Here's an interesting approach... lower your purse to keep away the big stars and draw local drivers. Have to see how that works. Will the fans come out for the local talent only?
Huntsville native Matt Wagner buys Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series
Published: Wednesday, May 02, 2012, 6:31 PM
Doug Demmons - The Birmingham News By Doug Demmons
Huntsville native Matt Wagner has bought the Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series from owner Charles Roberts of Knoxville.
"We have had many offers over the year to buy the series but Matt is the first one who wanted to bring the series back to its home state of Alabama where it all started," Roberts said in a statement.
The SAS Dirt Racing Series was started by Alabama promoter B.J. Parker, who died last year after a long fight with cancer.
Roberts, who bought the series from Parker eight years ago, said that "Matt is a close personal friend to the Parker family and B.J.'s wife Gail and currently works with her on the Southern Superstars Short Track Series, which is the asphalt series that was operated by B.J. Parker till he passed away."
"We are also pleased that Wagner will keep Lynn Acklin and the rest of the current staff and they will continue to work on adding races to the schedule as well as working on sponsorships and contingencies programs for the remaining 2012 season. Also the new staff will work with track owners and promoters to help the Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series continue it's long history in the racing industry."
Acklin said he and Wagner plan to "rebuild the series" after some hard times brought on by the economic recession. The plan is to lower purses and lower ticket prices to help out track promoters.
Lowering purses, he explained, means fewer of the big names in dirt racing compete, which means more local drivers are willing to show up.
The SAS Dirt Racing Series will be at Talladega Short Track this Saturday for a $3,500 to win late model race. All supporting divisions will also be racing, including crate late models, thundercars, hot shots, sportsman and street stocks.
On Friday, TST will host a 40-lap super late model race. Grandstand gates open at 3 p.m. Saturday with a drivers meeting at 5:45 p.m. and hot laps at 6 p.m. On Friday grandstands open at 3 p.m. with racing starting at 7 p.m.
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"Any Day is Good for Stock Car Racing"
updated by @dave-fulton: 12/05/16 04:09:31PM