We control our own destiny

[KRatcliff]

RJ, I am calling you out you big chicken.

RJ and I had a long discussion about the weakening of the fan base for the sportsman racers over the years. My experience is more from growing up around drag racing and only a participant for the last 4 years. RJ's is from the beginning of the reciprocating engine.

It is just my opinion, but I think what has killed the interest from our fan base is the sanitization of our racing. Translation: Enclosed trailers. Not that we are about to go back to open trailers, but when is the last time you were pulling up for fuel and someone went on and on about how cool that big white trailer looks?

The sanitization has removed the casual fan from being able to relate to what we do. They no longer see that car on the trailer and day dream about what it would be like to drive it, be pushed back in the seat, and have the thrill of people cheering their victories. We all have done that at one point in our lives or we wouldn't be doing this, but we are a shrinking minority.

I do all I can to transmit this disease to the fans that come by my pits by putting them in the car to get the feel of the seat and take their camera to take pictures. This seems to have a positive impact, but I don't think it goes far enough. These people are already at the tracks. New blood would be even better.

RJ and I had discussed coordinating a Sportsman Car Show at a local mall the day before the qualifying. This could be done a couple times a year. It would require the racers that participate (in the show) to come in a day early, but I think it would be enjoyable for all involved. Many people would form their own opinions as to what cars they like and which ones "look" the fastest. The only way to find out is to see it at the track.

It would be nice if our new division director could help coordinate this with a local mall, the track, and minimal presence by the NHRA at the event. What say you?

[Dan Fahey]

If you want to bring in new blood.

Allow the foreign makes to compete.

Already have Japanese and European Bikes Racing

Toyota just sponsored a major race.

D

[Bruce Noland]

Some old geezer rock bands are still tumbling around the country but for the most part the 60's are dead and gone and so too the huge public fascination with muscle cars. The pros put the fans in the stands and while we may pay our way in cash and tax credits, our deal is done. We'll continue to pay our dues and doggedly attend races to meet our friends and race our cars but the hay day has come and gone. Let's enjoy what's left for as long as we can. And to tell you the truth I'm thankful for what the racers have accomplished in the face of an indifferent organization and the high cost of racing. Long live the Stocker!

[Jim Caughlin]

Foreign cars have been allowed in MX and SS/E&FS for years, I don't see anyone beating down the doors to run them. We are in the works on a SS/DX honda, it should be out next year.

Jim Caughlin
SS/ES 6019

[boostedf22c]

Originally Posted by Jim Caughlin

Foreign cars have been allowed in MX and SS/E&FS for years, I don't see anyone beating down the doors to run them. We are in the works on a SS/DX honda, it should be out next year.

Jim Caughlin
SS/ES 6019

PM sent.

[killintime6968]

Over the years an enclosed trailer has pretty much become a requirement due to theft and vandalism at the track or on route. At the same time its also a place to stay out of inclement weather when at the track, I remember many times huddled in the truck with heater roaring to keep warm at the track. Also when was the last time any of us brought our race cars to the local carshow / show and shine on a off weekend. Most likely not many. I know i am guilty of this, used too bring mine out on every oppertunity I had. Running or not. I aways had people young and old come over and ask questions about the car and about dragracing.


Bruce Cameron

[Ed Fernandez]

If I say this again I think my nuts are going to fall off.WE'RE NOT A CAR CULTURE SOCIETY anymore.Younger generation could care less.I read an article stating they're all consumed by their electronics and video games.A study also said car ownership by under 25 years old's is at an all time low.
As far as spectators here in the NYC area there's the fiercest competition for peoples
entertainment dollar.And *iss on the foreign cars and pure stockers,they couldn't draw a family of flies.

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Dan Fahey

If you want to bring in new blood.

Allow the foreign makes to compete.

Already have Japanese and European Bikes Racing

Toyota just sponsored a major race.

D

Ricers can race now. They don't. NHRA had a race series for them a few years ago, nobody came. Different group of people.

[Mike Pearson]

The sportsman racers put on a great show. The racers don't need to do anything different. The real issue is with the sanctioning body and event promoters. No matter what type of great show is out there it has to be promoted. That is the job of the event promoter not the racer. I have lots of people ask about my rig when traveling. I usually open up the trailer and show them the car and tell them where the race is. I also ask them to look me up if they do come to the race. Both NHRA and IHRA need to do a better job of television and Internet broadcast of the sportsman catagories
The pro classes are in bigger jeopardy than the sportsman. What do you think is going to happen when Force and Shoemacher loose their major funding. They are barely filling their fields. Prostock is struggling to get and keep sponsors too.

[B Aceves]

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

The sportsman racers put on a great show. The racers don't need to do anything different. The real issue is with the sanctioning body and event promoters. No matter what type of great show is out there it has to be promoted. That is the job of the event promoter not the racer. I have lots of people ask about my rig when traveling. I usually open up the trailer and show them the car and tell them where the race is. I also ask them to look me up if they do come to the race. Both NHRA and IHRA need to do a better job of television and Internet broadcast of the sportsman catagories
The pro classes are in bigger jeopardy than the sportsman. What do you think is going to happen when Force and Shoemacher loose their major funding. They are barely filling their fields. Prostock is struggling to get and keep sponsors too.

Agree 100% , They proved it when Pinks started you could not find a empty seat in the stands..... Now Why !!! Promotion, Drama, Excitement, TV , Whatever it worked If we have to turn S/SS into a Reality show to get peoples attention because that's all that people watch anymore!!!! Who Cares........Let's do it !!!! lol I will yell at people and call them names and make them cry if that's what it take's lol . Call it REAL WORLD of Sportsman Racing. And until people figure out its scripted who cares....At least we will get people to watch and maybe want to build a car and join the fun.