Does SBI or even the P.R. give a damn about that?

Sounds like it it's up to the city if they want to put up more money or sponsors to off set ravers cost.

SBI care's without more money from the TDC there will not be a race. The race is a lose for SBI right now and that's not good business so a change has to be made.

Are there statistics as to how many actual non-poker run viewers show up to watch the race? I can't imagine it is thousands.

If SBI leaves it would really open up the options for the FPC to expand their venue to some kilo or speed runs like the LOTO shootout. That would be a bunch of fun for the poker runners, And it actually might bring in more boaters just for that event alone.

Just a thought.

I'm sure there are numbers there is a paying gate ,

It is just a week that is marked up by the hotels.....big attendance for both but it isn't like the racers/runners offer extra money they are just charging more because they can!

No way would it be 1000's.........it is a long way to go to stand on the seawall! If you take away the people related to the race (crew/sponsors etc), the poker runners and the homeless you might be left with a few hundred locals and a few hundred fans from out of town.

I think you have it backwards. I think he city will see 75% of the income with 20% of the headache. The racers may be there longer but most rent homes and the money goes to the owners that live elsewhere. Poker Runners stay at the hotel/motels and spend big $$$ for each night of those 4-5 nights.The racers eat/drink for sure, but 3 nights they go in early due to the race the next day.

The average race crew is probably 6 people. 44 boats times 6 is only 264 people.
The average PR boat has 5 on board and nearly 200 show up. Doesn't take a math major to see the better deal for the city.

On a spectator(no boat in KW) count, more than HALF probably come for a final party before winter. Most of those are close nit with the poker run crew, not the racers. Again, more money, less headache.

I love the races, but my fun, friends and clients all attend KW for the party/fun. The event will be great with, or without, the races.

I cant speak for all the teams but I can tell you we had 10 rooms for the crew at the Best Western and spent $22,000 just in hotel rooms for them.

Huge money but I assume that is the exception and not the norm. I know when I was there all week we rented a home from someone living in Jersey.

We had two rooms at the Hyatt for 3 nights and spent $5300. I'm staying with you next time!