Dec. 19/07

Ok kids, put down your pencils and papers, it’s time for a pop quiz. Who can tell me the demographics of the Speed Channel audience that watches the reality show Pinks? I don’t see a show of hands. Anyone? What’s the problem? That’s right, no one you talk to admits to watching this show. It’s kinda the same when nobody ever admits to watching The Young and The Restless but like, we all know that Nikki and David have a thing going and that Heather has a real problem with Phyllis and that Karen… uh-oh I just blew my cover. Ok, credibility could be an issue here but believe me when I say I have never watched a complete Pinks show nor have I talked to anyone that has. I have tried to watch it but quite frankly I’d rather read a good book then use this show for my drag racing fix.

Some have suggested that any exposure drag racing has on television is good. I disagree. I think these shows trivialize the professionalism and value our sport offers. I know, some of you are saying I should lighten up a little but I can’t. This series portrays drag racing as never getting out of the 60’s by showing some stupid flagman waving Beavis and Butthead to the starting line on “rubber road” with some guy at the finish line determining the winner. This show, in any era, is a piece of crap. This makes the movie American Graffiti look like a documentary. Those of us involved in the sport understand what is going on here. Some of us were involved in real “rubber road” events. The problem is that many casual viewers will see this show as a reflection of where drag racing is today. I wish Rich Christensen, the shows producer and wannabe TV personality, would just go away. At least there was no audience for the Clay Millican hosted “Blow-Up” show. How stupid was that? What was Clay thinking? It reminded me of the SCTV comedy sketch featuring Joe Flaherty and John Candy as two hicks in bib overalls who liked to see things that “Blowd up Real Good”. I sure would like to see Christensen in one of those skits. “I Bet He’d Blow up Real Good.” You know, I think we just zoomed in on the demographics question. I’m guessing a lot of guys in the stands have names like Billy-Bob, Bubba or Skeeter. What do you think?

On another front, congratulations to Don Schumacher Racing for acquiring a major sponsorship from NAPA. It’s too bad he lost the Brut deal. We need more non-automotive related sponsors. Drag racing is still top heavy with old aftermarket favorites.
Bruce and Jory have studied the numbers and drag racing remains the best motorsport activity for cost effective marketing, i.e. the cost per consumer hit. Because of drag racings “open door” policy to the pit area and drivers, the ability to activate a product is outstanding. We really need some sponsorship diversity.

And by the way, diversity is one of today’s societal buzz words. It implies a racial and minority mix within your workplace. It is another way to say affirmative action, a government initiative that backfired in the 90’s. Apparently NASCAR has not yet received the memo on this one. And what’s more interesting is that the sponsors don’t seem to care. They are letting the consumer decide if they like the product the association is offering. The success speaks for itself. It looks like some drag racing teams are making personnel changes in the name of diversity. That’s wrong!

Have a great Christmas and a tire smoking ’08. Take care of each other.

Bogus