[voltdr]

With the exception of current racers interests, our sport is "entertainment". Most of us watch our different classes race because of an interest in that race. Whether that is because we know the racers involved or we race a similar class/vehicle. Getting "outsiders" interested is very difficult. In my class, Super Comp, the casual spectator doesn't understand, or want to, all the different variables it takes to make our cars do what we want them to do. Most friends that have come to the track to watch me race are stunned at what goes into making a run down the track. Most can't believe that we have weather stations at our trailers to help with tuning.
We as racers have caused our own confusing circumstances. Using a throttle stop to slow a 7.20 car down to 8.90 isn't very exciting from the grandstands, but very complex. More explanation needs to be given for spectators understand why. It's to help confuse the car in the other lane as to reaction times. If everyone could only run 8.90 @ 149, it would be easier to see who is ahead due to a better reaction time.
We can't put the Jeanie back in the bottle as to limits on electronics, mph etc. We need to better educate outsiders as to how difficult it is to do what we do. C'mon to make any car run within .005 between the early morning and late afternoon runs is pretty precise. The cars without electronics, just all slow down as the weather deteriorates. We have to know how much it slows down and what to do make them run the same.
Take time at the track and show a spectator what it is you do and make them enjoy watching you and your class race. Let them sit in your car and take pictures. Show them that there is a personal side to our sport.
Whew.................
Dan Foley
SC 4698