Pirelli contingency

[Eric Kelcher]

I have just been notified that Pirelli is changing their program for 2008. The first 3 races ran under the old program previously announced paying top 3. The new program is paying top 5 and will be in effect starting with the races this weekend. The revamp reflects the increased competition that CCS racers face and payouts are in line with that.

here is link to new payout information

[2old2fat2slow]

Nice! Thanks for the scoop!

[ahastings]

........ The revamp reflects the increased competition that CCS racers face and payouts are in line with that.

here is link to new payout information

They really didn't increase anything. They took what was being paid to the top 3 and spread it out to the top 5. And increased the minimum rider requirement for top 5 to 10 riders from 8 last year. In reality the payouts have been cut considerably from last year and the tire prices have been increased.

[clutch]

How does it reflect the increased competition that CCS racers face and payouts are in line with that?  It really seems like Pirelli Tire company may have hit some financial restraints or problems, and has to seriously cut back contingency for 2008.  The payouts for the majority of the expert classes are $70, 60, 50, 40, 30 in CCS and $90, 80, 70, 60, 50 in WERA.  In 2007 WERA Expert it was $250, $175, $150, 125 and 100 in all classes.  With the cost of tires going up and contingency really going Down (you win 3 races and it doesnt even buy a set of tires, you must win at least 4), it is going to put more of a hurt on riders running Pirelli tires.  I dont think it reflects a change in the competition that CCS riders face...I think it reflects an Oh crap, we need to make more money and pay out less money.

[Eric Kelcher]

I am aware of the change from last year. Clubs with less competition had higher payouts then what CCS riders were awarded when faced with larger grids. The system this year reflects those that have larger grids have larger payouts, period.

Now I did notice that the way the breakdown is changed it means that some classes have less money in certain positions, most notabley class winners, but the average payout for a CCS weekend went up from 5390 to 7900  Is it better for some? no, but is it better for most? yes!

[clutch]

It's not better for most when last year Pirelli paid out top 5 with more money.  I can feel that you cant say anything negative about Pirelli, but ultimately the contingency is less this year and last, and I believe last year they did pay more in CCS than this year and they did pay top 5 last year.  It's ok, it is a corporate level descision that is going to ultimately hurt racers pockets rather than help...across the board, all organizations, not just CCS

[Eric Kelcher]

Sorry Sean, you are right there have been revisions since I first looked and now organizations with grids 25% less or more having more contingency from Pirelli makes my first statements invalid about CCS racers being rewarded for the increased competition they face.

[gntbldr]

but still. some money is better than no money. IMHO

I'll be switching from Michelin to Pirelli for '08 just for shits and giggles even though Michelin is the ONLY sponsor that gave me contignecy in '07

[TommyG]

You may want to take a gander at michelin`s increased contingency!

[gntbldr]

You may want to take a gander at michelin`s increased contingency!

Holy cow Tommy. I still owe you a six pack of beer from the last race at BFR now it looks like I'll owe you more with breaking news like this!

michelin contingency looks to be outstanding

[red900]

Eric, Are they still only paying for the first race in a twin sprint weekend?  I did not see that defined on the pirelli website. 

Looks like they cut amateur money big time. 

[Eric Kelcher]

Sorry forgot to put that, I will be sure it is listed in the requirements and classes paid.

Pirelli is only paying on the second race run on a twin sprint weekend.