more news from NHRA

[HR9121]

Well seeing how they treated the Pro teams it appears the table has been turned on them. This is certainly not goid news in today's economic times it will be difficult to find another title sponsor....

[SStockDart]

Not surprising at all. Any sponsor is expecting to get some sort of "return" for an investment. The "return" in the case for Mello Yello has completely changed since their negotiations started. First, their are not the thousands of fans at the races to enjoy a cold Mello Yello, enjoy the mock up race car and test your starting line reflexes, be surrounded by Mello Yello advertising, and see their favorite driver drink a Mello Yello.

Remember, Mello Yello has been title sponsor for "Pro" cars and not us sportsman racers. Like him or not, John Force chose not to race this season. He is THE draw to get fans, period. I believe he is probably not getting his sponsor's support for the same reason as NHRA.

It will be impossible to get another similar title sponsor. NHRA has nothing to offer a consumer goods company....no fans, no John Force, and huge financial payouts.

Their best opportunity for sponsorship of Pro racing is something like a .com company that advertises simply for awareness.

I believe that the best opportunity for successful survival of NHRA is a sort of hybrid race. Other than US Nationals and Winternationals, which could have a full field of fuel cars, all other National events would be a "match" race type of deal. "John Force vs Schumacher" in best 2 out of 3.....Same deal with Top Fuel.

The fans would still get their "taste" for fuel cars, while payoffs and insurance costs should be greatly reduced.

Then, continue to develop the factory cars, move existing older stockers and superstockers into "Nostalgia" with ALL of the same existing rules. Cars 2008 and newer would run existing Stock and Superstock classes. Oh, and bring back Modified Production with restrictions.

Swing away folks. If you wonder how I know about advertising/sponsorship value......I retired from Coca-Cola after nearly 40 years in Management and Marketing.

[Jeff Swanson]

I can't see how NHRA wins this, not to mention the harm they are doing in attracting future sponsors.

[Mark Lewis]

Maybe there will be more Sportsnationals next year or no quotas for sportsman classes if they have any nationals next year

[john ancona]

The part that states with no fans ( and the Stock & Super Stock Racers they ran off ) along with all their employees ,indicates a need to cut cost ,but in the next statement they are financially Strong ! When your one of your biggest sponsors backs out what else could you say but we are financially strong to keep the other sponsors from backing out also ! The old saying is when the tide goes out you can see who is swimming naked !

[BG56]

Effective immediately, I presume? So what will this do to last week's 'good' news of signing FoxSports to multi-year deal to broadcast. Again, at cost, I presume. Another 2020 Kick in the Teeth! Ouch!

[Jeff Stout]

NHRA states Coke as a family member , then file a lawsuit. You nhra changed what Coke was to receive for their money. Covid changed your schedule. Coke should not be held responsible for fulfilling their obligation. You did not fulfill yours. You reduced purses, how about your salary and others up top in ivory tower. We are family and everyone should suffer together.

[Greg Hill]

Wonder who has the best lawyers?

[SStockDart]

Originally Posted by Jeff Stout

NHRA states Coke as a family member , then file a lawsuit. You nhra changed what Coke was to receive for their money. Covid changed your schedule. Coke should not be held responsible for fulfilling their obligation. You did not fulfill yours. You reduced purses, how about your salary and others up top in ivory tower. We are family and everyone should suffer together.

Very well said Jeff (and fellow Phoenician). I actually negotiated a contract for Coca-Cola when Wild Horse Pass was Firebird...a long, long time ago. These type of contracts have assurances built into them, and what is referred to "act of God" clauses. As an example, if you contracted with an amusement park, and it got leveled by an earthquake, you would be excused from the contract. Very likely you would have an attendance guarantee or compensation could be reduced. In the case with NHRA, I doubt they had insurance to cover an act of God, since tracks are spread out all over.

When TV agreements get involved with a contract, the network very likely requires a minimum advertising investment. An example would be.......NBC will pay you a million dollars if you guarantee NBC 2 million in ad revenue (or pick a number). This recent deal with FOX agreement seems a little suspicious to me.

Hope it all works out.

[Jim Hanig]

Originally Posted by john ancona

The part that states with no fans ( and the Stock & Super Stock Racers they ran off ) along with all their employees ,indicates a need to cut cost ,but in the next statement they are financially Strong ! When your one of your biggest sponsors backs out what else could you say but we are financially strong to keep the other sponsors from backing out also ! The old saying is when the tide goes out you can see who is swimming naked !

The only thing they have touched Is their pay, which looks to in the GM range.