Have you felt the US economy crunch? The severity or impact of it definitely depends on which continent you currently reside and having this as the focus of my editorial is not intended to ignore our European, Australian, Canadian, and other international readers. But, rising costs of consumer goods specifically gas prices has just been the center of my attention for weeks. Before I get on the soapbox I invite you to take a quick survey to share how the economy is or is not impacting you. Simply CLICK HERE to take the survey once complete close it to return to Vintage Fuel.

Let me start by sharing that my husband and I race a FED strictly for the fun of it. It is our hobby. The biggest difference between racing as a hobby and boating for example is we actually have a shot at recouping some costs when we race. Reality is that most hobbies involving horsepower are VERY expensive with the thrill of speed often being the ONLY return on investment.

So I have read, discussed and contemplated all of the drama surrounding entry fees and purses. After the dust has settled I realized entry fees are the LEAST of my concerns. Having a gas guzzling tow rig, racecar and daily driver plus every hobby I participate in requires gas makes me far more interested in decreasing the amount of money literally flying out of my pocket every time I even drive by a gas station. Don’t forget, we CHOSE to race, if racing is not making you happy or it is too expensive then take a breather.

Hearing word of all the complaining (even though this year we have a points series and even more events) I began thinking about professional race teams! Our slumping economy means even fewer sponsors than before and those sponsors willing to participate are spending far less. Imagine that predicament! Increasing costs to do business and decreasing sources of revenue. I am thankful I am a hobby racer and I can still compete even though it is more costly than ever before. I get to have FUN because making my house payment is not dependant on my wining the event or not.

Costs of consumer goods are escalating faster than household incomes and we are facing a recession in the US. In spite of that nostalgia drag racing continues to grow. Tells me people are willing to spend their hard earned and precious dollars to have a rewarding race experience. Let’s not wreck that with unfounded complaints. Life can be stressful enough without being bombarded with boycotts and complaints. It also takes attention and focus off the real problem, our paychecks versus the cost of living!

Sincerely,
Christy Thom
Editor