From 1950 through 1952
There was a building frenzy of small dirt tracks in the South. Anyone with 20 acres of land and road grader could and did build a stock car racing track. Most lasted a year or two. Then a new form of promotion took place. A promoter would lease these tracks and we would race for 40% of the Gate. If they took in $1,000.00 we would race for $400.00, First place $100, second $75, third $50, fourth $40, etc.The one that stands out to me : In 1953 this guy came in and leased the track at Erwin NC .He was driving an old 1935 Chevy pickup truck., I later found out he gave the owner of the track a $100. deposit with promise of the balance of 35% of the Gate. We kept our eye on that old pickup truck, to be sure we would get paid. While the feature was being run he was able to sneak out and get to the Bus Station with all the money.This is why the promoters of Stock Car Racing that were ethical became important.
That is a part of history that many folks were not aware of, Jim. In the past year I've had many discussions with veteran drivers, like you, who tell stories of having to chase down the promoter to get paid. thanks very much for sharing.Jeff
In the very early days, the 40%-of-the-gate model of race promotion posed a serious threat to Big Bill and his fledgling NASCAR. From day one, NASCAR has operated on the concept of a guaranteed purse, to combat the phenomena described here. But, way back in the day, some of the crowds at these impromptu 'race tracks' were impressive, indeed! "Running for the gate" as it was called, was more lucrative than France with his guanteed version. As the novelty began to wan, and natural selection began to inexorably rule, the guaranteed purse became the only game in town, and continues to this day.
Sadly, this happened many times in the early days.