), the ability to make money is the foundation to which no business can stray to far. I have dealt with Marc Z. and have found him both knowledgeable and helpful , ingredients that will serve him well as I have no doubt he will remain in the industry for a long time to come and continue to produce and support quailty product's for both motor's and chassis.

There are no bad "guy's" just people moving on for business reasons. I wish them both success.

VR

Bonnier Moulton · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 202

quote:
Originally posted by Doug Welch:
IMHO, karting has way too many individuals trying to cut a fat hog. Except that the hog is one skinny little pig. It seems like every time we turn around there is some person, some group who is going to give us the next big thing that will save karting (from what?) and take it to the next level. The question is, is Paul just the latest one who thinks he can pull a little gold out of karting? Or is he trying to put something in?

I'll tell you one thing, Paul has contributed more to karting with his presence and support than he's ever going to make financially. This is a guy who loves the sport and is doing something to help take young karters such as A.J. up the ladder.

Bonnier
Msquared Karting www.msquaredkarting.com

Darren Swisher · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 9:21 am Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

I am suprised that more CART/IRL/ECT, Drivers are not getting involved here in the U.S.

Just think what it would do to the sports if we had a dozen or so drivers get involved like Tracy has.

Darren

Charlie Tackett · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2001 12:53 pm Post subject: Paul Tracy's move to SSC

SO, TIm, does this mean that our PT chassis I have up for sale may one day be a collectors item?

Tim Pappas · Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 791 Location: Burkina Faso,

quote:
Originally posted by Charlie Tackett:
SO, TIm, does this mean that our PT chassis I have up for sale may one day be a collectors item?

Hang it on your wall. You have one of the 2 first karts made.

TP