Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Nees
Hi Frank, Ok then why can't (won't) one of the above mentioned companies (or another), in their advertizing budget, find away to do something? I know that the companies that I've mentioned already do more than enough for Sportsmen racers (Bracket racers included) but I refuse to believe that somebody won't step up.
|
The group or individual would have to want to do it and believe in the concept, meaning turn them a profit.
The numbers involved may be large. Equipment and personnel are extensive, although it could be done on a small privateer scale but ESPN is not. ESPN people are nitro crazy right now. Just like any other new fan to the sport. They will evolve possibly turn their interest toward lower classes.
Bottom line there is not a lot of money on the street, hasn't been for longer than you may think and what there is is tough to convince to take the risk.
Don't know if you remember the drag racing message board I believe was part of Sports Channel years ago. There was discussion about drag racing on TV and began e-mailing someone who claimed to work for the networks. Proposed a half hour, fast moving show with wheel standing super stockers and stockers along with fast and exciting comp and alcohol runs. Don't even try to show a race make it be an exciting fast moving show of great runs. Just entertainment. Broadcast it during the week when racers are home looking for something good to watch not on weekends when everyone is at the track. Racers would watch, car enthusiasts would find out about it and tune in. Once the show could get a footing then expand it to let the public know what drag racing is really about and develop an audience.
Well the answer was over and over "it will never work".
Again the money people, the producers, the broadcasters, advertisers, promoters must believe in the concept and feel there will be a much wider audience for the programming than racers. And turn everyone involved a profit.
NHRA knows that through the years top fuel and funny car are the only eliminators to receive any regular attention by the press, TV and radio. At this time it is the only product they have to sell. Once fuel racing grows in the public mind, the fan base evolves in their knowledge of the sport, hopefully the product line will expand.
Keep in mind this is not a selfless endeavor, there will need to be lots to skim off the top to make the effort worth while. But the power people in the NHRA are not all seasoned racers who came up through the system they are managers interested in feathering their beds and those that are are old fuel racers set in their ways. It will take open creative minds, a pile of money and a perfect storm.