Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat event

[Mile High]

Originally Posted by Mike Jones

That a great Idea Jeff
A few things though. What day leading up to the event would you be there? More time off from work? Is there enough room in the parking lot? What is in it for the shopping mall? The biggest problem is that this is all nostalgia stuff to most. Its all old news.
But its worth a try. I also think that social media works for a lot of things. Why not this?

Mike A114
P/SA

I'm referring to the racers instead of stacking at the track to do this. Only maybe 6 or so cars at each place and the mall would get more people in their lot. Nearly everyone likes a car show especially a free one. Any kind of media to promote the car shows and the race. Instead of getting stuck out in the "back forty" out of sight and out of mind from the average fan.

Jeff

[Mike Jones]

Originally Posted by novassdude

Mike I believe he is talking about the same people doing it that would be sitting in stacking before the national event. they don't need to take more days off because they are already there.

I think it is a great idea. They would still get the good spot for being early while supporting the race.

Is there going to be enough room at the mall for the rigs? 6 rigs can take up a lot of space. In the north east, parking is a premium, everywhere. Years ago they used to have tech at the mall near Englishtown. It was a different time. A lot less traffic. A lot of people
into these cars then. I suppose you could select certain people who are always early. They would have to unload and load their cars, of course, to let people see them. I`m not trying to rain on the parade. Just a few observations. I`m for anything that will help. We really need a marketing campaign, but who wants to pay for it? I don`t think NHRA is motivated enough to do anything like this. Most racers do this because they want to see how they measure up to the best.The matter of time and money is just part of what a racer is willing to deal with. I think social media will help. Most young people are glued to their phone. Need some savvy people to take the lead.


Mike A114
P/SA

[63corvette]

Originally Posted by Mile High

Here's an idea for promoting sportsman racing.

Instead of stacking for days before the race to get that "great" pit spot have NHRA arrange with large parking lots ( shopping malls, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's etc.) to show off your cars. Have a sign up sheet so they would know who is available. NHRA would then reserve pit space near the pro's for those that participated. Also while showing off the cars the racers could hand out discount coupons. This would get the cars and racers in front off the public. And with their commercials promote these car shows.

Jeff

This is a GREAT idea.
There are many including me who are retired and do not have a job to take days off to start showing cars the weekend before the race and promote the race.
The track or the NHRA could set this up fairly easy and at virtually no cost which is what NHRA is all about.
This would also be a draw for the businesses who host it.
Just a great idea and I would sign up for something like this however, I am not on Facebook.
My 2 Cents
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

[Mile High]

Originally Posted by Mile High

Here's an idea for promoting sportsman racing.

Instead of stacking for days before the race to get that "great" pit spot have NHRA arrange with large parking lots ( shopping malls, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's etc.) to show off your cars. Have a sign up sheet so they would know who is available. NHRA would then reserve pit space near the pro's for those that participated. Also while showing off the cars the racers could hand out discount coupons. This would get the cars and racers in front off the public. And with their commercials promote these car shows.

Jeff

Something like this would give the average fan a connection to a sportsman racer, maybe keep them in their seats to watch them make a run. Then the fan would see the other cars in the class too.

Jeff

[Pete Beau]

An idea that I had for getting interest in sportsman cars, especially kids. Have kids either pick their favorite driver or pull a driver number out of a hat. Put together goody bags to give them when they pull a number. Bonus something if the driver makes it past semi's, wins, etc. Once they 'get their driver' they can find them in the pits and meet. Root for them. Give the kid a ride to the lanes.

Might be tough at national events that spread over days. Just a thought.

[mykids]

I started this thread because I was curious to see if anyone had the same feelings that I do - I am not against them trying to bring on some new blood however why not at a LODRS event or an open to see how it fit's - I am not sure what type of PR will come of a staging lane packed with guy's trying to make a wager on there hopeful winner but the other side is if they are invited to race is it a freebie for them where we pay $300 plus - as I stated in the beginning I don't have all the details but I feel like that could be a few more Stockers or SS car's that would like to be in the event - In regard to a show this is posted in the Top Sportsman Forum and the kids were walked through the pit's and talked to a lot of the Sportsman Car Owners and Drivers it was pretty cool and you could tell the kid's were having a great time just my $.02:


(Just got done speaking with the GM of New England Dragway.. They will be hosting our 3rd annual KARZ 4 KIDZ on Friday of the Lucas Oil Divisional Race. This event has grown each year and we look forward to bringing new kids and kids that have been before. The track will also have a presence at the Car Show Sponsored by ATI PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS on Thursday July 22nd on the State House grounds in Concord NH. Its going to be an action packed summer for WHEELZ UP RADIO and our whole team.. We hope you will support all of our events. We are still looking for a few more cars to have on display at the Show. You can contact me here on FB or shoot me an e mail wheelzupradio@outlook.com. )
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[barnca2010]

When we started this event 2 yrs ago.. We brought 74 kids. Last year we brought 184 kids. The main goal was to let the kids see something that many may have never, or will not get the chance to see it again. We brought many Companies along with us who donated give aways.. Hats, shirts, whatever. The division stepped with stuff also.. As we walked thru the pits.. Many teams, and drivers stepped out of there trailers and motor homes to check it out. Many people were throwing stuff like again hats and shirt to the kids.. I had a couple boxes of hats from Lucas Oil.. When ever a driver stopped and we talked to them.. I had them sign the hat and give it to one of the kids. Now some may think i got this together to promote myself and our radio show.. That isnt true at all.. I grew up in Drag Racing.. And with what i do as a hobby i worked really hard to put these events together. You as the racer need to be part of it. Its all simple stuff.. Something as simple as a sticker will light up a kids face. We had enough stuff that one of my goals was accomplished.. Everyone, including staff went home with something.

Jay Blake took time out of his busy day to stop and talk to the kids. Joe Lombardo made a point to come and speak with them... Dave Mohn did also. So i guess what im saying is. it doesnt take a whole hell of alot to reach out to people and let them know what is going on. One of the worse things i ever heard a racer say was.. Well its not my job to promote the race.. Thats the tracks job. Well sorry, but i call BS. And by doing what we did the past 2 years. Its proof that a little effort goes a long way. WHEELZ UP RADIO along with Lucas Oil Products. Strange Engineering, Brodix Heads and many more will be bringing the 3rd ANNUAL CARZ 4 KIDS at New England Dragway. And also dont forget about or Car Show at the State Capitol in Concord NH. I have also spoken with the Governor and if his schedule allows.. He will be making an appearance at the Car Show. SO i ask you.. Step up.. Be part. Show off your hard work.

[Dan Fahey]

Would not mind donating to a cause like this.
Bringing kids with some Chaperons.
Have a Canopy there with some screens.
Someplace they can take a nap if they need one.
Food, walking through the pits, talking!
Get ear plugs to block the noise.

my 2 cents
d

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Mile High

Here's an idea for promoting sportsman racing.

Instead of stacking for days before the race to get that "great" pit spot have NHRA arrange with large parking lots ( shopping malls, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's etc.) to show off your cars. Have a sign up sheet so they would know who is available. NHRA would then reserve pit space near the pro's for those that participated. Also while showing off the cars the racers could hand out discount coupons. This would get the cars and racers in front off the public. And with their commercials promote these car shows.

Jeff

NHRA had tech in store parking lots and malls at least throughout the 70's.Why they stopped, not sure.
More super tracks with more room, possibly?
Problem today is with the size of the rigs, and everybody wanting preferred parking.
First rig numbered at the mall would also have to be the first to leave for the track, in order to maintain that sequence.
Only guy that I know that could handle it another way, is Redman.
Unfortunately, we know the story there.

[Bryan Worner]

I'm sure they won't have quality paved pit spaces saved for them and will be parking in the dirt and grass with the rest of the "paying" sportsman racers!!! Oh, wait, I'm sure it will be the exact opposite! This is NHRA!