Lately I have heard a few tracks have lost, and cut their purses for their signature races. People look all year long for the ovals to put on the big show, and what do they get?  Nuts…..

Just because the times have dictated that we drop back and punt as far purses, it doesn’t mean we still can’t have fun… How about some of these items up for grabs?

Have an on-track handicapping contest for $2,000 for the top three spots? It will cost nothing to get in, and it will keep folks focused on your product…. I know, small peas. But it still catches the eyes of the players. Fun stuff for handicappers.

The marquee races usually fall at the end of the meet. This will get rid of the excess stock, and if you want to attract the people, feed them, and they will come… They may not bet the world…. But, you get to show off your facility.

Get with your sponsors to chip in $2,000, and I bet you will get around $6,000 – $8,000.

Have a corn-hole tournament, and offer some top-notch prizes.  Have your vendors put on a “taste of the track” evening. Charge a few bucks for samples, and I bet you will find yourself covering costs. Draw players names for vintage items from your track. Offer up the good stuff, and know that people love to get their hands on racing items.

No matter, people love to have fun. The purse monies, or the big day of racing doesn’t really matter to everyone. I think we may have taken our eye off the ball. Just give the fans some fun, and they will enjoy the day. The handicappers bet, the newbies come to socialize, and the visitors come to have fun….. Everyone wins, and there are no losers.