DDay driver cap/price change? Input appreciated.

[mranlet]

Based on the amount of track time at this past event and the ease of running the event this time around, I'm thinking about changing the driver cap to 30 or so (down from 40) and bumping up the registration a few bucks to make up for the lower driver number. Before making the change I'd like to hear what people think (NOTE: I'm most interested in the input of those who regurlarly come to events but everyone's input will be considered)

In the DDay 8 thread on www.floridadrift.com I have a more detailed explaination of why we would make this change, and I'd urge anyone interested in this issue to check it out before deciding yay or nay:
http://www.floridadrift.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5435&start=60

Other possible changes for the next event include:
-More "pre-tech" locations so that we aren't spending hours in the morning looking over your cars
-Additional pavement/rumble strip around turn 1 and the tree turn at the track to help keep the surface less dirty and make off-line excursions easier on the cars
These will be addressed in their own rights, but if people feel strongly one way or another I'm also interested in hearing it.

SLIDE OR DIE!!!

[Mars_302]

Id say 50 drivers at $75, but have it a 12-16 hour deal

[Matt Vassallo]

30 drivers at 120. for only a few bucks more you get almost DOUBLE even TRIPLE the tracktime as previously mentioned.

[mranlet]

Id say 50 drivers at $75, but have it a 12-16 hour deal

If we use the lights at OGP, the rental cost goes up significantly, so it would be more like 50 drivers, $110 each, for 14 hours (or something in that range, not sure)

[JC]

I think anything over 100 is way too much. You have to also think people have to pay for gas, tires, etc. I understand drifting is expensive, but this is not the direction we should be taking.
.02 cents

[Funk]

i think we should do 40 drivers, and let the experienced drivers get multiple laps at once.. like 3 continuous laps with 3 or so cars on the track.

then the newbs do the original style.

[mranlet]

Funk - with 30 drivers at the last event, there were 3 cars on the track just about all day. Revised layout of 1 lap run and lining up again seemed to work out really well for getting the max number of cars at once on track. I also have to give everyone an equal shot at the track - it wouldn't be fair to the novice drivers if they paid the same and got less seat time (especially since they are the ones who arguably need it more).

JC - it's a trade off though, if people come to events more often but don't pay as much to enter, they may be getting the same number of laps over 2 events with a lot of drivers than they would at 1 event with a higher reg price and fewer drivers. I did some calculations for my post in the floridadrift.com thread and determined that the DDay 7 cost $6/lap for most people, while the DDay 8 cost was $3.60/lap (40% more for your money). Even if the cost was $120/driver the cost per lap at 25 laps would be $4.80 - still a discount from DD7's $6/lap. With implementation of things like curbing, more spotters, better equipment and other things that cost money but make the track more efficient, the 25 laps from last event could be bumped up to 30 or maybe 40+. So, in the long run a higher reg price would allow us to make changes that would give the drivers a more cost-effective event rather than one that is just cheaper but that isn't getting any better...

If that is too confusung, just know this:
-Fewer drivers makes for more lap time at an exponential rate.
-Higher reg prices will yeild more laps in the long run (and more for your money), and will make the events better.
-30 drivers at $120 or $110 will be getting you way more for your money than 40 drivers at $90.

[Jonas]

30 drivers, pay more ..

[Just Dave]

Just an observation. I read you had 32 drivers at DDay 8. Why do you expect people to pay more to cap it at 30? Is the 2 extra cars worth paying an extra $30?

[ImportLuv]

I did notice that there seemed to be a slow down in the afternoon during the event. I would it cap at around 30, but limit it to 35 for anyone who decides at the last minute.
I sure wish that we get alot of track time and pay less, but sometimes that doesnt work out.

More cars: cheaper, but less time on the track
Less cars: more expensive, but more time on the track.

I would say, the event starts at 8pm, and end at 6pm.
Adding those "curbs" is a great idea, and add some kind of material that is easier to deal with along the edges of the track.
Oh, someone please fill in that cliff on turn #4, i got stuck and scraped my chassis there.

[mranlet]

Just an observation. I read you had 32 drivers at DDay 8. Why do you expect people to pay more to cap it at 30? Is the 2 extra cars worth paying an extra $30?

Before spectators and merch, we pretty much just barely broke even that event. We can't keep having 30 or 32-driver events at the same reg price becuase we couldn't afford to make the events better.

ImportLuv - pretty much summed it up.

It would make no sense to have every driver spend all the money to get tires together, buy gas, buy food, drive up, maybe get a hotel room, and then get 12 laps for a cheaper price than normal...

[ryojikaji143]

I would go with 35 drivers and make it a flat $100. Pre register only. Maybe try to encourage people to pre-tech by allowing the pre-tech'd drivers to get in a line and take 1 lap each until the rest of the drivers are tech'd. People shouldn't complain about the pre reg only and the pre-tech run group. If they were serious about the event then they would be prepared like everyone else.

Another option is to only accept 30 pre registrations and leave 5 open to first come first served at the gate. That gives everyone a chance. I guess it depends on how early they are willing to wake up ;-) As long as you give like a month notice, no one should have any right to complain.

Curbs and filler would be a very good idea in a few spots of the track. Maybe fill in the inside corner/entrance to turn 2 and fill in the outside of turn 4. Good luck Mike, sounds like you have some great ideas.


-Matt-Panic!

[tak]

PRE-REGISTER & PRE-TECH OR DONT DRIVE. SIMPLE.

I think if people want it enough, they can work a little more and save some money. If not, then they need to stick to the parking lots for practise. The only problem I see is not enough people who want to participate being able to. If this is the case, then that means there is an over abundance of drivers, and money to be made, and maybe event frequency can be increased. Possibly even have staggered events/prices. Some for those wanting to maximize track time, at whatever the cost, and then a day for the low budget drifters.

[mranlet]

Both of you guys have good points.

Matt's Layout of 30+5 would be a good way of doing it, and we would only have to bump a few bucks to make up for it.

Making it affordable for everyone is definitely a plus, but we're trying to add other events that are priced for those who don't have $100 in one shot (hopefully night events for a low price close to town).

[hachibill]

i think the 30 plus 5 is a good idea, but i do think there should be some incentive for the drivers to show up early and get going. the pre-tech is good to. and tandem should be allowed for those who have cages, some people need practice with that too.

[aphxero]

I think 30 pre reg'ed at $100 and 2 or 3 open spots for $125 at the gate would be fine. I really liked how everything went for the last one though.

[tak]

You need to get some music and food out there. And put up some shit on the fence. I dont mind spending $5 a pop, and I dont really need too many spectators taking up my room, but the fact is there were more people outside the fence who did not pay, who are sitting on their cars, while we had no seating inside. They had just as good, if not better views than us.


Raffle. $5 a pop, 20 person minimum. Winner gets a seat at next event.

Then bring out the petting zoo, the hawaiin jam band, and the keg's, we got us a party.

[ImportLuv]

NOOOOO.
Well, i think its a cool idea to let the public to view what we are doing, so their question/curiosity could be answered. Think as if its advertising. But yeah, i see your point that theres really no difference from paying that spectator fee and staying behind that fence.
Plus it would cost too much to set up some kind of wall or cover to block it from public viewing.
Like i said before, just have someone bring out 1 grill, and play some music is all we need.

I talked to that lady at DDAY8 in the registration area, she said that they are in the process of setting up bleacher seatings. And I gave her my company's brochure. We make bleacher seatings, and she said that shes gonna hand it to the owner.

Edit: Its funny to overhear people say "oh man, i could do better than him...look he's sliding all over the place." :lol: I just smile and giggle.
At DDAY 5, some guy asked me what we were doing, i said "oh we are drifting." and i had to explain to him what drifting was. I dont think he got the idea.

[satanshatch]

Enter - "Wrench"...

So, What ever happened to Primus ? All in all I think any drift event is a good thing. Then again we have to start looking locally for other venues.. Maybe look for sponsorship to help with some of the costs, BRING VENDORS ! Charge someone to come out and set up with changing tires etc. Like Mike/Advance Performance was at Primus that time. That was great. Invite RZ, XAT, DP/Z Fever to set up Booths/shop for a small fee to bring the business. Do events like car shows ie cars for Cancer and a drift event in conjunction with one another...

Why don't a bunch of people get together one night and just throw around ideas, brain storm, have a few drinks and see what comes up. I would be willing to do art for the event etc..

[Matt Vassallo]

The cost honestly is NOT the problem. The cost is right on target with every other place that is drifting in the USA. With the track time that everyone received with the last dday, the cost between 90 and 120 dollars an event is right exactly on target with where it needs to be. What vendors can do, however, is 1) improve the quality of the event by allowing prizes and stuff for miniature competitions. 2) allow the pay of more staff members, so when they say GROUP 4 get ready, instead of just hearing a single horn or anything, you have two or three people going around on a scooter of some sort or something to let everybody know whats up. 3) you get more flaggers out there so multiple people can be on the track at the same time. 4) you can get things set up where there are twice as many events with half as many drivers at each event, so the track time skyrockets.

as long as we keep the cost where it is per event, there are no problems with getting dedicated drivers interested in advancing the sport to help out.

One final thing. If the costs and vendors and everything were enough to pay even ONE person full time, as opposed to doing everything on the side, outside of a full time job, do you even know the amount of venues drifters would have access to? This is because that person would be able to go all over florida to the gigantic parking lots that we have, and talk to them about having drift events going. Hell, we'd have so many events there are not enough dedicated drivers that have the money to attend them all!

So everythings going well, and it will only get better. I am absolutely amazed at how mranlet and dg eric jacobs turned this dday around that i attneded last. my car must have had 40-50 laps AT LEAST..

[ImportLuv]

I thought DDAY was a practice event?
If its not, then we beginners need an event to practice at. Preferably local and cheap. Finding 40+ people isnt a problem, there are plenty of beginners around here.

[Matt Vassallo]

I thought DDAY was a practice event?
If its not, then we beginners need an event to practice at. Preferably local and cheap. Finding 40+ people isnt a problem, there are plenty of beginners around here.

it is, but many practice events also have random door prizes and what not that people give out from sponsors. it improves brand name recognition. like an xat favorite drift of the day or an enjuku most extreme initiation award. something like that.

the cost is good where it is, 130 isn't out of the question for 45 runs, that's for darn sure.

[Just Dave]

You guys should consider bringing in shops to sponsor the event to help defer some of the costs. From previous events, a shop pays $300 to get their name over the PA system and get their banners up. Maybe get a little more and do a vinyl wrap or a car in the shops logo. For every $300 sponsor you get, that's $10/head cheaper to drift.

[taka86fc]

I don't know if you like my idea

We should pre reged/teched cars start running earlyer. We can set a drivers meeting for pre teched cars. They run while the rest of cars are doing reg/tec. DG might not need to tech 30-50 cars at the track. pre reg/teched cars can have more runs. There is benefit for both of DG and drivers.

[Matt Vassallo]

that is a very good idea taka.

[mranlet]

A lot of these are good ideas!

I would have liked to solicit sponsorship from local shops and businesses for 8, but there just wasn't time between me jumping in Kyle's seat and the date of the event. Not only would vendors help offset costs, but they would also give spectators (and drivers) something else to do and look at.

IIRC, usually there is a security guy who makes people who are trying to watch for free go somewhere else, I don't know why he wasn't there this past time... I'd like to just put up more sponsor banners so that freeloaders can't see ;)

I would most definitely like to put more emphasis on pre-teching. The less time we spend doing tech and drivers meeting at the event, the more time we can spend on the track. If everyone is up and ready to drive at 7am for example, I'll start the first group at 7am and anyone who gets there late just misses out on the additional seat time.

I am in contact with OGP regarding a DD9 before the year is out, and if it happens, I hope to implement some more changes like these. Anyone who has ideas, keep 'em coming!

Thanks for the input!

[NismoZ]

you may also need to consider that some people dont live or drive near pre-tech locations and their cars never change between events so tech is a sinch.
people should just be friggin responsible and know the pre-tech rules and quit driving beaters. fix yo shit peoples

also...maybe we shouldnt be looking at upping driver cost to cap at $30, we should look at alternative methods to make up for the cost like additional sponsors, etc.

the higher the cost, the more it is going to deter begginers from entering. here is their thinking "why pay $90 when i can drift on the street",and "i could wind up looking like the newb that i am in front of everyone."

of coure we (people who have driven there and know that these arent valid excuses) know better than that and that is why we are comming up with these ideas to better our experiences... but i know 3 of my immediate friends who think this way.