Who are the customers?

[Lew Silverman]

This is a topic that comes up on a somewhat regular basis, and 2020 has only made things more problematic. I'm reminded what Alan Reinhart says at the conclusion of every National Event (paraphrasing here - that we could have spent our entertainment dollars anywhere) and he's right! We all made that decision to attend the race.


I can understand how frustrated Mr. Freeman must feel, with things changing so dramatically for his operation. Using 2020 as an example is going to be impossible, but we've had downturns in the economy before, haven't we? I think it's fair to assume that, as mentioned above, some of us have made the determination that no matter how much we enjoy the sport, life does "get in the way" sometimes, and there are other priorities in life that are going to come first.No single solution is going to work for everyone.


The one thing I question though is his idea that we are all "customers", and that the "show" is put on for our benefit. Maybe when Wally Parks and "Pappy" Hart first started holding races at old abandoned airfields, but that dynamic changed when people realized how much money could be made. I've always thought that we were, at the very least "partners" in the operation, sharing a "symbiotic relationship" with the sanctioning body - we both need each other to exist! Doesn't the NHRA refer to all of us as "members"? Aren't the fruits of OUR LABOR what make the Association succeed? If anyone, the "customers" are those casual fans who pour through the turnstiles during a normal season or the businesses who provide the sponsorships and advertise their products on trackside signage or on network TV. They're getting a "service".


Maybe if the NHRA had been a little more "upfront" with all of us, Professional AND Sportsman, and just told us the worst kept secret of 2020 - "that business is horrible, we're hemorrhaging money and the near-term outlook is bleak! But we're all in this together and when things get back to "normal" (whatever that looks like) we'll revisit your compensation and points fund structure. We remain committed to the continued success of everyone associated with the NHRA." Wouldn't that have been better?


Anyway, just a thought. Have a great day!.