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Topic: Did Ted Johnson pay tow money?
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Page 1 of 1 of 3 replies
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January 01, 2024 at
05:55:01 PM
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05/26/2005
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When Ted started the World of Outlaws in 1978, it was a loose organization of racers. Ted figured if he promoted a series of sprint car races instead of everybody doing the *true outlaw* schedule, he could pay a point fund, crown a champion, increase the purses and make a buck for ol' Ted. He succeeded.
When did tow money, contracts and non-compete clauses come into play? I've read that Ted sometimes paid appearance money. I've also read where he had times where his checks wouldn't clear, and that some racers said they didn't get paid for some events he promoted. So, when did it all get *taken to the next level*?
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January 01, 2024 at
07:32:00 PM
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07/15/2023
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Reply to:
Posted By: Murphy on January 01 2024 at 05:55:01 PM
When Ted started the World of Outlaws in 1978, it was a loose organization of racers. Ted figured if he promoted a series of sprint car races instead of everybody doing the *true outlaw* schedule, he could pay a point fund, crown a champion, increase the purses and make a buck for ol' Ted. He succeeded.
When did tow money, contracts and non-compete clauses come into play? I've read that Ted sometimes paid appearance money. I've also read where he had times where his checks wouldn't clear, and that some racers said they didn't get paid for some events he promoted. So, when did it all get *taken to the next level*?
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Not sure when tow money started but in the beginning the point rules were pretty loose as I believe any race paying 3 grand to win gave points. From what I can remember the races Ted attended show up money and motel rooms were available to some drivers.
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January 02, 2024 at
12:34:04 AM
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03/12/2011
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Reply to:
Posted By: Murphy on January 01 2024 at 05:55:01 PM
When Ted started the World of Outlaws in 1978, it was a loose organization of racers. Ted figured if he promoted a series of sprint car races instead of everybody doing the *true outlaw* schedule, he could pay a point fund, crown a champion, increase the purses and make a buck for ol' Ted. He succeeded.
When did tow money, contracts and non-compete clauses come into play? I've read that Ted sometimes paid appearance money. I've also read where he had times where his checks wouldn't clear, and that some racers said they didn't get paid for some events he promoted. So, when did it all get *taken to the next level*?
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Bob Trostle told me Johnson told him after a race he did not have the money to pay him, but would get money to him. Trostle said he never did get the money.
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January 03, 2024 at
07:40:42 AM
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07/09/2019
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Reply to:
Posted By: Murphy on January 01 2024 at 05:55:01 PM
When Ted started the World of Outlaws in 1978, it was a loose organization of racers. Ted figured if he promoted a series of sprint car races instead of everybody doing the *true outlaw* schedule, he could pay a point fund, crown a champion, increase the purses and make a buck for ol' Ted. He succeeded.
When did tow money, contracts and non-compete clauses come into play? I've read that Ted sometimes paid appearance money. I've also read where he had times where his checks wouldn't clear, and that some racers said they didn't get paid for some events he promoted. So, when did it all get *taken to the next level*?
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Yes, Ted paid tow money. No, Ted didn't let his racers race whenever or wherever they wanted after he realized the teams were the business which was pretty early on. Yes, there were times when racers didn't paid, most likely because Ted didn't get paid by the track operator. Probably the most famous case was the indoor race at the Suncoast Dome/Tropicana Field, teams are still waiting for those checks. And somehow it's still been the top series in the sport for almost 50 years.
I didn't know Ted Johnson but I do know he did whatever it took to be successful. And I know he had a long memory and was very loyal to those who were loyal to him when it came to track promoters. People wonder why some tracks that had a date never got a date again - see above about checks and money, there's your most likely answer.
To me it became "next level" when he sold, and that was right around the same time the internet became commonplace in the US. Having NASCAR champ Tony Stewart starting a team and bringing NASCAR relationships into the sport around the same time didn't hurt either.
If you wanted to see Ted Johnson's World of Outlaws circus when it came to town in 1-2 times a year in the 80s and 90s, your butt got to the track early because that was your only chance. Hardcore fans would track the season in racing magazines. Once it became easy to watch them on YouTube and/or get live updates on message boards, it became way easier to be a fan IMO. Now the sport is in a golden age of accessibility and money thanks to streaming.
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