NHRA and NOPI Teaming up...
11-07-07, 12:27 PM
#26
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What if as a Mazda Racer i could organize a special discount on tickets for anyone that drives a mazda to the track.
For example:
If the Ticket Price is $25 any one who drives a mazda gets in for 15$ and maybe we could have a mazda tent like the scion guys do with food and refreshments etc etc?
For example:
If the Ticket Price is $25 any one who drives a mazda gets in for 15$ and maybe we could have a mazda tent like the scion guys do with food and refreshments etc etc?
I'd like to see an event resemble World Ford Challenge. 100's of cars, enormous vendors row, stands that are beyond packed and hillbilly women everywhere !
Headsup action would be awesome and a import 10.5 tire class would be insane.
I'd like to see you guys make it here for the World Street Challenge (Formally World Ford Challenge).
All the heavy hitters will be here. The press releases are stating there is 10 events in one. From what I've read on YellowBullet, it sounds like it'll be like Orlando, only with more $$$.
http://www.yellowbullet.com/forum/sh...t=28835&page=3
The World Street Challenge, the biggest, baddest, AND RICHEST $150,000 drag racing event, Auto & Bike Show, Drifting & Hot Body Contest in the US. Coming to St. Louis, May 15th - 18th, 2008 at Gateway.
/WSC-Flyer(frnt-2).jpg)
11-07-07, 12:36 PM
#27
Stay tuned...
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I would say first off set up a forum or website and get your ideas flowing on there. Get email addresses and start to educate the fans. Let me explain more...
It's nice to see cars in the modified class racing but even nicer when you know the history of each car. It's nice to see where the points are and understand if X racer gets one more round or wins this event it will take him to first in points. Drag racing is very competitive and when you know what is happening behind the scenes, it's even more exciting when you watch.
Send out emails with this info. Titan has my email address and they send me these emails telling their fans how they did, what happened at the events, etc.... If you educate the fans before an event, you will get a larger turnout. Tell them who's racing, who's close, who can't afford to lose another round etc. Have vids of interviews like I see links where Crispeed posted.
Put these all in one place. If you do not get fans more involved, they will not come out to the races. Once one person comes out, they tell their friends and everyone will attend.
I called everyone I know to tell them there is an event coming up this weekend at etown, many will attend now. They had no idea that there was an event. Even Ernie from Maryland is coming and a lot of guys from the NY Area, boostn7 too, only because they now know about it.
Set up the website, set up the forum, educate the fans, send out reminder emails hyping up the events. Start there!!!!!
Anthony
It's nice to see cars in the modified class racing but even nicer when you know the history of each car. It's nice to see where the points are and understand if X racer gets one more round or wins this event it will take him to first in points. Drag racing is very competitive and when you know what is happening behind the scenes, it's even more exciting when you watch.
Send out emails with this info. Titan has my email address and they send me these emails telling their fans how they did, what happened at the events, etc.... If you educate the fans before an event, you will get a larger turnout. Tell them who's racing, who's close, who can't afford to lose another round etc. Have vids of interviews like I see links where Crispeed posted.
Put these all in one place. If you do not get fans more involved, they will not come out to the races. Once one person comes out, they tell their friends and everyone will attend.
I called everyone I know to tell them there is an event coming up this weekend at etown, many will attend now. They had no idea that there was an event. Even Ernie from Maryland is coming and a lot of guys from the NY Area, boostn7 too, only because they now know about it.
Set up the website, set up the forum, educate the fans, send out reminder emails hyping up the events. Start there!!!!!
Anthony
11-07-07, 12:40 PM
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I am not tryin to attack you LT1Rx7 because i agree close races are what everyone wants and i can say that this year was the best for close racing in the majority of the classes except Pro that has 2 cars. And we are striving to make improvements in that area by helping each other out. This is why I would personally like to identify who will be showin up next year in what classes with a mazda so i can ensure i can help them be competitive.
But with this said wich NHRA races did you spectate at? I know being an old buddy from 75/80 you would come say hello and i do not remember seeing you?
But with this said wich NHRA races did you spectate at? I know being an old buddy from 75/80 you would come say hello and i do not remember seeing you?
Dee, honestly this year the only NHRA event I went to was the powerade race at Maple Grove.
Personally, I honestly had no idea where any of the import guys were running. NOPI went to crap for the most part (No focus on racing all on looking at ***) and I "heard" that there were a ton of issues with NHRA with rules.
I am good friends with a guy that is tight with the Effantis brothers and they were staying away from NOPI this year because of some politics etc
Unfortunately I didnt see or hear anything about you guys and the effantis brothers running NHRA series until the weekend AFTER the ATCO race so with the schedule being away from the MD area for the rest of the season (Minus the Etwon race which I had plans already) nothing was within a 13 hour drive from my house.
11-07-07, 01:35 PM
#29
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Scda
Please no one take this as bashing but i want to personally address everyones ideas and feedback good or bad:
"You don't need to discount our admission fees. Most of us will pay the asking price without flinching."
Most will pay the fees but do you think it would generate more brand loyalty to have special incentives for mazda owners? This seems to work for Scion as there are always more scions in attendance at NHRA races then any other vehicle (spectator cars)
"I'd like to see an event resemble World Ford Challenge. 100's of cars, enormous vendors row, stands that are beyond packed and hillbilly women everywhere ! "
This is what i want to but how do you propose we get there? Before there are 100's of cars there needs to be 10's of cars. And hillbilly women are my favorite too LOL
"Headsup action would be awesome and a import 10.5 tire class would be insane."
There are tons of heads up action with a heavy concentration of mazda vehicles in the modified class and also a pro fwd car to cheer on that has won the championship for the past 2 of 3 years. As for 10.5 tires if everyone in the modified class takes off the 14" tires and puts on the 10.5 tires that are actually about 12" wide will we get more spectators? If you honestly think so i will lobby for these rules now.
"I'd like to see you guys make it here for the World Street Challenge (Formally World Ford Challenge)."
I think i am the only car that would qualify for the Ford Challenge cause the DISI/MZR engine has FOMOCO stamped on it.
Please keep the ideas flowing something great will come out of this I am sure.
Anthony i like your idea please call me and expand on it and lets come up with some action items to get this off the ground.
"You don't need to discount our admission fees. Most of us will pay the asking price without flinching."
Most will pay the fees but do you think it would generate more brand loyalty to have special incentives for mazda owners? This seems to work for Scion as there are always more scions in attendance at NHRA races then any other vehicle (spectator cars)
"I'd like to see an event resemble World Ford Challenge. 100's of cars, enormous vendors row, stands that are beyond packed and hillbilly women everywhere ! "
This is what i want to but how do you propose we get there? Before there are 100's of cars there needs to be 10's of cars. And hillbilly women are my favorite too LOL
"Headsup action would be awesome and a import 10.5 tire class would be insane."
There are tons of heads up action with a heavy concentration of mazda vehicles in the modified class and also a pro fwd car to cheer on that has won the championship for the past 2 of 3 years. As for 10.5 tires if everyone in the modified class takes off the 14" tires and puts on the 10.5 tires that are actually about 12" wide will we get more spectators? If you honestly think so i will lobby for these rules now.
"I'd like to see you guys make it here for the World Street Challenge (Formally World Ford Challenge)."
I think i am the only car that would qualify for the Ford Challenge cause the DISI/MZR engine has FOMOCO stamped on it.
Please keep the ideas flowing something great will come out of this I am sure.
Anthony i like your idea please call me and expand on it and lets come up with some action items to get this off the ground.
11-07-07, 01:39 PM
#30
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Lt1
You actually have given really good input.
Number one the racers attitudes toward rule changes / politics and sanctioning bodies seemed to sour your taste on attending an event. As racers we need a more positive attitude. Lets face it who wants to go watch a bunch of jerks LOL
Number one the racers attitudes toward rule changes / politics and sanctioning bodies seemed to sour your taste on attending an event. As racers we need a more positive attitude. Lets face it who wants to go watch a bunch of jerks LOL
11-07-07, 02:26 PM
#31
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I think what Anthony described above about the racers being informed is a good start. Discounts on attending an event is always a good idea. We are Mazda Rotary fanatics. Saving cash on entrance fees is always a good idea. No money trees in my backyard.
I think the reality is that our sport grew too fast for our own good. Only a handful of Sponsors stepped up to the plate, and purpose built drag cars dominated the various categories. Many of the sponsors that did step up to the plate aligned themselves with specific organizations to promote their star racers advertising their products. Unfortunately lots of bridges were burned between racers, sponsors and sanctioning bodies this has definitely not helped the sport out at all.
Taking our sport to the next level will require a collaborative effort from NOPI, IDRC, BOTI and SCDA. The harsh reality is politics always seem to screw things up. Many of the Sports Compact Drag Racing sanctioning bodies don't advertise their events like they did in the past 15+ years. Personally I think the only way our sport will grow is if we look back at what got us where we are today. All of the sanctioning bodies left standing used to print out flyers, and hit the streets to get people to attend. This is very rare at least here in the Los Angeles area now. Just as an example of what I am talking about. There is a IDRC event this weekend at California Speedway. I have not seen one e-mail or advertisement promoting this event.
The only way I see our sport growing is if we attract young new talent to the Sport. We all know Street Racing is illegal, but majority of the people interested in Sport Compact Drag Racing started there, and grew up eventually to build purpose built drag cars.
I think the reality is that our sport grew too fast for our own good. Only a handful of Sponsors stepped up to the plate, and purpose built drag cars dominated the various categories. Many of the sponsors that did step up to the plate aligned themselves with specific organizations to promote their star racers advertising their products. Unfortunately lots of bridges were burned between racers, sponsors and sanctioning bodies this has definitely not helped the sport out at all.
Taking our sport to the next level will require a collaborative effort from NOPI, IDRC, BOTI and SCDA. The harsh reality is politics always seem to screw things up. Many of the Sports Compact Drag Racing sanctioning bodies don't advertise their events like they did in the past 15+ years. Personally I think the only way our sport will grow is if we look back at what got us where we are today. All of the sanctioning bodies left standing used to print out flyers, and hit the streets to get people to attend. This is very rare at least here in the Los Angeles area now. Just as an example of what I am talking about. There is a IDRC event this weekend at California Speedway. I have not seen one e-mail or advertisement promoting this event.
The only way I see our sport growing is if we attract young new talent to the Sport. We all know Street Racing is illegal, but majority of the people interested in Sport Compact Drag Racing started there, and grew up eventually to build purpose built drag cars.
11-07-07, 02:39 PM
#32
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Dee
I actually kind of know the guys and it isnt the issue of going to watch the "jerk racers" but rather I would say the racers are fine but when you hear what the sanctioning bodies are doing to the classes it is discouraging.
Here is another issue with getting good attendance at a Sport Compact drag racing events.....
Many of the people interested in the SC cars are younger guys. Those younger guys dont have the "love" of drag racing like the older muscle car guys or domestic guys because it is honestly still a very new market.
The answer many are doing, like NOPI, is to bring in women, cars, drifting, car hopping, etc etc. I personally dont want to go battle with 99% idiots and their stupidity to watch drag racing.
The other issue is it is tough for you guys to get a "following" by being so national with a series that is so much "pro" directed. You guys run more events around the country at a higher "level" than the NMCA does and they have an enormous following.
Mike
How about this....setup "regional" SC races more than just the East/West stuff. Maybe make it a regional series along with the national guys and a "National finals" at the end of the year like the sportsman NHRA racers do. That will let more "low budget" local guys still compete and not only drive up attendance but also interest...
I actually kind of know the guys and it isnt the issue of going to watch the "jerk racers" but rather I would say the racers are fine but when you hear what the sanctioning bodies are doing to the classes it is discouraging.
Here is another issue with getting good attendance at a Sport Compact drag racing events.....
Many of the people interested in the SC cars are younger guys. Those younger guys dont have the "love" of drag racing like the older muscle car guys or domestic guys because it is honestly still a very new market.
The answer many are doing, like NOPI, is to bring in women, cars, drifting, car hopping, etc etc. I personally dont want to go battle with 99% idiots and their stupidity to watch drag racing.
The other issue is it is tough for you guys to get a "following" by being so national with a series that is so much "pro" directed. You guys run more events around the country at a higher "level" than the NMCA does and they have an enormous following.
Mike
How about this....setup "regional" SC races more than just the East/West stuff. Maybe make it a regional series along with the national guys and a "National finals" at the end of the year like the sportsman NHRA racers do. That will let more "low budget" local guys still compete and not only drive up attendance but also interest...
11-07-07, 03:33 PM
#33
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Hitting the streets to get the word out is a great idea. And yes you are correct street racing is where we all started. I first back halfed my Rx7 with money made from street racing. I talked with members of the SCDA and what we are planning on doing is assigning racers to events. For example for a Maryland or VA race I will be responsible for helping pass out flyers at local street race spots and local shops.
LT1
As for the regional events NHRA Sport Compact started a regional points system for sportsman racers and they never had any more then 3 people from each region accumulate points. Maybe we could do a better job of advertising this portion of the event.
LT1 i did not mean they were Jerk Racers The Efantis's are always my favorite guys to hang out with on and off the track. I was just using that as an example even for myself. I was just thinking maybe as racers we should set a good example and not really share all the negative feelings with the public and keep it internal as our rules have nothin to do with how a sportsman racer should feel about our sanctioning body.
As for all the other stuff like foam pit etc etc I am not interested in that neither and i hate when my sponsors or family come to the track to see it. It kinda embarasses me.
Hitting the streets to get the word out is a great idea. And yes you are correct street racing is where we all started. I first back halfed my Rx7 with money made from street racing. I talked with members of the SCDA and what we are planning on doing is assigning racers to events. For example for a Maryland or VA race I will be responsible for helping pass out flyers at local street race spots and local shops.
LT1
As for the regional events NHRA Sport Compact started a regional points system for sportsman racers and they never had any more then 3 people from each region accumulate points. Maybe we could do a better job of advertising this portion of the event.
LT1 i did not mean they were Jerk Racers The Efantis's are always my favorite guys to hang out with on and off the track. I was just using that as an example even for myself. I was just thinking maybe as racers we should set a good example and not really share all the negative feelings with the public and keep it internal as our rules have nothin to do with how a sportsman racer should feel about our sanctioning body.
As for all the other stuff like foam pit etc etc I am not interested in that neither and i hate when my sponsors or family come to the track to see it. It kinda embarasses me.
11-07-07, 08:27 PM
#34
Match racing.
We need to do a lot of match racing also with the top cars on every side. Just check out what goes on in PR for example. Match racing keeps the fans excited and interested between events and also full the stands.
Media input is also very important in getting new and old fans more involved.
We need to do a lot of match racing also with the top cars on every side. Just check out what goes on in PR for example. Match racing keeps the fans excited and interested between events and also full the stands.
Media input is also very important in getting new and old fans more involved.
11-07-07, 09:11 PM
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Match racing is a great idea. What if during qualifying we guranteed certain cars would line up against one another for a match race and advertised it in conjunction with the event?
11-08-07, 10:59 AM
#37
I'm not sure that's a great idea. do you always want to 'let the cat out of the bag' in qualifying? If you were organizing match races you might have to go all in to make it an interesting race...follow what i'm saying?
OR is it reasoning like this that is causing problems in the first place?
/noob
OR is it reasoning like this that is causing problems in the first place?
/noob
11-08-07, 11:29 AM
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Not sure Bobby. I do not know if we could just forget the race and set up 2 or three match races and pack the stands. If we could i would be all for it. It would have to be seperate from the race and this might help develop the fan base for when the points event actually happens.
11-08-07, 01:50 PM
#39
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Please no one take this as bashing but i want to personally address everyones ideas and feedback good or bad:
"You don't need to discount our admission fees. Most of us will pay the asking price without flinching."
Most will pay the fees but do you think it would generate more brand loyalty to have special incentives for mazda owners? This seems to work for Scion as there are always more scions in attendance at NHRA races then any other vehicle (spectator cars)
"I'd like to see an event resemble World Ford Challenge. 100's of cars, enormous vendors row, stands that are beyond packed and hillbilly women everywhere ! "
This is what i want to but how do you propose we get there? Before there are 100's of cars there needs to be 10's of cars. And hillbilly women are my favorite too LOL
"Headsup action would be awesome and a import 10.5 tire class would be insane."
There are tons of heads up action with a heavy concentration of mazda vehicles in the modified class and also a pro fwd car to cheer on that has won the championship for the past 2 of 3 years. As for 10.5 tires if everyone in the modified class takes off the 14" tires and puts on the 10.5 tires that are actually about 12" wide will we get more spectators? If you honestly think so i will lobby for these rules now.
"I'd like to see you guys make it here for the World Street Challenge (Formally World Ford Challenge)."
I think i am the only car that would qualify for the Ford Challenge cause the DISI/MZR engine has FOMOCO stamped on it.
Please keep the ideas flowing something great will come out of this I am sure.
Anthony i like your idea please call me and expand on it and lets come up with some action items to get this off the ground.
"You don't need to discount our admission fees. Most of us will pay the asking price without flinching."
Most will pay the fees but do you think it would generate more brand loyalty to have special incentives for mazda owners? This seems to work for Scion as there are always more scions in attendance at NHRA races then any other vehicle (spectator cars)
"I'd like to see an event resemble World Ford Challenge. 100's of cars, enormous vendors row, stands that are beyond packed and hillbilly women everywhere ! "
This is what i want to but how do you propose we get there? Before there are 100's of cars there needs to be 10's of cars. And hillbilly women are my favorite too LOL
"Headsup action would be awesome and a import 10.5 tire class would be insane."
There are tons of heads up action with a heavy concentration of mazda vehicles in the modified class and also a pro fwd car to cheer on that has won the championship for the past 2 of 3 years. As for 10.5 tires if everyone in the modified class takes off the 14" tires and puts on the 10.5 tires that are actually about 12" wide will we get more spectators? If you honestly think so i will lobby for these rules now.
"I'd like to see you guys make it here for the World Street Challenge (Formally World Ford Challenge)."
I think i am the only car that would qualify for the Ford Challenge cause the DISI/MZR engine has FOMOCO stamped on it.
Please keep the ideas flowing something great will come out of this I am sure.
Anthony i like your idea please call me and expand on it and lets come up with some action items to get this off the ground.
I gotcha…….. How about this, you come to St.Louis again and I’ll make sure all the St.Louis and surrounding mazda owners show up.
Actually, check out the information about the “World Street Challenge”. They’re now allowing imports. It would be a chance for you to make a dollar or two and even have some fun. I’ll bring some girls from the East St.Louis.
I’m sure you’ve seen the “Freak Show” 10.5 cars run. Those 2,500 HP cars on 10.5 tires are ridiculous to watch. You watch those races and NEVER know what’s gonna happen. I’d go to see a freak show and I know a lot of other people would too.
How about on Saturday night, we load your car up and take it to a spot and make some money. I KNOW that I can line you up with a few good races.
Stl Action
Also, maybe you can hire Robosaurus to come in and perform. I’d go and see him !
Last edited by Viking War Hammer; 11-08-07 at 01:56 PM.
11-09-07, 12:29 PM
#40
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Dee, will SCDA participate with NOPI or be putting on races of its own ?
I'll point this thread to Bret Kepner. Hopefully he'll be able to give a lending hand or some advice.
I'll point this thread to Bret Kepner. Hopefully he'll be able to give a lending hand or some advice.
11-09-07, 02:14 PM
#41
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Just got back, from the tribute to Wally Parks at the NHRA AAA Finals. We felt very honored to represent the Sport Compact Community considering what Wally Parks did for the sport of Drag Racing as well as the establishment of NHRA. It was quite overwhelming. We have been extremely busy these past four days since the announcement at SEMA.
These past few days have been mentally and physically excrutiating. Meetings as well as telephone calls have been happening non stop. Most of them extremely productive and informative. We have been doing the best we can to gather as much infomation as possible to develop a productive plan. We must make extremely careful decisions for the growth and flourishment of the sport. This is very crucial and delicate.
People and passion make organizations and projects successful. If there is no passion, and no people who share that same passion for the Sport Compact Drag Industry, growth and florishment cannot occur. If making money is the passion before the love of the sport, catastrophic problems will occur. The love for the industry must take precendence before anything. Making money happens naturally if you believe in what you are doing. In this case, the love for Sport Compact Drag Racing. we have been carefully assessing these individuals and organizations, taking into consideration their comments and plans for the future of the sport. Passion and character is everything and deductions of particular individuals as well as organizations can be made simply by asking other people who have had experiences with them as well as conversations. After all, we are all human beings communicating with each other. Whether or not we enjoy each others presence as well as share the same passion together will determine whether we succeed together in the Sport Compact Drag Community or fail this 2008 race season. A very careful decision will be made hopefully by the end of the week. Your patience is much appreciated. I love you all and believe our passion together will make this Sport Compact Drag Community succeed in 2008.
A complete listing of all members of the SCDA will be posted within two days.
Ron Bergenholtz
SCDA Representative
These past few days have been mentally and physically excrutiating. Meetings as well as telephone calls have been happening non stop. Most of them extremely productive and informative. We have been doing the best we can to gather as much infomation as possible to develop a productive plan. We must make extremely careful decisions for the growth and flourishment of the sport. This is very crucial and delicate.
People and passion make organizations and projects successful. If there is no passion, and no people who share that same passion for the Sport Compact Drag Industry, growth and florishment cannot occur. If making money is the passion before the love of the sport, catastrophic problems will occur. The love for the industry must take precendence before anything. Making money happens naturally if you believe in what you are doing. In this case, the love for Sport Compact Drag Racing. we have been carefully assessing these individuals and organizations, taking into consideration their comments and plans for the future of the sport. Passion and character is everything and deductions of particular individuals as well as organizations can be made simply by asking other people who have had experiences with them as well as conversations. After all, we are all human beings communicating with each other. Whether or not we enjoy each others presence as well as share the same passion together will determine whether we succeed together in the Sport Compact Drag Community or fail this 2008 race season. A very careful decision will be made hopefully by the end of the week. Your patience is much appreciated. I love you all and believe our passion together will make this Sport Compact Drag Community succeed in 2008.
A complete listing of all members of the SCDA will be posted within two days.
Ron Bergenholtz
SCDA Representative
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