Just An Idea

[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.

[Dave Gantz]

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.

[ToddRT]

Originally Posted by 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.

Well, those kids will surely come back for more fun at the track.