https://insidedirtracing.com/why-do-...-provisionals/
This is a recorded "podcast" which lasts for just over 8 minutes.
I have never really understood why some people get to so upset over the use of provisionals so that's what I talk about here.
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https://insidedirtracing.com/why-do-...-provisionals/
This is a recorded "podcast" which lasts for just over 8 minutes.
I have never really understood why some people get to so upset over the use of provisionals so that's what I talk about here.
Because Provisionals are little like, "Crony Capitalism". It usually rewards big names at the exclusion and/or detriment of lesser known drivers. Now if those spots are determined by a draw or fan vote then it may be more palatable.
How about it rewards drivers that follow a series or maybe a fast qualifier that didn't make it in through heats? It's pretty clear who is in line for a provisonal based off points and has nothing to do with being a "big name". But why let facts get in the way of a good Monday morning rant.
I think any fan will agree that provisionals are necessary. Just need a limit or cap on handing them out.
I dont like them because they reward drivers by putting them in the show when they didn't earn it. It is the ultimate participation trophy. You weren't good enough to make the race, but you follow our tour so we are going to let you in anyway. Who cares if you were fast qualifier, you should've transfered through your heat or B-main. Plus, it incentives drivers to give less than 100% in a B-main if they know that they are taking a provisional.
With all that said, I get why series have and use them. As a fan I've come to accept them as a part of our sport. Although I don't agree with them, I get it.
I dont mind them honestly. Im just not a fan of when a guy already locked in with a provisional, literally knocks a guy out of a transfer spot.
Some of us remember the KRob/Richards tangle a couple years ago. Josh shouldve probably shouldve had the Casey Roberts treatment over that one.
Definitely has nothing to do with "big" names most of the time. It's more about supporting the series. We have made several outlaw shows from being the "high" points guy that didn't make the show and we don't even remotely follow the series but if their here were gonna run with them because that's the only way you get better. Now emergency provisionals that's a whole other rant and i do think the series need to make some adjustments their
Provisionals aren't a big deal at normal series races, but at some of the crown jewels, it kinda dampens things a bit IMO. To me a true crown jewel is a no provisional type of deal. Or like Eldora does it, the provisionals that are handed out are based solely on performance at that event (fast time, high point man, etc). Certainly doesn't keep me from watching, but part of the thrill of going to Eldora (or Knoxville for the sprint car nationals) is the real possibility that several big name guys will pack it in before the A main starts.
Provisionals are the welfare cheque of racing.
Provisionals really aren’t that big a deal.
I do not mind a few Provisionals especially for a touring series. However, what drives me nuts is how the WOOLMS series does it. I guess I do not understand their rules. When I saw 11 Provisionals at Volusia it drove me nuts. Drivers declaring they are running the whole season only to get into the starting lineup in Florida. The WoO sprint cars do it right. I believe each Platinum driver gets two in the first half of the season and two in the second half. Most of the top drivers never use one, let alone their allotted four. But is a reward in case they need it if they have an off night,
This is one where I am sure we'll have to agree to disagree, but I fall in the camp of those who do not like Provisionals. I think every show should stand on its own and if you didn't make it into the feature that night, it's not your night. I wonder if anyone has ever done a study on how many race winners come from Provisional entries over the course of a season? I suspect WoO or Lucas Provisionals either pull off early or are typically not competitive anyway, so having them in the feature doesn't add value for fans.
Like em or not, touring provisionals aren't going away any time soon.
There in there for the guys that follow the tour. Do they deserve it ? I say yes they do. A guy commits to following a tour should get the respect from the series. My take is, if the series gives out or has multiple series regulars that did not make the A main. Then there should be as many locals that get a provisional
I can remember when the Show-Me 100 and the Topless 100 wasn’t sanctioned series races. You had to race your way in and no provisionals. Can remember sitting at West Plains and seeing Billy Moyer’s rig leaving before the feature race. Both of those races went downhill when they became sanctioned races
Here is my take on this subject. Each of you go out there and fund a team. Regional, National, Summer Nats, makes no difference. Follow the entire schedule from start to finish. Then come back and tell us your opinion on provisionals.
That's the problem with series racing. They only care what the drivers think. They have the only voice. It makes the product not fan friendly. We get drawn out marathons with lots of down time for pit stops, sheet metal pulls, etc. We get train races.
It makes it harder if you get no provisional, I get that. Most times, it also just puts you out there wearing your stuff out for start money.
You all's upset about people being upset... 😁
As long as you know them (provisions) before any car hits the track, it’s fair play.Want redraw/invert etc, enter a weekly show. Series followers should get catered to.Fans need to conceit to whom is putting the Big money in to have a show!A track provisional is usually on the track promoters dime, and a welcomed addition to a touring series show.
Without provisionals car counts would drop in touring series and people complaining now about provisionals would be complaining about the drop in car counts.
2 is ok. Maybe 3 depending on the event. 5+ isn't ok. A guy using one because of mechanical issue is ok. A guy using one almost every event isn't ok.
The fans are the ones that make the big money possible. Forest Lucas isn't showing up with a checkbook.Quote:
As long as you know them (provisions) before any car hits the track, it’s fair play.Want redraw/invert etc, enter a weekly show. Series followers should get catered to.Fans need to conceit to whom is putting the Big money in to have a show!A track provisional is usually on the track promoters dime, and a welcomed addition to a touring series show.
"Crony Capitalism" and "Participation Trophies" have been my favourite description so far. Some cars are just losers and if they want a second chance, well there's another race next week.