Branding: Stay on Message - Racing Promotion Monthly

Issue40.05
The Idea Newsletter For
Auto Racing Promoters
Branding: Stay on Message;
Radio Rules: Etiquette On Air
As we go into this fall's
national elections, we'll hear
observers talk about politicians
staying "on message" to keep
voter support and win contests.
Candidates take the pulse of the
public, figure out what their
message must be and stick with it
over and over. The season is
young, with most events ahead. To
brand their racing, promoters must
"stay on message" as well. Here
are some ideas how promoters,
their staff and especially their
announcers and PR people can
frame a message and stay on
message throughout the season.
Some ideas are previous topics in
RPM but bear repeating. Others
might be far-fetched to racing
insiders, but we hope promoters
will try them.
of what they see and hear goes in
one ear and out the other.
Research says that they can keep
straight in their heads the main
idea or benefit of few brands,
some say three at most. Media
clutter, the huge number of
messages that bombard everyday,
makes this worse. To cut through
the clutter and make an
impression, people must hear or
see simple ideas they can relate to
and these ideas must be repeated,
repeated, repeated. That's what
candidates do. That's what
promoters must do! Your track
must become known among
potential new ticket buyers for
something they can relate to.
Here's an example from near
our offices. A local ice cream
drive-in chain is known as "The
Consumer research shows
Home of the One-Pound Cone." If
that people have limited attention you really like ice cream, theirs is
spans and short memories. Most
(See Message, P5)
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Breaking News & Notes
MAYFIELD SUIT DISMISSED: On May 18, the
driver’s lawsuit against NASCAR, stemming from his
May 2009 indefinite suspension for failing a
mandated drug screening, was dismissed by U.S
District Judge Graham Mullen. The ruling can be
appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals. NASCAR’s
counterclaim against Mayfield for breach of contract
and violation of its drug policy remains pending.
Critical to the judge’s decision was NASCAR’s license
agreement in which Mayfield waived his right to
claims and acknowledged his relationship with
NASCAR was that of an independent business, not
that of an employee-employer. Such an affirmation
of the NASCAR drug policy is beneficial to short
tracks because it can be cited as evidence to support
the assertion that promoters and sanctioning groups
can police the behavior of entrants... CHUCK DID
WHAT? May 22, at LaCrosse (WI) Fairgrounds
Speedway, was “Buck Night”--all concessions $1--a
promotion quite out of character for CHUCK DEERY
who heretofore would readily give away tickets, but
not food and beverage. “It worked for HOWARD
COMMANDER (Lebanon Valley (NY) Speedway) Deery
said, The way I look at it, it’s just another ‘two-for’.”
It gave a needed boost to what historically has been
a so-so May race night. He’ll try it again later in the
season... GOOD NEWS RELEASE: We liked a recent
news release authored by KEVIN RAMSELL distributed
by ASA on behalf of its tracks. An excerpt: “MORE
DRAMA, SUSPENSE, ACTION THAN A MOVIE!” “Both
start the same way, you walk up and pay an
admission fee, get handed a ticket, then go find a
seat... Short track racing provides some of the best
family entertainment at a friendly price... In fact, it's
about the same cost as taking the family to see a
movie... A racetrack also gives you a sense of
community where at a movie theatre, you are just
sitting in a dark room with others watching the same
show. But, there you have to be quiet, where at a
racetrack, you can be loud and cheer on your favorite
drivers as they compete for your entertainment with
your friends and family sitting alongside of you
doing the same... This summer, visit your local short
track and take your family and friends with
you...” Well said!
If you are reading RPM for the first time, we welcome you. RPM was created as a resource for promoters 39 years ago. It
is the monthly embodiment of the RPM slogan--Learn-Share-Profit--in which promoters share expertise and
experience to help each other produce better entertainment and increase ticket sales and profit. The ideas discussed
in RPM come from readers. We invite new readers to join longtime readers. Share your ideas as well. Read and enjoy
RPM. Keep us in touch with what you do at your track. We look forward to meeting at the next Workshop.
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being named an additional insured should be standard
practice. But certificates do not mean you are covered.
Coverage gaps are commonplace. Read policies and event
contracts. Understand where gaps occur. Pay attention to
"exclusions." Your insurance agent will help you
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Ambulances & EMTs
Q: We're thinking about acquiring our own
ambulance and staffing it with volunteer EMTs to
operate it. Are there considerations we should be
aware of?
A: When you hire an ambulance from an
ambulance service, there are many benefits. These
are the things you should weigh before deciding to
operate your own ambulance. Ambulance services
are qualified to judge EMT qualifications and have
the knowledge to ensure that EMTs possess all the
necessary and latest certifications. They also have the
knowledge and the inventory to stock the vehicle
with all the necessary tools and supplies. They also
carry workers comp, professional liability and errors
and omissions insurance covering the ambulance
firm and all its employees, and they are licensed by
their state and or municipality. Because they have
these details in order, you benefit from fewer
responsibilities and added protection when you hire
them. Consider such things as the additional
insurance you need to operate the ambulance
yourself. With a service, you also gain protection
against alleged EMT malpractice. Outside
ambulances can seem costly, but think about what
you really find after totaling the long-term cost of
acquiring a vehicle, the equipment, necessary
insurance coverage, state licenses and employee
certifications to operate it. Consider whether care
quality would go up if you did your own ambulance.
Consult with your insurer as well. The insurance
issues surrounding ambulances can be complicated.
DISCLAIMER: While these legal questions have been researched,
we do not represent this as legal advice. Laws vary. Readers
should consult with local counsel in all matters. RPM assumes
no responsibility for actions taken because of, or despite,
answers appearing herein.
YOU CAN HELP! If you’re are involved in a legal challenge of any
kind, or if you know of, or hear of, any challenges involving
racing operations, or challenges to other sports or attractions that
could threaten motorsports, call or write RPM editorial offices.
As you read RPM, you will sometimes see reference to the “ARPY Awards.” ARPY is the acronym for Auto Racing Promoter
of the Year--awards established by RPM in 1977 to recognize outstanding promoters. Each fall, readers nominate
Regional Promoters of the Year in eight regions of the U.S. One becomes the Auto Racing Promoter of the Year at the
Speed-week RPM Promoters Workshop. RPM also presents “Achievement Awards,” recognizing the accomplishments of
promoters throughout the U.S. Plan now to attend the Workshops and help recognize your colleagues.
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4005. 3
4005. 4
F rom The Blog:
The Reality of Reality Shows
Posted May 3, 2010 I The Editor I Edit
This season, reality TV is throwing down the
gauntlet in the duel for fans. Watching races at a
nearby track this weekend, we pondered the impact of
reality TV shows such as Madhouse and next January's
Dirt Knights. We asked ourselves, “Is the experience
we are having watching this live race event tonight
measuring up to the TV shows? Is it compelling and
exciting enough?” Reports told us that the night
before at Bowman Gray Stadium the opener was
packed with fans--even chartered tour buses brought
folks who had discovered the place via History Channel
(disappointing in a way, since BGS has been around
for 61 years.) Friend Larry Tomar, a Madhouse regular,
e-mailed it was the biggest crowd he'd ever seen at
BGS. The Hawkins clan risks little being compared to
the show, but others? BGS is an exciting place by its very nature and
has been all along. In Madhouse, the show simply
captured what has always been there. But, the risk
with new "me-too" shows is that the finely focused
lens of the TV camera and the clever editing effects of
production, all which creates suspense, and
excitement, will create hard-to-match expectations
4005. 5
among viewers who later decide to sample their
nearest real-live McCoy. Ladies and gentlemen, this
is our 21st Century challenge. Reality is not as exciting as reality TV. We have a
big job ahead of us. These TV producers create halfhour infomercials for short track racing, the best
advertising our sport has ever experienced (except for
YouTube). It is advertising promoters cannot afford to
buy that reaches millions, and the bar of expectation
will soon be set high, if it has not already. It poses a
considerable challenge for those promoters who cater
to whining drivers with boring interludes of "farming,"
dozens of unnecessary yellow flags, and announcers
that drone on with staccato plugs for drivers' hair
salon, tire store, chassis builder, and engine shop
sponsors, instead of trying to create a minute-byminute pressure cooker of suspense and excitement.
The gauntlet is down. The duel for hearts and minds
has begun.
4005. 6
Branding, Stay on Message
(Message, From P1)
the place. (That is something people can
understand, even if they haven't sampled the
ice cream and cannot differentiate between
soft-serve, custard, and ice cream.) We've seen
just two bought in four years but everyone
locally knows the stores as the place for the
one-pound cone--not the Dairy Queen, not the
McDonalds. That's an example of "staying on
message" in a way people can relate to.
Let's look at race track advertising. We've
all seen the track that calls itself, "The Fastest
1/4-mile in the .... Or these headlines from
recent racing ads. "Two Open Wheel Divisions,
One Big Show!" "Challenge Cup, 60 Laps,
$4,000 to Win, Modifieds." "Mothers' Day
Tradition Continues Sunday, May 9, Gates Open
at 4 p.m." More disturbing is the fact that these
ads are outnumbered by ads with no headline
at all, those with only the track logo, event date
and classes on the card. These ads are fine for
race papers for race fans who know the drill.
But, such copy is wasted on convenience store
posters, general newspaper ads, and e-flyers
addressed to new ticket buyers because they
offer nothing the reader can relate to and
include nothing that motivates.
fun after a hard week? What will seeing your
race event do for me?" To draw new ticket
buyers, you must tell them how they will
benefit from your racing and repeat it, repeat it,
repeat it.
Remember, new ticket buyers are mainly
young people--teens, young singles, young
families. Among other things, what kind of
things do experts tell us they care about most?
They want to feel as though they are special.
They want to have friends and be well-liked.
They enjoy the company of other young people
and want to gather and have fun. It's safe to
say that most teenagers and young adults don't
care about their parents because their parents
aren't "cool" and parents disagree with them
on many things. So why would you expect an
ad aimed at adult-aged regular race fans to
draw new young ticket buyers, as so many
short tracks seem to do?
Research says
that [consumers]
can keep straight in
their heads the main
idea or benefit of
few brands, some
say three at most.
As said before here, when it comes to new
fans, promoters shouldn't sell racing, they
should sell "being there," the experience of
being a spectator. Instead of showing clip art
of a modified in an ad, show a couple, with
preteen son, and daughter watching races with
popcorn in hand for instance. Instead of a big
colorful series logo on a poster, and large
numerals showing dollars to win, show highschoolers or college agers mingling at the
track around a driver in his pit, or show a driver
sitting in the stands in his uniform surrounded
by enthusiastic friends. Show the excitement,
fun, and friendship of BEING THERE!
Remember, something like 96 percent of
people do not watch racing in person or on TV.
These are your potential new ticket buyers.
They don't understand racing. They don't know
what a Modified is. They don't know 60 laps is
longer. They don't know why they should care
about "fastest." How does $4,000-to-win
benefit them? Remember, they're asking
With these images, think about headlines
themselves, "What can I do that I haven't done that would appeal to the teens, young adults,
before this weekend? Where can I find some
(See Message, P8)
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4005. 7
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4005. 8
Radio Rules: Etiquette on Air
Scanning race track radio communication lately,
we find it clean, with relatively few missteps by track
officials, but have, in the past, heard undisciplined
radio conduct that could embarrass an operation or
worse. Race track radio communication, like any radio
communication, uses the public airwaves, and is
subject to scanning by everything form elderly folks
in nearby residential areas with kitchen-counter
scanners, and fans, drivers, and their families in the
pits, to news media on the look out for sensational
news stories, and even as
happened at a track we know of,
ambulance chasers with offices
nearby. Not only is proper
general radio etiquette the
obligation of every radio user at
your track, some added
guidelines are necessary for
radio communication at race
tracks. This era of too-easy
communication, inane tweets,
gratuitous text messages, and
over reliance on cell phone
communication as a fast fix for
poor planning and confusion
makes us more tolerant of
sloppy and unnecessary
communication. It seems today
as if, if we are awake, we must
be talking or texting on some
gadget. Clearly some people cannot drive without a
cell phone to their ear. (Our father, observing
numerous people on cell phones once asked the
rhetorical question, "Who are they all talking to, and
what does it matter?)
builds a good business image and contributes to
good risk management as well. For promoters who
want to revisit radio etiquette with their officials, we
offer these guidelines that can be applied to push-totalk networks as well as radio communications.
Be clear. Know what you want to say before
keying the radio. Leave out the "ums" and "ahs."
Think, then speak. Don’t shout. It distorts and makes
messages difficult to understand. Speak at normal
speed and in a normal tone.
Increased volume, pitch or
speaking pace can cause alarm.
Listen before you begin your
transmission, and always wait a
second before you speak after
keying the push to talk button.
Be brief. Keep it short and
simple. Don't say in 50 words
what can be said in five words.
Get to the point. When the race
is on, stay off the radio unless
necessary. Don't "talk racing"
with other officials. Save fan
chatter for after the races. This
the BUSINESS of race operations,
not the RECREATION of bench
racing. This is professional radio,
not a recreational cell phone. Its'
your officials' job to convey
necessary information without undue use of air time
that can delay the relaying of important information
to others.
Be simple. Don’t use big words when a short
one will do. Don't Talk too much. State facts, not
Communication technology, once a tool reserved opinion. Make important points first. As much as
for the practical, has become a form of recreation,
possible, save detail for off-the-mic conversations.
and promoters should be wary of the lackadaisical
Only speak when absolutely necessary. Safety and
attitude that comes with this change, making sure
operations information take priority over other
bad habits developed in officials' (and entrants) daily communications.
digital recreation do not spill over into the business
(See Radio, P7)
of race night communications. Good radio etiquette
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4005. 9
(Radio, From P6)
Be Secure. Remember the whole world is
listening. Develop codes where confidentiality is
necessary--for instance use different number codes
for beckoning an ambulance (“Ten to four, over”), or
other special assistance, or for the medical condition
of drivers (perhaps 1 for medical emergency, 2 for
non-life-threatening, 3 for driver is OK), or to preserve
confidentiality for cash box pickups, the arrival of
dignitaries, and guests, and other circumstances
where you are reluctant to broadcast details, tip-offs
or names. Never discuss medical emergencies on the
open airwaves. Be careful
about using names. Do not
discuss money. Don't critique
driving or discuss drivers'
conduct, behavior or
temperament. Don’t do as
one official and say on the
radio, “He’s been cheating
now for three weeks and I’ll
get him next time.” Don't
discuss penalties. Save these
discussions for secure
channels or save them
altogether and talk later in
person.
Be polite and
professional. Eliminate
profanity. Bad language has
no place on public airwaves
and reflects poorly on your
operation. While it’s true that
most people on property do
not hear your officials radio
conversations, this is no reason to conduct
themselves inappropriately. You might be surprised
who IS listening. It could be your big sponsor.
Racing is a family sport. Racing has its bawdy side
but it's our insiders' secret, and it has no place on the
airwaves. We have overheard starters discussing the
anatomy of female passers by, corner workers
speaking derogatorily about driver's skills, and
promoters using colorful language to reprimand
officials--all three are serious no-nos. We have also
listened in on polite, professional transmissions from
race control and officials portraying both the track
and drivers as the best of the best. You are judged
by what mothers hear their children hearing in their
headphones. Don't say anything on the radio you
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4005. 10
would not say on the public address system. Assume
you are being scanned by those you wish to impress
with your professional behavior.
Exercise restraint on the airwaves. Racing is
emotional. Officials get caught up in the excitement
just as fans do, sometimes more so, and say things
that are unwise. Err to understatement. Assume, at
least, that the news organizations will be scanning,
and at worst, plaintiff’s attorneys might be listening.
Overstatement of circumstances can increase
curiosity and lend a sense of urgency that might
make a harmless incident familiar to racing officials
sound like a dire emergency
to uninitiated eavesdroppers.
It's not uncommon for news
reporters to arrive at track
before emergency vehicles,
tipped off by scanners. If
incidents are played down
by professional restraint,
they are less likely to be
perceived as newsworthy.
Assume also that crews and
families of drivers, prone to
suspicion of favoritism, who
may be listening, will draw
the worst possible
conclusion from whatever
they hear. Do not reprimand
officials over the airwaves.
Entrants will overhear it and
diminished respect will
result, making the officiating
of your races more difficult.
It's never good practice to
discipline employees in the
"presence" of other employees, either face to face or
using the radio.
In today's world of interconnectivity and
interactivity, where fans are immersed in the
superspeedway experience, we are frankly, surprised
we do not see more short track fans wearing
scanners. However, we see enough fans with the
units that every promoter should be mindful that
while his announcer is saying one thing on the PA
system, his officials could be saying quite another
over the radio (both literally and figuratively). Every
promoter's goal should be to have both reflect
maximum professionalism.
Text/E-mail Pics
Don’t ask your photographer to send pictures to RPM.
Take pictures yourself. Shoot a picture of a promotion, a kids’
event, fans, improvements, anything. E-mail it or attach it to a
multimedia text message (MMS). Send it to RPM. Add RPM to
the contacts ([email protected]) or 715-432-5310 for texts.
We’ll use them on the RPM Website or in the newsletter.
(Message, From P5)
RPM turns first to its
readers as it selects
topics. We value the
advice of promoters
we confer with, and
encourage promoters
to share business
management and
promotion ideas.
BRUCE RICHARDS
Devil’s Bowl & Albany
Saratoga Speedways
JOE & PHYLLIS
DAVIDSON-LOVEN
Volunteer Speedway
C.J. ROBINSON
Riverside Speedway
Here is a partial list.
LYNN PHILLIPS
ALFRED GURLEY
Talladega Short Track
ALAN KREITZER
Pennsylvania
DAVID DEERY
Rockford Speedway
TERRY VOELTZ
WISSOTA Promoters
Association
ORVILLE CHENOWETH
DAN MANN
State Fair Speedway
Electric City Speedway.
JOHN PADJEN
CHARLES CATHELL
Silver Dollar Speedway
U.S. 13 Dragway
Delaware Intl. Spwy.
KENT PORENTA
Sweetwater Speedway
HOWARD
COMMANDER
C-RAY HALL
Lebanon Valley
Eighty-One Speedway
Speedway
& NCRA
JODY DEERY
Rockford Speedway.
CHARLES POWELL
Florence Speedway
ROBERT LAWTON
Boone Speedway
LARRY, KATHLEEN
KEMP
Eldora Speedway
BOB SARGENT
Track Ent. (IL)
EARL BALTES
Ohio
CHUCK DEERY
LaCrosse Fairgrounds
Speedway
TOM CURLEY
Thunder Road Intl.
Speedbowl
NADINE & BOB
STRAUSS
California
B.J. PARKER
Southern All Stars
Racing
TED AUSTAD
Atlanta Motor
Speedway
ANDY STONE
Oglethorpe Speedway
STEVE BEITLER
Skagit Speedway
BASSUENER
FAMILY
Golden Sands
Speedway
EMMETT HAHN
Chilibowl Midget
Nationals
JIM NAYLOR
Ventura Raceway
LANNY & BEV
EDWARDS
DENNIS & BARB
Devil’s Bowl Speedway MOORE
Park Jefferson
TOMMY SIMONS
Speedway
Texas
JOE & WALT
RON FLINN
DOELLEFELD
Crystal Speedway
Stateline Speedway
JACK DEERY
Iowa
PAUL
ZIMMERMAN
Michigan
BILLY THOMAS
East Alabama Motor
Speedway
ROBERT HART
FASCAR, New Smyrna
Speedway
and young families. Over the picture of the
family, you might use a headline like this one
borrowed from King's Island Amusement Park,
"Cornfield County Speedway, The Fun, and Only!"
and add a subhead, "Special Family Pricing
Saturday." Over the gathering of teens, you
might find the headline, "Friends Make Life More
Fun!" with a subhead, "Carload Pricing Every
Saturday Night." A picture is worth 1,000 words.
Research shows that 80 percent of what folks
remember comes through their eyes.
New Families" barbeque in the pits or hospitality
area before racing. Have drivers and cars nearby.
Invite them to mingle, dine together and have
their pictures taken together. Have the drivers
greet the children as they arrive or during the
event. Remember, the young parents want to
feel as though they are special, and their kids are
special, and we want to make the most of our
"accessible" heroes, one of our sport's greatest
assets.
Short track racing traditionally is not
welcoming to new fans. Announcers overuse
jargon and do not explain how events go. They
Headlines and subheads catch attention.
don't explain the layout of the facility. They don't
That's why we see them in every mainstream ad.
explain services such as first aid stations. Our
Headlines and subheads then become themes
point is this: Once in your gates, new fans must
for your PR announcers that can be woven into
feel as though they are the most important
race night commentary. Your announcer can
people at your races and they must depart at
repeat "Friends make life more fun," by working
night's end ready to tell other parents their age
the phrase into race night commentary. Your
with children that your track is the "Fun and
roving mic announcer can go out into the crowd
Only." You, your staff, and your announcers are
and "catch" groups of young people having fun
the only ones who can accomplish this.
and interview them. He or she can capture
spontaneous testimonials that can later be used
We understand that many who read ask,
in marketing or within the event to make the
"Where do I get the time or the people to do this
point that "Here at the track, Friends make life
on race night?" Or they wonder, "Will all this
more fun." He or she can gather them in front of work really sell tickets?" To be sure, the time and
the stand for contests or invite them in cheering resource challenges are as real as the results are
contests. A photographer could follow along,
untested. But, doing what promoters have
snapping shots as spontaneous events unfold. Or always done is no longer working. Bringing new
pick a fan each week, and have them use their fans to short tracks won't happen overnight and
camera phones to snap "fun" in the stands and it won't happen using worn out promotional
pits and text or e-mail the pictures to your
techniques--or by appealing to the wrong
announcers in the tower, or give them a Flip
audience with the wrong message--as so many
Video camera and have them record "fun." The tracks do. Bringing new fans requires a new
idea is to make racing fun, add spontaneity to
approach. Figuring out the message and staying
the race night, and most importantly, make the on message elects legislators and senators every
fun "interactive," involving young fans directly in election cycle, and it sells products and services
the fun. Save all the pictures. Pretty quick you'll every day and has for nearly a century. If you find
have numerous good shots for future "fun"
a message, and find the way to stay on message
promotions.
that works for you at your track, you will brand
your racing and draw new fans. If you do not,
Young parents meet new friends at their
you're destined to draw no more than the race
kids’ soccer events. Lasting family friendships
fans that now enter your gates each race night.
are made there. How can you make the same
thing happen at your races? How can you
punctuate "The Fun and Only," for families?
How about trying a biweekly special "Special For
MobileRPM
Twitter Feeds
MobileRPM offers readers all the services of the
computer-based RPM Website. Check it out today on
your iPhone, Blackberry or other mobile device. Keep
abreast of RPM when you are on the go, away from the
office, in the water truck, or on the golf course. Just
browse to racingpromotionmonthly.com It’s just that
simple, the phone does the rest for you.
Do you Tweet? Follow RPM on Twitter. Get the
latest updates instantly, the moment we post them, by
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back at the office at your computer. Get news and
promotional ideas the moment they are posted. Sign
up to follow today at www.twitter.com/RPMNewsletter.
4005. 11
From The Blog: Go Viral Next Race!
Posted May 12, 2010 I The Editor I Edit
Traditional race promotion, and its
these "ads" use user-friendly "soft sell" and
advertising, insults the sensibilities of today's
"testimonial" infomercial techniques, or just plain
media-smart net-generation consumers. Having amateur authenticity. A Flip video camera in the
arrived at maturity with the TV remote and TIVO in hands of an enthusiastic observer mingling with
hand, with 200 channels, and with cable-TV ad participants and fans is now a more effective tool
frequency that tries the patience of any viewer, than a professional video camera in the hands of
the net generation tunes out traditional ads
a filmmaker.
without ever considering them. Promoters today
Promoters familiar with how difficult it has
must use traditional promotion techniques
become to move the market with TV and radio,
differently than they have, tuning down the
diminished race paper coverage, and failing daily
volume and ratcheting back the "in your
papers, should rejoice at the Web's potential. For
face." Traditional "in your face" promotion with many promoters and their families, it is now a
its abundance of hyperbole, color and noise,
"do-it-yourself" proposition. Next week or the
meant to interrupt ticket buyers and catch their week after, send your daughter's best friend into
attention while they do something else, the
the crowd with a Flip video camera or video
"Sunday, Sunday, Sunday," method of advertising, phone and capture the excitement. Just have her
is suspicious and largely ignored by today's
record what goes on. Not the cliche cars racing
young people-a short track's primary audience. side by side, or trophy girls and drivers, but fan
If your ads tell people this race is, "The biggest excitement, social interaction among drivers,
race ever at the fastest quarter-mile in the West, a crews, fans. Don't script it. Don't send a male.
race you can't miss!" you lose them immediately. They are gear heads, easily distracted by macho
They intuitively know such claims are most often and shiny things. Don't get caught up in
untrue, that you are exaggerating for effect, and planning "advertising shots," that's an activity of
they don't buy it. Their experience, meager as it the past. Members of today's Net Generation are
may seem to graying promoters, has taught them self-taught "content producers" that will find
that products rarely live up to such promises--the stories and tell them, and edit what they record to
louder the ad, the less likely is satisfaction.
fit your needs. She knows how to send images
Those who study media and today's youth to Twitpics, how to add it to her gallery, how to
say that advertising must be more respectful of send it to YouTube or other sites. She will get it
the sensibilities and the intellect of several self- to your webmaster (many of whom are now as
centered generations. Advertisers should feed
slow to update as the old-fashioned Mondaythe Web information about products younger
night race track PR people). She will e-mail links
ticket buyers will find and consume in their own to friends. In short, she knows how to make your
time, in their own way, as they daily graze the
track go "viral" even if you’re not sure what viral
Web buffet gathering information. This is borne means. We see drivers, crews, and fans doing it
out every week when products grow
in pit areas and fan concourses where we go, and
exponentially using viral advertising techniques chances are its happening right under your nose
such as cheaply produced YouTube ads. The
at your track and you can put it to work for you.
"ads," packaged as documentaries, as home
It's the greatest opportunity promoters have had
movies, as newsreels, as amateurs' video clips,
to market their racing in the history of short track
declare and show the same enthusiasm for the racing. Put some kids on the job, don't mess
product that traditional ads do, but, unlike
with them, and see what happens!
brutally to-the-point ads limited to 30 seconds,
SUSAN & BOB ALLEN
Arlington Raceway.
RAY MARLER
KEN SCHRADER
I-55 Raceway
JOEL & BILL COHEN
Indianapolis
Speedrome
ANDY VERTREES
Kentucky
RALPH CAPITANI
Knoxville Raceway
NUCKLES FAMILY
Columbus Motor
Speedway
DONNIE WATSON
Crawford County
Speedway
BILL POSEY
National Race Track
Clearinghouse
STEVE EARWOOD
Rockingham Dragway
PLATO FAMILY
Boyd Raceway
BCRA Bay Cities Racing
Association
California
RUSTY ALLEN
Fairbury Speedway
MARVIN RAGAN
EDDIE MAC DONALD
Watermelon Capital
Speedway
TODD SALAZAR
Barona Speedway
RON BRUTT
Roaring Knob
Mtrspts. Complex
RON DRAGER
Flat Rock & Toledo
Speedways
JOHN E. DAVIS
JOHN POTTS
Corbin Speedway
DR. JEFF JARVIS
Limaland Motorsports
Park
HARRIETT & COWBOY
CHANCELLOR
MLRA
TOM & LORIS
HELFRICH
TriState Speedway
BILL DESMOND
Alabama
THE GRIFFINS
Merced Speedway
HAROLD CROOK
Lonesome Pine
Speedway
RICH & LINDA OLSON
Redwood Acres
Speedway
ROD ANCEL
Merritt Speedway
KEVIN RUIC
Ohio
MIKE & RITA WITTE
Ephrata Raceway Park
LES MC BURNEY
Angell Park Speedway
JOHN TRUSSLER
Motor Sports
Enterprises
DOUG STANGE
Mid-Nebraska
Speedway
RED MAC DONALD
Lee USA Speedway
R.J. SCOTT
GLENN LUCKETT
Champion Racing
Assoc.
BRANDON KACZAY
A.J. MOORE
Lake Erie Speedway
To join this list,
telephone, FAX or Email RPM requesting
inclusion and we’ll
add your name...
DAN REDKEY
Arizona
GAYE & TONY OTTO
Dynamic Dezigns
WebXtra, Read Online, Download!
This Month’s WebXtra: Entrant Relations Tips, ten ideas to help handle differences of opinion;
Read online now or download the eLetter. See how to below.
The RPM eLetter, the RPM for the digital age, includes more
pages. Each month, Webxtra features stories, tips and pictures from
our archives and from promoters everywhere. The “Read Online”
link on the RPM website takes you to the login page. It’s easy and
it’s convenient. You can read or download the RPM eLetter,
including Webxtra pages, all by clicking the “Read Online” button.
4005. 13
Use this login and password to set up you online account: Login:
rpmeletter, Password: 2rEadRpm. If you prefer to download and
archive the newsletter use the Web address on top of page 2, or
click the “Download Latest Issue” link in the center column of the
RPM Website and use this password to access the download page.
The password is: 2dNloaDrpm.
Entrant Relations Tips
a
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TIPS ON ENTRANT RELATIONS, REPRINTED FROM
Because there is no employer-employee
2911 RPM, November 1999.
relationship, there can be an inability to control
circumstances, and a lack of loyalty or real interest in
Today's auto racing promoter is one of the last
the welfare of the track by entrants. Most drivers
independent entrepreneurs in American business. Most
probably 95% of them--competing at local tracks today,
promoters have hands-on control of their business:
race as a hobby, and depend on full-time jobs
they are property owners, employers, event planners,
elsewhere for their living. So, their loyalty to the track
accountants, advertising managers, restaurateurs,
and its people is less than that of the professional
carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians, heavy
sports competitor, who is under contract, and depends
equipment operators, sponsorship salesmen, rule
on his sport for a living. Because racing is just a hobby,
makers, arbiters, and more. But of all the jobs they
and they are in it for their personal pleasure and
undertake, none are more perplexing than that which
amusement, drivers find it difficult to relate to the
the success of their whole operation may depend:
presentation of races as a business, or accept the fact
getting along with those who race at their facilities.
that a successful racing presentation is necessarily a
In a business where reason tells us that successful compromise between ideal conditions for the drivers,
operation must be a partnership between promoters
such as straight-up starts, and conditions which insure
and racers, the history of continued agitating,
the return of the paying fan, like inverted starts.
misunderstanding, and lack of reasonable
The average entrant, while he may have a
communication at so many facilities seems to defy
considerable investment in his equipment, owns it, and
logic. The conflicts that persist today between entrants
can park it with no continuing loss, except the
and promoters have their roots in the 1930's, when a
intangible of his potential winnings. This independence
few fly-by-night 'promoters' barnstormed dates at rural
molds his attitude toward your track, and is one of the
horse tracks and disappeared without paying purses or
root causes of the “labor troubles" besetting many
the local bills. And even in today's computer-driven,
promoters. Another major cause of friction is the
buttoned-down, business of racing, the idea that the
totally out of control cost of racing. Most entrants are
promoter is cheating drivers and/or getting rich clings
maxed out, many deeply in debt to motor builders and
tenaciously among pit occupants.
chassis shops, and their frustrations are frequently
A full grandstand, though it may be the first in
directed at promoters. Many years ago in RPM, we
many weeks, fuels rumblings in the pits that the track is conducted a survey and asked promoters to tell us their
really raking it in tonight. Drivers and car owners who most serious entrant relations problems. Nearly 25% of
become promoters soon discover that the job requires respondents said a boycott, strike, or threat of strike.
more than the ability to count money, just as they find The next most mentioned problem was, interestingly,
that their former friends in the pits are now treating
finding competent officials, and other problems
them as though their pictures had appeared on a post included organizing by drivers, rules violations, car
office wall. As unreasonable as that attitude is, auto
spec problems, and troublemakers, or temperamental
racing remains totally unique among major sports,
drivers. Most respondents related many of these
because there is no employee-employer relationship
troubles to money. The cost of racing is no doubt well
between promoters and those who are the “players."
up on the list today.
No other sport exists with such precarious relations with
There are still no easy answers to improving
its participants. A baseball manager can tell a player
relations with entrants, but we would offer three useful
that either he improves his hustle, or he will wind up
first steps in dealing with entrant discontent: Try to
playing elsewhere. But, if you tell a driver that he has to
understand the racer's motivations, problems, and
paint his car, drive cleaner, and turn out for lineups
frustrations, and accept that they will frequently
faster, he either starts agitating in the pits, or tells you
challenge what you want to do. Establish firm, written
where to put your track so you can always find it--or he
rules-not just specs, but rules for the conduct of the
goes down the road to run for your competition.
racing and the conduct of the entrants. Be sure they
(See Relations, Next Page)
4005. 14
(Relations, From Previous Page)
delayed reaction may be. It increases your chance of
finding some common ground.
read and understand the rules, and ALWAYS enforce
the rules with absolute equality, despite who is
Explain your position and viewpoints as
involved. Tell them you will do this, then demonstrate it. thoroughly and clearly as possible.
Nothing causes more conflict at tracks than the
Avoid direct criticism, inferences and veiled
perception of favoritism. Improve communications with
threats. They cause people to jump to conclusions and
entrants. The greatest problem in communication is the
fail to listen to what else you have to say.
illusion it is being achieved.
Avoid snap judgments.
Study the following 'Ten Keys To Better Stress
Stress the positive.
Communications," and try to put them to work next time
you have a confrontational situation.
NEVER make promises you can't keep.
ra
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Control the environment in which debate will take
place. Shouting matches in the pits during a race never
resolve anything. Instead, meet with those involved in
your office after the races and tell them you will listen
to their views and resolve the problem. Or set up a
meeting during the week at a place away from the track.
Remember, however, that some communications
experts say you should avoid at all costs dealing with
discontent problems in meetings, because in such
settings, the problems of one will tend to become the
problems of all--it's called, "contagion of discontent.”
Finally here’s how one successful promoter
summed up entrant relations.
“Good relations with drivers and owners are a
must, the key to a good show, without which the whole
show suffers. I spent many sleepless nights before I
realized that entrants are vastly different people on the
track than they are on it. We had strikes, arguments
fights, and all the rest, but tried to analyze them and
profit from the experience. Money of course is
important to them, but the top flight drivers expect
more. They want to race under competitive, safe, and
Keep Your temper. If you lose control you greatly equal conditions. They will submit to strict rules as long
weaken your position.
as they are fairly enforced and show no arbitrariness.
Understand others’ viewpoints. Let them have their They may grumble and resist, but they will respect the
promoter that does it.
say, and listen attentively. Learn how the problem or
situation looks to the other side. You eliminate pressure
I don’t believe in the buddy-buddy approach to
by demonstrating an honest desire to see the situation entrant relations, but there should always be a line of
through their eyes. Take notes.
communication open where they know they can get a
fair hearing of a complaint. Despite any promoter’s
To help organize your thoughts, it can help to
restate to yourself what they said, “to be sure you have planning and safeguards, the fierce competitiveness in
driver’s means there can be no smooth sailing and
it right.”
troubles will arise. When they do promoters must meet
Try the delayed reaction technique rather than
them head-on in a straightforward manner and make a
immediately reacting in disagreement. Ask the
fair decision, then let the chips fall where they may.
spokesman to repeat his key points. frequently, it
The surest way to lose the respect of entrants is to be
doesn't come out the same way twice. The more radical
wishy-washy in your decisions.”
or outrageous the argument, the more useful the
4005. 15
Directory Of Services/Products
ATTRACTIONS
Designer and producer of brochures, posters,
promotional materials.
LEGENDARY ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTIONS
MOFFETT PRODUCTIONS
http://www.legendaryentertainment.net
http://www.moffett.com 800-HOTT ADS
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16140 Kuykendahl St., #126, Houston, TX 77068
Event services--fireworks, concerts, stages,
sound and lighting, national acts to local bands, Professional audio production. Radio spots, TV
ads, Tracks Trax race track audio CDs. Great
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creative, fast service, reasonable prices.
APPAREL
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UNLIMITED T-SHIRTS
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[email protected]
PO Box 715, Phoenix City, AL 36868 334-298-7204 All track signage. Any size wrap, banner, etc.
Direct flatbed and screen printing. Excellent
Your unlimited resource for screen printed and
graphic design available.
embroidered apparel, providing caps, T-shirts,
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AWARDS AND TROPHIES
and special events.
CLASSIC TROPHY CO.
ADVERTISING EDGE
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PO Box 5487, Ft. Wayne, IN 46895 260-483-1161
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Factory-direct wholesale motorsports awards.
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screen printing, direct to garment printing, full- Exclusive checkered pattern. Plaques and
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color sublimation, promo products.
SIMES GRAPHIC DESIGNS
MJB SCREENPRINT
http://www.simesgraphicdesigns.com
http://www.racecals.com 800-336-7601
414 Main St.. Mandan, ND 58554 888-457-4637
24215 SE Green Valley Rd., Auburn, WA 98092
Simes Graphic Designs is an art studio that
Makers of RaceCals--America’s favorite racing
services the short track racing community.
stickers. Custom printed decals and souvenirs.
Complete display packages for tracks. Hot sellers! Designer and producer of brochures, posters,
promotional materials.
RACE TRACK WHOLESALE
COMPUTER TIMING AND SCORING
http://racetrackwholesale.com 816-718-2231
817 Delaware, Independence, MO 64050
We offer racing t-shirts and souvenirs to the dirt AMB TIMING & SCORING
http://www.amb-it.com 877-4-AMB-it-US
track market. Over 30 designs available.
3200 Highlands Pkwy., Smyrna, GA 30082
Over 200 American oval tracks rely on AMB
ART, AUDIO, PRINTING
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AMI GRAPHICS
systems provide instant restart lineups after
http://www.ami-graphics.com 603-664-7174
cautions, live data to scoreboards, and each
PO Box 157, Center Strafford, NH 03815
racer’s results on your Website.
Wholesale direct track signage, billboards, vinyl
banners, mesh banners, rigid prints to coroplast, DAKTRONICS
http://www.daktronics.com 888-325-8766
dibond and aluminum.
331 32nd Ave., Brookings, SD 57006
BIGSIGNS.COM
Daktronics is a U.S. Manufacturer of scoreboards,
http://www.bigsigns.com 800-790-7611
message centers, and video displays for
22 S. Harbor Dr., Ste. 101, Grand Haven, MI 49401 motorsports venues large and small.
Gator Ad concrete and asphalt decals, concrete
wall decals, Dura-Mesh bleacher backs, Dura-Last MOTORSTATS.COM
http://www.motorstats.com 919-401-4940
billboard wraps, Dura-Mesh fence screen.
5010 Garrett Rd, #906, Durham, NC 27707
SIMES GRAPHIC DESIGNS
Automatically update race results, point
http://www.simesgraphicdesigns.com
standings and schedules on your website.
414 Main St., Mandan, ND 58554 888-457-4637 Horsepower from Motorstats.Com. Fast, easy, free.
Simes Graphic Designs is an art studio that
services the short track racing community.
The RPM E-Letter and Racing Promotion Monthly are digests of ideas
provided to the operators of auto racing facilities. Published material
is informational in nature and is adapted from many sources. The
editor, publisher, parent corporation, the publication's sponsors and all
their heirs and assigns, assume no responsibility for the practicality of
the ideas and information appearing herein. Persons using or adapting
ideas or procedures from the E-Letter and RPM do so of their own
freewill, and assume all risk for incidents which may occur because of,
or despite, the adaptation or use of such ideas and procedures.
Editorial content and views expressed are those of the editors, and do
not necessarily reflect opinions of the newsletter's sponsors.
EDITOR: Stewart Doty FOUNDER: Stew Reamer
PHONE 715-536-1067 FAX 715-536-3616
ADDRESS MAIL TO: PO Box 406, Merrill, WI 54452-0406
E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
Copyright 2010, RPM Services, Inc.
4005. 16
PROFESSIONAL MOTORSPORTS SOLUTIONS
www.professionalmotorsportssolutions.com
926 Haley Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081
704-644-0883. Transponder scoring, flags,
radios, graphics, blower, Raceceivers, race
officials. Manufacturers’ representative for tracks
and series.
RACECEIVER RACE MANAGEMENT
http://www.raceceiver.com
515 Main St., Gainesville, GA 30501 866-301-7223
Raceceiver race communications. Raceceiver
race management timing and scoring system.
SPEEDNET DIRECT
http://www.speednetdirect.com
PO Box 1441, Crystal River, FL 34423
866-2SPEED4 (277-3334). The leader in race
management software for tracks, series and
sanctioning bodies. Transponders systems that
will make your life easier.
TRACK SERVICES, INC. (TSI TIMERS)
[email protected] 859-887-3290
137 MacArthur Ct., Nicholasville, KY 40356
Timing, scoreboards and public address systems
for dragstrips and oval tracks. TSI RaceNet
System and Westhold Trans-ponder System.
Thirty years of satisfied customers.
CRATE ENGINES
FORD RACING
http://fordracingparts.com 313-845-1995
15021 Commerce Drive S, Dearborn, MI 48120
Ford racing engineers and sells racing
components and builds race engines for
sportsman race series.
GM PERFORMANCE PARTS
http:www.gmgoodwrench.com 810-606-3655
6200 Grand Pointe Dr., Grand Blanc, MI 48349
Circle track crate engines. Engine, chassis, and
other racing/high-performance accessories
available at your local GM dealer. For more
information contact Bill Martens.
FUEL, LUBE, ADDITIVES
BEARDEN OIL CO.
http://www.beardenoil.com
PO Box 1059, Eastman, GA 31023 800-342-5505
Serving the Southeastern U.S. racing industry
with quality racing fuels and traction compound
since 1981. Distributor of race fuels, STC Traction
Compound, methanol, jugs, pumps, and fuel
additives.
PRIVACY POLICY
RPM does not sell subscriber information. When promoters and other
readers provide RPM with their mailing address, telephone numbers,
cell phone numbers, or e-mail addresses, for any reason, they are used
only by RPM for communicating with subscribers. Data are not sold or
distributed to third parties. RPM does, however, provide exhibitors with
a list of mailing addresses and phone numbers for tracks registered for
the Workshops, a service offered as part of commercial registration for
more than 20 years.
ON THE WEB...
www.racingpromotionmonthly.com
www.twitter.com/RPMNewsletter
www.rpmpromotersworkshops.com
www.rpmfrnz.promotersnewsletter.com
LUCAS OIL PRODUCTS
http://www.lucasoil.com 800-342-2512
302 N. Sheridan St., Corona, CA 92880
Nationally known manufacturer and marketer of
lubricants and additives for fleets and
automobiles, owner of Lucas Oil I-10 and Lucas
Oil (MO) Speedways, and the Lucas Oil Late Model
Dirt Series
PJ1 PJH BRANDS
http://www.pj1.com 480-998-4838
8747 East Via de Commercio
Marketer of PJ1 performance automotive
chemicals and lubricants. Pj1 (VHT) TrackBite
race track traction compounds and associated
chemicals and lubricants.
SUNOCO RACING FUELS
http://www.racegas.com 800-722-3427
PO Box 1226, Linwood, PA 19061
The largest refiner of racing gasoline. National
distribution of quality brands. SUNOCO, Turbo
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VP RACING FUELS
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PO Box 47878, San Antonio, TX 78265
Racing fuels-leaded and unleaded gas,
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MOTORSPORTS INSURANCE ALLIANCE
http://www.motorsportsia.com SE: Sharon
Mastrianni, JD Specialty Ins. 800-314-8310;
E&W: Jim Bannon, Bannon Assoc, 800-949-1489;
MW: Steve Cannon, Cannon Ins., 800-711-9416;
SW: Marvin Loyd, Comm. Risk Grp, 918-317-3200
Full-coverage race track insurance, liability,
participant medical, participant legal liability and
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all states.
NAUGHTON INSURANCE, INC.
www.naughtoninsurance.com 401-433-4000
365 Wampanoag Trail, E. Providence, RI 02915
One of America’s largest and oldest insurance
specialists for the motorsports industry. We
provide service in all 50 states.
RAND SPORTS & ENT. INSURANCE
http://www.randse.com 888-815-8765
400 S. Atlantic, Ste. 101, Ormond Beach, FL 32176
Insurance and risk management for the
motorsports industry, including spectator
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coverages.
HOOSIER RACING TIRE
www.hoosiertire.com 574-784-3152
65465 US 31 South, Lakeville, IN 46536
Complete line of custom-manufactured spec
racing tires for oval tracks, drag racing and road
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RACE TIRES AMERICA
http://www.americanraceronline.com
1545 Washington St., Indiana, PA 15701
800-662-2168
RTA produces high-quality race tires at two
plants. Our backup supply is automatic.
TOWEL CITY RETREADING
http://www.towelcityracingtires.com
1601 N. Ridge Ave., Kannapolis, NC 28083
704-933-2143 Forty-six years experience
manufacturing economical, long-wearing
retreaded racing tires, 7 to 13” widths, dirt or
asphalt. Track tire plans available.
RADIOS/COMMUNICATIONS
LIGHTING SYSTEMS
AMERICAN ELECTRONICS, INC.
[email protected] 800-872-1373
MUSCO LIGHTING, INC.
PO Box 301, Greenwood, IN 46142
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Exclusive supplier of the Freedom two-way radio
100 First Avenue W., Oskaloosa, IA 52577
and the BOSS and EARS noise-cancelling
GAMING DESTINATIONS
Manufacturer of race track lighting systems for
headsets to America’s speedways and dragways.
short tracks, dragstrips and superspeedways.
ELDORADO HOTEL/CASINO
RACECEIVER RACE COMMUNICATIONS
Featuring the Light Structure Green System and http://www.raceceiver.com 866-301-7223
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Committed to protecting the interests of the
RH2 RADIOHEAD 2 WAY
NATIONAL SPEEDWAY DIRECTORY
racing industry for over 25 years. Call for a
877-357-7223
http://www.speedwaysonline.com 847-853-0294 http://www.rh2way.com
speedy quote today.
5500 North NC Hwy. 150, Lexington, NC 27295
909
Seneca
Rd,
Wilmette,
IL
60091
AMERICAN SPECIALTY INSURANCE
Two-way track and race control radios and
Leading directory of race tracks updated every
http://www.amerspec.com 260-672-8800
headsets. World’s largest Raceceiver distributor.
year. Over 1300 tracks listed with pertinent
142 North Main St., Roanoke, IN 46783
Custom sublimated officials uniforms, billboards,
American Specialty provides insurance and risk information on each. Great seller for souvenir
banners.
management services for motorsports, pro sports, stands. Over 20 years in the business.
RISK MANAGEMENT
amatuer sports and the entertainment industry. MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS
RAINPROTECTION.NET
TXTWIRE COMMUNICATIONS
JONES BROWN INSURANCE
http://www.rainprotection.net. 516-650-0600
http://www.txtwire.com 877-652-0030
http://www.jonesbrown.com 888-379-6821
39 Ryder Ave, Dix Hills, NY 11746
2265 East 25th St, Idaho Falls, ID 83404 Text
5B-100 United Dr., Versailles, KY 40383
Weather risk management. Design and purchase
“dan” to 29222 TXTwire’s innovative products
Racing insurance for the U.S. and Canada,
a contract that pays you any amount when
liability, participant accident, property coverage provide help you establish and maintain unique online
it rains. Use our product to get paid on rainy days
connections with drivers/fans through text
for facilities, events, motorcycle, monster truck
or use our product to offer rain insurance to your
messaging. SMS messaging for promotion and
and schools.
customers.
communication.
K&K INSURANCE GROUP
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
http://www.kandkinsurance.com 800-348-1839 RACING TIRES
1712 Magnavox Way, Ft. Wayne, IN 46804
TRAFFIX DEVICES
GOODYEAR TIRE
http://www.kandkcanada.com 800-753-2632
http://www.traffixdevices.com 949-361-9205
http://www.racegoodyear.com
K&K Insurance Group Canada, #101-5800
160 Avenida La Pata, San Clemente, CA 92673
1376 Techway Dr., Akron, OH 44309
Explorer Drive, Mississauga, ON, L4W 5K9,
Racing tires asphalt & dirt. East of the Mississippi: Water-filled linkable barriers, Yellow sand-filled
The industry’s largest provider of racing
cushions, orange channelizer drums,
insurance. More than 40 years of underwriting ST Racing Tires, West of the Mississippi: Penney crash
traffic cones, tubular delineators, safety vests.
and risk management experience. Motorsport’s Racing Supply, Canada: Competition Tire Canada.
U.S. orders: 561-333-0082.
most experienced in-house claims staff.
International service capability. Proud sponsors
of RPM and the RPM Promoters Workshops.
One of the highlights of the Workshops is the trade show. More than 50 suppliers exhibit products and services.
These companies support weekly track promoters, Racing Promotion Monthly and the RPM Promoters Workshops. This
directory is a one-stop shopping center. We encourage readers to turn to these companies first whenever they need
products or services. Review this listing today. Buy here. Buy now, before you look elsewhere.
4005. 17
First Class
Mail
US Postage
Paid
Oshkosh, WI
Permit No. 90
PO Box 406
Merrill, WI 54452-0406
First Class Mail
A Service to Promoters
Sponsored by...
SANCTIONING GROUPS
A member-driven promoters association and dirt
track sanction in the Upper Midwest featuring six
AMERICAN SPEED ASSOCIATION (ASA)
divisions of race cars: Late Models, Modifieds,
http://www.asa-racing.com 386-258-2221
Super Stocks, Midwest Modifieds, Street Stocks
457 S. Ridgewood, #101, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 and Mod Fours. As a member of WISSOTA, you
A leading sanctioning body for weekly tracks,
vote on policies and rules and help guide YOUR
national and regional series throughout the U.S. organization. New promoters and tracks
Over 40 years of comprehensive, flexible and
welcomed every year! Click on “Promoter Center”
professional sanctioning services.
at wissota.org
FASTRAK RACING
WORLD RACING GROUP/DIRTCAR
http://www.fastrakracing.com 678-935-7304
http://www.dirtmotorsports.com 704-795-7223
PO Box 590, Cartersville, GA 30521
7575B West Winds Blvd., Concord, NC 28027
Sanctioing body. Specialize in crate late models. Think DIRT. Thirty years history. $15 million in
Also sanctioning other classes.
purses and point funds. Eight series. 3000
events. 250 member tracks. 175 hours of national
IMCA-INTL. MOTOR CONTEST ASSOC.
broadcast coverage. One company, endless
http://www.imca.com 319-472-2201
opportunities.
PO Box 921, Vinton, IA 52349
Only sanctioning body with nationally recognized
SEATING/SUITES
and enforced rules for modifieds, stock cars,
hobby stock, Sport Mods and late models.
NUSSLI (US) LLC
http://www.nussli.com 317-610-3050
INEX
1410 Hancel Parkway, Mooresville, IN 46158
http://www.600racing.com 704-455-3906
NUSSLI is a leading supplier of temporary
5245 NC 49 South, Harrisburg, NC 28075
structures for events, trade fairs, and exhibitions.
Spec racing with INEX. Legends Cars,
The combination of long-standing expertise, inBandoleros, and Thunder Roadsters. Entry
classes that attract new participants. Strict rules depth know how and international network
enforcement alleviates rules problems. Complete ensures focused, cost-effective realization of
customer specifications. NUSSLI’s success is
car manufacturing, promotion and rules
driven by its reliability and commitment to excel.
enforcement.
NASCAR
SPONSORSHIP AND CONTINGENCIES
http://www.nascar.com 386-239-2600
CONTINGENCY CONNECTION
1801 W. Intl. Spwy Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL
http://www.contingencyconnection.com
Sanctioning the NASCAR Whelen All American
21585 Campground Rd. Bristol, VA 24202
Series and regional developmental series.
276-466-1001 Contingency Connection
WISSOTA PROMOTERS ASSOCIATION
guarantees a track $50,000 in contingencies.
http://www.wissota.org 320-275-9922
Weekly tracks connect with national
PO Box 297, Dassel, MN 55325
4005. 18
manufacturers offering bonus awards, making it
affordable for racers to run more often!
TICKETS, PASSES, WRISTBANDS
MEDTECH WRISTBANDS
http://www.medtechgroup.com 800-361-1259
7380 Sand Lake RD, Ste 500, Orlando, FL 32819
MedTech Wristbands is a world leading
manufacturer of stock and customizable tyvek,
plastic, vinyl, 3D-lenticular and Elegance. Uses:
identification purposes.
TICKETFORCE
http://www.ticketforce.com 480-726-3581
4858 Baseline Rd., Suite 103, Mesa, AZ 85206
Web-based ticketing systems offering race tracks
a scalable solution for online ticketing and box
office management. Experienced, trusted,
secure.
WELDON, WILLIAMS & LICK
http://www.wwlinc.com 800-242-4995
PO Box 168, Fort Smith, AR 72902
WW&L, Inc. specializes in roll tickets and fast
turnaround event tickets. We also sell the
automated KIS G2 (TM) Ticket System.
WEB DESIGN/HOSTING
FIRETHORN MARKETING
www.firethornmarketing.com 304-481-9807
3518 Firethorn Dr., Whitestown, IN 46075
Developer of custom e-mail marketing
campaigns and custom website design.
E-commerce specialists.