Does Royal Purple Care About Their Customers?

[Ed Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Hagen Gary

Ed, let's see what you wrote in your email to them. Did you let them know that it was the tracks fault that NHRA had to cancel the sportsmen? Seems like they have no idea that the track has problems with the sportsmen pits and that was the cause of no sportsmen racing. I understand NHRA's reasoning. They would have had to let all the pros, alcohol, and pro mods move out and then move all of the sportsmen in to be able to race. They would have had to run the race on Monday and then a bunch of sportsmen still would be pissed that they couldn't stay and had to forfeit. At least they gave us our entry and all crew member tickets back. That cost them big time, and it was the best decision. With that said, I'm starting my email to Royal Purple now and I suggest we all do the same. It's the tracks fault.... Period.

Hagen this is my email to Royal Purple

My name is Ed Carpenter. I am a NHRA Super Stock racer. My car number is 4244 a 66 Chevy II. I am writing you about the decable that happened at Royal Purple Raceway this past weekend at the national event in Baytown. As I'm sure you are aware over 400 sportsman racers were sent home without running eliminations. We were told "this race never happened". I was one of the 400 plus. This is unacceptable and I blame the track. This is the 3rd time I've been there that the pits have flooded and affected races. I can;t believe a title sponsor of a track such as yourself would allow this to happen again and again. I am not the only with this line of thought. On a popular racing forum the question was asked It’s still a mud pit and looks very bad on them and Royal Purple. I wonder if Royal Purple would be interested in hearing how they are a title sponsor of a track that doesn't give a crap about people who buy their product. Isn't that how special interest groups get it done? I w ould like your opinion on this. I for one will not participate in any event at Royal Purple Raceway again until improvements have been made to the pit area at the track.

Ed Carpenter

[Mike Brogniez]

NHRA, Royal Purple and the track are in association to provide all racers and spectators this race.
Recently NHRA has not done much for sportsman racing.
Royal Purple's ''canned'' response from the Marketing rep (suit) does nothing for Ed and other Sportsman using their product.
The track fails in providing adequate facilities.
As consumers we have the right to choose if we want to support them.
I know what I would do.
MB

[Alan Roehrich]

What you need to realize is that buying naming rights to a venue does not give you a huge amount of control over operations. So Royal Purple cannot tell the track what to do and how to do it, and they certainly can't do either with NHRA, especially since the sportsman racing is sponsored by Lucal Oil (for which we should all thank the Lucas family). For the most part, Royal Purple bought naming rights, which gives them advertising space and time. Had no one bought naming rights, the track might not operate at all. If that is what you want, by all means, blame Royal Purple, and trash them pubilicly. Then maybe no one will buy naming rights, and more facilities could close.

[HR9121]

Royal Purple may not have much say in in the operation of the track but they have all the say as to where and what they do with their sponsorship money and that is as much leverage as you can get these days. If I was the CEO of a company I don't believe I would want my name associated with a track or anyone else not operating up to par. Most everyone involved knows it not Royal Purple's fault and I don't think most people blame NHRA either but in these economic times I can't imagine either one of them not demanding changes to help change public perception. I have no dog in the fight but feel for those who wasted time and money.

[racermpn]

Doesn't the Angel's own an asphalt company??? Its probably been 5-6 years since I raced there, but anytime it rained...plan on getting stuck.

[sc4400]

The Ennis track when built had "caliche"? dirt spread out for pit paving. It was a dust bomb dry, and a mud bowl wet. Someone stepped up and paved EVERYTHING. Much better, although I don't understand the pea gravel??

So it can be done, it's the "want to" that's missing.

RIP

[Ken Howell]

My email to Royal Purple:

I was entered at last weeks race at Royal Purple Raceway, after spending 5 days at the track, incurring many expenses other than entry fees I did not get to race. What a wasted week! The problem is the tracks problem, they know the problem, but don't care about the racers enough to solve the problem. This problem has happened in the past and will happen again. Royal Purple has their name on this track, has spent money to get their name out front, you surely have some amount of influence on the track owners. This problem does reflect on your company and future actions taken by Royal Purple can make a difference. The racer has a choice too, they can stop using your products and let other racers know about this problem. I hope Royal Purple steps up and tries to make this the last time this problem happens.

Reply from Royal Purple:

Thank you for your email and reaching out to us regarding the recent events at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Tx. We understand the decision to cancel the sportsman events upset a number of racers who travelled with their teams, families, and friends. We have been in contact with the owners of the track to see what can be done to improve their facility and prevent similar situations in the future.

We know there are a lot of racers and fans who communicate through forums, websites, and emails, but we appreciate you taking the time to personally reach out to us.

Sincerely, Randy Fisher (Marketing Director Royal Purple)

[KRatcliff]

It appears that someone is finally getting the message.

[Jeff Teuton]

How about for starters put at least 30 of us in the bull pin at the end of the stands. maybe make it a requirement for two cars in one spot. Let the spectator motor homes have the fence, and give us the back. That would immediatelly take 30 out of the mud. It ain't much, but it's a start. And consolidate the t-shirt trucks and move everyone forward, Show some good faith Royal Purple Raceway.

[Darrin Christen]

Originally Posted by Jeff Teuton

How about for starters put at least 30 of us in the bull pin at the end of the stands. maybe make it a requirement for two cars in one spot. Let the spectator motor homes have the fence, and give us the back. That would immediatelly take 30 out of the mud. It ain't much, but it's a start. And consolidate the t-shirt trucks and move everyone forward, Show some good faith Royal Purple Raceway.

Jeff, I tried to go through that area with my golf cart on Friday and was stopped by a nice laddy that told me I was not allowed in there without a special pass. She said those people paid $800.00 each for the weekend to park their motorhomes in there. You don't have to wonder why racers were not pitted there as usual! $310 only gets you a spot in the pasture!