ok, let's start with figuring out how many race weekends the midwest sportsman would like to have next year.  after we get that hammered out and we see TORC's sportsman schedule we can figure out how to come up with the remaining races.
 
this year TORC had 5 and many teams showed a desire for more by racing the norrs event.  (if it hadn't been NORRS and 40 deg i believe 90% of the sportsman would have showed up.)
 
so what's a perfect midwest sportsman season?  6 weekends, 7, 8, or more and be able to skip one for the championship?
 
FWIW, i'm thinking all the races will be within maybe 200 miles of the fox valley?  is that a good goal?

The amount of weekends depends on the cost of entry fees.  If TORC keeps the same $400 for entry, plus all the added USAC, gate and pit costs. With a poor payback.... and since we are not "Pro" being treated like dirt...... I will not be back next year.    I have no problem parking my car next year, or just running a MAORA race or two.  

As Chris pointed out, there are already other short course series in the midwest.  Why not support them rather than reinvent the wheel?  We ran all five midwest TORC weekends and five MAORA weekends this year.  One thing MAORA has figured out is they race from April to October about once a month.  That makes it a lot easier than racing every other weekend.  On top of that the entry fees are only $55 a day ($25 for sportsmen) and you get three to four hours of off road racing in one weekend = more than the whole TORC series!  Not to mention payout is within a few hours of the end of each race day and they actually appreciate you showing up and helping put on a show.  The most common question/complaint I hear about MAORA is, "how many trucks/buggies will there be?"  Get a few guys in your class to come down and make the fields bigger!  There's also another series or two farther east we don't hear enough about, and now it sounds like one in Alabama.  How far can $400 worth of gas get you?
 
Perhaps you meant how many northern WI / UP race weekends should there be?

Quote from pontoontodd on 10/19/09 at 19:45:02:

 
i have never been to a maora race, to me it appears they don't have a home for anything pro-lite or faster but i also know randy raced there in his pro-lite a couple times this year and made money.  what i don't get is why the TORC buggy racers don't support maora more?  is it too far to drive?

Quote from Ross Hoek on 10/20/09 at 08:46:59:

 
the biggest reason is we're not racing for the same championship.  
 
i've always wanted to race the fall classic, but always had something else happening the same weekend. since its not in your 'main series' schedule, its easy to skip. casey is only eight hours from here i think, topeka was twelve. most guys say they dont mind one long haul.

Would it be possible to form a "club" to operate at a Sportsman level and offer to run the Sportsman part of the program for TORC when they come to Bark River and Crandon.
 
With the experience gained from Weyauwega  the "club" could hold races at three other venues. Possibly the Casey, Illinois in conjunction with MAORA in the fall. Weyauwega in late Spring and Oshkosh in the summer.
 
The promoter at Oshkosh might consider handling the event and all it promotion. All the club has to do to get the racers to come and handle registration and tech.
 
The Casey event  everything is in place.
 
The Weyauwega event proved we could gather everyone together   and run the event.
 
I know this sounds simple and in reality it is not, but this would be a way to get the Midwest racing affordable again  and see more racers turnout to each event.
 
This is just an idea and it is not written in stone, but its some place  to begin a constructive conversation.  
 
contact me if you think something like this could be accomplished.
 
I'll be in Vegas this weekend, maybe some dialog came be started. I'll try.
 
This could be a win - win situation for the Midwest Sportsman and TORC alike.
 
mike@philsinc.com
847-869-2434

Then as far as payout.  
 
You have to go back to the "old days" of running for your entry fees. If and when corporate sponsorship comes on board, then you begin to determine additional payback.
 
Let each event determine the payback. If the event comes up with added purse all the better. If the club comes up with that corporate backing it could be added to each event  or at the end of the year championships.
 
An option for payout instead of a purse for each day ( saturday-sunday), set up the payout and points like outdoor motocross, combined both days' finishing to determine overall placing. ( again like the real old days). When there's enough outside sponsorship, improve the payback.
 
 
These just some of my thoughts,  they may not be the best thoughts, just mine.  
 
I haven't been a racer for a very long time, but I have a passion for the sport and want to see it continue.
 
 
This past week several racers have talked to me about the situation, one racer probably over an hour, and it's time to stop bitchin' and get together to get something put together for 2010.
 
Right now its not about makin' money, it about having an affordable place to race, bring back the fun.
 
I guess I'm throwing my hat into the ring to help  the sport.
 
 
- Mike

"If they will come, we will race."  - MAORA motto.
 
If three Super Trucks come, there will be a class, if not, enter it in the unlimited buggy class ( just like Robby did years ago @ Crandon)
 
If three Stock Trucks come, there will be a class, if not,enter it in the Class 7E ( that's a full bodied truck class)
 
Your finish position and payout is determined by the combined finishes of the two or three races you run that day.