Payouts - Are they Outdated?  

Im my opinion, today's purses have not kept up with the cost of fielding a modified, or a sportsman (AKA crate mod) for that matter. However, I don't see how promotors can raise their ticket prices and expect not to lose some fans.  Maybe it can't be done but I feel keeping the cost factor of race car in check might lead to  increased fields. I still don't understand how the racers "that drive for a living" can exist on  $2500 to $3000 Saturday night racetracks.  I guess its possible when sponsors that supply the tow rig, the fleet of engines, and the tires.  To me, that shows there's a problem when in todays "local" racing world, you need someone behind you with deep pockets.  I know I'm dating myself, but drivers like Buzzie Reutimann, Bobby Rossell and Will Cagle raced for a living with their own cars.  Cagle and Reutimann dd have sponsors, but I don't believe the had deep pockets.  I'm convinced that fabricated chassis (Bicknell, Teo, Troyer) are here to stay, as is today's situation regarding tires.  But I think attacking the high dollar engine is a viable solution to where race tracks might get additonal hot rods without increasing their addmission.  Scott Ely