How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I want to thank "SS/DA" for the kind words. Usually what I post has been taken the wrong way and those who know me should for the most part know different. This thread hopefully will shed some light on what we have now called Stock and Super Stock racing.
We and yes its we as a group whether its as a current racer, past racer, future racer or a hard core spectator. What can be done to improver the show. Are you tired of being treated as red headed step children? Why do the racers put up with unfair HP factores for many years before something is done about it? Why do the stands remain almost empty during a sportsman race? Is it the rules? Is it the way a certain eliminator is run? What can we do to bring in more spectators? Is it to many classes. We all know that spectators want to see heads up racing or at least more of it. Is it the AHFS and the 100 ft shut off runs that the spectator sees to protect you HP factor so you can run over a second under to inflate your egos? What good does it do when your dialing in anyway like you are bracket racing? Do we need to promote your type of racing since NHRA dosent seem to want to or care. All they care about is John Force type traveling circus shows. How many time during a national event do 2 Fuel cars make it down the track side by side without blowing off the tires or grenading a drive train part? As one thread said even Pro "Funny" Stock has become a boring joke.Anyway I hope we hear some CONSTRUCTIVE input from you guys and girls. I will start out by suggesting doing away with the AHFS and those 1000 ft shut off runs. Get the HP factors in line and maybe use a 3 man commitiee (who are not now racing). One from each brand of car. Have more class run offs with less classes. Combine some stuff and adjust the difference with wt. adjustments. Go to car shows, and wear decent clothes and/or uniforms when promoting your self and car. Volunteer at different venues to show off your rides. Doing it once and telling yourself I did my part wont cut it. Write letters to NHRA and IHRA and complain. If enough do so....they will have to listen. Its YOUR Association. Numbers means power. Be part of their displays and not just an entry fee. Its takes time and yes a little money but its your programs. Become something besides just a filler for Top Fuel and Funny cars. If NHRA dosent wake up and slow down those things they will be history in time also. There are not many big corporations and deep enough pockets to spread around the kind of money to keep them going as they are. One last bitch from me. Get rid of all of the timers, throttle stops, and delay boxes in the .90 classes. Why run 170 MPH to hit a 9.90? Those are the primary reasons why spectators run from the stands on race day when you guys come up to race .OK....Im off my soap box for now.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

What might be an answer would be a clean breakbetween the Pro and Sportsman divisions , with each holding their own events somewhat along the NASCAR model . Back in the 60s and 70s the current model worked , but the the NHRA wanted to go "big time" and advertisers and TV became paramount . What also might help could be if the Sportsman ranks could found a racer's organization to represent themselves as a unified group before the NHRA . The Sportsman racer has power in numbers , but by not being united are at the mercy of the tracks and sanctioning body .

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I say car shows and promotions in major shopping areas where the masses can see the cars they will see at the track and maybe have a limited number of a free tickets and apparel available as apart of that. Let the kids take pictures in the cars, occasional start ups(if allowed), to expose people to these cars. I see them do the nascar display stuff at Walmarts all the time, why not Stock and Super Stock. Also doing this stuff at local school events might help expose the younger generation to this stuff as well. At least with something like this, you will get major exposure. I would suggest you involve numerous cars from all classes as well, A couple top sportsman/top dragster cars, a few comp cars, a few sg's, stockers, and super stockers. Doing something like this during the week of an event might help the track and you guys.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

OMG, Some excellent posts so far.

First, to this years true sportsman promoters, Toby Lang, Patsy and Larry Hill, Jack Matayas, Tom Sheehan, David Smith and the countless others who have gone to an event and posted videos, photos and results, THANK YOU!

I think we need to promote the classes amongst ourselves. I would be willing to chip in to hire a videographer to tape SS sessions. I found myself watching Toby's videos this year and realize that it takes too much time to race and tape. It is a job in itself, and THANK YOU Toby for the videos you've posted this year.You outdid yourself, but set the stage for the first neccesity of promotion. We need someone to tape at the races, and not a racer. I found myself watching Division 6 SS races more than once. Better than tv...

I posted pictures of my car as it rolled out of Buckys spray booth on moparts.com and before you knew it the rest of the build followed up until its debut. People wanted to see more pictures of the car and it grew from there. There is not too many tracks I go to that someone doesn't come up to me and say they saw my cars build on the web. They appreciate the effort I put forth building it and I am very thankful for that. The internet is a proven outlet for sportsman promotion.

And I tried to tape a run with a gopro camera this weekend, to add Jack and Toms live MG thread, but buckled in the car for first round the camera shut off, and second round it never shut off and killed the battery without taking a video… I tried!

We have to start somewhere and this thread is a start.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

As posted above, seperating the Pros from the Sportsman ranks might help. Most spectators just don't understand the class racers and the staggered starts and bracket racing style eliminations.

Anyway, I had this wild idea at the NMCA race in August at Beech Bend. I watched a very popular class called Nostalgia Super Stock and it was pretty neat. There were over 70 of those cars at the track. it was a index format but still cool to see those ol' cars.

Wouldn't it be cool if there was an "exhibition" class for all class racers at the NMCA events to allow the spectators who are not familiar with class cars to see these machines up close ? Could be a combo race format or other type elimination.

Anyway, it probably won't happen but it would be neat to combine the 2 types of racers at the same event and get some more exposure for the class racers.

Just my .02c.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I would say have tech at the wal-mart or shopping centers (malls ) of choice .this way the people at these locations could get some understanding of the do's and don'ts as well as see the cars up close and personal with the curriosity to go see these cars run.
Maybe have a live radio station to broadcast at these locations with ocasionally talking to some of the drivers and possibly some of the tech guys for some insight.and a few ticket give-a-ways

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Promoting sportsman racing on it's own as a part if NHRA would help.When s/ss started did it not use to run off the national record or something,before my time?A sportman committee that is voted from within.I love stockers but it is real hard for new fans to grasp the concept(not car people just your average spectator)Just some ideas

Kevin

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

One thing I think is overlooked here is the announcer. I know that there are several here and I have heard what a wonderful job they do, keep up the good work! But I have been to several National Events and the sportsman announcers have been almost nonexistent. The "Pro" announcers "hyped" them, no help for the sportsman. It also seems that the volume gets turned down too. I know the sportsman have loud cars, but sometimes I can hear better when the "Pros" run, why is that?

If you fill out tech cards, are they used for info from the tower? Would you put as much as you can on them so that they will repeat it from the tower?

Just my .02 on the subject.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

My suggestion is for X-Techman to start a new organization of JUST Stock and SS cars and lead them to the promise land.

Think up your own name for it or maybe one of these

United Old School Drag Racers Association
National We don't Allow No Stinkin Delay Boxes and Throttle Stops Hot Rod Asscociation
Amercian Foot To The Floor Racers Organization

All .90 racers are obviously not welcomed in this organization. They and all their gizmos and crap are not welcomed.....especially if you can go 9.90 at 170......A Big No No.....

Neither are any other categories of cars,

He can take up the cause and promote this NEW form of racing all over the USA

Get a Movement going and maybe start over in NYC's wall street area,
There's lots of potential spectators there. Some might work for free or just some food and a blanket....

I am sure there are also lots of dragstrips willing to allow free use of their facilites and give the track a full prep so tracion is perfect every run......and their is no entry fee and no membership fee and the workers work for free all in an effot to return to yesteryear......
TV shows will be played from the '60s on big screen TV's and any music played in the pits also can be no newer than the '60's

Everone gets a carton of Lucky's a dirty white T-Shirt and some Grease...for their hair when they enter an event....

If you don't have enough car counts to cover the overhead don't worry soon the gate will be huge and everything will be fine.....Right Wally? Sure Beav!

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Jeez Doc,what bottle or med did you abuse today?:>):>):>)

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

i know how

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Capitol idea.

I'm in!

;)

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I was at the Philadeliphia Modifers Old Time Drags Event at Atco on Oct 9th.
Same weekend as Sportsman Show at Maple Grove.The Atco event drew over 1000 spectors.This event is for cars 1975 and older.They had maybe 300 Race cars
200 + show cars.Entry fee was $15.00 Race or Show. I think to watch was $10.00.Maybe running a car show with a Stock Supper/ Stock Race would bring in more people.
They promote this race by handing out Flyers at different Car Shows and Cruise nights

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I hope someone is taking notes…

Rich, there already is such an organization started, in our area. I hope Dave Ley is reading this thead.

Terry, maybe you can talk to Dave. You're down in Florida now. Hmmmm….

And to draw spectators, you need a show. What about a late model shootout at some events, pretty much like Milan and what the Hemi shootout is. Most of the people with the late model cars are like the AH hemi guys that they're not in it for the money. The younger generation can relate to these late model cars and being they're retro, so can the older racer. If they can run them against each other heads up without hp or weight to penalize them. Something like PC did this weekend at the Dutch, but with SS cars also. Maybe get Dave to talk to Gary R….

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Here’s some thoughts from an avid fan. This is long so look away if you’ve got a plane to catch. I read this site every day and this thread made me officially join so I could respond.

I’ve been enjoying drag racing for about 15 years now going every year to the Nationals at Maple Grove. I’ve always been entertained by the sportsman cars but really had no idea regarding the rules. About a year ago, my 12 year old son expressed interest in going. I didn’t want his head to explode the first time out so we decided to try the Dutch for his first time to the drag races. I looked up the schedule and we planned on going on the Sunday to see eliminations. I had never heard of Top Sportsman or Top Dragster so I was excited about what I’d see. So we pull in and I see maybe a dozen or so cars in the spectator lot. I initially thought I screwed up the date or something but then I see the Dutch banner so it’s the right day. To myself, I’m thinking “lame city” but I don’t want to disappoint my son so we pay and head over to the pits. And once we turn the corner, I’m totally blown away! Hundreds of trailers! Fantastic looking race cars everywhere! So now I’m thinking pretty much what this thread is about as to why there’s not more spectators. It’s a freakin’ car show with noise and speed to boot! What's not to love!

So we cruise around the pits taking in all the sights and walk up to a great looking car with a T/S on the window. I’m thinking it must be one of those Top Sportsman cars. We keep our distance and snap a few pictures. The owner sees us and waves us in for a closer look. My son is in his glory as we’re right next to such an awesome car. What’s next? The guy asks if I want to sit in it? Now I’m so far out of my element it’s ridiculous so I politely decline. I don’t want to accidentally screw something up. But this experience was indicative of what we encountered everywhere we went. Everyone was just so darn friendly and eager to talk about there cars. I’m sure there’s a few dull tools in the shed out there but we sure didn’t encounter any. And we didn't just look at the Top class cars, we saw pretty much everything. Another classic experience is that I spotted the white Kingston station wagon. I'm sure you guys know the car. My son thinks all wagons are bricks so I go out of my way to check it out. Met a very nice lady who told us about it. We've seen it race many times since then and I always go over the top rooting for it. My son just rolls his eyes but it's good natured fun. But that day at the Dutch hooked us.

So this past season we've been to maybe 10 events, all at the Grove. Several Money Trails, ADRL, LODRS, Super Chevy, Rumble, Nationals and the Dutch. I'll bet we've seen well over 1,000 passes as we're in the stands pretty much all the time. It just doesn't get old. We've figured out a lot of the rules on our own. 0.90 classes, easy. Top classes, just qualify fast because of a limited field and then dial. Money Trail, just dial. But to this day, I STILL don't quite get how the Stock and Super Stock classes work. Doesn't everyone who shows up race in eliminations? And your index is based off power to weight ratios? So you try to run under to qualify better but what does that do for you? You're just bracket racing off what you dial in eliminations right? I guess I'm missing something but not sure what.

And I think it's the detailed rules that the casual race fan doesn't understand and therefore doesn't appreciate how difficult it is to accomplish well. I remember at the ADRL, the track announcer (not the usual Grove guy but the ADRL one) was babbling about 60' times, torque converters, spray stages and such. I know there were a ton of first time fans there who had absolutely no clue what he was talking about and probably felt like idiots. If I were in the booth, I'd try to explain what the folks are watching in basic terms they can understand. Not everyone is a gear head. Play to your audience so they have a good time and they'll be back. Don't make them feel like they're outsiders entering a restricted world and are not welcome. I know I've read something about idiot, clueless spectators on this very site. I'm a fan, not a racer. I haven't genetically inherited the NHRA rulebook so teach me what I should know so I understand what I'm watching without frying my brain with uber-technicalities. Plus the ADRL guy never shut up but that's another story. This holds true for all events. I never hear much by way of explanation how the classes work, indexes, dial ins, breakouts, etc. I think that would really help those spectators who show up.

Which I guess is then the second challenge is getting butts in the stands. I'm no marketing guy but I'd think it would be a basic equation of promotional cost versus expected return. That's a subject I can't really speak to. But I agree 100% with you guys showing up at local car shows and such. Handout copies of the track schedule. Invite folks to visit you in the pits when they come. That way, they have an "in" and maybe won't be intimidated. Connect with one at a time and let the power of networking then build. If Joe Schmoe has a good time, he tells his buddies and then they show up and so on. I know from my experience, once I showed up once, I was hooked. I think it's an easy sell once you've seen it. You just have to get folks there initially and then don't make them feel like they're not welcome.

I guess that's enough for now but one last thing...I want to thank everyone here who races. It's obvious you guys love what you do as evidenced by all the work you put into your cars. And it must suck to feel as if you're second class citizens sometimes but just know there's some of us out there who absolutely love watching you race and would truly be bumming if you weren't (even if we don't know all the rules).

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

No meds Ed and no beer. I have a vivid imagination and a keen sense of humor.....2 things lacking by many who post on this board.

I raced in the mid 60's....I know how it was.

I raced this past weekend at Maple Grove.....I know how it is...

I was making fun of the never ending lament of how can you do something that is not realistic......bring back the past....and also find it immensely irritating when someone throws barbs at the other categories that race as if they are the cause of the demise of class type racing.

I like to race cars and I don't care all that much what kind they are....and I don't care what type of gadgets they have or don't have. It's all a challenge no matter what you may think.

The sport needs all cars and classes to stay afloat and there's no way S/SS could stand alone .

Fans might come to see the new cars race heads up...they are hot.....but at $100,000 + each they don't have much in common with what we raced in the mid 60's in Jr Stock...and the attraction will never be what it once was...

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Gezzzzz Rich.....Its because of those "GIZMOES" is one reason the spectators run to get a hot dog or take a leak. You used to run stock......Or is it because your to old to cut a light of shift the trans without help.....LOL? Theres a place for the .90 cars but its gotten way out of hand. S/S isnt any better with air/elec. shifters, trans brakes. long trans brake buttons, and 2 steps. I know we cant bring back the 60's but lets put the brakes on a little. Keep all the "toys" but get rid of the start/stumble, take off and you would see and large increase in a fan base. Ive sat in the stands and heard it over and over.....WTF....did he break or what? Its about putting fan butts back into the stands. Slow them down another way such as using an adjustable restrictor plate or how it was done in the beginning with a bolt stop.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Alex.....some just want us to go broke and have to listen to their bitching.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Great post..........Thank you !

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I raced a Stocker this weekend. My old car, the present owner is my buddy and wanted me to run it. And I used my left foot and my right foot to leave the line. I went .017 red in round one. The car has e-shift, it's legal and makes driving it a lot safer. It's a wheelstander......When I raced it, I shifted it...and no I am not to old to cut a light.....with or without a delay box...Redlighting is always a possibilty if your trying to hit it hard....

How about you when was the last time you raced anything....

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

2 weeks ago.......009, .013, .005, -.002 Red. Foot braking my 2010 Vette. Used the paddle shift instead of letting it shift it self. No it wasnt a 6 speed STICK. Still looking for a decent stocker. Just because I dont enter the un-holy alliance of the NHRA dosent mean I dont play from time to time. I do have my IHRA membership and stock number (#2269) and doubt I will ever have an NHRA membership and number again. The NHRA is NOT the only game in town.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I miss driving and miss the technology but recognize the deck is stacked against true sportsman racing.
#1 Profit is the motive of the organizations for their longevity.
#2 Sportsman racing of S and SS has become TOO advanced in a sense due to rule changes without concern for costs.
#3 It may be " luck" or sentiment which keeps these classes now. Our aged racers are decreasing.
#4 There is no power in the S and SS racing group to be used to change rules, change classes or even push actual "thoughts" to those who run the business at NHRA.
#5 Personal selfishness for advantages are hard to give up for the good of the overal group or eliminators.
Summary: A separate week end, A separate Association( ClassNationals style) IS THE ANSWER. Have the whole package of Announcer, Advertising, Car shows in town, TRUE factoring, or revert to MODIFIED classes instead of BOGUS HP classes.
Accentuate HEADS UP RACING portion of event with REWARDS for winning all out.

CLASSNATIONALS did work and can again...in more than one location. And with the advertising, Cruisin style advertising, and possibly bigger spectator Market could succeed.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

This year I've attented two divisional as a spectator,and if we are to separate pro's from sportsman racers I can already tell you who would be suffering the most. They have to allow more cars in the program and for class racers to stop taken themselves for the show, allow some bracket racing champions and local track racer at a chance to run at their races such as a Super Chevy or Ford,Dodge Chrysler Day, you need promotion. When was the last time you called your Divisional director and asked him if he needed help from you, such as showing and promoting your race team at the local mall. Great post Terry. Claude

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

This is good positive input!
We as racers need to not only sit down and type this stuff on here.
We NEED to act on our ideas.

Car shows are a good idea to let people know what we have to offer.

I found that having a large wheels up action photo of my car
got the minds of the people racing and wanting to come out an see
if this car will "REALLY" pop a wheelie!

Some remarks were...
(Daddy can we go see this car race?)
(Can I sit in your car and get a picture taken?)
(Wow! Cool! that car pops wheelies!)

I think some good close up action video would really help!

I also gave a ride to a potential sponsor ( just around the pits.)
But! It got him going, he loved it!

Glen DeMenge

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Promote is the "KEY" word.
Have you guys seen what happened last weekend @
SGMP: Radial Revolution, "No Mercy" - Oct. 14-16th

This was done by a promoter from Fl.
Make up a set of rules and have a Race!

Just my thoughts

Rob Striegel

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Well Terry if you can hit RT's like that regularly you should get a car and race it. They pay money once you go some rounds....

I took the Stocker I was driving to the final round of a Pro Bracket gamblers race 2 weeks ago.......Split the purse.....put a little money in the owners pocket and mine as well.......and I had a lot of fun doing it......

I highly recommend driving a wheelstanding stocker......great fun...

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Nope....Cant do it regularly.....LOL. Just was on a hot streak. Lots of .080's and .040's a few weeks prior. Just got lucky until the red light bit me. The air was cooler and the Vette was running low low 12's. Normally a mid and high 12 ride. OEM computers suck. I have driven my friends (yes I have some) mid to low 11 second crate motor stocker that does medium wheel stands. It runs 7 to 8 under so thats cool enough.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Terry & Alex, People look to you guys because they know you both can handle it because of the great race the USCN was. Could it be done today ? I have my doubts, first the economy sucks and sponsors are trying to hide now and second no one can ever agree on rules, you both caught enough flack last time this was brought up. If you both ever try again do it in private and then make your offering with rules in place, You dont need to pole everyone you both know what is right and what works. my 2cents

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Ahhhhh but we all were 10 years younger then . I had books, spec's, my own checking tools, etc. Borrowed a P&G pump and fuel checking equipt. from Bill Bader's IHRA. I sold a lot of my stuff when I moved and the new cars (Mustangs) need special checking tools Im told ????? Lots have changed yet some things stay the same. It would be a big big chore and by the way.....Alex did most (99.9%) of the work and took all the financial responsability. . I just did a job for him along with a few other car crazy guys such as yourself to make it happen. .

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I watched that race on the net.

Not only does the promoter "get it" , but the announcers were really getting into the action as well.....heck, it had me pumped up ! :D

I was super impressed with how well the track personnel worked to speed up eliminations and provide a hookin' track.

BTW: the younger gearheads love that style of racing. It is so easy now to make silly amounts of power.
What does it take to attract younger gearheads to class racing ?

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Terry and Alex, count me in if ever needed

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Personally i think we as racers put on a great show right now. If you like cars, trucks trailers or anything mechanical than you would like the drag races. one of the main problems we have right now is the track owners are not promoting their product. It is easier for them to sit back and do nothing to advertise the major events at their facility. What has happened lately is the track operators want to raise the gate fees for the racers so they pay their own way. The promoters need to get the main stream media in the local area of the races to do some radio and TV advertisement. Such as local interest stories of the racers that will be attending the events. Show some footage of previous events on the local news sports section. I dont know when the last time I saw anything on the local TV sports section other than the "Ball sports"and maybe a little NASCAR. Last weekend when indy car racer Dan Weldon was killed it made the head lines in the paper. something is wrong when it takes someone getting killed to get racing into the headlines. First you have to inform the spectators when the event is happening then you have to get the spectator interested in what is happening at the event. 3rd you have to give them good value for the dollar spent. Reasonable gate fees, food and drinks. Then you have to have a really good announcer that knows the racers and the program and is able to entertain the spectators and teach them what is happening on the track.
Drag racing is the most friendly form of racing for the spectator. They can walk through the pits and see the cars up close and talk to the drivers and crew. A day at the drags is a full day of entertainment.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

One angle to promote is that St/SS racing is that it is an active history lesson of American/Detroit hp development. That would take savvy promoter(s), announcers and racers. '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s and current all had exceptional offerings and our racing shows what that is. It also is a venue where each time period can be appreciated and compared. Or you could divide up different eras and/or different manufacturers. There is lots of material to work with. The key is knowledge, action and excitement. The comment that was made above from the fan about still not understanding the Stock/SS racing is a telling point - if you don't know the rules to a football game, it will be hard to appreciate the action. KISS.

It can be done.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I too was the Dutch this weekend. I never miss it. This year I was glued to the fence by the tower most of the day as usual. There is just something about Stock and Super stock. My nostalgia 57 Delivery was home on jack stands . I missed the 60's Junior Stockers . Rich was there then and now as was X tech and others. Not a day goes by in my mind where I am not trying to figure how "the House" could cough up that Stocker engine money so I could run with the hunt . It's on that bucket list for me. Thanks for these posts guys.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

This not "the" way to gain fan interest, but it is "a" way of doing it, IMHO. I drive a stock eliminator Firebird that I do my best to keep it looking clean and nice. It does get a little bit of attention when I am at the races and I try to make it inviting to look over the car.

If some one comes by and shows interest, I will stop what I am doing and take time to chat with them. I'll open the hood and doors encouraging them to check it out. Most people are quite respectful and try to keep their distance, but I try to get them more "contact" with the car than they expect.

I will go much further if I know them. I like to take them with me in the car when I warm it up. I have even taken them around the pits in remote areas after the race and before I have put it in the trailer. Or simply let them sit in the drivers seat. The kids especially get a kick out of it. I'll strap them in, put on the helmet, and watch as they imagine driving it. I may be getting more out of it than they do now that I think about it.

It seems to me that the newness and uniqueness of an activity is what generates the most interest. Watching cars race each other in a drag race in the early 60's was pretty new and unique. That may be what had the fans coming in droves. Today, drag racing is televised and has been around for long enough that it isn't so new and unique.

Getting them in the car and letting them "feel" the power, noise, and shake is new and unique. It is alleged that I "may" have whopped the throttle a once or so during a warm up and my guest went :eek: :D.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

X1000 I was running in the X275 class down there this past weekend. 88 cars in that one class and all of the classes put on a hell of a show. Plus the Duck knows how to promote and he takes care of the racers and fans alike. they had free food everyday of the event for the racers and spectators. I would venture to say there was as many or more racers and way more spectators than any LODRS race they run @ SGMP.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Yep Al Tucci and Chris were entertaining on the mic for sure. The SGMP track guys worked their butts off all weekend and kept the surface tight. You are right that people like the power but I think the thing that most enjoy is the fact that it is all heads up balls out racing all the time, casual fans get that. No dailing in, no bitching about what the other guy runs under the index or wether the car has a blower or carb on it, its grab a lane and race if you get beat find a way to make your stuff faster and do better next time. That is real heads up racing its that simple.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Just some food for thought.S/SS has been around how long?
How long have these heads up options been around?
How long do you think it will be till they get stale?
Remember the Nopi srries?
How abouut the recent index classes at national events?
Top Stock/Jr Stock?
See a pattern?

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Good point Ed.
Although I do see Index Racing staying around for awhile. It's just a glorified form of bracket racing.
Yes, all of the heads up racing is all the rage right now. I have seen a surge of popularity in small tire heads up racing even at my local track.

Unfortunately, that type of racing almost always insures that some will be financially burnt-out in a short time. Some racers will even go as far as to get a second mortgage or cash in their 401K just to keep racing once they get the heads-up bug. That's plain crazy!

It's not what I want to do with my retirement fund, but I can understand the addictive nature of heads up racing.

I'll probably never win a heads up race, (even if I pair up with another H/Pure Stocker ) so I'll just keep bracket racing where I have an equal chance of winning.