NASA Az has no gate fee. The reason is that Arizona tracks don't charge one and the region encourages people to visit with friends and hang out.

It is good for business.


I believe in California all the gate fees are a track thing. Meaning the track rents to NASA for a fee, but they reserve the right to charge gate fee. NASA gets zero from this. It is just part of terms of renting the track. I know that was the case at Willow Springs, but I can't remember Cal Speedway.



Now for all you guys remember each NASA region is indepentanly owned and operated. NASA az does this a little different from So-cal and different from RMR. NASA Az has been hosting Saturday evening BBQ's at each event. Free to registered entrants and $10 for friends/guests. However they use an honor system for guests. Of course most of our events are local so many guys head back home after the racing is over so we need an extra draw to keep guys at the track. This may not work as well for other regions or even for events out of town. (most guys live less than 1 hour drive from our tracks).

NASA So-Cal usually hosts a BBQ for free on Sat nights.

Eric,

On the sponsorship front, I would focus on the Porsche brand value that the series has over say a Spec Miata series. Potential sponsors outside of the car parts world may be attracted to this such as higher end retailers.

Examples that come to mind are:
Sunglass Hut, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger

Also, a contingency program is more of a win win for them because if they hand out a $100 gift card to the winner, the money all comes right back to their store. Unlike a tire contingency, there is a greater likelihood that the gift card holder is going to spend additional money in their store as well.

Other thoughts are following the lead of other series...and look at magazine publishers as title sponsors. Playboy is not very family friendly, but what about Automobile, Motortrend, Car and Driver, Cigar, GQ, Esquire...