O.K....I have found out the ENTIRE story
regarding the $25,000 offered to ITPA by ATPA. This is from
VERY RELIABLE sources that know. It is true that this
was offered to the ITPA, however, each member would
have to pay ATPA membership fees of $250 per member.
This does not include ITPA membership fees. With 290
members last year, that would be about $72,500. Since
that includes insurance, you deduct 75.00 per member
which is about $21,750. The running total thus far is
about $50,750. In addition, the promoters would have to
pay an additional $100 for sanctioning, above the
ITPA fee, and $100 more in insurance. Figuring on 80
events last year (give or take) that is an additional
$16,000. The grand total cost to the ITPA, members and
promoters is about $66,750. When they achieve this, they
will receive the $25,000 from ATPA. Basically, the
ATPA would be making $41,750 from Illinois. Not bad.
The perk would be that the State Fair would be
Televised. The Directors examined the entire picture before
making this decision, which seems to be appropriate.