Just An Idea

Dave Gantz · 07-16-2021, 10:20 AM

In the "old days", drag racing didn't need to be promoted. As Henry mentioned, lots of people were into muscle cars, and brought them to the track. NHRA didn't need to market; we were already addicted. (And I think, NHRA developed a "you'll do what we say" attitude, which they haven't grown out of.)

Today, no one wants to bring their new Corolla, Focus or whatever other non interesting car to see how slow it really is. New Camaro's, Challengers and Mustangs are out of the reach of most young people (and older people!).

But in regards to the car show concept, wherever it is, make sure people HEAR them! Have a sponsor hand out ear plugs and make NOISE! (Try that with an E car.) Maybe even a burnout. Although, most cars are so expensive that, understandingly (Is that a word, lol.), not many would run them.

So, after all of that, let's say some of them come to the track. They will immediately wonder why some cars stumble off the line, others leave at different times , and some hit the brakes brfore the finish, yadda, yadda.
Before they get there, they need to receive handouts with a brief history of the sport. Something that explains the above oddities. Essentially, that drag racing is expensive and would've priced itself out of the reach of the average person if handicaps, etc. weren't implemented.

Do tracks still advertise events? Sunday, Sunday...!! People say advertising doesn't work, as they use their advertised phone, write with an advertised pen, drink an advertised soft drink, wear advertised clothes, etc.

I'm no marketing whiz, but it seems drag racing needs some. And it'll take time. The current atmosphere has been brewing for years.

07-16-2021, 10:20 AM	#11
Dave Gantz Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Verrry South Jersey Posts: 537 Likes: 134 Liked 251 Times in 125 Posts	Re: Just An Idea In the "old days", drag racing didn't need to be promoted. As Henry mentioned, lots of people were into muscle cars, and brought them to the track. NHRA didn't need to market; we were already addicted. (And I think, NHRA developed a "you'll do what we say" attitude, which they haven't grown out of.) Today, no one wants to bring their new Corolla, Focus or whatever other non interesting car to see how slow it really is. New Camaro's, Challengers and Mustangs are out of the reach of most young people (and older people!). But in regards to the car show concept, wherever it is, make sure people HEAR them! Have a sponsor hand out ear plugs and make NOISE! (Try that with an E car.) Maybe even a burnout. Although, most cars are so expensive that, understandingly (Is that a word, lol.), not many would run them. So, after all of that, let's say some of them come to the track. They will immediately wonder why some cars stumble off the line, others leave at different times , and some hit the brakes brfore the finish, yadda, yadda. Before they get there, they need to receive handouts with a brief history of the sport. Something that explains the above oddities. Essentially, that drag racing is expensive and would've priced itself out of the reach of the average person if handicaps, etc. weren't implemented. Do tracks still advertise events? Sunday, Sunday...!! People say advertising doesn't work, as they use their advertised phone, write with an advertised pen, drink an advertised soft drink, wear advertised clothes, etc. I'm no marketing whiz, but it seems drag racing needs some. And it'll take time. The current atmosphere has been brewing for years.