Just got to get into this one. I know that clubmans racing may well go to the wall in Republic(Southern) Ireland since the only circuit is Mondello Park whose management does not want to permit racing which does not bring in a viable gate. Next year Mondello Park will have Sunday only racing(With one exception BSB in case I get a frivolous reply).
The terms for Sunday racing are that the circuit takes ALL the gate money plus a hire fee of Euro 3000. On top of this the club will have an insurance premium of Euro 1200 (if they are lucky). Add these figures together and you will see that if there are 100 entries the first Euro 42 from an entry fee goes to expenses, where does the club find a prize fund??? Sorry there is an answer screw the riders for sky high entry fees. When I mention insurance this is only Third Party insurance, riders have to purchase their own personal insurance. Forgetsies Riders also have to buy a bike, spares,parts which wear out regularly(tyres, brake pads etc.)transporter fuel etc.
Sadly I know of one rider who had a terrible fatal accident working his butt off to afford to race.

Have a thought for the riders and their loved ones who support them and as Stella said we have all made some wonderful friendships which no amount of money can buy.

This is not a criticism of the clubs who exist to organise races but a criticism of someone who has Foot & Mouth disease i.e. opened their mouth and put their foot in it.

Regards,

Big D.
P.S. By the way my pseudonym is well known but to put the matter straight I was christened Derek Mason and I don't hide behind Big D but more people know me as Big D.