Comunicati Stampa - Series Entry Fee Tweaks

Series Entry Fee Tweaks

For what it's worth, I'd agree generally. There hasn't been much call for an overhaul to the system, but I concur that - although I wouldn't say the current system is inherently flawed - I would say there is definitely option to open it up.

As has been detailed, failing to meet the entry fee for a series can be hugely detrimental if you get bumped down to Rookie, some can be accepted yes, but 95% of the time, youngsters and new managers are effectively discouraged from joining anything other than the minors, based purely on entry fee being needed up front, and the lofty cost to jump up the ladder being unavailable early on.

So here's the thing, and this is literally just a "my two cents" kind of thing but, for me there is a solution, albeit probably not so easy to implement.

Instead of the full entry fee being paid up front, and the subsequent immediate penalty of demotion to Rookie Series if you fail, why not give drivers the chance to pay that fee off over the course of the season? Or calculate 10 even weekly payments to come from your finances. This would give fledgling drivers a chance to compete up the ladder, and also give that wonderkid a chance to get ahead by joining a series he otherwise couldn't afford. It will also boost the employee economy, by encouraging people to hire wisely, push for good PR, and not be frivolous with cash.

There isn't a competitive teenage driver in this game that has a hope of trying their hand at Super Formula, or Indy Junior, NASC Silver and above, on account of the entry fees, if there was an option to spread a €1,000,000 entry fee to 10x €100,000 p/w payments, it would open up a world of options, and allow managers to engage with a series they love, without grinding out years of training just for the chance.

This too would free up the opportunity to commit to more extra training in the early season, and calculate your repayments over the coming weeks. And hey, if you can't pay it off by season's end, then I'm sure the remainder could be taken from your prize money ;)

For sure it's not a perfect solution, but just a potential way of opening up the options, for young drivers and new managers mostly.