What is Better? Tow or Class Money

[blueskyracer]

As racers which would you prefer if sponsors are willing to pay money towards a event.. Tow money or class money for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd or a combination of both tow and class money.

[Silas_53A]

Though I've never had either, I would think tow money would be more appreciated/wanted for those who drive crazy distances. Brewsters coming to Maine for an example. (maybe again this year? )

And maybe a cash pot for the biggest class of the day or something?

[nicf14]

If you want people to race against than tow money is better.

[TPLACE31]

Eliminate entry fees...

Neither, use the sponsorship money to run the race. Drop the entry fee and run unlimited classes for free, then watch your boat count grow.

[Dave M]

Tow Money

Tow Money works. Proven. If you can pay 90% of travlers gas bill, they will show up. If you can add some class money great, but focus on tow money in my opinion. It equals out the playing field so the same people don't always get paid the most in one class. You need to think about 4th place and below too. Without them, it is not a show. It is just a parade. They should get equal cash for traveling the distance. Prize money should be a bonus if available after paying as much tow money as possible.

I spent less than $500 on fuel last season. And I traveled all over the place. Without it, I would not have come, who can afford a $1500 weekend once or twice a month ? Not your average boat racer.

[blueskyracer]

We were also thinking that class money benefits only the select few over and over and leads to cut throat racing.

Also entry fees will be low and we plan to honor all club cards but folks will have to join NBRA

[Jack Stotts]

Mike, I agree with you on the prize money issue. Unfortunately, big prize money tends to bring out the worst in everyone. That's a shame. But I've witnessed it too many times. Not saying don't pay any , just realize that there is a downside. Jack

[kampenracing]

Tow Money

The ODA usually has the largest amounts of prize and tow money for our races. We haven't paid any prize money for the last three years, we have used all the money we have for tow money.

[PROPDOC]

Tow Money

Mike,
As an officer for the Lone Star Outboard Racing Association I can tell you that having just tow money is better than tow/prize money. We have put on a race here in TX this past spring and even though our race was blown out our intention was to have only tow money. This decision was made due to the fact that we had racers driving very long distances to get to our race in south central Texas. We paid out the tow money even though the races were called for both days due to the wind. So my recommendation to you would be to have more tow money than prize money and you will be able to draw more racers to your event given the remote locale in western Montana.

[blueskyracer]

Sounds like the general consensus is to make everyone happy not just winners so we will put everything into tow money.. Thanks for all the good feed back.. We will disclose how much we have at a later date..

Now how do you figure out the tow money break down..We do not even want to get into a mileage thing. Do you go by trailer and loaded truck or what?? How do you keep track?

[Jack Stotts]

Mike, you almost have to get into the "mileage thing".The best way is to get a milage figure from each person towing or carrying. Total up the total miles provided and divide the available money by that figure. Now you have the amount by mile. Multiply each persons mileage figure by the amount figure computed. The result is the amount to be paid to each applicant. This method has one concern in that it does not take into consideration that some trailers bring one entry and some bring several.

[Mrs blueskyracer]

I am thinking about a zip code to zip code calculator for every rig hauling or towing. As long as the same method is used for everyone it should be fair.

Like Jack said divide total miles into total dollars to get a rate per mile then pay out accordingly. Everyone we have talked to said tow money versus prize money, I guess that makes sense.

Now the next question would be lesser fees and no awards just points, or are trophies, medals or the like more important? Remember the lower the cost of the race the more that will be available for tow money!

[Jack Stotts]

For me, every time I came home with a trophy my wife would say where are you going to put that? I didn't always have an answer that was satisfactory. Prize money is nice but a day later it's of no signifance. Personally, the satisfaction of running well, maybe wining, brought me all the satisfaction I needed. Not all feel that way. I'm just one very small piece of a much bigger pie. Jack

[lngnckboatworks]

tow!!!!

As racers which would you prefer if sponsors are willing to pay money towards a event.. Tow money or class money for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd or a combination of both tow and class money.

tow money!!!! but just being there is what its all about. i will race for nothing!!!!

[pro350hydro]

I know some races do pay prize money like the Pro Nationals, etc. But for some reason I thought the insurance companies frowned upon racing for money? Am I wrong?