Chub_Talks_Frankly

"Chub Frank Talks Frankly"

January 10, 2004

By Doc Lehman

“I think it’s going to be a good deal, definitely for us and the fans because basically they know that those 12 drivers will be showing up for the races and they can plan ahead, once the schedule is complete,” stated Chub Frank when quizzed on the new World of Outlaws Late Model Series that he has committed to.

Frank is also quick to verify that promoters will be able to specify a minimum of a dozen of the best throttle-stompers in the country as guarantees in addition to all the other racers who will show up to compete.

“That’s something the promoter has never been able to do and that is something the promoter has to do,” said Frank. “I think the promoters need to start promoting a little ebit better and do a little more advertising and this will help them out because they won’t be timid about doing it, they know that those guys will show up.”

Frank, having come from a family of former promoters, also understands that if promoters can guarantee certain teams will definitely be there it will entice fans to take a chance on driving two, three, four or more hours to those events.

“Oh definitely, the fans want to come see the top drivers and the fans will know at least those twelve will be there at that particular race,” said Frank. “The fans will definitely know who is going to be there.”

Photo By Rick Schwallie

Frank was also asked, from a driver’s standpoint, if he agreed with the new World of Outlaw Late Models series basic philosophies.

“I think it’s a good idea because they are asking the drivers for input and it doesn’t mean that we’re always going to agree because not all drivers agree either,” explained Frank. “We’re trying to make it fan friendly and everything else but the racers also have to make some money and the promoters have to make some money or basically we’ll be out of business. I think this deal is definitely going to help that because we’ll have a say in where we race and when it comes to the rules. As for the rules, we’re not changing the rules or anything but like I said before, we won’t have things stuffed down our throat, at least we’ll have a say in the matter.”

With so many rumors going around, Frank was asked to address a couple, mainly, are all the ‘contracted’ drivers going to receive a minimum of $2,000 per event?

“No, that is not true,” revealed Frank. “It’s like a winner’s circle program and it isn’t any different than what Xtreme is doing and if you sat down and figured it out on paper, the guys that are running Xtreme are actually going to get paid more per race than what these guys will get paid. You can call it a signing bonus or whatever you want to call it but it’s just travel expenses. Trust me, it’s not going to cover all our expenses and we’re still going to have to perform on the racetrack to make any money.”

I“We definitely won’t make any money by using any of that money. It averages out to be less money that anything Xtreme is putting out there. But the thing is, it goes back to the drivers having a little more say in what is going on.”

Another rampant rumor circulating is that Hoosier Racing Tires will only be permitted to be used in the new WoO LM series and in fact it’s actually a ‘Hoosier series’.

“It’s open to any tire,” declared Frank. “I think Hoosier is thinking of putting money in the point fund and that’s basically to show that there is a point fund of some sort that is guaranteed. If any series starts up and says OK, we’re going to pay this much in points money, you’re taking their word on it. But if you’re taking Hoosier’s word on it you know it’s very good. Here’s the thing, it’s not just Hoosier that does that. Renegade, Xtreme and others, Hoosier has always put money into the series’ and so has American Racer, even when it’s an open tire rule both companies always put money in.”

“Some people think Hoosier is actually ‘buying’ this and that’s not true. And I think when it’s all said and done there will probably be money put into from American Racer. Now I doubt if Goodyear will put money in but they will be able to come and run.”

Another rumor is the 12 signed drivers will get all the considerations and that ‘outside’ teams will be at a disadvantage.

“Bascially they are going to say these are the 12 best drivers in the country and I’m not saying they are, because there are other guys that are nationally known drivers that are not following this deal but you’re still going to get 12 of the best,” said Frank. “Maybe not the 12 best, but 12 of the best in the country competing against each other so it’s basically for the fans so they can see all their favorite drivers head to head instead of having two or three guys here, and two or three guys there at different race tracks. You are actually going to see 12 of the best drivers in the country, but there are other guys that are as good or better.”

“But the thing is the locals and regional guys, if they want to get better, those are the guys they got to beat. We’ve all been through it. I started out doing the same thing running locally, then regionally, then nationally, and that’s how you start out doing it. You wont get better until you beat those guys and race with them anyway.”

Another factor Frank pointed out is there are only so many teams that have the desire and the means to travel across the country on an extensive touring schedule.

“These guys basically do this for a living and not everyone can do it. Don’t get me wrong there are a lot of guys that want to do it or try to do it. Trust me I was the same way for years. Renegade was national but was probably more regional in the travel so this will be more expensive than it has in the past.”

“The problem is like I said before, drivers have never had a say in the matter. Like with the other series, it’s Goodyear this year, next year could it be a chassis? A shock? Who’s to say in a couple years when the tire deal ends if the prices don’t go up once everyone I sucked in. That’s just my opinion and I’m not saying that’s right or wrong but you have to look at it that way when they start mandating what we have to run. Look at Winston Cup, they have about priced themselves out and its ridiculous.”

The new Boundless-backed World of Outlaws Late Model Series will debut next month at Volusia Raceway Park for their first ever events and Frank is anxious to make his way south again.

“I think they had to start out there or it would have been tough to start later,” commented Frank. “We’re not going to run head to head against the other series all year. We’ll be elsewhere from where they are at and probably times that we are off they will be running. It’s going to be an interesting year I can tell you that much.”

Chubzilla will also have plenty of other options when the WOO LM series is off.

“MACS has probably picked up eight or nine races that they didn’t have last year because some promoters don’t want to go to a Goodyear only rule,” said Frank. “And we’ll be hitting some of the MACS races this season too when we have off weekends. They’re close for me so we’ll be racing some of that stuff too. MACS has been around for awhile and you know what to expect there.”

So what would it mean to Chubzilla to score the initial World of Outlaws Late Model championship?

“(Laughs) That would definitely be a big deal because like I said you are racing against 12 of the best in the country and there will be more guys coming in,” chuckled Frank. “There will be more guys than the ones who signed the contract. The fields are going to be tough because even the local guys are tough at quite a few race tracks. It will definitely be a big deal if we have a chance to do that. I‘d like it to go right down to the wire on that deal.”

So what is his gut feeling on the season that lay ahead?

“I’d probably have a better answer after Florida after I see the schedule,” said Frank. “I think this will be a good deal for the drivers, fans and promoters. Everybody has to be happy, it can’t just be one person or one group of people, it has to be the whole package. The fans have got to be happy and I think there will be some good shows by these drivers. And they’ll be rooting for their local guys too, when the locals beat these guys the fans love it. The promoters got to make money and the drivers have to make money or it wont work.”

“This deal is giving the total package.”

So is his team ready for the Sunshine state?

“I still have a little tin work to do on a car and they have to be scaled but other than hat we’re pretty much done. Right now we’re just working on the hauler to be ready for the summer.”

Chub Frank is also anxious to get back to Volusia, a track where he as seen success before.

“We’ve won like three races down there,” stated Frank. “We won that big race down there couple years ago for $10,000. We’ve had some good runs down there and I actually like the place. I think the other thing you will find is, some people think it will be freight train racing and I don’t think that’s true because we could pass down there, even last year. But the track is going to be prepared a little different that week so I think you’ll be able to see two and three wide racing down there.”

For more information on Volusia Raceway Park’s RACEWEEKS 2004 and the World of Outlaws Late Models’ appearances visit: www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com

Prepared by Lehman Motorsports Services/J.R.L.

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