Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

RIght On Jeff! I agree.

Hey Jeff, still looking for the pager? I'm still waiting.

Cheers, Bill

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

I think, but am not absolutely certain, that a lot of free tickets were given out for the May VMP div 1 points race this year, and the place was nearly packed like a Nat'l event. Sounds like a good idea to me to get people in the gate. And, like was previously suggested, up the price on food and souvenirs to compensate.

PINKS is big because local people will come out to support something that is 'on TV'. For whatever reason our culture thinks if something is on TV then it must be the cool thing for the day. (shrugs). I don't know how much tickets are for the spectators at one of their events, but it probably isn't more than 15 bucks to get in the gate. A screaming deal for enertainment.

Just think if you had 16 SS/AH cars on Pinks All Out? Arrange PINKS episodes with Christensen for class cars and or .90 cars and use that venue to create interest in the local public for divisional races.

To get people interested in sportsman racing it will take a grass roots advertising/education effort. A traveling road show with people on the payroll to put their cars in high traffic areas (like malls for ex) that can communicate well with others to generate interest. Pay newspapers and other local periodicals to put your product on their pages. Buy radio time.

It's just hard to believe even the most lackadaisical race fan/car enthusiast won't go to a local track for a divisional race that features 270 MPH alcohol cars. The problem isn't with the fans, it is with the promotion of the event.

If all else, follow the NASCAR model. Only 20 years ago NASCAR was smalltime and 'redneck', at least that was the perception by 99% of the public back then. Copy what NASCAR did, and the people will come.

And don't discount the effect of enclosed trailers. Hey, I am all for having nice stuff and security and all that, but let's face it, when people-especially young kids-see race cars on open trailers riding through town it DOES generate interest.

My .02 for what it's worth, for better or worse.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Jeff: so where is your first race???? I am in...

Wishfull thinking would be for the sportsman racers to overthrow the NHRA and use the pro's as fillers...

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Wild Bill, I am looking high and low for that pager. It has turning itself into a personnal quest for me. I will call you when I find it.

I agree completely with the NASCAR model. Somehow we have to make sportsman racing appeal to the public. Most of the cars are cars John Q Spectator drives or wants to. Except dragsters, I had a chassis engineering firebird when they came out, painted it Black, I thought I was John Foorce so many people came up to that car.

I hope Jason O gets back from pri SOON, I CANT WRITE THIS MUCH.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Still at PRI Jeff....You're doing great carrying the torch while I've been gone. ;)

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

One of the things NASCAR did was to get lots of ink in newspapers and they also had a radio delivery of their broadcasts that were available in just about anywhere USA. It probably isn't that difficult to get a sports editor to do a piece with photos in the local mullet wrapper. All it takes is a phone call. Who is willing to do that?

How many racers would volunteer to put their cars on display at places like shopping malls, auto parts stores, etc?

With New Years around the corner how about if everyone makes a resolution to bring a kid to the track a few times or more per year?

It will take organization, that is for sure. Maybe the Sportsman reps within each division can try to work something out with the hosting track to get local exposure which will likely equal more people at the gate. Reps contact a dozen racers to put their cars on display, get interviewed on local radio and newspapers, etc.....

Most of all, when spectators approach you at the track or at an exposure venue you have to be friendly, and patient, take time to explain .90 racing or handicap racing.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Here is a thought. How many spectators come to a race, then some more, then buy a race car. A very large portion of our fans are or become racers. I know I was a fan before I was a racer. Now I suck as a spectator unless its really freakin fast!

Sportsman racing tends to breed more sportsman racers rather than fans. Thats still a good thing.

Where the pro show is once a year shot in most markets and they bring a side show. Make no mistake we the sportsman are a big UNPAID part of that side show. I beleive it is the once a year deal that brings the larger crowds.

Hey Jason, I dont know if you are really at PRI, I was guessing because you have been low on the radar. But if you are there, Calvin said Rocks buying dinner!

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

I looked for Rock to tell him how much throttle stops suck, but I couldn't find him. I don't really know Calvin...I assume he was at that Hughes booth, but the one time I walked by their booth they were mobbed, so I didn't stop in.

Anyway, I'm home. Now resuming my regularly scheduled book writings...

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Jason- Got your message, but I was home already....did a lil 2 much Howlin @ the moon, if u know what I mean :) Flew home @ 1 on sat.

Re: no spectators for sportsman racers?
 

Tim,

Your original question was about getting spectators to watch sportsman racing. I am assuming that you are talking about stock, super stock, and the .90 classes ? Personally, I am 58 years old, have been a drag racing addict of sorts since I was around 15 or so, took my brand new 71 Chevelle to the track when it had less than 1000 miles on it, raced it for 7 years, built an high 10 sec 67 Camaro bracket car and raced it for almost 15 years, but ...... I still cannot stand actually watching bracket racing of any type, including S/SS and especially the .90 classes. I can watch about 5 runs, then its time to go to the snack bar :(

I love Pro Stock, and like both the fuel classes a lot, but watching a bracket race just is not very exciting to me.

I think that the only way you will get more spectators interested is if the classes were made to be heads up racing. Look at what Top Stock did in IHRA ! Now that was some neat racing to watch. Wheels Up stockers running heads up, first to the finish line wins. That is what most spectators understand. Try to explain to a Nascar fan why a Super Gas car leaves the line, then basically shuts down for a second, then comes back to life for the rest of the run. They will look at you like you are crazy and say that is absolutely the stupidest thing I have ever seen !!!!

Just my opinion,