scott- the sidebet thing has been going for decades, just ask the mexicans in 5-1600. they have been doing side bets for years. the one thing it has done in the mexican series is increased "pro" racers running the lower entry fee sportsman classes and taking the money to the side bet. as for liability insurance, read the fine print. every entry at every racing series is paying for the promoters blanket policy for event coverage. as an individual, you can still be sued by who ever is injured and you would be on your own. unless the promoter was named, he wouldn't have to show up in court except to testify. you bring up a good point about the safety costs. the only employee at score, i believe right now is sal. the emt's. paramedics, etc...are volunteers and do it because they love the sport. getting volunteer safety help is not an issue, i work for one of the largest fire departments in the u.s.a. and there are plenty of folks who want to volunteer at races of any kind. sure the helicopter costs money, and even more in mexico. but as a safety provider, if i think you need a helicopter, i order one, you pay for it, whether your racing or just cruising to the river. mercy air and chp both provide coverage of the california desert and they will be there to pick you up if a ride is needed. no questions asked.
as for money and sponsorship, do you think wide world of sports paid to run the baja 1000 when they did? do you think nascar pays to have its shows aired? does the nfl buy time on tv to televise games? if you have a legitimate show that will pull in an audience, it will be shown on tv. if you don't, then don't market it. one of own, cameron steele, has blue torch tv. it may be some what underground, but i don't think he is paying out of his pocket to air it. if we have a decent program with interesting body to watch, we shouldn't have to pay to play it.
If your gonna go, go BIG