TheBigWheel
Member
I live in MO neighborhood 25 miles west of St. Louis, when at get-togethers, I discovered, 95 percent of the people did not know race tracks even existed around here. The only way to give them a clue is to say, do you recall seeing grandstands and track next to I-55 near Pevely? Oh, yes, what do they race there? Now most of the guys get a big woody over the Card’s, fair enough, but someone told me what he spent to see the Rams, I said you could see, more thrills 10 times over (10 nights of racing) for that amount of money. I am always coercing friends to join me for the races, I must admit that Saturday night is easier because of Friday work, kids, school games, etc. But when I take someone, even with the most casual interest, and especially the kids... their eye balls pop out of their heads the first time the late models blast around the track. Sometimes I have to apologize for the dust, but I always warn them, don’t wear good clothes and wear a hat. Now I will admit that I don’t have 100 percent return, and they may not return, but a few times a year. But, now at these parties I will hear them say, wow, I went the races at (fill in track here) that is the wildest thing I’ve ever watched. You should check it out sometime, we can go together.
Bickering about the rules, dice or no dice, $10 bucks to get in... that may help the core fan base but, it is not the golden bullet to bring in NEW fans.
Some ideas outside the box (or, track, as the case may be):
A track I raced at had a local live bands (usually western) play from 5 to 7pm. That got things jumping before the racing started. People would show up early to drink and listen to music. (If you get a band that has a following, new people in the stands.)
Publicity stunt, get permission to parade the race cars (with police escort) down (what ever is the “Main St.”) in Belleville. (Perhaps ending up at the track.) IF, contact with STL TV stations, that race cars are “taking to the streets” could get some air time. Works for Nascar in NY.
The vintage racing car show before the Poweri races was terrific. How about, more car shows, local Chevy club, Hot Rod club, Harleys, etc. After, a lot of these dudes will go to the races. In fact offer an discount ticket for bringing their cool car, bike, etc. as an incentive to stick around for the races.
How about at haft time, local high school marching bands, or battle of the bands. Think of the parents in the stands.
A chili cook off. (But no farting in the stands.)
Local Shriners, Church, Civic club, association etc. BBQ.
Any more ideas?
Bickering about the rules, dice or no dice, $10 bucks to get in... that may help the core fan base but, it is not the golden bullet to bring in NEW fans.
Some ideas outside the box (or, track, as the case may be):
A track I raced at had a local live bands (usually western) play from 5 to 7pm. That got things jumping before the racing started. People would show up early to drink and listen to music. (If you get a band that has a following, new people in the stands.)
Publicity stunt, get permission to parade the race cars (with police escort) down (what ever is the “Main St.”) in Belleville. (Perhaps ending up at the track.) IF, contact with STL TV stations, that race cars are “taking to the streets” could get some air time. Works for Nascar in NY.
The vintage racing car show before the Poweri races was terrific. How about, more car shows, local Chevy club, Hot Rod club, Harleys, etc. After, a lot of these dudes will go to the races. In fact offer an discount ticket for bringing their cool car, bike, etc. as an incentive to stick around for the races.
How about at haft time, local high school marching bands, or battle of the bands. Think of the parents in the stands.
A chili cook off. (But no farting in the stands.)
Local Shriners, Church, Civic club, association etc. BBQ.
Any more ideas?