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As the summer racing schedule approaches and we all see the various comments and schedules being posted it would be good to try to set out some facts for you to consider. There is always “another side of the story” and Badger fans have every reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season.
As most of you have seen Badger is going to be a “traveling” series this year but will not be traveling to Angell Park to put on any BMARA sanctioned events. Instead they will appear at many nearby tracks that have a proven ability to host very competitive dirt midget racing. Anyone who has not seen a show at Wilmot, Dodge County or Beaver Dam owes themselves the favor of a trip this summer to judge for themselves.
Not many of us were likely aware that in recent past years Badger received the back gate pit fees to put toward the point fund. That was changed by the Firemen some time back and Badger acquiesced in that. Sign rental for the track signage along the back straight also used to go into the point fund, mainly because Badger had gone to a fair amount of effort to procure those advertisers. The Firemen put an end to that and Badger agreed again. When Badger tried to offset those loses and bring on sanction sponsors the Firemen said it might interfere with some of their contracts so that was not allowed. Badger went from multi year contracts to a one year deal for last year. Through last fall and early winter Badger presented multiple proposals attempting to protect the economic realities of the teams and also accommodate their understanding of the objectives of the Firemen. The Firemen indicated they were concerned about car counts but had nonetheless been turning a profit each year. It is safe to say no Badger teams have turned a profit for decades, if ever. For 2010 the Firemen wanted Badger to give up all sanction fees and adjust the purse structure downward, despite the ever increasing costs of fielding a competitive car. Ultimately the Firemen cut off discussions and announced there was to be no contract signed with Badger for 2010. This was not the choice of Badger.
Given the need to come up with their own plans Badger has put out a very interesting schedule in a very short time. Badger has also now been able to obtain a major series sponsor in Midstate Equipment. The outpouring of team and sponsor support has been amazing. If you haven’t seen the schedule take a look at the Badger site-- http://www.bmara.com/
Stop by the pits of your favorite team and tell them thanks for all they have done to provide the absolute best dirt midget racing anywhere for over a half a century. See you at the races!!
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