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By Chris Biro
Editor-In-Chief |
Editors Rant
FRESH VERSUS STALE
April 2010
Much of this issue is dedicated to a single event--“The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia”, which was organized and promoted by two organizations that recently joined forces, ORTC (Outlaw Radial Tire Championship) and UORS (United Outlaw Racing Series).
Both should be commended for taking what could be considered a pretty big leap of faith, for sticking by what they promised and for making a great event for all who attended. We had a total of 7 RPM Team Members out in various capacities for this one event to ensure we covered all the bases and gave the racers and the event the coverage that they deserve.
Event re-caps are tough and very time sensitive, so over the past two years we have made a big decision in RPM, one we didn’t take lightly. Mostly due to the accelerating speed of “content to internet” along with the fact that there were just so many new media outlets covering what RPM does (but way slower!), we made the choice to back away from publishing regular event re-cap style articles and make the transition into more human interest and Team Feature stories. Always up for a challenge and ready to change with a changing industry, we decided to make our own leap. Let me say it has been welcomed well beyond our imagination. Hey, we figured that we
don’t want to read old articles or the same thing as on the web a million times over, so why should you! We’d rather keep on being the innovators, not imitators.
That is not to say that we never print event stories, but rather we try to keep it to single annual events, big shows or touch base with a series that is familiar to our readers after 3 or 4 events or at mid-season, this way RPM readers never get more of the same. We will also often attend events to focus on one or two of the outstanding competitors in the mix and at the same time provide event coverage within the piece, again keeping our content 100% original and a good fresh read for you.
We still follow our same rule regarding event stories and when they appear in RPM. I’ve said it many times before, RPM content is current not ancient! The criteria (unless there are special circumstances) is that if an event will be over 30 days old by the time it is being read in RPM it is getting close, if it is over 40 days it is usually too old to be printed here. In fact, most times, as with this event, we can get our exclusive RPM “Real Time” coverage out to readers within 14 to 25 days following an event!!
Like I said a few months back, we’ve seen a lot happen over the past 11 years in this business, and in the world. Many things have changed and many have come and gone. The most prolific change revolves around the internet, and how we use it. Think about it for a minute, this single tool has substantially changed the lives of probably 75% of the people in the developed world, if not more. At RPM we choose to change along with it and enjoy the benefit of the printed word no matter where it is published, and we hope you will too. But know that when you open up RPM you are reading the world’s original Real Time motorsports magazine.
Chris Biro, Editor In Chief
ORIGINAL
March 2010
In a world that constantly seems to be bombarding us with more of the same, done and overdone, knock-offs, sell-outs, cheap imitations, show me the money attitudes, copy this or that, if it works for them it will work better for us, etc etc etc, it is always a breath of fresh air to come across something or someone that is original, new, or maybe someone that has made a commitment and stood by it, no matter what. Let’s face it, TV these days is mostly anything but entertaining. What about “lifestyle” magazines and websites, wow, somebody stop the excitement! How about sporting events? Personally, I still enjoy them, mostly because it is real (aside from things like “professional Wrestling”... real? Yeah right!), and the outcome could be any one of a number of things. I need action or constant activity to stimulate. Sitting still or having my mind sitting still is not really an option. I’d rather be watching something exciting or be right in the middle of it, doing it myself. While we all like to be “in control” or “in the know”, there is a lot to be said for the unpredictable, you know, when anything can happen. I guess that is what first drew me in to the world of fast cars and Extreme styles of Drag Racing. There is just something about it, I mean you can’t predict what will happen next and the energy is second to none in my books.
With my Rant of last issue stepping away from the norm I wanted to get back on track. Usually in that first issue of the year I talk to the many new readers we Original have welcomed during the holiday season along with the various shows we attend. So this is for them... a little outline of what to expect from RPM.
I guess what this all boils down to is that we at RPM made a commitment to our readers, advertisers and supporters many years ago (11 years now). It was a commitment to first be original, which brought the world the first ever “Real Time Magazine” for motorsports. Meaning we get you the information while it is current not ancient. Next, we wanted to bring this industry a magazine that was user friendly, did not attempt to be arrogant in content or style of writing, but rather offered you a performance and racing enthusiast publication that revolved around the majority of interested people, and make that magazine attainable to them all. In other words, the pages of RPM would never be reserved only for the elite of the industry, the wealthy or the same names every month, but instead be a world class publication where people literally around the world (20 countries now) could read about the grassroots of the performance and racing industry right along with the top-shelf of it!
We take every possible step to make sure that our content is 100% exclusive, meaning not a copy or re-arrangement of an internet article. No story is ever posted online until well after the magazine is officially in the hands of subscribers and released on newsstands. For specific motorsports events, while we cannot change the general content of an event itself, we always put the RPM writer’s personality and special images into every story, creating an exclusive piece made just for RPM, and ultimately for you.
So I guess the best way to put it is, RPM was and is original! RPM Magazine...
Often Imitated, NEVER Duplicated!
Chris Biro, Editor In Chief
CONGRATULATIONS!
January/February 2010
To start the new year, instead of talking cars and sports, I wanted to share a story sent in by a reader. I’m sure we have all seen it in some form on the internet, but it is one that makes you think of getting back to basics, the “grassroots” approach if you will. Just to be clear, I am all for progress, however some things just make more sense the way we
used to do them rather than the way that time, for whatever reasons, has changed them. Congratulations!
CONGRATULATIONS to all those born in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s! First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us and lived in houses made of asbestos. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese,
raw egg products, loads of bacon and processed meat and tuna from a can. Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention the risks we took hitchhiking! We would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags, and riding in the back of a pick-up on a warm day was always a special treat, not a crime.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. Take-out food was limited to fish and chips and maybe a pizza. You didn’t line up at the drive-thru for your morning coffee but got up earlier and made it yourself. Even though all the stores closed at 6:00pm and didn’t open on weekends, somehow we didn’t starve to death! We shared one soft drink with four friends from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this. We could collect bottles and cash them in at the corner store and buy a whole bag of penny candy, sports cards, bubble gum and some fire crackers.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soft drinks with sugar in them, but we weren’t overweight because... WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING! We’d leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us, yet we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. We’d hop-up our bikes with banana seats and long forks and didn’t need some loudmouth on TV’s reality show of the month to tell us how to do it. We built tree houses and played in river beds with Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars. We did not have any video games at all, no 200 channels on satellite TV, no DVD movies, no surround sound, no mobile phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet message boards, and NO TEXTING... WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them! We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits.
We were given pellet guns, jack knives and slingshots for our 10th birthdays!! We played with toy guns that looked like real guns, because it was cool! Christmas was Christmas not Xmas, no really! We rode bikes or walked to a friend’s house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled out for them!
Mom didn’t have to go to work to help dad make ends meet! Only if she wanted to. Football, baseball and hockey had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn’t had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that! Getting onto the team was based on MERIT, and not due to blackmail, threats or guilt... There were no Hockey or Soccer Moms and Dads who cared more about their kids becoming the next million dollar star over just letting them play and have fun, strange but true!
We did not talk back or we’d get spanked. Our teachers used to belt us with big sticks and leather straps and bully’s always ruled the playground at school. The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law! This generation has produced some of the best risktakers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 70 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL! And YOU are one of them! CONGRATULATIONS! You were allowed to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated our lives for our own good. You may want to let your kids read this so they will know how brave their parents were.
Have A great 2010!
Chris Biro, Editor In Chief
Thank You for 10 Years Of RPM!
December 2009
With our last issue of RPM each year there are a number of duties that I have to cover, however first I wanted to talk about the last 10 years. It has been our pleasure to bring the racing and performance industry RPM Magazine for 10
years. When we first started out things were quite different. For starters, ALL photos were on 35mm film, so there was a lot of scanning involved in every issue. Another item that stands out in my mind was selecting our first computer
systems, and how far technology has come since then. The print industry was dominated by Mac at the time but most large printers worked from both PC and Mac. At the time we chose PC for cost savings alone... oh have times changed. But even now, contrary to the popular “I’m a PC and I’m a MAC” TV commercials, having a well built, name brand and well supported PC is actually outstanding! Our systems do not have any of those glitches or crashes exaggerated on those commercials, but (and there is always a but), our very first system was as generic as they come and boy did it have issues. What now takes our current systems about 20 seconds to process took our very first computers about 50 minutes to process. Needless to say, lesson learned and from then on we made sure to build our systems with only name brand components.
At the very start we also planned on being a bi-monthly magazine, however response was so positive that we immediately went monthly. 10 years, tens of thousands of readers, 20 countries, a full color full gloss format, a lot of blood, sweat and tears later we are still here, and because of all of you, still going strong and staying true to our original philosophy- to serve the perfomance and racing industry at all levels, from the grassroots to top shelf. To not fall prey to becoming mainstream and not become tied to any single large organization. To provide advertisers with value for their dollar instead of talk. To focus on you, the racer and performance enthusiast as opposed to ourselves, and to make RPM YOUR performance and racing magazine... and it is! Thank you!
Now onto official last issue of the year business. Please remember that RPM prints 11 issues per year. There is a combined January/February issue that is released mid January. Yes, you will be without your RPM for about 2 extra
weeks and in need of a fix, but it will be that much better when that first 2010 issue shows up on your doorstep. RPM is a family company, and after a very fast paced year in motorsports, providing our team with the extra week to enjoy
time with our own families is a welcomed, albeit short break. Plus, the reality is that during the last 2 weeks of December not much really happens in the performance and racing world. You will find that many magazines print outdated items or label their January issue something like, “2009... A Look Back”, and simply re-print material from the past year, just to get that extra issue in. So hang in there!
Whether you’re just joining us now or been with us for many years, thank you all once again for being part of RPM. We wish you the very best for the holidays and upcoming season, stay safe and keep the shiny side up! See you in 2010!
RPM Magazine IS the original... OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED! We serve it up the way you want it, No Politics, Just Action!
2009...Where Did it Go?
November 2009
Maybe not so much of Rant this month as it is a fireside chat. Here we are not even completed this November
issue and we were sitting here talking about next month’s magazine, December 2009, and the incredible
package that it will be given the fact that some of the season’s biggest and baddest events happen at the
end of the year. With the Orlando World Street Nationals, Shakedown At E-Town, ADRL Finals, OSCA Finals, Quick 8 Outlaw Season Finals and more Fast Car Features coming, we enjoy creating it as much as you enjoy getting and reading it! Generally this is the time in motorsports where all the stops come out and records are set and re-set.
From a racer’s standpoint, what better time to push your equipment to the limits. Afterall, you’re done for the year and have at least a few months to repair and upgrade to the latest and greatest parts to hit the shelves.
Publishing these last two issues of the year also means that “show season” is fast approaching. RPM Magazine will be present at the usual car shows and industry trade shows in USA and Canada, the largest and most anticipated
of those for the hardcore racer or performance and motorsports enthusiast being the Performance Racing Industry trade show (PRI), December 10-12, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. RPM has been part of this show for 9 years now and we maintain our same booth in the front room at the Orlando Convention Center, Booth #5717.
Many of the RPM staff will be available at the booth over the course of the weekend to answer any questions you may have. We welcome you to stop by, chat and pick-up FREE issues of your favorite magazine. We will have several thousand on-hand and also have subscriptions available on-site for a special show rate. Also, as an added bonus, Mark and Joanne Walter of DragStory.com will have some real estate at the booth to let you in on what they have in store for 2010 and beyond. We also have special magazine packages available for Performance Shops/Speed Shops, Industry Manufacturers and other industry related businesses. This is your chance to test the waters by having RPM Magazine on your counter without spending a dime! Simply provide someone at the RPM booth of any show, (BOOTH #5717 at the PRI Show), with your business card and we’ll set you up with magazines to take back to the shop.
Remember, RPM is not just for racers! We have thousands of readers around the world who just love fast cars. Whether it be racecars, street machines, musclecars or hot rods... if it’s extreme, chances are RPM covers it. We’d like to welcome all of our new readers and remind you, if you have or know of a ride that you think should be in RPM, drop me a line at editor@rpm-mag.com, we’d love to hear from you.
Become a "Good Investment"
October 2009
Without funding, participating in any sport can be a challenge, not to mention being competitive within it. In motorsports, at virtually all levels, funding and support is essential for most teams, even before they hit the track. A chassis, engine,
driveline, safety equipment and even supporting equipment such as a tow rig and trailer, all cost money, and depending what level you choose to participate at and how competitive you will be actually be, you may be in for a bit of surprise as you add up the bills!
What about putting on an event or series? In today's world of greater demands on promoters such as developing an exciting show, posting higher payouts etc, not having a successful marketing program would make it virtually impossible to do. First, develop a plan of action and a timeline along with budget. At our sales and marketing seminars, when it comes to seeking marketing partners or sponsors, we have always shown people how to answer the basic questions first. When developing a marketing proposal or team outline you need to address “who, what, when, where, why and how”, before you even consider approaching anyone for support.
Demographics, Value Added, Return on Investment, Brand Exposure, Brand Awareness, these are all key elements that any company must see before they even consider investing in your program. Whether you are a competitor seeking support for your team or a promoter seeking support for your event, you have to standout from the crowd, present a professional and clear package of features and benefits, and above all, do what you say!
As a magazine we are approached often for support. As a niche market publication we usually prefer to
invest in a series or event as that way our support benefits many competitors as opposed to one. We can also invest media support into an event, the impact of which is quite large, particularly for newer organizations.
But what about an oil, cell phone or detergent company? To them, as they are a mass market product, it may be best to support individual competitors and events in order to develop a more diverse method of getting the word out. But when they do put their trust in you, you can bet they want value for their money. The marketing that you do for them must be “always on”. You are basically an arm of their marketing team, so 24/7, 365 you need to represent them well.
I can’t tell you how many times we have been promised something and it just does not happen. Would you re-invest in that same organization the following year, of course not.
This particular industry is relatively small so word travels fast. The bottom line is that if you are going to simply take the support of a sponsor and not provide the promised package of goods and services you probably won’t be on the list for next year. On the other hand, if you simply do what you say chances are your support will grow as word gets out that you are a good investment.
It's The Rules!
September 2009
This month I wanted to touch on rules within a sport. Yes, over the past number of years we have dipped into this topic on many occasions, but it can never hurt to re-visit something that can change so often and is so critical to the survival and growth of any sport.
Generally, rules are developed by a combination of things; a board of directors perhaps, or simply a group of individuals with a vested interest in a sport.
Many times you will also have a person or group that represents the sport itself, such as the owners, players or drivers association. And in many sports manufacturers have some great input for determining rules. In motorsports the manufacturers base many of their decisions regarding product research and development on rules. Yet some indviduals, particularly since the dawn of the “web”, seem so intent on complaining about every rule that doesn’t go just their way.
For a sport to be taken seriously it must have rules. Rules that reflect the needs and wants of the majority within those groups noted above, all those groups. Rules can differ slightly or greatly between specific organizations within a
sport, however it is probably in the best interest of that sport to have a somewhat common set of rules for similar classes across the board.
Are rules meant to be changed? Do we all have the freedom to voice our opinion about rules? You betcha, however the rules should represent the natural progression of the sport and not the whims and wants of the few with the loudest cry. When rules change too drastically they often exclude the majority rather than include them, and that is your first sign of collapse. Someone once said to me, “as racers, when it comes to rules, we often cannot see past our own hoodscoops”. Look closely and you will find that the majority of top competitors in any sport are the ones who read and know the rules, come to the game in-sync with those rules and are hesitant to have or complain towards getting rules that could be considered as favoring them. Afterall, which is a more satisfactory way to take a win, when it is handed to you or when it is earned? In drag racing there used to be the old sayings, ‘Just Bring It’ or ‘Put Up Or Shut Up’.
Do we learn anything from history? Well history in motorsports proves time and time again that continual changes of rules usually leads to disaster within a class of racing. This is true even within the once thought to be invincible larger bodies in motorsports. Following the failure of one is usually when someone steps up and says, “let’s start over and focus on the grassroots of the sport”. Unfortunately, all to often it too can become watered down with a progression that is focused less on the needs of the majority within the organization or group and more on the wants of a select few.
Just flip to page 15 and read the event ad, I think my point is clear. Make a commitment to be a positive part of your sport, compete don’t complain, be the winner not the whiner, chances are you’ll go a lot further! ...and in drag racing, Just Bring It!
A Tough Reality
May 2009
One of the toughest realities to accept and face is our own mortality. With heavy hearts we have recently had to say goodbye to a close friend of RPM and us personally, Bob Preston. Bob was an adventurous individual who loved racing of all kinds and even piloted his own street machine to many stout low 9-second quarter mile passes taking some wins along the way but also taking the Championship of the first ever “Plate Nitrous Street” class contested at the 2004 CFSC Shootout.
Enjoy a joke, whether on the giving or receiving end Bob was always “in” and was never afraid to hop in the rigs and indulge in a road trip, as long as it meant some racing with friends, some drinks and of course some incredibly fat steaks, or whatever fine dining experience my brother Tim (The Chef) was cooking up for that particular adventure. Loud, proud, and not scared to tell you what he thought of a particular situation-- you’d never have to guess what was hidden behind Bobby’s words because he spoke it the way it was, no BS. But he did it with tact.
A successful businessman, husband, father, grandfather and just a blast to hang out with, Bob will be missed. He fought a 3 year battle and put up one high powered fight, the whole time enjoying life and new adventures to the very fullest with his family and friends.
An eye-opener is probably the best way to describe just one of the feelings inside when one of your own bunch passes on. Maybe a hint that none of us are immortal so spend our time here well. I personally believe that what we do while we are here has a lot to do with what we do after... God Speed Bobby... lots of speed! You will be missed...
Too Far Gone?
April 2009
One of the classes that has evolved within the sport of drag racing and was birthed more from the ”street car” area of the sport is a class called “10.5” or “Outlaw 10.5”. Preceded by Super Street, and a whole bunch more “street car” oriented classes, the 10.5 classes took the popular 10.5-inch tire, which is thought to be an equalizer or performance limiting factor, along with various body and chassis limitations (rules) and said, “OK, let’s bring the bad boys of the bunch together, ‘OUTLAWS’, throw them into the ring and let them go at it”. And for years, go at it they did. Then, as most things, more people got involved, which brings with it “egos and attitudes” (there’s just no denying or getting away from that one), more money got involved, both in purses and in the cars themselves and suddenly these cars were heavily modified everything, including the body and chassis. Equally as sudden, the tow rigs got larger, the cars more pretty and polished, and before long illegal cars started to be accepted as “OK”, or rules were adjusted for this or that one to run. And remember that 10.5 tire? Well it was no longer the “limiter” that it once was thought to be and somewhere along the lines it turned into something called a 10.5W. Evolving into something more professional is a good thing but Outlaw 10.5 appears to evolving itself right out the door and all while finally getting a ton of recognition in all the magazines both print and online, not to mention some serious TV time as well. Is it only the wealthy that can compete? Are the days gone when “Joe Average” racer with minimal backing, a solid engine and chassis combo can come in and win? Maybe the odd event but more than that seems almost an impossibility. So where does this all leave Outlaw 10.5?
Patrick Budd discussed it in last months issue in his “A World Of Change” piece and really just touched on some of the realities, (not the least of which are the technological advances within the sport that ironically were actually created by this specific area of it), that have caused substantial changes throughout most classes within this area of the sport.
The buzz on the street these days is that, much like many classes of racing before it, this class is imploding within itself, seeming to be dominated by big money teams in a class that was once thought to be the one truly designed for grassroots racers.
Is it a natural progression, a way of things working through to an anticipated conclusion based on history? Or is it something that was or is controllable? Can a handle be gained on the class and a re-birth or re-structure of sorts experienced?
I am surely not the judge and jury that’s for sure and in fact one of our own, Karen Bryant, is working with a prominent race series to try to find a solution, but the questions on the minds of so many right now is, is Outlaw 10.5 too far gone?
"It's About Attitude not Altitude"
February 2009
Somewhere, sometime many of us have had something like this happen. Maybe not in this sport, but possibly another. A time where a popular competitor had their head so far up in the clouds, or elsewhere, about themselves ("Altitude"), that they forgot about the fans that helped get them their.
As we have said in the past, this sport of Fast Doorslammer Drag Racing (including Outlaw, Musclecar, Street Legal, Pro Mod, Top Sportsman, Index, etc.) is fast becoming more "Professional"-- interest in it is growing, more cars are coming into the mix and the level of performance growth is astounding. But even more important (to the future of the sport) is that the mainstream public or "would be" fan of a few years back is taking an avid interest in you and your racecars! Which spawns many things including the ability of race teams to secure sponsorship that just those same few years back may not have been availbale to them. Think about it for a second, a more diverse audience means a more diverse market to buy a company’s products. So what does all this mean and how does it tie into my title?
A young fan who pretty much made a hero of a prominent driver within this sport was treated with less then the due respect upon a visit to this racer’s pit area. It did not seem like an inopportune time and there was no apparent bad situation going down at the time of this young lads visit. Was it something else unknown to the fan, or maybe he was wearing a competitors shirt or hat that rubbed this racer the wrong way, I sure hope not. But in any event we as racers that hold the door to our "locker room" open (our racer pits), must be held to a new level of responsibility towards our fans. It may not have been intentional or even realized by the racer, but nonetheless it happened, and it really shouldn’t have.
About 12 years I was at a Professional Golf Tournament, yes golf (I was a guest of business associates). The well known golfer’s anger and outright inappropriate behavoir was not directed at me but rather some elderly people that wanted his autograph on a photo. He proceeded to raise his voice saying "no way, I know you just want my autograph so you can sell that on the internet", and he continued making a complete ass of himself. In sharp contrast, later that day I ducked under the security tape to approach a legendary golf icon. I had a hat for my aging grandfather in hand and wanted an autograph for him on it. Security moved in on me as soon as I crossed the line, but this golfer said "no guys wait a minutes, it’s OK, what can I do for you...", and he proceeded to sign the hat, no questions asked!
It really is about having the right attitude... In this sport famous Pro Mod driver Johnny Rocca always come to mind. Did he win every event? Was he the man with all the "attitude" in front of his fans? No. But he had a persona and a friendly inviting way of dealing with all of his fans that you made you just, well, like him!
So a word to the wise enough to use it. We all need to be careful, if you don’t have time for your fans, they may not have time for you anymore. Remember the saying, "word of mouth is the best advertising", well that works in reverse too!
Welcome to the “new” RPM Magazine... 10 Years Strong!
January 2009
First things first. We, (myself and the entire RPM Magazine Team), would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to the “new” RPM Magazine. I refer to it as “new” as
RPM is now a full gloss publication dedicated to the racing and performance automobile industry, but in particular to the EXTREME part of it; Heads-Up, Fast Doorslammer and Outlaw Drag Racing, the people who do it and their weapons of choice. In 2009 RPM turns ten, and starting with this new gloss format and an incredible new website (www.rpm-mag.com), we have many surprises in store for you. You will often see and hear the phrase “ten years strong!” throughout 2009 as we are proud to have been serving this industry for the past ten years, and look forward to the next ten. For those new to RPM, a short introduction is a good idea. With no affiliation to a particular organization or sanctioning body RPM brings a non-biased look at this extreme sport and those who compete within it. While often imitated but never duplicated, RPM magazine is best described as being a grassroots publication with No Politics, No Strings, Just Action! Through extensive and diverse experience within motorsports our team offers the mainstream performance enthusiast, racer and even fans a professional well-rounded international form of media to host their race teams, abilities and achievements. And for the advertisers and supporters of RPM, a mode of advertising that is direct to-customer.
To those who have been with RPM for a while, you may notice the new picture of yours truly in this section. Why? I thought I’d better update the shot due to age! Really though we just wanted to show the Editor with his many hats on, and that unlike others, your Editor is one who gets in there and enjoys motorsports just like many of you. As a past racer, a former performance parts and service outlet owner, a fan, an event announcer, photojournalist and Editor of RPM, I really do get into what we do here and feel strongly that anything less would be an injustice to you. We hope you enjoy the new RPM!
RPM IS TURNING 10!
December 2008
Just as I have been doing for the past nine years, my traditional "end of the season" Editor’s Notes seems to fit perfect right here. It just doesn’t seem like another year has raced by. Wait a minute, that must mean that RPM Magazine will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary soon! Yes, that’s right RPM is turning 10 in 2009 and we have a whole lineup of HUGE announcements to make to go along with the celebration, but we’ll have to let them be until our first issue of 2009. Which leads me right into those "End Of Season" duties.
First, "show season" is fast approaching. RPM will be present at the usual car shows and industry trade shows in USA and Canada, the largest and most anticipated of those for the hardcore racer and motorsports enthusiast being the Performance Racing Industry show (PRI), December 11-13, 2008 in Orlando, Florida. RPM has been part of this show for 8 years now and we maintain our same booth in the front room at the Florida venue, Booth #5750
We welcome you to stop by, chat and pick-up FREE issues of your favorite magazine. We will have several thousand on-hand just for YOU and we will also have subscriptions available on-site for a special show rate of $25/year.
We have special packages available for Performance Shops/Speed Shops, Industry Manufacturers and other industry related businesses as well. This is your chance to test the waters by having RPM Magazine on your counter without spending a dime! We guarantee that RPM will not last long on your shelves... and you’d better chain your personal copy to the counter!
Simply provide someone at the RPM booth of any show, (BOOTH #5750 at the PRI Show), with your business card and we’ll set you up with a bundle of magazines to take home. Like I said, watch them close though, they tend to grow legs!
Next, please remember that RPM prints 11 issues per year. There will be no January issue but rather a slightly early February issue. Yes, you will be without your RPM for about 2 extra weeks and in need of a fix, but don’t worry it will be that much better when that first 2009 issue shows up on your doorstep.
RPM is a family company, and many of the RPM Team Members also have families, so with the very fast pace of the motorsports publication industry taking the extra week to enjoy time with our own families is a welcomed, all be it short break. Plus, the reality is that during the last two weeks of December and first two weeks of January not much really happens in the sport and you will find that many magazines will print old items or simply re-print material to get that extra issue in.
RPM Magazine, now read in 17 countries, has become the largest and most widely read magazine for Outlaw, Musclecar, Street Style and all forms of Fast Doorslammer Drag Racing in the world today. 10 years of car crazy action, and it is you, the racers, readers and advertisers that share the RPM vision and enthusiasm that have made this possible. We are the world’s original real-time magazine for this sport bringing you articles and coverage that are current not ancient!
Going into our 10th Anniversary year we would like to remind you of one thing; RPM Magazine... OFTEN IMITATED, NEVER DUPLICATED! We serve it up the way you want it, No Politics, No Strings, Just Action!
Thank you all once again for being part of RPM Magazine. We wish you the very best for the holidays and the upcoming 2009 race season, stay safe and keep the shiny side up! See you in ‘09!
RPM Magazine... 10 Years Strong!
You Can Count On Us!
November 2008
I was having a familiar conversation with a prominent person within the motorsports industry recently, one that often comes up when I am discussing the effects of the internet on printed media. The key element that this conversation had in common with many others was the concern of reading the same information in a magazine that was posted on a dozen internet sites 30 days earlier. It seems that instead of going out and getting exclusive content some will simply cut, paste and re-arrange the words from internet stories, add a few extra photos and call it their own. I explained that this is the easy way out as it offers an attractive and cost effective option. One we just don’t practice.
Approaching our 10th year publishing RPM we have seen a lot happen. Many things have changed and many have come and gone. The most prolific change revolves around the internet, and how we use it. Think about it for a minute, this single tool has substantially changed the lives of probably 70% of the people in the developed world.
I explained our commitment to RPM readers which is something we do here every year right about this time as the outdoor event season is winding down and indoor show season is gearing up.
RPM Magazine is the worlds original and only "Real Time" publication for this sport, meaning we get you the information while it is current not ancient. Also, we take every possible step to make sure that our content is 100% exclusive, meaning not a copy or re-arrangement of an internet article. We ask all of our journalists to do the same and also that no story be posted online until after the magazine is officially in the hands of subscribers and released on newsstands. Of course, with regards to race events, we cannot change the general content of the event itself but we always put the RPM writer’s personality and special images into every story, creating an exclusive piece made just for RPM, and ultimately for you. For series events we have always asked that duplicates of web stories not be submitted by promoters. Rather, we ask that a unique take on the event be created for RPM as it would have a far better chance of being published. In fact, over the years we have had to choose not to publish the occasional event story because it was far too similar to their own web published pieces, ones which have already been published on websites, boards or blogs. This is unfortunate but the fact is that RPM is created for the readers, advertisers and supporters of this industry so what good is it to provide them with exact duplicate stories, we’d rather do them all justice, especially the competitors, and be unique in content. This is not to say that we don’t occasionally publish a press release sent to us via the internet, because we do, but we are quite selective.
Our Team Features however are 100% exclusive to RPM Magazine and the credit for the exceptional work on accomplishing this must go to our worldwide team of writers and photographers for a job well done! These are the people who are there week after week trying to find the stars of the sport, the unsung heroes, those who make a difference, and often those who do not get the press that they deserve. As I have said many times in the past, getting your foot in the media door is tough, but once you’re in it is usually easier to stay in. In other words, once you get some press, it will lead to more.
Going into 2009 we’ll continue to bring this industry the highest level of content and also introduce some special programs and surprises for the dedicated readers, advertisers and valued supporters of RPM Magazine. As it says in the paragraph on page 4 introducing our index; RPM Magazine, "Often Imitated But Never Duplicated"... and we like it that way!
Tough Times Call For...
October 2008
As I sit here and contemplate this months Editor’s Notes I have to think about the many comments made to me over the past number of months. First, regarding the weather this season and its impact on this sport across-the-board, and second the economy and how fuel prices and such can hurt ones ability to travel. Personally I, as I’m sure many of you are, am a "glass half full" guy and like to look at a way to overcome rather than to be overcome. To me, and our team here at RPM, tough times call for tough action!
So this month we’ll talk, or I guess I’ll talk, a little about what my thoughts are regarding this year to date, both in and outside of this industry.
Without getting too political, I want to start with economics. What is it? "A social science concerned chiefly with description and analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services". As a subject in college I took it and learned a wealth of information that helps in everyday life, and in business. Taking all the "techno economic" talk out of it the first very basic thing I took away from the course was that the oil companies control the world, well sort of anyways. Everything goes in cycles, so you know when you have a solid stint of good times, less fortunate times are sure to follow. When fuel prices go up quickly, food and the necessities of life will soon follow and that will strain the economy, but more importantly the average folks like you and I who really make up the economy. Sound familiar?
Yes, there are facts that we as individuals cannot change now that the damage is done, and things will be slower to improve no doubt. However we can act to make at least this industry and sport continue as an exciting and productive environment, helping to ensure it’s future existence and growth. And collectively the sky is the limit to what we can accomplish!
In my opinion, we have a serious problem that we first need to address. One that can be so good, and yet so bad. That problem is television! In particular the mainstream so called "News Media". It seems that they can tell the average consumer anything and many will take it as being fact. The problem is that when things get a little difficult in the world this particular area of the media steps in with all of their self proclaimed wisdom and often cry wolf, sending the masses scrambling to prepare for the worst. That mainstream media, mostly the two biggest so called "news" organizations on TV at the present time, are quick to advise us in what we need to do and just as quick to use their questionable "star power" to throw anything or anyone under the bus. They reek with arrogance and condescend to those who challenge their views. They have enormous power and resources to help state their point, however remember one thing, that does not make them right or "righteous" in everything they do. Many times their "take" on a situation will drive people into panic and actually hurt that situation turning it from bad to worse in a matter of an hour! In your endeavours both inside and out of this industry remember one thing, we are all the authors of our own fortune, or misfortune, but we each need to decide which one that it will be.
My point? We need to process ALL of the information that we are given, qualify it, and take the appropriate action based on what we determine or can prove as being the facts, not speculation, not the questionable efforts of select media. So in other words, just because someone tells you things are bad in the economy and getting worse, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are and will for you. But if we hear it enough and are convinced (the key word being "con"), chances are it will start to rub off on us. Trying to make the best of a poor situation is tough enough without negative influence from every which way we turn. One thing is, we are all in this together, and together we can overcome any challenge.
We’ll have to leave off there as my space is used up this month, but we’ll talk about this whole weather phenomenon next time...
Don’t believe everything you read
September 2008
What a title to have in a magazine; “Don’t believe everything you read”, what the heck? After all you
are reading this.
Like any type of media we are only as good as our research. Here at RPM, just like many other media
organizations, we try to complete our due diligence as best as possible and often have “fact checkers”
work on stories in question. Many times there have been mega-scoops that we have been just dying to
let out. Especially with the internet message board talk, which all too often is someone’s personal thoughts and views, they just don’t tell you that. That’s how rumors get started though and we certainly don’t want to print rumors, at least not without verification, which would then qualify them as a story, article or press release. We’ve had to literally stop the presses once or twice to stop some misinformation from going out. Other times it just gets by us, no matter how hard we work to stop it. What is the best way to confirm information? Go straight to the source whenever possible. Remember the game we all played in school where you tell the person beside you a secret and then it is passed on throughout the classroom. Then, by the time it comes around to the teacher it is a totally different story! Well guess what, things haven’t changed that much. We are just dealing on a “high speed, world wide web” scale now. So next time you read a magazine story or internet post be sure to look at where it is coming from. Sometimes people think that if they mega-post on internet boards and hold themselves out as being an “expert” on everything from soup to nuts it makes them some sort of god or guru. I guess the saying that “it takes all kinds” rings true yet again. Some of these people and media outlets just live to print dirt, and I guess when it all boils down to it, if it is false information that is really all it is, dirt, therefore they have accomplished what they set out to do.
Our feature article this issue is one that will surely get the interest of many, and even ruffle the feathers of a few. What it said to me after I had my first read of it shortly after Senior Drag Race Editor Ian Rae sent it through, was that it is important to get the facts straight, or at least as straight as possible. Do your due diligence!
Particularly when a journalist is writing about the life or experiences of a pretty well known person within the sport. There is a lot to be said for due diligence; in this business it would equate to taking it upon oneself to do the required research to ensure that what you are publishing is correct. Or in dictionary terms: The care that a reasonable person exercises under the circumstances to avoid harm to other persons or their property 2:
research and analysis...
Ian Rae, not one to hold his true feeling on a situation in, will be submitting several more somewhat controversial pieces over the coming months, and I am sure you will all find them quite enjoyable. Ian loves to bust, no wait, Ian loves to “EXPLODE” Myths!
The “rumor mill”... We may think it used to move quickly, but in our Internet age it moves at the speed of light! So be careful, don’t believe everything you read!
I wanted to also touch briefly on this special issue of RPM, which is a Souvenir Edition for the Extreme Drag Race Shootout. RPM supports many racers, organizations and events worldwide in an effort to bring its readers very diverse event coverage and articles. We try to always keep our focus on doing what we promised to do 9 years ago; giving coverage to those who need and deserve it most. Those who are the backbone of this sport; the competitors who bust their backs week in week out to produce the action that we love to see and read about. The grassroots of the sport, the masses of diehard competitors in the world of fast doorslammer drag racing. And we do it at an international level. We feel that the Extreme event has captured this spirit with its unique approach to the sport. Hopefully we have helped with this issue of RPM by dedicating much of it to giving that backbone of the sport the continuing cover-age it deserves. We hope you enjoy reading about the competitors of the Extreme Drag Race Shootout as much as we have enjoyed learning and writing about them.
Getting Your Name In Print - Part 4
Selling/Advertising Yourself
July 2008
Over this four part series housed in our Editors Notes section we’ve provided our racer/team readers with valuable insight into how to get media attention and coverage. But still, we have only really touched the tip of the iceberg. The items we have discussed should however arm you with enough information to go out and get your race team some solid media attention and backing, or help to satisfy existing sponsors’ requirements for exposure. Remember, a sponsor needs to see their name everywhere possible in order for them to obtain a valuable return on investment for those support dollars.
Just the other day an interesting thing happened, and since we are on the topic I felt compelled to share it. A comment had been made that a particular series did not get any recent print in RPM. My initial thought was that we usually give most groups like this at least one or two Doorslammer News articles each year. These pieces would be based on press releases and photos sent into RPM directly to me at editor@rpm-mag.com. As it turns out we had not received any press releases for the past year from this particular group. Their comment was, "well he doesn’t print them". My response is (printed here just a few issues ago) "There is only one thing I can guarantee and that is if you don’t send information in you definitely will not get the coverage". Remember, you need to be pro-active in getting media attention and coverage. You need to sell yourself, your team, or your series to the media.
Bringing me to my next point; selling or advertising your racing and the value of it to media and potential sponsors. Once again, we can draw on our past three articles for techniques on how to "sell" your team and highlight its value. First, keep things exciting! Offer value to the media for covering you. In other words give them a good story to write about. Fill out those Team Tech Sheets completely, open up a bit and talk about why you what you do! Selling yourself to a sponsor is very similar. Basically set yourself, your team and your racing apart from all the others, which can be accomplished mostly by that first impression we talked about in a past article.
Whenever you are asked a question in a personal or telephone interview, or even on camera or on a Tech Sheet that you are sending in, relax, take a moment to think and give a complete and concise answer. Always give a good amount of information, but not information overload. From first-hand experience I can say that you get out of it what you put into it. It is difficult to compile a story without the information to go in it. It’s funny but it just seems that once you get in that "Media" door you can stay inside a lot easier. When your team or experience is covered once, you seem to get coverage more often thereafter, probably because someone saw the first article or interview.
Some teams have a "press person" or even the "talker" of the bunch who can express themselves well. This is probably the best person for the job. If not, just follow the basic principle of "keeping it simple". Long drawn-out press releases or answers to questions probably won’t generate the interest you are looking for. One of my favorite sayings is "sell the sizzle". In other words make it exciting, because it is! Stick to those basics of Who, What, When, Where, Why and How, but do it with enthusiasm. With these key elements and hints you can effectively explain anything.
Finally, always, and I mean always thank your sponsors, supporters and media supporters. Let’s face it, if you don’t thank the ones you have how will you ever get any more!
We’ll be sure to re-visit this topic from time to time and post this series on our website, www.rpm-mag.com so that newcomers can benefit from it as well.
In the meantime, if you have a new racecar, crew member, sponsor, engine combination or just want to say thanks, don’t be shy, put it in print! One more thing I can guarantee is that if you don’t brag about what you are doing, nobody will ever know!
Getting Your Name In Print - Part 3
June 2008
For the past few months we have pre-empted our regularly scheduled rants and notes to bring you news of expansions within the RPM Magazine Team.
Having a team of diverse individuals at RPM accomplishes one main thing; it ensures that we continue to bring only the highest level of coverage and professionalism to the pages of RPM Magazine. Which brings us right back to where we left off three installments ago with our series of articles "Getting Your Name In Print".
A quick re-cap. In Part 1 we discussed how to approach a magazine photographer or writer. Be sure to give them your contact information (team business cards are always helpful). Always contact them a few days following your meeting and send information and photos to them. Be sure to send photos in the proper format for print as opposed to web use. Showing that you are pro-active in the process of getting yourself coverage is a key element to actually getting it. After all, getting press does more than just stroke your ego, it helps you to get, and keep sponsors!
Part 2 dealt with why print media is important? In short, because it is very portable, long lasting, and seems to have a longer shelf-life than some other forms of media. In other words, it is not "here today and gone tomorrow". Remember though, EVERY form of media is very important to you and these tips apply to most any type.
There are times when our staff does not have photos of your car or a photo shoot cannot be arranged. A very important element of Part 2 was how to deal with photos from a third party photographer, and to get permission to use them first! Someone somewhere worked hard to take that photo, not to mention buying all the equipment to take it. So if you see a photo of your car, please call or email the photographer that took it. Chances are they will work something out for use of the photo in an article.
We also touched on the basic principles of creating a Press Release; simply answer the questions Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. It really is as simple as putting the fingers to the keyboard. Starting is always the hardest part. If you need some help, ask a friend or fellow racer, or even drop us a line. Why do you think NASCAR is a household name... it’s all marketing.
Part 3 - Here we are at Part 3 and almost out room just due to re-capping Parts 1 & 2. But this all very important information so the more we discuss it, the more it can help.
We wanted to continue to talk about the value of treating the industry photographers with the respect that they deserve, and have earned. We are often asked, "Why are race photographers so sensitive about use of their photos?" As we said, they have gone through a lot of work to get that photo. You will find however that most photographers, if asked and assured the photo is being used in a press release or article only, many will have no problem with it, or may want a nominal amount of money for using a particular shot or two. The key words here are press release or article. You see, the problem for these folks is that many of their photos end up in advertisements in magazines or online, and often without them even knowing it. Taking photos is what they do, and in many cases how they put bread on the table, therefore they should be compensated in some way for that photo when it is being used in a form of advertising to generate someone else revenue. To me it makes good sense; we got keep these folks happy or they may not want to come take your picture anymore!
Next, be sure that you and your team appear and act as professional as possible when around the starting line and in the pits, around fans, sponsors and the media representatives. This will go a long way to set you apart from other teams, and there will be lots of time for fun after the sun goes down! REMEMBER, first impressions are everything, and you only have ONE shot at them! Do your very best to see that your car and trailer are as clean and tidy as possible. The reasons are obvious, but first and foremost is that you just never know who is watching, or for that matter taking your picture. To be continued...
Getting YOUR Name In Print...PART 2
March 2008
Last month we started to discuss how to go about getting yourself that coveted media attention that is so vital to a race team, particularly when they have, or are seeking sponsorship.
Specifically, why is print coverage so important? Well OK maybe I am a little bias, but we have been doing this for nine years now so I guess we have paid our dues and are entitled to our opinion. Print coverage is information that stays with a person potentially 24/7, is usually kept, collected or saved and at their fingertips wherever they are, yes including the porcelain throne! Now before anyone gets all worked up... let me say that Web coverage is incredible, and provides instant results and gratification. Without it I think we all would suffer greatly. They can get unlimited amounts of information out quicker than any other form of media. The latest craze, Web TV, is simply wild and again gives instant coverage that can be viewed anytime day or night while you are online at your computer. Traditional TV, that is a given. It reaches the masses as well, but in a more mainstream environment. For example; most people that frequent race websites or read the various print magazines are racers, enthusiasts or pretty hard-core fans. Traditional TV gets out to those who may not even know what this sport is all about. However, traditional TV coverage is VERY hard to get, that is unless you are already a "big" name or have the budget to produce a program that is picked up by a network. Also, mainstream TV is anything but quick in production and airing of a program. Not to get off topic, but I really wanted to run through the necessity of having all these different types of media coverage and how each is equally important to us in our relatively small world of Drag Racing.
Getting back to print coverage. As I said it can be taken with you under your arm, stuck in your back pocket. You can pick up a magazine, at least this one and some others, at a corner store, at your mailbox, or maybe at a race event or show. It is, in my opinion, a very mobile form of media, and it gets read time and time again, and usually by many different people who just happen to spot the cover sticking out of a stack on the coffee table, counter or race bench.
So lets get you some more tips on getting into print. Really, most of this applies to print or web style magazines. Last month we talked about getting pictures to the magazines for print, and how they need to be a higher resolution for printed media. We also touched quickly on track or magazine photographers and sending in or using pictures taken by one.
Generally we (RPM) have photographers in most any part of the USA or Canada, not to mention some overseas. Currently we have about 40 staff or regularly contracted photographers or photojournalists contributing to RPM however, we cannot be everywhere. So if you have access to a photographer in your area or a track photographer, feel free to hook them up with us and we’ll do our best to work with them in getting you some press. Please, whatever you do, do not take photos from the web and send them to us. There are a few great reasons for not doing this. We already talked about the resolution and photo quality being to low; but lets get a little deeper into it. First and foremost, someone somewhere has worked hard to take that photo, not to mention buying all of the equipment to take it. Many photos, by the very fact that someone else shot it, are protected by copyright laws, and our morals (at RPM) prevent us from using them if we know that we do not have permission to do so. So if you see a photo of your car please call or email the photographer that took it. Chances are they will work something out for use of the photo in an article.
An initial email to both the magazine and any photographer is a great first step. Remember, it is ok to admit you don’t know how to develop a Press Release, that is why we are here; to help! First discuss the needs of the magazine before you send in the information, that way you are not wasting your time or theirs.
Once again this topic has overflowed my allotted space so we’ll carry on next issue. I did want to you leave you all with one closing thought... RPM Magazine IS Often Imitated But NEVER Duplicated!
Getting YOUR Name In Print...
February 2008
Recently we once again put the call out to YOU, the fast doorslammer drag racer, to send us your press release or submit our online Team Tech Sheet. I must say, the response was once again overwhelming.
We received hundreds of Team Tech Sheets, and even a few press releases. Some of you also wrote us that you did not know the first thing about getting yourself press or creating a press release, and that’s OK, we can help. In order to do so I wanted to re-hash some points from various Editor’s Notes/Rants from days gone by and mix it up with some new stuff.
Probably one of the most popular questions asked of our photographers and photojournalists is "how do I get in the magazine?" There’s no doubt that RPM has opened up a whole new opportunity to Fast Doorslammer Drag Racers everywhere and at every level by offering a venue to showcase you, your team and your ride without the usual politics, strings or "good ole boys" clubs that have been part of the "top secret" magazine coverage world for years. It seems that some mags are more focused on smooching up to the behinds of the big organizations or writing about energy drinks and bug deflectors rather than properly looking after the bulk of what makes up this industry-- you. So we’ll share some tips on how to get in the pages of a magazine, or in this case, RPM Magazine.
I’ll warn you right now that some of these may seem far too obvious, but in this fast paced life it sometimes is really easy to overlook the really obvious-- even if it’s staring you right in the face.
First, it’s probably not a good idea to walk up to a photographer or journalist and say something like, "hey, why the #@*! aren’t we ever in the magazine?". Yes, this does happen. And no, it doesn’t go very far. A better approach may be to ask the photographer or journalist who they shoot or write for, and if you could have one of his/her cards or an email that you can reach them at. Explain that you are interested in getting some ink in the magazine and that you would love to send off some information and photos of your team and car. The key here is INFORMATION and PHOTOS. One is not much good without the other. The reason I say this is that while we did receive a lot of Team Tech Sheets over the past few months, we received very few photos, and when we do they are far too often of a "web quality". In layman's terms, too low of a resolution to print in a magazine. The wild and wonderful World Wide Web is a great tool but it is very low resolution and very forgiving when it comes to photograph quality. Please send your photos in a medium (200 dpi) to high (300dpi) resolution. You could even direct us to someone who may have shots of you, or directing them to us works too. We’ll talk more about this later on as well.
One thing that is critical in getting yourself some print is being pro-active in the process. I can’t tell you how many times we have said, "Feel free to send us your information and photos to editor@rpm-mag.com", or maybe something like, "To be included in this section of the magazine send your information to...". Remember, the door is always open, but it is up to each and every one of us to walk through it. The magazine world is like most others in business today-- understaffed and overworked. We rely on you to help get the wheels in motion, and we’ll do our best to take it from there.
One of the best parts of RPM in particular is that it doesn’t matter who you race with or at what level you race, just as long as you are part of the world that we dedicate our coverage to-- Fast Doorslammer Drag Racing. Keep in mind though, sending in your information doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you will be printed, but it does guarantee that you have a better chance than the person who didn’t.
We’ll finish this topic off next month and try to carry on from time to time about it as well. There are no secrets to getting yourself press, it’s just knowing the basics and putting the fingers to the keyboard. I always say "starting is the hardest part of doing anything worthwhile".
Making Sense Of It All...
September 2007
After a long tour on the road, I wanted to touch a bit on race events, tourism, and what it takes to get the job done. Taking a look at an events attraction to fans and its impact on the economics of the community that hosts it. It may take more than one installment, but we feel that it is a topic worth looking at. Anytime we can understand what happens behind the scenes or from the "other" perspective, we are usually better off for it.
Just as in anything there are good and bad in the industry of organizing and promoting race events. In defense of the job though, it is not an easy one! After organizing, promoting, or being an integral part of organizing events at all levels for the past 8 years, sometimes we think that a person has to have a screw loose, (for lack of a better term), to want to undertake something of the magnitude of organizing such things.
We as racers see the promoters and organizers setting and adjusting rules before an event, running around during the event making sure things are in order, making those tough decisions on race day, and trying to get through the weekend without too many battle scars. However, there is a lot more to it than that... a lot more.
Think of a good motorsports event as more of a festival. How does an organizer get word out to racers and fans to participate? That may not be too difficult in today's electronic age, but how do we get the word out to the general public? There’s radio, web, TV and magazine, but remember our message has to be clear. To those not familiar with racing, how do we show them what an event has to offer, and how do we generate interest for them to participate in it as spectators?
How will the sport grow or sustain itself without adding new people into the mix? I for one find it a challenge to get through to a "mainstream fan" who is not really educated in the sport. To do this, first, the style of event must be determined. Most people outside of our circle do not have a clue what Outlaw, Street Legal, Street Style, Fast Doorslammer, Heads-up, Bracket style or Index style drag racing is all about. They just want to see fast-paced high horsepower action, and want it to be as non-stop action as possible. The average non-racing fan also wants to have their event condensed into a reasonable period of time, as opposed to dragging themselves, or their family, out to watch racing from 10am till 9pm! They want to interact with racers and don’t want to be exposed to offensive language or violence. They want more to do than just watch racing. Family activities and/or some type of side show action, raffles and draws, an interactive midway of both industry and non-industry exhibitors, are all good ideas to start with. In advertising, Joe public needs something to identify with. Terms like horsepower, top speeds, blowers, nitrous oxide, turbochargers and lots of "action" words are good excitement generators. Others such as elapsed times, naming the classes of racing, types of cars etc. generally don’t mean a thing to this type of potential fan. As I have said before, it is up to each and every one of us to help get these people out and help educate them on our sport, but step-one is simply to get them out and watch.
For racers, who are the BIG part of the show, the schedule and flow of the event has to be set. That would include all of the classes, payouts, registration, tech inspection, run orders, scheduling start and finish times etc. For a racer, there is nothing worse than a poorly run race program. Of course things such as poor weather, oil-downs and accidents happen, but there needs to be a plan in place for most any type of scenario that can come into play during race weekend. The racers, regardless of which class, ARE THE SHOW, and this needs to be understood by a good event organizer who wants to build a long term event or series. Racers should be treated with the dignity and respect they are due for putting their equipment and their butts on the line, all for the show, and the chance to win a bit of cash to offset their expenses. The balance must exist though, and it must be a two way street, as without the event a racer would have no place to compete.
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