Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days???
 

Tom Sheehan sent me this last night and i have a few copies of this race on VHS (need to get it on a DVD) but anyhow I know I'm lucky enough to be on this but watch how deep they got into covering Comp & S/C at this event, Why, besides the politics of racing now, cant sportsman drag racing be covered on TV like this these days. If you all remembered the American Sports Cavalcade that use to be on the old TNT channel (now Spike) I use to always watch and tape these shows. Even the pro shows were great back then showing pro stockers doing the burnouts, not 100 interviews with those who PR people get with the network to only get there people in there. Anyhow watch this and you will see what I'm saying, gosh i miss Steve Evans.

(also want to give a shout out to Bret Kepner doing great shows back then also)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhnYp...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPkqf...eature=related

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

i remember this when it came on tv. I miss those days as well.. This would help the fans understand sportsman racing..

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

I've seen that video a few times myself, I always found it interesting that they concentrated on the Comp/SC rounds, and didn't show anything from Stk/SS/SG besides the finals (was that typical back then?).

Either way, it's definitely a far cry from the current sportsman shows featuring a 10 second splash of the winners name, or a view of some cars going down the track in the background.

It's good to see this stuff pop up on the web, hopefully we'll get some more as people convert their old videos over...at least it keeps us sane while it's still cold in NY.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Joe, back then the next sportsman show would show another couple of classes, it was neat the way they did it. But things was different, it wasn't the buddy system to who was getting on and who wasn't or who is getting interviewed and who isn't.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

The main causitive factor I see is our society has become "celebrity" focused today . The racing has become secondary to the opinions of the "talking heads" and appearances by the "superstars" who the media moguls think draw bigger audiences . I too miss Steve Evans and earlier Chris Economacky who understood racing . What's needed is a production company to film , package and sell a Sportsman Racing series to Speed . Unfortunatly I do not hold out any optomism fir that happening in a world that's selling celebrity and circuses .

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

if i won the lottery i would be dangerous, some of you I have told what the first event would be and how much money it would payout and the $1 entry fee, lol

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

.


Yep, Kepner used to be good back in the day. :)

Also, I wonder how many times there's been two wagons in the final of an NHRA national event?


-Toby

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

What I really find interesting is listening to Steve & PAUL PAGE doing the commentary, What has happened to Paul since then? His delivery sounded much more knowledgable & fluid then it does now.

my .02

Unk

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Joe, who is that young kid? Is that your son?

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Yup, great coverage. I remember attending that race.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Joe, wasn't American Sports Cavalcade on the old TNN The Nashville Network? I remember this because I had to buy a few extra stations from my cable provider just so I could watch this show. I still have a few tapes recorded from these shows somewhere. These where great shows.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Really cool I remember American sports calvalcade.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

yes David, had my letters wrong, but i knew what i was talking about cause its spike channel now.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Steve Evans was the man!

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thank you for posting those, brought back some fond memories, really started to feel my yrs, ,,, take care

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Super hot babes, ice cold beer, a great time and dynomite class racing. Memories, memories and more memories. Long live SANAIR.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

why doesnt nhra sign a deal with Speed channel, and get more tv exposure!! Because ESPN, just aint working....

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Stephen, I dont think speed would work either, need a independent firm to do it with ex experienced racers more less directing what to do. If i ran it i would make all my announcers watch all the ASC shows that Steve Evans did and say copy this type of doing a show or leave.

This is after i win the lottery, lol.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Why?$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$
To get back to original question,it's like asking why can't life go back to the simple times of the 50s and 60s.(That's the time frame most of us oldies grew up in and have fond memories of).Time marches on and progress has brought us to what we have now.Pretty much an impersonal world.Most of us will never see the people we argue and agree with,in our lifetimes.I think Dick Butler brought this up once before.
At this rate, knowing and experiencing what I have ,I really am not interested to know what the future will be like.
It would be nice to see S/SS coverage on TV.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Joe, i guess you are right. The coverage of sportsman and pro stock racing just flat out STINKS!! there is a 2hr show of a race but only 15mins of pro stock. The only thing we see is the pro stockers leaving the line, and they only interview certain racers.... Funny thing is, even if you win S/SS eliminations your odds of being seen on tv are about like trying to win the lottery...lol

sorry back to the topic..

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

There has been in the last 25 or so years a complete lack of promotion for sportsman racing, unless you include alcohol cars as sportsmen. i don't know if that has been on purpose or just a lack of knowledge by the management at NHRA. Even the times occasionally that there is a sportsman TV program it focuses almost exclusively on alcohol cars. I can remember back to the late 60's and early 70's going to Indy to watch and there were huge crowds the days of class with people hanging off the fence.

When there are only 8 or 16 stock and super stock cars left on Sunday at a National event and they run before most of the fans are even there, how are people even going to find out about us? The lack of effort from NHRA to promote sportsman racing is just another way in which they have strayed from what their mission should be and that should be to make drag racing better for all the competitors and the fans. All they [NHRA] know any more is top fuel and funny car. It's no wonder that's what a lot of the fans know and like because that's all that ever gets promoted. When I first started racing in the late 60's I knew who Don Prudome was and Don Gartlis, but I also knew who Ronnie Sox was and Bob Glidden, and Bill Jenkins, and Jimmy Waibel and George Cureton and a lot more. These guys were in the pages of Hot Rod and Car craft and Popular Hot Rodding on a monthly basis.

I don't know if stock and super stock could ever be as popular as they once were but I do know no one is trying to make them popular with the fans and no one is promoting them.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Seems to me,the only realistic way for Stock/Super Stock to get their deserved air time is to go proactive . Relying on the media or the I or N crowd to promote class racers seems futile at best . Perhaps the way to go would be havtng an independent producer film, edit and package for sale to Speed , FSCR or ESPN coverage of one or more of the Stock/Super Stock association combo events . If the concept of class racing were for once properly explained and presented I for one believe the viewers interest could be picqued . The limited coverage given now does nothing but confuse the average viewer . There is no explanation ever given as to HP/weight or CID/weight . All they see is one car getting a head start , but why ? And why did the first car across the line lose ? (breakout) Class racing is GREAT competition and would be interesting to viewers if competently presented . As for independently selling a package I cite by example last week's coverage of the Chili Bowl midget race , Pass Time or Pinks . Guys , you deserve the coverage , but mainstream is commited to celebrities and circuses , the only hope is to find an outsider willing to take a chance showcasing the best of drag racing .

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

I know this post will go over like a fart in church but here goes. The AVERAGE person who watch TV sports will never understand handicap racing. They are NOT car people to begin with. It just the nature of the beast. I have tried over the years to explain stock and super stock racing to my neighbors, friends, co workers, etc. to no avail. If your not into sportsman class racing to begin with its almost impossable to get someone who isnt already into it to understand or be interested. Yes a few might understand and even become a fan or want to compete but the numbers are very very very small. The class legal racers in stock and S/S racing are a very very small part of the population. Sure we get it but its something we have been involved with for a very long time or most of our lives. We as a group would love TV exposure but WE (class racers) are not represenative of the masses. Without heads up racing of some kind such as Pro Stock, Class runs, or even a Top Stock/Top S/S program the majority will never get it or look a second time. The class racers here could NEVER afford a heads up program if that is all there was. Compared to what you spend the NASCAR races and heads up programs such as Top Fuel, Pro Stock etc. spend and others are enough to keep you guys racing for a life time The average person would rather watch NASCAR (all they know is a car number) even though they know NOTHING about cars or racing because there is ONE winner. ONE Champion at the end of the year. Its a no brainer with them. Its an up hill battle because its to difficult for the masses to understand. We are a drop in the bucket compared to other venues and the number of people who turn on the TV to be entertained. Face facts and just enjoy what you do until its gone. Its might be possable for something like is on TV now on the speed channels but who would do it? I wish I was wrong but Im afraid it is what it is.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

What a noval idea, race cars that we can recognize, an explaination of what is happening, driving out the back door, a recap of the winning run and no oil downs. let's bring back the good old days.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

X-Techman , I share your cyniscism as have had the same problems with friends,neighbors etc. over many years . My idea was not to try and compete with NFL , NASCAR or basketball but simply an idea to get SOME airtime . I have noticed Speed etc do air independently produced programs covering lesser known oval track series over the years . My suggestion is that maybe one or more of the S/SS assoc's offer their combo events to TV . Interest (albeit limited) could be generated if presented correctly . The public would gain some understanding if told that's a 200hp station wagon racing a 400hp camaro , put it in terms anyone can understand . The public might like the wheelstands and handicap racing is somewhat like a car chase .

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

I agree.....It would be nice if someone could pull it off. I know I would watch the show.

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It is sad that sportsman racing never got any kind of shot at TV. A whole generation of possible future drag racers thinks of drag racing as what they see on PINKS..but.then again.they don't seem to have any problem getting TV time or entrants and spectators.I to would like say what a great job the late Steve Evans did with sportsman coverage.Bret Kepner was one guy that could have done the sportsman racer well... sad that no one capitlized on his talent The real sad part is that the whole racing community missed the boat on what could have been for all involved sponsors racers and track owners

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A reasonably smart marketing man could still sell S/SS racing as a viable niche program . S/SS should be marketed for what they are , modified production vehicles which LOOK LIKE the car in the average garage . That should be THE selling point . Everyone owns or has owned a Nova or station wagon or pony car . How many people have something in their garage that looks like a NASCAR C.O.T. or Force's Fuel Coupe ? We as devotees of class racing are missing a tremendous marketing tool . Never would class racing replace the Pro dog and pony show , but could be marketed as a 60 or 90 minute program . As far as IHRA or NHRA doing it , don't be naive , they already have a vested interest in what they are presenting now . The only hope is for someone to see a concept and fly with it .

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

ya need somebody with marketing MOXIE like Forrest Lucas and a few bucks too--probably lotsa bucks and get maybe Jegs/Summit/Ford/Mopar/ Automotive oriented products that viewers are gonna pay attention to & approach a netwoork like Speed or some other channel and try to get them to do a maybe a coupla shows featuring sportsman cars no .90 cars and yes some alcohol cars to show the EXTREME version of Sportsman racing before they maybe make the big step up to the PROFESSIONAL level too a really good cross section---Hell if he (lucas) or the other companies wants to buy advertising ya dont think the TV guys are gonna say no do ya??? It just might work--but ya cannot bombard the show with commercials maybe put the logos in the lower corner or bottom of the screen displayed the whole 10 min segment before ya break for a commercial....have a voice describing what is going on while the racing is being shown----always have action happening(cars racing)and dialog too

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

The alky cars get some time now. I think just Comp, SS and Stock would make a good show if done right.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

You mean leakers

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Yep. Track oilers and dusters.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

The "Lucas Oil - On The Edge" series features a wide variety of motorsports-themed stuff; anything from schoolbus demolition derbies to snowmobiles racing on ponds. These are all fringe type events that certainly can't afford to pay the full cost of getting on that show, yet there they are on national TV. What do all these events have in common? Simplicity! None of them have a bunch of rules to figure out, and each "race" has an obvious winner.

It's frustrating to see these oddball activities getting such great exposure, while what in our opinion is the greatest show on earth is totally ignored. The only way we have a chance of getting similar coverage is to find a way to make our program simple enough for the non-enthusiast to understand.

Dial-ins are a challenge but can be successfully explained by the right announcer. Break-outs are the real tough sell. A typical non-racer simply cannot grasp why the first car to the finish line did not win. It would take a lot of careful preparation and a very knowledgeable announcer such as Alan Reinhart to successfully explain this in the brief time available. Emphasizing the "David versus Goliath" nature of many of the matchups should be something that could build some interest, and a big wheelstand from the faster car as he gives chase would add further to that. Even with all this in mind, putting a successful TV package together wouldn't come easily, or cheaply.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Terry,you seem to be the only one who gets it.All the other explainations are wishful thinking.I've said all along that the car wise spectator at national events are looooong gone.All they want now is to stand next to the cars during warm up and get their eye balls
watered up and watch and wait for pyrotechnics from the fuel cars.And oh yeah,a John/Ashley autogragh.

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

First thing I noticed was how much easier to understand and how much more exciting it was to watch without the cars, starting over again at 300' from the starting line. JB.

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I didn't realize Paul Page had previous experience in Drag Racing.

Boy, do I miss Steve Evans.

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I didn't realize Paul Page had "ANY" experience in drag racing!

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Since I've been mentioned a few times in this thread, I'm going to offer a few observations. I'm not picking on any individual but I am going to address the many misconceptions posted herein.

One of these days, you folks will understand how television works in the twenty-first century. Networks do not pay for shows about drag racing. It works the other way around. Everybody, from NHRA's Full Throttle series and the IHRA's Nitro Jam events to the weekly Inside Drag Racing show, pays the network for the airtime. To the network, a drag racing show is just an infomercial.

How much does it cost? Using rough but accurate numbers, it costs any production company $1,000 per minute of air time to shoot, edit and package the event and the "slot" of airtime costs $1,000 per minute to puchase. In other words, if you'd like to put a thirty-minute sportsman show on television on any major channel, be prepared to spend a minimum of $60,000. Using this equation for an average NHRA National Event weekend which includes five hours of coverage, you'll see why the NHRA pays approximately $8,000,000 per year for their ESPN schedule.

How do I know this? This is how I've made my living for twenty-seven years.

...unless you count the 137 sportsman-only IHRA shows, (by my count, which is pretty accurate), which we, (including myself as a contractor), produced and aired on ESPN between 1985 and 1996. However, I'm going to guess you think those don't count. Because of this, I probably shouldn't mention the dozens of sportsman-only shows aired on Inside Drag Racing, (for which I'm a contractor), for the past twenty-one years including everything from Alex Denysenko's Class Nationals at Byron (IL) to IDR's exclusive coverage of SS/AA eliminations at the NHRA U.S. Nationals for seven years straight.

In all seriousness, I could take these comments quite personally; we, (as a production company and as fans), poured our souls into those shows to make them the best possible representations of sportsman drag racing. However, I'm old enough that my feelings won't be hurt.

I'm going to presume you don't remember why all those people were hanging on the fence to watch class racing back then but here is the real reason. In the 1960s and 1970s, there were no "days of class" racing as they are currently presented. At that time, there were no Professional Qualifying Sessions. In any given hour, fans would watch every class from Stock to Top Fuel running a few pairs at a time. The reason the grandstands were so full was because the fans saw every class during every hour of a ten-hour (or longer) day. Those fans weren't there just to see sportsman cars.

Yes. As a matter of fact, they will. The majority of the advertising money for the current shows goes to the production company...not the network. The production company has already paid for the airtime so the network has no stake in the advertising. In fact, the network could care less who advertises on these programs; it's not their show. As a somewhat humorous sidenote to your comment, this is the very reason Forrest Lucas recently started his own television network, (MAVTV), for which I'm a contractor.

If this were true, it would be done on a regular basis. It's not done at all. Don't think for a minute it hasn't been analyzed or tried; any racing association will do anything which proves successful and makes money. Stock and Super Stock are not marketable on their own will only be televised if the airtime is purchased from the network.

Furthermore, your concept of the "niche market" system is askew. The sport of professional drag racing is the "niche market". Sportsman competition is a miniscule niche within that niche which, as a separate entity, has extremely limited appeal. Many people see the television ratings for professional drag racing and ask, "Why are the numbers so low?". The incredibly simple answer is, "Drag racing just isn't that big of deal...period".

You're dead wrong. These shows are only on television because they paid the production company and bought the airtime to be on television at the rates mentioned above. How do I know this? I'm a contractor for the Lucas Oil/On the Edge television show.

Very true; they all include the simplicity of writing a check to get on television.

I appreciate the prepared obituaries but, in 2011, I still make my living as a televised drag racing commentator. I've been lucky enough to hold the same job since 1985 and my schedule is still full every year. I guess I was the guy who capitalized on my talent but the companies with whom I've worked as a contractor have made out pretty well on the deal, too. However, I truly appreciate the compliments....even if they are in the past tense!

Re: Why cant Sportsman Racing be like this on TV these days?
 

Great, informative post, Bret. Thanks for taking the time to write it.

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Bret was (is ) a fun guy to be around .Back in the day (early 90's )... Never forget at Carolina Dragway when Bret got pulled for speeding on the way to the track and has his Sonny's Automotive 200 MPH club jacket on.....(funny right there ))) Also the LARGE smokey burnout at the Holiday Inn under the check-in shelter and moments later the cops were all over the place looking for ????? checking almost every car in the parking lot to see if engines were still warm and then knocking on room doors asking about the burn-out bandit.....Just a couple of the stories that come to mind about Bret. My favorite was when he interviewed me after a H/R win at New York International Raceway (91 ) ,and it made it on ESPN....Hats off to the legendary Bret Kepner!!!!!!!!!