NORWALK CANCELED - My $.02

Lew Silverman · 06-19-2019, 02:42 PM

Good article, John!

The discussion now seems to be that somehow, because of a problem with the physical layout at Norwalk, a decision was made to reduce the footprint for the upcoming race, and a timely decision at that. Your description of previous "horror shows" and the memory of some racers being "assisted" from their parking spots by chain and backhoe, seems to confirm that this was a smart move. I guess you could argue that with the situation he was given Mr. Bader made the only call he could, or that he had an ulterior motive - I choose to believe the former. I'm also very sure that he will do what ever he has to do to re-schedule the Sportsman racers in a fair and timely manner.

I personally feel that the NHRA has, for better or worse, become an entertainment company, while trying (with various degrees of success) to continue to be a "sanctioning body". Why? Because there's more money in the "show"! They've learned the first rule of salesmanship - "You Don't Sell the Steak, You Sell the Sizzle!" Corporate America, at least the part that gets involved with the NHRA, sees that magic 18-to-34 y.o.male demographic and dollar signs dance in eyes. That's why the show is so important - MONEY! It's whoever is gonna fill those bleacher seats that's going to get the priorities. It's a business. And coincidentally it's also the reason why you can't get a Pepsi-Cola sponsorship! Obviously there needs some structure and rules and safety regulations, and every sport has to have that, but the product is the "SHOW" and has been for a while!

And that "whirring" sound you hear? It's Wally spinning in his grave.

06-19-2019, 02:42 PM	#9
Lew Silverman VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Newport News, VA Posts: 1,435 Likes: 371 Liked 129 Times in 59 Posts	Re: NORWALK CANCELED - My $.02 Good article, John! The discussion now seems to be that somehow, because of a problem with the physical layout at Norwalk, a decision was made to reduce the footprint for the upcoming race, and a timely decision at that. Your description of previous "horror shows" and the memory of some racers being "assisted" from their parking spots by chain and backhoe, seems to confirm that this was a smart move. I guess you could argue that with the situation he was given Mr. Bader made the only call he could, or that he had an ulterior motive - I choose to believe the former. I'm also very sure that he will do what ever he has to do to re-schedule the Sportsman racers in a fair and timely manner. I personally feel that the NHRA has, for better or worse, become an entertainment company, while trying (with various degrees of success) to continue to be a "sanctioning body". Why? Because there's more money in the "show"! They've learned the first rule of salesmanship - "You Don't Sell the Steak, You Sell the Sizzle!" Corporate America, at least the part that gets involved with the NHRA, sees that magic 18-to-34 y.o.male demographic and dollar signs dance in eyes. That's why the show is so important - MONEY! It's whoever is gonna fill those bleacher seats that's going to get the priorities. It's a business. And coincidentally it's also the reason why you can't get a Pepsi-Cola sponsorship! Obviously there needs some structure and rules and safety regulations, and every sport has to have that, but the product is the "SHOW" and has been for a while! And that "whirring" sound you hear? It's Wally spinning in his grave. __________________ Lew Silverman #2070 "The Wagon Master" N/SA