Mr. Hammett is on the right track and probably has a better
understanding of what it will take market vintage racing than most of
what has been done in the past. His observation that it is difficult for
people to follow the races in especially salient. This problem also
plagues IMSA/ProSportsCar racing. If they can't figure out what is going
on they will not watch/attend/support.
The other issue that causes marketing problems are delays caused by
wrecks. Just as baseball realized that the audience would not tolerate a
"slow" game, long delays, due to wrecks causes problems, especially with
television coverage. Ever notice how they clear the track during a
"legends" race ?
The best way to eliminate the delay is to eliminate the wrecks ? Even a
cursory statistical analysis could probably identify the causes on at
least 30% of the incidents. It may be possible to implement changes to
the tracks or rules which would reduce some of these incidents. For
example many of the really messy wrecks at Road Atlanta happen in the
dip and in turn 12. I understand they are being changed.
Also electronics could be used to enhance "watchability" A simple score
board which shows the order would be great. A PA system that you can
hear would be great. How about broadcasting on short range radio so
people can pick up the signal locally on walkman radios, etc. Even cable
TV with large monitors showing what is happening in some of the remote
corners may be helpful. While these may sound expensive, can you imagine
what it cost to redo a track such as RA and these type of investments
may allow the track to attract more spectators to all type of events.
FHammett wrote:
>
> Regarding commercial potential of Club Racing.
>
> We recently had a Winston Cup at Atl. motor speedway that attracted so many
> 100,000's of people that traffic through Atlanta was stopped 30 miles away.
>
> The fact that this interest in racing can be tapped so at least an overflow
> comes into club racing is apparent. But to do so requires the talents of a
> real promoter.
>
> Although I have only been racing (vintage and SCCA) for one year, I have
> worked in , and owned a marketing firm for 25 years. I agree with the comments
> said earlier and would like to point out the following additional needs to
> have successfull public interest in our sport. 1. Pesonalities are needed for
> the draw, not necessarily big names like Redman or Hill, Anyone with a gimick
> can do.IE: look at other sports that have marketed their wares and you will
> see what I mean. Rodman, The San diego chicken, Jordan. Professional
> wrestling was built on this. In stock car racing the fans come to see Their
> driver or Their car. They are more interested in the car or the driver than
> the sport. This may be tough for the purist in Historic racing to accept, but
> the public will not show up in response to an ad touting "beautifull historic
> old cars". They may show up in response to an ad such as " can the Mustangs
> stampeed the Corvetts, into brutal humiliation again!!!. Or " Will Jeremy B
> and his team from down under capitalize on their age and treachary to defeat
> the yanks."
>
> Also, something has to be done to allow the fans to follow a race. Now , with
> many classes running together the normal spectator doesnt know who is winning
> or loosing.
>
> And of course, there is this thing about crashes. At first I thought SCCA
> with their crash and burn reputation would have more spectator potential. But
> I have seen enough crashes at Vintage to where I think it too would qualify.
> And if the races got publicity, the crowds would come, and then you would find
> drivers driving harder, and more crashes would come also.
>
> I for one would like to see the sport promoted. It would mean more excitement,
> and probably less cost to the drivers. Even price money. But everone should
> know the trade offs and remember the old saying "Be carefull for what you
> wish, you may get it."
>
> Frank (the ruptured duck).
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