For me, racing 1/8 nitro bug, tracks got too big; driver stands too high and events too long.

Buggered off. As did many others. The series withered and died - as did the tracks. This was the '05 time frame. Prior to the 'big three' mentioned in first sentence, THRC (Team Houston RC) was racing six tracks on a rotating basis with two classes. 1/8 nitro bug and 1/10 nitro ST. Turnout was consistent at 80-100 entries. Events started on or about 9:00am and finished by 5:00pm.

That was before the 'big three' (previously mentioned) intervened to "make racing better." Or, as it turned out, making tracks bigger, driver stands higher and events longer by including more classes. Ka-Blooey. End of series and end of tracks.

No turning back the clock. It is what it is now and this is where it is at will probably be at for the duration of the hobby. Forget trying to entice spectators or big-time sponsors. That's in the too hard to do box. Focus on racing for the racer and the racer will support the track.