What are the biggest things to note / must haves to produce barrel races?

I would like to start producing this year because we have a need in our area for races at different arenas. My biggest concerns are the equipment- I have a laptop, but I don't have timers, a drag / tractor etc. I don't have the software for races either.

id really like as much info on the ins and outs as you can share, I want to do this well if I go through with it and appreciate any advice or insight on what makes the most successful races / associations a good experience for the contestants

I think you're nuts! Barrel racers are mean! If you are producing at area clubs, you will be dependent on those clubs for ground conditions which will reflect on you. You can make it without software if you expect smaller races of under 100. Timers are a must have-even if they are back up timers. You will lose money on barrel workers and a need a competent committed signup person and announcer for continuity. Best if you can afford the same tractor driver at all races. You will not host one race where everyone leaves happy.

As said above, you are NUTS!

That being said we produce a few a year, here at our personal indoor with all our own equpiment.  I bought our timers used, we need our tractor for farm stuff as well.  I splurged and bought a reader board last year because we got accused of cheating on times during some game shows, though our announcer stand is open and in the middle of the bleachers, go check for yourself!  For that reason we've never let our kids compete in our personal events, only ones we sanction with associations they compete in.

I have a great crew!  All of us are moms who daughters are the same age.  One is great at Excel and does all the paperwork/draw/payouts.  Another is awesome at announcing.  The third, and myself, run the gate, arena and set up barrels during the event.  My husband is OCD about the ground, at any given time not just race days, so he preps and runs the tractor.  All our kids help out before or after they run.

We start with hosting local clubs so we can use their insurance, one cost down.  As we're the arena owners, there is no arena rental cost.

We usually make enough to cover all the kids entry fees and a little in our pockets.  We sure as heck dont do it for the profit.  We do have fun or we obviously wouldn't keep doing it.  You're not going to make everyone happy, so have thick skin.

No real advice but it is the most THANKLESS JOB EVER !!!!!!

The above posters are correct, you are nuts for considering, BUT if no one did then we would have no where to go so THANK YOU for putting your neck out there. 

Your races will likely be small in the beginning for the first year or two, but just keep pressing on and the people will come. Good ground is an absolute must - it will make you or break you. 

Be sure to have a good computer program. I feel like that is the most stressful part for me :) 

I dont think you're nuts I think you're brave to consider putting on barrel races. Its hard and you need support and someone thats willing to help you. The insurance is a important part of this so I would be looking into this first of all then start talking to owners of arenas, some already have insurance, maybe you can find someone in your area that has a timer set up that you could rent from them. A tractor to me is the most imporant part with a good implement for safe arena ground, to make sure the ground is good and SAFE for your runners. Start off with asking people what they would like to see at a barrel race, you will have people saying they would love to help you and they will the first two maybe, then they will start dodging you are coming up with excuses about not being able to help, like with gates, setting barrels. Good Luck with what you decide and if you have thick skin you can do this.

You will need LOTS of help.   You need 2 people doing announcing and time verifications.  One person will play hell trying to do draws, announce, enter times, make changes where people want things changed, scratches etc. you need one announcing and one doing computer work and that way you have 2 eyes on the arena to watch for down barrels.   Barrel setters and tractor driver as well.  And this is just the bare minimum,   If you plan to do your own concessions too you will have to cover that as well.   My BIGGEST piece of advise is- get everything you think you need, then have a "mock show" of about 20-30 friends that you invite only.   Do that a few times and do the whole shebang-  entries, exhibitions, drag every 5,  all of it.  That way you have an idea of where you need help and how things will run before you try to actually do an event.   Good luck!   

Good for you for stepping up and doing this. It is a hard job but someone has to do it. First you need HELP! Get crews for office, ground, and announcing and timing. Definitely need timer and a backup if you have access to it. Make sure the ground is good and the announcers keep the show going on time. Nothing worse than a show starting late or running slow. Keep it going. If all runs well more people will come the next time. GOOD LUCK!

It takes a village & it's not a big money making deal for the time you will put into it.  Check the facities you are wanting to produce at and see what equipment they have as far as timers/tractors etc. and what their fees are.  Look into you insurance requirements and how much that will cost you.   Look into systems like Saddlebook or Rodeogo for your entries/ time keeping/ payouts etc..   Sit down and write your rules out before you start... payouts included.   Determine your best route for taking entries (online, cash only etc. - trust me people you think would never do it will write you a bad check, don't take checks, it's not worth the headache).  if you're going to take payments online I would suggest a seperate account from your personal one to make it easier to manage.  Line up your helpers (announcer, time keepers, barrel setters, tractor drivers) well in advance and check with them regularly before the races in case their plans change and they forget to tell you. 

Stick to your guns.  Be honest about your rules and payouts and don't bend them for your friends or for the loudest complainers.  And last, but certainly not least, don't expect to make everyone happy.  Have a thick skin and be proud of yourself for putting on some awesome races.

You got some really good advice, second the rules, make a rule sheet and post at sign up table, we make everyone sign that they have read them, if they didn't and they signed tough luck