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Originally Posted by Billy Nees
Bobby, just what is it (in the 21ST century) that will determine the "greatness" of a Divisional? Car count? Spectator count? Bottom line?
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All of the above.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Nees
As a Sportsmen Racer, I feel that a well attended Divisional Race is a far greater event than a Natl. Event. It's about US not the dog-and-pony-show. But that's just me.
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Well attended divisionals are not enough to save a racetrack, let alone increase our payouts, entice sponsorship opportunities, grow the contingency program, and preserve our style of drag racing for the long term. Etown and Atco always had large divisional car counts. So sadly no, it is not all about us. If it were, tracks would stay open. Tracks have to balance competition with entertainment if they want to survive these days.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Nees
I am still very much behind the idea of Class Eliminations at well attended Divisionals. Again, it's about us.
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Nationals grow our brand, divisionals do not. Not yet anyway. And as long as this "it's about us" thinking continues, they never will. It's not about us, it's about the growth and preservation of our style of drag racing for years to come. Racers, track owners, and especially NHRA all have to do their part.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billy Nees
To the issue of spectator count? I posted on another thread that of the Track Owners that I personally know, I can't imagine that any of them DON'T have buddys who run PM, Drag radial, fastest street car stuff and couldn't be called upon for a "favor".
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I'm all for it. But this might contradict the "It's about us" thinking if some entertainment shows up that brings people in to watch. I don't care what brings the people in, I capitalize on it. I hand out flyers, educate spectators on our class, get lots more social media followers, and grow my brand. We don't have to be "the show"...we are #thecarshow and it's just as good.
