Ford shuns Stock and Super Stock support

[bykr]

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

Please explain how sponsoring sportsman racers will help Ford sell trucks and SUVs.

How would it help build the Ford brand?

Really? It builds brand loyalty, dealer support,etc.

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by bykr

Really? It builds brand loyalty, dealer support,etc.

Among a very small group of people who are probably not among Ford's target market.

Why would dealers care? They want Ford to spend money that brings feet onto the showroom floor.

[Tom P]

I wish Jesse was still there at Ford. I enjoyed talking to you at SEMA. I agree Tim Wilkerson seems like a good guy.
I'm not sure the extent of the involvement in Sportsmen drag racing. Is there anything like the "dollar cars" in the 60's?

[Jesse Kershaw]

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

Please explain how sponsoring sportsman racers will help Ford sell trucks and SUVs.

How would it help build the Ford brand?

Jim

I apologize if I've said something that's sending you down this sponsorship path. I'm not taking about sponsoring sportsman Racers, I'm talking about producing and selling parts they want (including racecars), offering aftersale support, and in racing a contingency program with some tech support. If you buy and race a Ford you should have someone who can answer basic questions about what you bought. If there's demand for a Ford aftermarket part, Ford should be positioned to be first to market if they choose to produce it.

I saw first hand how contingency on the right parts made sales, and the subsequent loss of sales when that contingency was removed. (But some contingency is Goodwill)

In any year I'd give out between 30-50 x plan vehicle discounts to racers, many of whom were new to a Ford and usually bought trucks that were high margin. This is small potatoes but I also can't quatify the ripple effect which I know exists. Enthusiasts once engaged go a long way. I once helped sell a fleet of 500 trucks in California because I helped the business owner win an AMBR award with his Ford crate engine powered Street rod.

There are several sportsman I know who chose to race a Ford because of the support they saw and subsequently spent millions on cars and parts for themselves, their family, their businesses.

Both the Tascas and Skillmans have brought in New business by being at the track.

My point wasn't to sponsor sportsman Racers, but I don't agree that they don't present a vehicle sales opportunity.

I don't think I've met you before but I appreciate your passion. I hope whatever brand you're racing has parts to sell you, people to help you go fast, and a robust contingency program should you find the winner's circle. Best if luck to you this season.

[Jim Caughlin]

Originally Posted by Tom P

I wish Jesse was still there at Ford. I enjoyed talking to you at SEMA. I agree Tim Wilkerson seems like a good guy.
I'm not sure the extent of the involvement in Sportsmen drag racing. Is there anything like the "dollar cars" in the 60's?

Sure there are, Ford pretty much gave away the limited run GT40's to celebrities (not racers) who then sold them off at a profit.