[BKSG1198]

So this was an e-mail I sent at the end of 2011 to the DD (Yes, 12 years ago so some of the names mentioned have retired), I have a degree in Marketing. I was told all great ideas, they would discuss them at the Meetings in January but, never heard anything after that from anyone so I just let it go. It does seem like some of the idea are coming back, The "Free Spectators at the Open", the "Night of Chaos" at MG in May for $40 car loads. I also have seen Jimmy at Cecil has a sign and sponsoring a little league team and was in my local diner last night (I'm 35 min from Atco) and the Place Mat had a spot for their "Thrill Show" in June at Atco.

I hope you are doing well! The reason for my e-mail is a recent discussion I had with some racers at the Dutch and it has spilled over into some of the chat boards on-line. A few racers came to me regarding this issue since I help out Lucky with MASGA and I’m also the President of the Super Comp Series. The discussion that was brought up was about how can we promote sportsman racing better and get more fans to a Lucas Oil Series Races. I know at a few tracks this year they did a special promotion for fans such as Carloads for $25.00 at Maple Grove, Atco had a special “Buy 1, Get 1 ½ off” on Saturday and so forth. The real only good turn-out seemed to be at Epping where you had 10,000 people show up for the race on Saturday Night. Not saying the other promotions were a flop for the track owners but, I don’t think it was the turnout they were looking for. I know from a fan and racer aspect the promotions seemed to be announced on a Monday or Tuesday before the event and many fans were already committed to other things on the weekend. I know I handed out about 15 of the coupons at my office for the Atco Race but, most of the people already had something going on that weekend.

As a promoter myself I know how it’s hard to get people to come to a race when the economy is in the toilet and people are more worried about putting a meal on the table rather then spending the day at the track but, you give them a deal in advance they may just come check it out. What I was wondering is if we could put something together for 2012 as in a Division 1 marketing program. I know Gary from PC Richard & the Alessi’s normally have their rigs at the track a few days in advance of a Lucas Oil Event and if we could set something up like NASCAR does at a local Wal-Mart, PC Richards, Etc with the cars out for people to see and look at I think people might get interested in coming to see them. I know I’ve looked over Gary’s Mustang a few times and I think people would see that car and be like “This car, which looks like my street cars…run’s what??” Maybe offer up discounted tickets at these events to people with a “See these cars and many more at Atco Raceway August 5th to 7th”. Or maybe do something similar to what NHRA did this year with the 60th anniversary “walk the track program” get someone like Manzo or Kosky to walk Atco with their memories of running at the track. Last but, not least maybe go around and visit automotive technical schools or automotive dealerships in the areas with cars and discounted tickets.

I’d be willing to help out in anyway that I can with this program to get more people at the track. I’m young and have had drag racing in my blood for most of my life but, unfortunately I don’t see much new blood in the series due to cost and not understanding the classes. Like why does a Super Gas car leave the line then fall on its face and take back off? Maybe have a few racers at the local dealerships explain how the classes work and what a throttle stop does and why when Stock or Super Stock come up it was 10.50 on the scoreboard but, he runs 9.40…I don’t get it?

Anyways this is just something I thought could be addressed and maybe we could do something for the 2012 season with this. If not I totally understand as everyone is under the crunch of the economy as I’m not looking to make money off of this but, rather to introduce Drag Racing to the youth of America and show them that normal everyday cars can be turned into a racing machine with just a few tweeks and turns.. Thanks for your time and hope to hear from you soon. Have a great off-season!

Rob Keister
1198 S/G