Just An Idea

[John DiBartolomeo]

For the past two weeks in my Blogs, I’ve outlined that they may be problems with our sport. There really minor in nature but I’d like to address something I think has been on the minds of many for quite some time.

I’m not a fan of the pandemic; don’t know anyone who is; and what it has done to our country, but it has certainly changed the way some things are done. And maybe those changes will allow us to somewhat enhance our lives. As an example, we already know the changes which were made to the NASCAR circle track program; i.e., no qualifying, more road course events, etc.

In drag racing on the NHRA front, we’ve gone from what were once four-day events with four professional qualifying sessions down to three-day races. But I think the one thing missing is some type of in-market activation with local fans.

I made a suggestion years ago which sort of fell on deaf ears, but I’ll make it again here with regards to the many Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series divisional events that happen all over. Besides the racing, those events are likely a great car show of sorts. There aren’t too many car shows I know of; of course I’m not a car show aficionado; which feature such a wide variety of race cars. And maybe it’s a chance to show off that variety of cars to a whole different group of people.

What would it take to get involved with a local charity at each of the 40 or so divisional race markets, host a small gathering of racers who typically get into town early, allow them to showcase their cars at a local restaurant, mall, etc.? All with the blessing of a local charity with some type of donation made to them. That scenario seems to be done all the time at golf outings, why wouldn’t it work for us? It creates a two-way street with the general public.

One of the reasoning I believe racers come into town early is to secure their own “special” pit area. Maybe, just maybe, hold off that “special” pit area for those who take part in the car show. Or maybe; Heaven forbid; allow them a free entry or crew pass. This may bring in something which has always lacked at divisional events, that being spectators. Or at the worst case, bring some new fans to at least witness the excitement we have for the automobile.

I’m not a planner, nor am I any kind of organizer; I have enough problems organizing my own life; but I’m sure there are some out there in our ranks who are good at that sort of thing.

Yeah, yeah, I know. Everybody has ideas. Ideas – and opinions - are sort of like certain parts of our lower anatomy (if you get my drift); everyone has one. Some are way out there and maybe this is one of them but this is just my idea as a way to continue to grow the sport.

The pandemic has given us a chance to make changes, changes that we otherwise may not have even thought about. Maybe a second chance if you want to think about it in that light. I read something recently where a person asked “Why does God allow bad things to happen?” The writer suggested could it be He does so in order for good to come out? This may not be the place to impart any religious theories, but I just thought the answer to that was interesting and maybe even thought-provoking.

What are your ideas?

[Frank Beasley]

I like the idea. So much revenue is lost and the potential to get a new generation of people interested in our sport. No down side to trying something like this.

[Henrys Toy]

Originally Posted by Frank Beasley

I like the idea. So much revenue is lost and the potential to get a new generation of people interested in our sport. No down side to trying something like this.

I certainly think in this day and age we need to try to reach out to the masses. It seems to me back in the late 60's through the 70's, we as a people were more "car " orientated and enjoyed the new models and what was next to expect from our favorite car Mfg.
When we endured the "Gas Crunch's" the car culture as we knew it, seemed to take a hit ! I like the Idea of trying to reach out and maybe bringing back some spectators. I remember Points races used to be Mini National Events and even some "Pro's " booked in for some "Match Racing" would generate spectator interest.
Walter Frey said to me a few years back before E-Town closed that "people" entertain themselves much differently today and could possibly be a reason for lack of interest. I won't say he was wrong but changes happened and we might need to open our views to generate positive interest once again.
The circle track racers are experiencing a similar lack of interest although not as drastic. Just my two cents.

Respectfully,
Henry Kunz
1534 H/SA

[RNNChrisbarnes]

A few years ago the Weds before the divisional at New England I attempted to do a car show at the State House in Concord NH> Its about an hour west of the track. The Division sent a Safety Truck and Steve Rhodes was the one who brought it.. I advertised on SM very aggressively to get as many cars as possible. I arranged for food and drinks for anyone who showed there car off.

The only cars that made it was an Alcohol Dragster from John Card Racing, And an Alcohol Funny Car. They both run with the East Coast Pro Comp Association. The Gm from NED came with a track truck and a friend of mine brought with Sled that he Races at NED. We had local media coverage and a buddy of mine took pictures and another friend brought his classic Lincoln. But not 1 single car that typically runs LODRS events.. And I know for a fact that many people knew about it because people were asking me Friday at the track how it went.

So if you want to help promote events. If someone asks put some effort into bringing a car or cars. Yes i know it means coming in a day early. But if someone puts in the effort, you can do the same.

I am also the person that brought groups of kids from the Boys and Girls CLub and YMCA Summer Camp program to the LODRS event at NED. We brought about 375 kids total.. These are the events that need to be done to show the next generation about this sport. But these things cant and wont happen without the help of the racers. One of the worse things I have heard from a racer is, "its not our job to promote the sport" thats the tracks job.. Well I call BS.. Its a group effort.. Cuz without the group. More tracks will become auto auctions and parking lots..

[Chad Fergen]

Sounds like a Solid Idea!

[rboyle]

I love it. Only potential issue is space, but maybe the powers that be have a free car show night for the early bird pit spots. This keeps the racers there at the track a day early in their pit spot, gets fans and maybe leave the staging lanes area the designated car show area or something. It opens up best engineered and best appearing to a different scene too.
I'm sure it could be worked out though but any idea to get new blood involved eventually leads to new revenue sources. Also it just makes a more complete experience for all.

[novassdude]

Originally Posted by rboyle

I love it. Only potential issue is space, but maybe the powers that be have a free car show night for the early bird pit spots. This keeps the racers there at the track a day early in their pit spot, gets fans and maybe leave the staging lanes area the designated car show area or something. It opens up best engineered and best appearing to a different scene too.
I'm sure it could be worked out though but any idea to get new blood involved eventually leads to new revenue sources. Also it just makes a more complete experience for all.

Need space have it at a local car dealer. If the rest of the country's dealerships look like in my area they have plenty of room. I would think they would be happy to have something their lot for a day.

When I was mud racing we always did this same thing ahead of time. We drew way more spectators than a typical LODRS event.

[BKSG1198]

One of my ideas a few years back about 10 years ago was in D1, we have one of the greatest resources to do a carshow before a D1 event....PC Richards. You find the closest PC near a track (Like a Wednesday Night) and promote the event, do contests, give out free tickets, have a few cars on display that are going to be running there that weekend. I understand some tracks don't have one near them but, you do something like Chris did and it's a success. The response I got was "We hand out free tickets in all our bags or at the Customer Service window at PC richard stores" I'm sorry but, if I just got a 70 inch screen TV, the last thing I'm worried about is a ticket for a race, I'm worried about the receipt incase something breaks.

We did a car show like 5 years ago for Alex's Lemonade stand at the Applebee's I used to work at, myself and Dan Pomponio (TAFC) brought our cars for display and to promote the LODRS at Atco and it was a huge hit. For those who say "It's too early" half of them are the same people that have been stacked outside the gate since Tuesday hoping they don't lose the 8x8 piece of asphalt. We definitely need to start to think outside the box for new ideas.

[ToddRT]

Great idea. The pandemic may close some opportunities and movement but surely make use become more resourceful.

[1347]

At the Sportsnationals today, they had 2 groups of 15 or so 7 to 10 year old kids from day camp at the track. I saw them walking the pits, and later saw them all getting ice cream. Looked like a great idea.