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Topic: Tony Stewart: Racer or Businessman?
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Page 2 of 3 of 43 replies
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April 22, 2012 at
01:31:28 PM
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guess maybe they oughta start making the fans fill out a questionnaire each week of who they are there for and make the payout to the drivers accordingly.
The greatest knowledge is to know that you know nothing
at all.
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April 22, 2012 at
01:38:40 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Speedkills on April 22 2012 at 01:25:22 PM
I agree with most on here, Tony coming to the race and the track being able to promote that = more people in the stands and probably more cars in the pits due to people wanting to say they raced against Tony. I'm sure the track was paid back on their investment at least double. These are the types of events that tracks are able to do to keep the doors open. 1 large successful event for a track can probably cover alot of the overhead possibly for the year.
Yeah Tony won but lots of fans got to see that guys that race there weekly are able to compete even against someone with alot of money invested. Not much different than when the Outlaws come to your track, go out and see how the locals stack up, always exciting when you go and are able to cheer for 1 of the local guys running up front.
I say he's both a racer and business man and I see nothing wrong with that.
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Stewart asked and somebody wrote out the check and he showed up. I dont care for it but thats a way of life in this business.
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April 22, 2012 at
01:56:41 PM
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Johnny Rutherfurd raced a midget at a USAC show at Hawkeye Downs back in the 70's. A USAC official told me he got more money just for showing up than the winner of the A main got paid. Plus he did not really race, he planned to drop out of the A around the half way point. I heard him tell the local t v sports reporter that and that he would do an interview with him right after dropping out of the race. He left as soon as the back gate was open after the A and never signed a single autograph. At least Tony RACES when he shows up and spends time with the fans afterward.
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April 22, 2012 at
03:40:44 PM
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Obviously racer & businessman both, but much more a racer. Nobody mentioned that he risked his life out there for what amounted to chicken feed,compared to his NASCAR income. So he loves to drive more than make sensible, conservative, business like decisions.
I was tempted to drive from Denver to see him...
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April 22, 2012 at
04:06:42 PM
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tony contribute a ton of money to charity. it is not unlikely that his appearance money is included in that.
who cares if tony can make some money off of going out of his way to make a scheduled appearance at a local track? some of you people are just plain ridiculous and just in need of something to complain about. racing is a business for tony.
to indy and beyond!!
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April 22, 2012 at
04:15:23 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Eagle Pit Shack Guy on April 22 2012 at 10:40:29 AM
Tony is a racer, right down to his bones. It's already been noted that he brings fans to the stands, as was seen in spades last night. The stands were FULL!!! Heck, we probably had double the normal number of folks in the pits to boot. I have never seen that many people in the pits.
After the races he stayed until every last fan got their autograph, and still had time for me to interview him. All this on top of the fact that he had to be up at 8:30 today after the plane flight back to Kansas City. It had to be after 1 A.M. before he hopped that flight.
And, if you question his racing chops, you weren't there last night. That was THE best sprint car race that I personally have seen at Eagle Raceway in a lot of years. Stu Snyder got passed, but Tony didn't pull away from him after the pass in traffic.
If he ever wants to come back (and he does...believe you me), he's more than welcome by this fan and track employee!!!!!
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That's awesome so next time the track can save even more money since he wants to come back shouldn't have to pay appearance fee.
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April 22, 2012 at
04:39:50 PM
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I felt the same way when Snooky came to a Bar in Fargo ND to party, and later I found out the bar paid her to do this appearance. I thought Snooky was a real partier but I guess she's just a business person too. 
http://gph.is/XMLGff
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April 22, 2012 at
04:56:55 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: singlefile on April 22 2012 at 12:58:24 PM
So why should a promoter be able be able to profit and fill up his grandstands for free when the only reason many of the people attending these Sprint Car races where Stewart is competing is because Stewart is there? Stewart makes a lot of money for promoters by showing up to race for what is essentially a meaningless amount in purse money. So he shouldn't be compensated when he is the only reason many people even attend a lot of those races?
FWIW, from looking around the web, I call BS on the claim of $46 million earned last year. Can you link to a source on that?
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is it really bad when a promoter finds a way to get profit from a race so he can afford to put on another race. I do not think promoters are making money hand over fist like some people think. If they need ELVIS there to turn a profit that is OK.
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April 22, 2012 at
05:48:03 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: buzz rightrear on April 22 2012 at 04:06:42 PM
tony contribute a ton of money to charity. it is not unlikely that his appearance money is included in that.
who cares if tony can make some money off of going out of his way to make a scheduled appearance at a local track? some of you people are just plain ridiculous and just in need of something to complain about. racing is a business for tony.
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If his did ask for the money to be contribute to charity, then that would be find. And then after all it is really none of our business.
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April 22, 2012 at
06:09:40 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Twenty8 on April 22 2012 at 11:09:40 AM
What Brad says is gold ! Its not like Tony was running for the points championship. I would bet 90% of the fans were thrilled to see Tony there. Just like any other top name driver that pays a visit. Half want to see the locals beat him, and the other half want to see what a high dollar team can do against their regulars. Hey wait isnt that called the WoO ? Would also like to know how man kids got to see Tony in person and get his autograph. From experience that is priceless.
P.S. I got to meet Brad Doty and get his autograph 
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Everyone who wanted to got Tony's autograph. I'd say that the line lasted an hour and a half roughly. I left at 1 and he still needed to drive to the airport in Lincoln, fly to KC, get to the track and then be up at 8:30 for today's race. A short night for him, to say the least; but he had a whale of a time!!
I am lucky enough to work at one of the best tracks
anywhere.
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April 22, 2012 at
06:35:29 PM
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This message was edited on
April 22, 2012 at
06:38:18 PM by singlefile
Reply to:
Posted By: linbob on April 22 2012 at 04:56:55 PM
is it really bad when a promoter finds a way to get profit from a race so he can afford to put on another race. I do not think promoters are making money hand over fist like some people think. If they need ELVIS there to turn a profit that is OK.
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Well, of course it's not bad for a promoter to make a profit. But I don't get why anyone would think that promoter should expect Stewart to show up and pack the place for free? I can understand why Stewart, of any other driver/athlete for that matter, would resent a promoter that wants to take advantage of the increased crowd a superstar will bring but doesn't want to pay for the reason so many people are there.
Since you mentioned Elvis, do you suppose Elvis performed for free at all at those concerts and performances over the years?
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April 22, 2012 at
07:24:53 PM
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Id like to see the facts about Tony demanding an appearance fee. Just because someone is saying that he did, doesn't make it so
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April 22, 2012 at
07:32:26 PM
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Arguments can be made all day....
but there really isn't an argument for what Eagle Shack Pit Guy is communicating here. Last night's outcome was tremendous. Packed house got treated to a great race and one of the best racer's in the world signing autographs to no end afterward. Who cares if there was an appearance fee? The outcome was definitely more than worth it.
And to Brad's point - I think Stu Snyder can brag that he gave Smoke a hell of a race and made him sweat a little and forced him to earn it.
I just don't see anything about last night's race at Eagle that wasn't a huge win for everyone all the way around. It was of tremendous benefit to everyone there and the sport itself. jmo
If he was paid, Eagle got a hell of a bargain. It's not like he didn't really want to be there. I'm sure he had a great time racing and seems he was a consumate professional in going to far lengths to please Eagle fans. win/win for everyone.
How much would could a wouldchuck chuck if a
wouldchuck could chuck would
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April 22, 2012 at
07:44:18 PM
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We have a winner!!!
I am lucky enough to work at one of the best tracks
anywhere.
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April 22, 2012 at
08:28:16 PM
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This message was edited on
April 22, 2012 at
08:29:50 PM by OutlawDan
Back in the early 80's tracks would pay Rick Ferkel to show up at the SOD shows and it was about the same amount as the winner would ge, he won most of the time. Hank Lower used to get paid to show up at tracks in the 80's also. Nothing new here. Most of the time it was the track offering the money so they could advertise them, not the driver demanding it.
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April 22, 2012 at
08:53:30 PM
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I have a friend that has a catchphrase he is known for "PEOPLE SUCK." He isn't the first person to think it and won't be the last. The older I get... the more I'm agreeing with him. No one that posts moronic drivel on this board works for free; why would they expect it of someone else? Just because someone is a better negotiator than you are... just because they utilize the leverage that they have... doesn't make them a bad person. It means they are a sharper pencil than you are!
As Mr. Doty said perfectly... big-name drivers have gotten an appearance fee for some races and at some tracks since racing has existed. Let's break this down for the simple-minded: when Steve Kinser or Sammy Swindell or whomever run a non-WoO race or maybe a different type of car... they're likely doing it and getting some $$$ in addition to the purse. Good for them! They're a brand and a product and getting paid for it. Kudos.
What do you think "tow money" is for? TOWING? It's an appearance fee. Whether you apply that money to your towing expense or whatever... it doesn't really matter. It's part of the game. What's the difference in tow money that's fairly common knowledge and appearance money that a lot of casual fans have no idea about? Well, for one thing, they're both yet another in a long list of things that don't matter to your enjoyment of the entertainment product (racing) & are none of your business.
This board is truly proof that no matter what good things happen in life... someone will find a reason to complain. You know the old adage about someone getting $100 for nothing from somebody on the street and they complain that the bills weren't the denominations they would have preferred?
When the current Cup champ flies in and out during a race weekend in a points battle to run a $1500 360 sprint race... it's borderline amazing that people would truly take the time to complain about it. How about not worrying about the stupid nonsense and enjoying it? When did Darrell Waltrip the moron champ do this? When did a Nascar champ do what Tony has done for the sport (owner in 2 big series and frequent participant)?
Enjoy it and stop criticizing it.
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April 22, 2012 at
09:41:42 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: nancespeedequipment1n on April 22 2012 at 10:12:00 AM
He made 46 million dollars last year. ! Why`s on god`s green earth would he need to ask for money just to show up?
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If tony does take show up money I'm sure one way or another the money will end up back in all the teams and racers hands . Who knows some team at the track may have had a tire bill payed from some unknown person . I can't think of a better person to keep the entertainment I love to keep it strong . Go #14
We need more sprint car racing at our home track.
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April 23, 2012 at
03:19:02 AM
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I didnt see Tonys name advertised for the race at Sedalia Friday night. I did see Kaseys plastered everywhere. Smoke was on the track and in front of the fans during the Dash pull for a interview. My point is, while I would have been there with neither one being in attendence, Kasey was no where to be found, although Im pretty sure he was most likely there somewhere. Did either stick around to sign? (I split before they opened the pit gates for the crazies) To go to Eagle the crew would have to switch motors and drive a little further than say, going to Knoxville like a lot of guys who arent Outlaws did. For him to stick around afterwards early into the morning of a Cup race that paid $216,633 to win, says a lot. None of us posting here would have. Atta Boy TS
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April 23, 2012 at
06:13:01 AM
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I would almost bet any amount of money whatever Smoke won in $$ for that night it was donated to some local charity in the Lincoln area. Racer or business man. It don't make any diff. Smoke is soft hearted bottom line. If you was in his shoes would you even consider running a bull ring for even one night ,let alone as many times as He does in a season's time?
Take Care
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April 23, 2012 at
12:49:00 PM
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If Snooky came into my bar, I would cut her off right away. That girl should quit drinking! Some people can hold their liquor. Not Snooky!
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