Nhra

[stefan callender]

Originally Posted by Tony Mandella

Normally, I don't post on these kind of topics - but ideas are always a good thing.

Skills - I think you bring up some good ideas about discount programs for fans, racers, etc... that would and could possibly work. Getting those into effect may be another story, but never hurts to try. I am in my mid-20's and yes I have been around racing my entire life so being a racer for me came from the family, however, I know that when someone is driving a muscle car around town, on the freeway, etc... it turns heads - mostly everyone around takes a second glance or stares because you don't see them that often and lets face it they look awesome.

My idea would be something to try and generate more fans for the sportsman racers. It would start at the divisional level and working with the individual tracks themselves.
Work with local businesses to help promote the event (get a couple of sportsman racers to bring their cars out for half a day/night the weekend before right out front of Bass Pro Shops, Hooters, or anywhere local and pass out FREE tickets to the divisional event) I think the key is giving out FREE tickets and getting people to come to the races. Think about it - if you give out 3000 tickets for a local divisional and lets say only 5% of the people take advantage of the free offering, that is 150 more people at the event than they had before. People would be more apt to buying food, apparel, etc... since they got in free. Tracks could sell more vendor spots because more people would be coming out. Then, hopefully out of those 150 extra people that came - maybe a percentage of them would become actual fans or even racers. The other benefit is that the sportsman racers would then have a little more appeal to sponsors since they would be getting a little more exposure.

It sounds small, but I think it could have a huge impact if done right.

Tony, one year we were at the Virginia points meet. The track owners gave free admission, and I believe $5.00 parking. The place was packed, the concessions were packed and everyone was cheering in the stands. This is what is needed. If fans can see organized Drag Racing, maybe you wont see the misconception of two idiots speeding on the Expressway called "drag racing".

[FINESPLINE]

I believe Gary Richard gave away many free tickets in Division 1 this past year as he is a major sponsor ( P.C. Richard ) . I never heard any comment on the turnout at the track due to his generosity. Did anybody notice ?

[Ed Fernandez]

Originally Posted by FINESPLINE

I believe Gary Richard gave away many free tickets in Division 1 this past year as he is a major sponsor ( P.C. Richard ) . I never heard any comment on the turnout at the track due to his generosity. Did anybody notice ?

Tony and Finespline.That was tried at Englishtown a few times.I don't think 50 people took advantage of it.I'll bet some of them were coming anyway.Jack did his best to distribute passes and it was a bust.It's not for not trying that the tracks can't pull in fans for divisionals.Years ago they did,I think for two reasons.One we were more of a car culture and two,they used to run fuel cars and P/S at those events.
Maybe if they booked in a show with fuelers,you know the local leakers,and do some advertising,they might fill some seats.I'm not just about negativity,see Ken?