Miata Mailing List: June 1996, Message #135
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   From: LanceKL@aol.com
Subject: Re: Miata Games Cost
   Date: Mon, 3 Jun 1996 21:12:13 -0400

In a message dated 96-06-03 10:11:49 EDT, Michael.Opalak@xcellenet.com
writes:

>
>Unfortunately, our insurance for the event specifies that we cannot have 
>spectators wandering around the event, for safety reasons.  If we were to 
>allow outside spectators, our insurance costs would be even higher, driving 
>up the total cost additionally.
>
>

Michael,

I don't think anyone is questioning the value of the track events which you
are organizing.  From what I can see they are a good value for the money.
 What is being questioned is the inability for someone to be a spectator or
visit the vendors without shelling out $230 (if alone, much more if they
decide to fill the second seat in the Miata).  

I am an avid race fan, especially of vintage racing and as such spend a good
bit of time at Road Atlanta.  The track is laid out so that spectators can be
separated from the hazards of the pit area.  They also have areas that can be
used as vendor areas so that people can browse the wares without creating a
hazard for themselves or the racers.  

During the vintage races (Walter Mitty) you can even buy a pit pass which
allows you to drive your car into the pit area.  As I stated in a previous
posting, for $29.00 I spent the weekend at the track including touring laps
on both days.  Your event is much smaller than this and the Mitty has much
higher entry fees for the racers, but they do realize that racing without
spectators does little to promote the sport. A Miata event without spectators
does little to promote the automobile to which we have become addicted. 

Most people would be willing to pay a reasonable entry fee to come in, see
the vendors, and observe the events.  Have you investigated what additional
insurance cost would be incurred if a spectator and vendor area were set
aside, and if that additional cost could be offset by a spectator entry
fee??.  I am sure that you are having the regular participants sign a
liability waiver.  This same waiver would be signed by spectators.

I think it would be worthwhile examining the options here before you just
write off enthusiasts that can't justify spending $230-320 just to watch the
action and see the vendors.

Lance in Atlanta
black 94 supercharged