Cost of entries

[Craig Powers]

I have just been looking at the regs that are coming available for 2009 hillclimbs & sprints events.

Last year many entry fees were just below £100 mark. It was obvious that we would breach that threshold this year.

I had hoped that entry fees would not rise too much, and that the financial pressure on clubs (venue fees and all of the organisational costs) would be pegged in recognition of the difficult financial year ahead. In particular I hoped that the recession would strengthen the role of club motorsport in the eyes of circuit owners, given that earnings for corporate arrive & drive / track days are likely to be well down for 2009.

My initial view is that hillclimbs & sprint entry fees are well up from 2008 levels, perhaps by 10% or more. e.g. one of my Angelsey events will be £120.

We all know that 2009 is going to be a very difficult season for club motorsport. Many of my friends, who are stalwarts of the sport, are doubtful of competing this year. I just hope that the extra cost of entries and the £100 psychological barrier does not hit the clubs too hard.

Here’s hoping.

(Note that my comments relate mainly to events at sprint circuits rather hillclimb venues)

[Steve Wilkinson]

As a committee member I cannot say too much about the actual process of fixing entry fees other than to point out that the organising clubs do have a duty to their members to ensure that they (a) do not make a loss, and (b) provide the best value for money possible.

Given that the hire fees for venues are inevitably going up, along with all the rest of the costs involved, I would have thought that a 5 to 10% increase would be inevitable.

[Webbo]

Just for info,

The Gurston committee after much deliberation decided to freeze the entry fees for 2009 based on the current economic climate.

Thus 2009 fees are the same as 2008 for both clubbie and national rounds.

Webbo

[Dave G]

Also just for info,

Woolbridge Motor Club are not raising the prices of their clubbie and national rounds at Wiscombe Park for 2009.
The fees will remain at the 2008 prices.

[Craig Powers]

Hi Steve,

I recognise the difficulties that clubs face; that was the focus of my post. It wasn't in any way a criticism of the clubs, and I know that you didn't interpret it that way because we both attend the same excellent club events.

Somehow there needs to be some downward pressure all the way through the supply chain because I'm pretty sure that 2009 is going to be a pretty dreadful season financially. In the case of circuits, I'm sure that receipts will be well down for corporate events and sponsorships.

For our sport there are several outcomes. We lose circuits to sprinting because circuit owners try to hike up the fees to unsustainable levels, or circuit owners recognise that sprinting has its place in club motorsport and helps sustain it.

Hopefully there will be enough of a turnout for clubs to break-even and not have to cancel events.

Best wishes
Craig

[Craig Powers]

Originally Posted by Dave G

Also just for info,

Woolbridge Motor Club are not raising the prices of their clubbie and national rounds at Wiscombe Park for 2009.
The fees will remain at the 2008 prices.

Thanks for the feedback from yourself and Webbo re: Gurston.

I think that freezing the fees is a good idea, but I recognise that each club has different circumstances.

Sending out an appeal to members to rally round the club and enter the events may make up the financial shortfall. Persuading a few wavering competitors to enter may just be the answer to breaking even.

I would be quite happy for (my) clubs to waive their championship's monetary prizes for the next 2 years or so (or perhaps for good).

[Steve Wilkinson]

I am reminded of how speed events were in the 1970s. At one venue in particular the competitors when entering had an option to exercise. They could opt for either a Trophy or a cash prize. Maybe that could be re-introduced so that the competitor chooses to either have the memento or the cash equivalent. This would certainly aid competitors financially and could mean a lot less hassle for the club as well.

Any reaction to this suggestion?

[CNHSS1]

I suggest culling the event awards altogether, they are generally stuck in the loft never top re-appear. keep the end of season championship awards though. maybe award an engraved brass label/plaque widget at each event instead of a trophy/cash prize which could then attach to a competitors end of season award. it would give a nice event archive on the trophy too.
my personal belief is that other than novices, no one else would miss the event awards but appreciate a fiver off the entry fee.

[Craig Powers]

Originally Posted by CNHSS1

I suggest culling the event awards altogether, they are generally stuck in the loft never top re-appear. keep the end of season championship awards though. maybe award an engraved brass label/plaque widget at each event instead of a trophy/cash prize which could then attach to a competitors end of season award. it would give a nice event archive on the trophy too.
my personal belief is that other than novices, no one else would miss the event awards but appreciate a fiver off the entry fee.

I agree. Although my club, Longton DMC, actually give out useful & tasteful prizes....simple but nicely engraved glasses. I would happily give up the plastic silver cups and the tin plates.

[BigYin]

At Shenstone & District Car Club we have held membership subscriptions (£18) and event entry fees at 2008 levels and for our members' practice sprint at Curborough on 22 March have reduced the entry fee to £49. I think you'll struggle to get better value than that.