When Leaders Lead

[voltdr]

With the exception of current racers interests, our sport is "entertainment". Most of us watch our different classes race because of an interest in that race. Whether that is because we know the racers involved or we race a similar class/vehicle. Getting "outsiders" interested is very difficult. In my class, Super Comp, the casual spectator doesn't understand, or want to, all the different variables it takes to make our cars do what we want them to do. Most friends that have come to the track to watch me race are stunned at what goes into making a run down the track. Most can't believe that we have weather stations at our trailers to help with tuning.
We as racers have caused our own confusing circumstances. Using a throttle stop to slow a 7.20 car down to 8.90 isn't very exciting from the grandstands, but very complex. More explanation needs to be given for spectators understand why. It's to help confuse the car in the other lane as to reaction times. If everyone could only run 8.90 @ 149, it would be easier to see who is ahead due to a better reaction time.
We can't put the Jeanie back in the bottle as to limits on electronics, mph etc. We need to better educate outsiders as to how difficult it is to do what we do. C'mon to make any car run within .005 between the early morning and late afternoon runs is pretty precise. The cars without electronics, just all slow down as the weather deteriorates. We have to know how much it slows down and what to do make them run the same.
Take time at the track and show a spectator what it is you do and make them enjoy watching you and your class race. Let them sit in your car and take pictures. Show them that there is a personal side to our sport.
Whew.................
Dan Foley
SC 4698

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Lenny5160

You're not wrong.

The biggest issue with F1 is that the performance of the cars is so far apart. I guess I like the cars being the same on an oval or road course when the driving can really shine.

It's not to say that there aren't driving skills used in professional drag racing, but it usually isn't impressive to watch from the stands or on TV. I do enjoy watching nitro in person, but it's a sensory experience for the noise, smells, and feelings.

Nitro classes SUCK BIG TIME !

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by voltdr

With the exception of current racers interests, our sport is "entertainment". Most of us watch our different classes race because of an interest in that race. Whether that is because we know the racers involved or we race a similar class/vehicle. Getting "outsiders" interested is very difficult. In my class, Super Comp, the casual spectator doesn't understand, or want to, all the different variables it takes to make our cars do what we want them to do. Most friends that have come to the track to watch me race are stunned at what goes into making a run down the track. Most can't believe that we have weather stations at our trailers to help with tuning.
We as racers have caused our own confusing circumstances. Using a throttle stop to slow a 7.20 car down to 8.90 isn't very exciting from the grandstands, but very complex. More explanation needs to be given for spectators understand why. It's to help confuse the car in the other lane as to reaction times. If everyone could only run 8.90 @ 149, it would be easier to see who is ahead due to a better reaction time.
We can't put the Jeanie back in the bottle as to limits on electronics, mph etc. We need to better educate outsiders as to how difficult it is to do what we do. C'mon to make any car run within .005 between the early morning and late afternoon runs is pretty precise. The cars without electronics, just all slow down as the weather deteriorates. We have to know how much it slows down and what to do make them run the same.
Take time at the track and show a spectator what it is you do and make them enjoy watching you and your class race. Let them sit in your car and take pictures. Show them that there is a personal side to our sport.
Whew.................
Dan Foley
SC 4698

That really sucks !

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by Lenny5160

In my mind, the biggest problem with the NHRA pro series is that there is no room for innovation.

There is even less innovation in IndyCar. You use the approved chassis and body work. You used the approved aero package. You have your choice of two engines. You use the approved tires. Not much else there to innovate.

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by voltdr

Take time at the track and show a spectator what it is you do and make them enjoy watching you and your class race. Let them sit in your car and take pictures. Show them that there is a personal side to our sport.

That's great but first you have to get them to the track.

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by ken robinson

Ok good point but if the 2 camaros from 1969 are not good enough for the fans . What would you add to the list/ guide of cars and manufacturer s
? Which car would you like to field ?

If you want to attract younger fans, you have to include the kind of cars those younger fans are interested in and would like to own.

People around my age (62) enjoy watching '69 Camaros because they were cars we lusted after when we were old enough to start thinking about what kind of car we wanted when we were old enough to drive.

I can see a time when there will be Teslas racing in the Stock classes.

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by Dan Bennett

I watched the first funny car races and they were a sensation for being outrageous overkill of cars anyone could buy and would be seen daily on any street in the country. Now, they're some sort of doorstop looking blob - and it got bad enough that a Mustang changed into a Camaro just by decals and nobody seemed to care.

Totally agree about Funny Car. I have been saying for a few years now that Funny Car bodies should have no more than 10 percent variation from a stock, production body in all aspects.

[jwsamuel]

Originally Posted by Mike Jones

[I][B]It will be interesting for me, if RP can reach young fans. Few are as fascinated with cars as we were.

How about this to reach younger fans ... Two participants stand at the starting line. When the light turns green, they pull out their cell phones and call for an Uber or Lyft. When the driver arrives, the participant hops in and the drivers drives down the track to the finish line. The first participant to reach the finish line and pay the Uber driver wins.

[pmrphil]

Originally Posted by jwsamuel

Totally agree about Funny Car. I have been saying for a few years now that Funny Car bodies should have no more than 10 percent variation from a stock, production body in all aspects.

They should start that with Pro Stock.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by pmrphil

They should start that with Pro Stock.

They should have known that 20 years ago. Where were the leaders then??