CLASS RACER FORUM - View Single Post - NHRA President - Special Presentation

FED 387 · 03-17-2016, 07:43 PM

this is my take on what was said

1) Better TV coverage might translate into an increase in TV audience and just might get more attendance at the races---however they might have to "adjust" their ticket pricing accordingly until the economy improves.

2) any increase in sportsman participation is not going to happen overnight--- I think they should not try to "include" every class at every race----The Super (bracket) and Top categories should be relegated mostly to the divisional and Open meets with an occasional foray as participants at the National level by say the top 5-10 entries in standings in those classes.

3) NHRA has screwed the sponsors for so long, as far back as 1963-64 that many companies would rather just pay the contingency monies directly to the racers instead of having to deal with NHRA because it actually costs them less in the long run.( ask Ed Iskenderian) Many still have a bad taste in their mouth from previous experiences as well as what they now view as prohibitive costs associated with either their "trackside" presence or advertising in the Joni section of National Dragster. Taking a look at their (NHRA)shortcomings and a change in their behavior towards a sponsor as well as the overall attitude to those sponsors will go a long way in "maybe" increasing participation and repairing some of those burned bridges.

4) Again, adding more employees is going to increase the payroll significantly not sure if that is going to translate into a ROI. But I am glad that they recognize the shortcoming with the media and are possibly pursuing an avenue to increase potential fan awareness.

5) By eliminating the Super(bracket) and Top (bracket) categories at the National races as well as CHARGING ENTRY FEES FOR EVERY CAR ,DRIVER AND PIT PERSON ( PROFESSIONAL categories) the pit areas will be less cluttered NHRA will be regaining revenue lost by eliminating those racers.The racing could be accomplished/finished in much less time not only in hours per day as well as number of days overall. You can only get so many cars down the track in so much time. Unfortunately our type of racing is limited not only by unfavorable weather conditions but sometimes "community regulations" too if not both. The races take just too long as it is.

6) I'm going to hold any comments on "fan development" for the time being . I reserve that to a future discussion. But his idea is a start

Now everybody can go flame away I offered my thoughts glad to see that Mr. Clifford addressed the issues and offered solutions to them. Moving forward maybe in the near future he will get back to us with a report on how his ideas are working or how they maybe need to be "tweaked" a bit.

You must remember that the situation NHRA is in now didn't just happen overnight. It is the result of many past decisions. It certainly is not going to be an easy fix it will take quite some to rectify this months if not years.

FED 387

03-17-2016, 07:43 PM	#24
FED 387 VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 3,423 Likes: 538 Liked 333 Times in 180 Posts	Re: NHRA President - Special Presentation - March 16 this is my take on what was said 1) Better TV coverage might translate into an increase in TV audience and just might get more attendance at the races---however they might have to "adjust" their ticket pricing accordingly until the economy improves. 2) any increase in sportsman participation is not going to happen overnight--- I think they should not try to "include" every class at every race----The Super (bracket) and Top categories should be relegated mostly to the divisional and Open meets with an occasional foray as participants at the National level by say the top 5-10 entries in standings in those classes. 3) NHRA has screwed the sponsors for so long, as far back as 1963-64 that many companies would rather just pay the contingency monies directly to the racers instead of having to deal with NHRA because it actually costs them less in the long run.( ask Ed Iskenderian) Many still have a bad taste in their mouth from previous experiences as well as what they now view as prohibitive costs associated with either their "trackside" presence or advertising in the Joni section of National Dragster. Taking a look at their (NHRA)shortcomings and a change in their behavior towards a sponsor as well as the overall attitude to those sponsors will go a long way in "maybe" increasing participation and repairing some of those burned bridges. 4) Again, adding more employees is going to increase the payroll significantly not sure if that is going to translate into a ROI. But I am glad that they recognize the shortcoming with the media and are possibly pursuing an avenue to increase potential fan awareness. 5) By eliminating the Super(bracket) and Top (bracket) categories at the National races as well as CHARGING ENTRY FEES FOR EVERY CAR ,DRIVER AND PIT PERSON ( PROFESSIONAL categories) the pit areas will be less cluttered NHRA will be regaining revenue lost by eliminating those racers.The racing could be accomplished/finished in much less time not only in hours per day as well as number of days overall. You can only get so many cars down the track in so much time. Unfortunately our type of racing is limited not only by unfavorable weather conditions but sometimes "community regulations" too if not both. The races take just too long as it is. 6) I'm going to hold any comments on "fan development" for the time being . I reserve that to a future discussion. But his idea is a start Now everybody can go flame away I offered my thoughts glad to see that Mr. Clifford addressed the issues and offered solutions to them. Moving forward maybe in the near future he will get back to us with a report on how his ideas are working or how they maybe need to be "tweaked" a bit. You must remember that the situation NHRA is in now didn't just happen overnight. It is the result of many past decisions. It certainly is not going to be an easy fix it will take quite some to rectify this months if not years. FED 387