This would be too cool!

[Terry Knott]

Originally Posted by deuces wild

Last year I was at the fence at Baytown national. As soon as the fuelers are done and they say pro stock is under the tower to come out everyone leaves the stands. I don't like it but that's the facts people.

Evidently you did not race at or attend the Top Stock or IHRA Nitro Jams of a few yrs. ago. At Pittsburgh, Budds Creek, Martin, people were packed in for the whole show!! When Top Stock was called to the lanes people were RUSHING to the fence to watch... I was there, I saw it personally. NOW... I think a great announcer and great marketing helped, but that is half the battle. AGAIN...people recognized the cars of Top Stock,(read-non jelly bean) and, understood first to the finish wins, no breakouts. It has happened before and if NHRA doesn't get their head out of theit A** it can happen again... Or maybe Michael Beard, Mike Carr, Jeff Ross, or any of the S/SS promoters can/will capitalize on this in the coming yrs. while NHRA promotes TF/FC at 1000 FT'(gross) and wonders why their revenue is down

[Andrew Hill]

As far as fans watching or not watching different classes, what are people's thoughts on the venue having an effect? Personally, I think it's way more impressive watching stock and super stock (most classes really) from the stands at Bowling Green, when you are super close to the track, than it is from the stands at Chicago or Indy, where you are much further away. Does anyone else think new tracks placing stands further back might be having an effect on the spectators' interest level?

[D.Johns]

Originally Posted by Andrew Hill

As far as fans watching or not watching different classes, what are people's thoughts on the venue having an effect? Personally, I think it's way more impressive watching stock and super stock (most classes really) from the stands at Bowling Green, when you are super close to the track, than it is from the stands at Chicago or Indy, where you are much further away. Does anyone else think new tracks placing stands further back might be having an effect on the spectators' interest level?

That certainly helps me get more into watching. Feeling like you are part of the action adds to the excitement. I love going to Bowling Green, Norwalk and Indy. I don't like 1/8 mile tracks but Ohio valley is nice. Plan on doing testing there more this year.

BG- fun, racer family atmosphere and close to the action
Norwalk-fantastic facility!
Indy-home track and heritage

[Bobby Fazio]

I like the idea of real cars running pro stock. But I don't think it will lower the cost of pro stock like people think. What will happen when the big money pro stock teams get their hands on the new factory stock cars? It will turn into big money factory stock. Human nature is to keep searching for "better and faster" and that takes lots of money. Isn't that what teams are unhappy about? The cost of pro stock?

PS why do people like pro mod? It is a slower top alcohol with way more crashing and oil down delays.

[Superfan1]

Originally Posted by Andrew Hill

As far as fans watching or not watching different classes, what are people's thoughts on the venue having an effect? Personally, I think it's way more impressive watching stock and super stock (most classes really) from the stands at Bowling Green, when you are super close to the track, than it is from the stands at Chicago or Indy, where you are much further away. Does anyone else think new tracks placing stands further back might be having an effect on the spectators' interest level?

Andrew I agree, all classes are more impressive when the stands are closer to the track.

[Michael Beard]

Originally Posted by Terry Knott

Or maybe Michael Beard, Mike Carr, Jeff Ross, or any of the S/SS promoters can/will capitalize on this in the coming yrs.

As I said earlier in this thread, I think it's a great idea, HOWEVER, it needs racers to support it before you can have fans or sponsors. No product, no show.

Does anyone else think new tracks placing stands further back might be having an effect on the spectators' interest level?

Absolutely.


There are different types of fans out there. Some prefer Nitro. Some prefer wall-bangers. Some prefer cars they can relate to. While everyone has their favorites, many people like more than one type. How do reach a wider market? Appeal to different types of fans. If your marketing focus is on Nitro, that's what you're going to get.