Tierp Arena 2014 onwards
Discussion
It is positive, at least for the near future. What remains however is the probable truth that Tierp did not attract sufficient ticket buyers to keep it afloat, a new strategy is surely required. Hopefully, this 'all motorsports' idea may be enough to may it work but there's a hell of a lot of work/investment needed. I'm not convinced that enough people live within striking distance to fill the bleachers.
Crowd numbers are not a problem for Tierp when the weather is good, the weather is the issue for European Drag Racing. There has to be contingency for rain off's and an owner willing to accept they will have to pump in money from other events, to prop up drag race events once in a while.
It remains to be seen if the new owner is willing to do that.
It remains to be seen if the new owner is willing to do that.
Extremely unfortunate for the hero's who invested in building the place. The new owner seems very financially strong and have a well maintained business. They will invest much more to conclude the main building with hotel rooms and other facilities. I'm sure we will see other motorsports and other activities there in the future too. Looking at this owner group, I think they can take a loss for a few years while building the events and activities without crying. I rate them "best possible" at the moment and I hope they will be a good partner for future drag racing championship events.
Great news but its still a real shame for lars Eric and co... ill always think of it as his race track even if thats not the case, He had a vision of putting Sweden top of the pile in European drag racing and he did that, As it turns out at great cost to Him self....as you say a Hero
Thanks Mickeg for your feedback. I see that it is a shame that the original investor could not continue to build the success of the venue, but as you say, he is a hero for having such a vision, ambition and courage. It is positive that the new owners have good intentions and financial backing going forward. Thanks again for sharing.
It will be interesting to see what somebody from outside the sport, who is not necessarily passionate about it, can do with the business.
I am not 100% sure, but I presume that most race teams do not turn a profit from their racing. Its the love of the sport that keeps the investment viable rather than the bottom line.
I am not 100% sure, but I presume that most race teams do not turn a profit from their racing. Its the love of the sport that keeps the investment viable rather than the bottom line.
I think it's fairly rare over here that a racer manages to break even. Im sure that the pro racers dont, but then im not in on any appearance money that they may or may not get.
Interesting comment I always wondered what the definition of a "Pro Racer" is ? and BTW WTF is appearance money!!!!
Interesting comment I always wondered what the definition of a "Pro Racer" is ? and BTW WTF is appearance money!!!!
dorrisdormouse said:
I think it's fairly rare over here that a racer manages to break even. Im sure that the pro racers dont, but then im not in on any appearance money that they may or may not get.
I think most people outside of the loop would be surprised/horrified at how far away from breaking even the "pro's" are. By the time you've entered, traveled (if you're abroad), fed and watered the crew, emptied Iraq of it's oil supply over the course of a weekend, kept the fuel tank topped up and gone through consumables such as spark plugs, valve springs, clutch discs and the odd cylinder head or two, you won't be giving Donald Trump a financial confrontation anytime soon. There is no appearance money either, you get round money but unless you hit the track and run the car you won't see it - and without going a few rounds at an FIA meeting you'll be lucky to cover the beer bill for the weekend. The MSA pot is pretty good, but again relatively speaking it's more pocket money than anything else to help stock up on brake cleaner, rags and stick some diesel in the truck. Unless you've got a very healthy sponsorship package, the only way to successfully compete in the FIA classes comes down to passion, sacrifice and disposable income.
Whether you run Pro ET or Top Fuel the experience is exactly the same. The starting budget may be different but nobody gets rich from drag racing in Europe.
TBH that figure's. I class a Pro racer as being anyone from TMD, TMFC, TF, Pro Mod or Fuel Funny Car. I had thought that there was some sort of package to get racers on the track in those classes for bums on seats - but figured it would not be a lot. I'd heard mention of travel money too, but again figured it wouldnt be much compared to the costs a race team see's. At the end of the day youve got the on track expenses, between round maintainance, the getting to the track expenses, crew expenses (they may work for free but they have to get in, eat and sleep), entry fee's etc. Thats without building / buying the car, spares or repairs. Drag racers do it for the love - in europe at least.
I would add to this that even in the States, the vast majority of racers are not making a living from drag racing per se. A few are lucky enough to have corporate sponsorship to do the full time tour,and the number of those has dwindled during the recession. TF, FC and PS barely get enough entrants to make qualifying a drama. Everybody below that is probably largely funding their passion out of their own pockets/businesses, regardless of what signage is on the side of their car, just like they do in Europe/UK.
dorrisdormouse said:
TBH that figure's. I class a Pro racer as being anyone from TMD, TMFC, TF, Pro Mod or Fuel Funny Car. I had thought that thereit stils some sort of package to get racers on the track in those classes for bums on seats - but figured it would not be a lot. I'd heard mention of travel money too, but again figured it wouldnt be much compared to the costs a race team see's. At the end of the day youve got the on track expenses, between round maintainance, the getting to the track expenses, crew expenses (they may work for free but they have to get in, eat and sleep), entry fee's etc. Thats without building / buying the car, spares or repairs. Drag racers do it for the love - in europe at least.
There is travel money, but only if you qualify in the top half of the field (that's how it used to be anyway, unless it changed last season?)...but it's more of a contribution than anything else. It certainly doesn't come close to fueling an artic to Scandinavia or vice versa, ferries and flights/hire cars for the crew. This sport of ours is driven by passion and enthusiasm.Gassing Station | Drag Racing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff