In addition to six-figure payouts for the feature winners, winged sprint car racing’s crown-jewel events provide opportunities for drivers and teams to generate significant revenue off the race track.
Sprint car fans from around the world pack the grandstands for marquee events in Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Ohio, Iowa, California and Washington — states hosting at least one event this season that pays $75,000 or more to win.
Tens of thousands of spectators spend several days at these marquee events, providing a boost to the local economy as well as to the pocketbooks of the race teams selling merchandise.
“The most unique part, or the coolest part, is it gives race fans the ability to contribute something and get something in return,” Spencer Bayston said. “They are all fans and not everybody can go out and sponsor a race car. A family will spend their hard-earned money to represent you and cheer you on. They’re helping you get down the road. The fan and driver interaction when they get to walk up to you with your shirt on, it puts a smile on their face and helps us have a pep in our step as we get down the road.”
Bayston says he usually releases five to seven different T-shirt designs each season.
“They’re constantly two to three or maybe four months ahead on things,” he said. “At the beginning of the year you’re planning for the first summer drop. You start the year with a new design plus the carry over. You keep notes everywhere you sell to make out what inventory will look like by a certain date.
“When you’re showing up to Huset’s High Bank Nationals, Kings Royal, Knoxville Nationals, Williams Grove National Open, the West Coast Swing, you have to make sure you get through, but also that you aren’t taking the same stuff to the crowd. You’re constantly planning ahead and mapping out the season and watching your numbers to know where you’re at.”
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