We control our own destiny
 

RJ, I am calling you out you big chicken.

RJ and I had a long discussion about the weakening of the fan base for the sportsman racers over the years. My experience is more from growing up around drag racing and only a participant for the last 4 years. RJ's is from the beginning of the reciprocating engine.

It is just my opinion, but I think what has killed the interest from our fan base is the sanitization of our racing. Translation: Enclosed trailers. Not that we are about to go back to open trailers, but when is the last time you were pulling up for fuel and someone went on and on about how cool that big white trailer looks?

The sanitization has removed the casual fan from being able to relate to what we do. They no longer see that car on the trailer and day dream about what it would be like to drive it, be pushed back in the seat, and have the thrill of people cheering their victories. We all have done that at one point in our lives or we wouldn't be doing this, but we are a shrinking minority.

I do all I can to transmit this disease to the fans that come by my pits by putting them in the car to get the feel of the seat and take their camera to take pictures. This seems to have a positive impact, but I don't think it goes far enough. These people are already at the tracks. New blood would be even better.

RJ and I had discussed coordinating a Sportsman Car Show at a local mall the day before the qualifying. This could be done a couple times a year. It would require the racers that participate (in the show) to come in a day early, but I think it would be enjoyable for all involved. Many people would form their own opinions as to what cars they like and which ones "look" the fastest. The only way to find out is to see it at the track.

It would be nice if our new division director could help coordinate this with a local mall, the track, and minimal presence by the NHRA at the event. What say you?

Re: We control our own destiny
 

If you want to bring in new blood.

Allow the foreign makes to compete.

Already have Japanese and European Bikes Racing

Toyota just sponsored a major race.

D

Re: We control our own destiny
 

Some old geezer rock bands are still tumbling around the country but for the most part the 60's are dead and gone and so too the huge public fascination with muscle cars. The pros put the fans in the stands and while we may pay our way in cash and tax credits, our deal is done. We'll continue to pay our dues and doggedly attend races to meet our friends and race our cars but the hay day has come and gone. Let's enjoy what's left for as long as we can. And to tell you the truth I'm thankful for what the racers have accomplished in the face of an indifferent organization and the high cost of racing. Long live the Stocker!

Re: We control our own destiny
 

Foreign cars have been allowed in MX and SS/E&FS for years, I don't see anyone beating down the doors to run them. We are in the works on a SS/DX honda, it should be out next year.

Jim Caughlin
SS/ES 6019

Re: We control our own destiny
 

Ricers can race now. They don't. NHRA had a race series for them a few years ago, nobody came. Different group of people.

Re: We control our own destiny
 

Look at the bracket classes. They have lower turn outs than class cars per quota(Bristol). I think the bracket guys are even catching on. Not worth going to a race for 3/4 day for a chance to win a few thousand dollars. They can go to a high dollar bracket race and have a chance to win 3/4 races for quadruple the money per day. Why is it the bracket races get the turn out they do but not the circuit races. I think I know it is the ego of the competitor to maybe be seen at the circus.

Re: We control our own destiny
 

The sportsman racers put on a great show. The racers don't need to do anything different. The real issue is with the sanctioning body and event promoters. No matter what type of great show is out there it has to be promoted. That is the job of the event promoter not the racer. I have lots of people ask about my rig when traveling. I usually open up the trailer and show them the car and tell them where the race is. I also ask them to look me up if they do come to the race. Both NHRA and IHRA need to do a better job of television and Internet broadcast of the sportsman catagories
The pro classes are in bigger jeopardy than the sportsman. What do you think is going to happen when Force and Shoemacher loose their major funding. They are barely filling their fields. Prostock is struggling to get and keep sponsors too.

Re: We control our own destiny
 

Agree 100% , They proved it when Pinks started you could not find a empty seat in the stands..... Now Why !!! Promotion, Drama, Excitement, TV , Whatever it worked If we have to turn S/SS into a Reality show to get peoples attention because that's all that people watch anymore!!!! Who Cares........Let's do it !!!! lol I will yell at people and call them names and make them cry if that's what it take's lol . Call it REAL WORLD of Sportsman Racing. And until people figure out its scripted who cares....At least we will get people to watch and maybe want to build a car and join the fun. :)

Re: We control our own destiny
 

Kyle, don't be so hard on old man RJ.
Yes, we all recognize he was by Henry Ford's side when he built the first Ford, take it easy on him.

All kidding aside, I believe that one of the reasons for having an enclosed trailer is to:

1. Protect the investment.
2. Due to rule changes and competitiveness, more engines and drivetrains are being built on the ragged edge necessitating more spares and tools to be carried. Difficult to do in an open trailer.

I agree, there is a coolness factor on pulling your car in an open trailer, especially when other people pass you and give you a thumbs up, you stop to put gas in the rig, or stop to grab a bite at a restaurant.

Gosh, you are making many of us feel old! :)

Re: We control our own destiny
 

En Route to the No-Box Nationals on Friday....
https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphot...54222571_n.jpg


Dick Butler and I have had some preliminary discussion about the possibility of doing a show at his huge Grandpa's Garage business and cross-promote with the Northern Class Nationals next spring.

I've participated in several pre-race shows before: a few at Norwalk ("Thunder in the Streets"), and one they did at Milan one year.