Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

     I see a thread about Cody Haas no longer driving for Mike Barshinger. These type of threads evenually turn into a list of neglected drivers that folks think *deserve* a shot in a good car.  Then there will be posts about why that *lunkhead* doesn't *deserve* a chance in the car because etc. etc. etc.  

     What if you looked at it from the other direction? Not *who* you were looking for in a driver, but *what*? 

     If you were an owner like Mike Barshinger and had an empty seat in a good car for the upcoming season in Pennsylvania, what would you be looking for in a driver?  Take into consideration things like: ability, talent, experience, wins, age, popularity, future plans, family situation, mechanical ability, communication skills, employment situation, reputation with past owners, friendlieness to fans and free time to work on a race team.

     What do you think?




    

Good post.  I think all those things you list probably come into consideration.  The challenge with car owners (who aren't drivers) is taking a real HARD look in the mirror and assessing your situation.  That's a challenge.  All owners think they have "good" equipment, best shot at winning, etc. but some need to take a look in the mirror.  If you know your equipment's a bit old, but still "good" do you expect wins, Top 10s, etc.  Then the fiscal part comes into play.  You know you have to finish X position or higher to "break even" or make $.  You have to consider and break down costs of engine refresh, estimates on parts, fuel, driver $, etc., etc.  So knowing the cost to show up and race isn't the only part of the equation.  You have to break down (or try) "season costs" per race and figure things out.  

Probably not in line with what your asking.  But expectations for owners and drivers are hard to evaluate before and during a partnership.  So that comes into play.   

Murphy;

I agree that you covered a lot of the criteria for obtaining a new driver, and Nickules covered the financial aspect of it pretty well.

Personally, I think it boils down to your tolerance level.

Do you HAVE to have a proven winner right away? Or, do you have the patience to bring along a younger, less experienced driver?

What is your "OUCH!" point, as far as town up equipment, lack of purse money coming in, etc.? Can you just say "Oh well, it happens"?

Is your operation cash-strapped enough that you need your new hire to bring sponsorship dollars to the table?

Is your next pilot going to be a fan favorite, or do you want a "Heel" for people to root against? Can you take the heat if you hire that "heel"?

I am lucky enough to work at one of the best tracks 
anywhere.

At the local level like in this case, I would think you should look to the next sprint car class down and put together a short list of drivers who are starting to excell in their division. That driver may be able to bring some existing sponsorship along, additional crew with knowledge and quite possibly even some equipment if he owns his own car. That could create a win-win situation for both parties. To be successful, both parties would need to set realistic goals and be very clear on who's ultimately in charge. There may be an opportunity to along with the primary class, doubling up from time to time and running both classes.

most folks who attend races on Posse Soil know it is rare to see a driver to move from the dwindling 358 class to 410s unless it is a family affair.

Lincoln 1845 ft/.35 mile T1=118MPH 
Eldora 2287 ft/.43mile T3=135MPH
Port 2716 ft/.51 mile T3=TBD
Grove 2792 ft/.53 mile T3=135MPH
Selinsgrove 2847 ft/.54 mile T1=136MPH
"I didn't move to PA from El Paso in search of better 
weather." Van May

Not all owner/driver relationships last forever.  I would want a driver that when the deal is over, I would have gained valuable  experience and insight into myself as a car owner and how to better handle my team for the future.  Not just some driver who would show up, win me a few races, tear of a bunch of stuff, then part ways and still be right in the same spot ive always been. 

Brandon McLain
United Sprint Car Series Driver
2014 Season
National Rookie of the Year!
National Points - 8th
Southern Points - 3rd
Asphalt Points - 3rd
18 Races, 3 Top 5's, 14 Top 10's