Now that HDRA show has aired...Opinions??

[philofab]

Part of the problem is this stuff is availible west coast mostly/only. People from the east coast may have more interest in it since they don't see it every day and can not visit a race locally.

I don't think people in Dutch Harbor watch deadliest catch for the same reason people in Florida, California, and Texas do.

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[Ol' Curmudgeon]

Outta curiosity, how is the breathing up there on your high horse? (oh goly gee, please don't report me!)

Lot better'n the air in Henderson! No brag, just fact. (Nah, wouldn't do that, enjoy seeing you posting on rdc.)

[Ol' Curmudgeon]

It's Tucson, not "Tuscon".

My apologies, we use to make that mistake all the time at KPHO 35 years ago, all the dubs would come back via Greyhound...TUK-son, not Tus-con, righty-tighty, lefty-loosey...

I think a billboard on I-8 would make as much sense as anything.

Just might, to appeal to locals. I'm trying to help quantify the effectiness of the advertising, or at least suggest some avenues to do so. None of the numbers I ponder are intended for, or much use to, individual racers.

I wondered about the reach of the message, seeking to get an idea how many non-locals attended. CofC might be able to garner some info via its lodging and restaurant members in the area. Was occupancy up? Were more meals served? Compared to past events or avearge traffic?

[/QUOTE]If you know who I am and have sold advertising in Arizona, you probably also know there’s a reasonable chance we won’t be bankrupt anytime soon because of our poor marketing decisions.[/QUOTE]

Certainly not! You and your family have a great business model, and withstood some stiff competition and a couple rough downturns over the years, but, IIRC, have managed to find growth opportunities throughout.

That's what we're trying to do for HDRA here, isn't it? Look for growth opportunities? Roger seems interested in going that way, apparently more so than some established race promoters.

Carry on.

[Moneypit]

Maybe I'm a glass half full guy but I would like to think that if they can make a a popular series about storage units, alligator hunting, dancing pre teens, etc, there has to be a way to make THIS work! I don't think people have a deep seated love for their local air conditioned storage units and didn't grow up with a special fondness for alligators. People don't have to love or even like off road racing, they just have to be drawn in enough to watch.

All of these reality shows thrive on the personalities, conflicts, etc, no so much the core subject at hand.

Good post.

[movindirt]

What are your thoughts on these commercials promoting the races on local tv channels? They did make a big difference in the numbers of people who attended tech and the race in El Centro.

There were several different versions of the one for the Imperial 250. It was made in a :30 commercial in english and spanish. Over 400 commercials were run, on several different networks in Imperial Valley and Baja.



Eldorado Fireworks 500

Personally like the commercial for the Fireworks the best. Both are good. This is needed! If I didn't get on here I wouldn't know about the races so how would those outside our racing family learn of these events? Good job HDRA!


Also agree with getting big names in the arrive and drive to bring exposure.

[chuckput]

Chris Dyson, Paul Gentilozzi, Joey Hand, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Gunnar Jeanette, Andy Lally, Simon Pagenoud. Do you know these guys? They are not household names, but they are just a few of the drivers who compete in the American Le Mans series. The ALMS is a multi class road race series, but it does not have the same fan following as NASCAR. Teams rely on sponsorship to help pay the bills and those sponsors like the TV coverage that is available for the exposure.

I think what HDRA is trying to do with the TV coverage is a step in the right direction to help build a fan base. I have told all my friends about the FSW shows. Living in the Imperial Valley it was great to see my desert on the screen (disappointed that I did not see me - they flew over my checkpoint enough times - I guess we are somewhere on the editing room floor). It won't happen overnight, but it is possible to build off road desert racing into something like ALMS. Yes, it would be cool to get some household names involved, but it can be done without those names. Now teams need to start thinking about sponsorship as has been discussed earlier in this string.

[07FJRog]

Thanks Roger. Brandon's father have already spoken and and we are in the beginning stages of working out a mutually beneficial arrangement. That kid can wheel a truck and with the right mentoring and sponsors/funding I see him as someone who has a bright future in racing. I am really excited about this stuff and hope we can set something up to help his program. I hope you will put in a good word for me.

Thanks for the help and I will see you in Reno.

Yeah!, Glad I could get that started before flying over here to Kandahar, Afghanistan for work for the next few years!

Rog

[TexasBaja]

A big shout out to the entire HDRA Crew. I was finally able to sit down and watch it this weekend and it was some of the best coverage of Dezert Racing I have ever seen. They put the spotlight on every class from class 11 to the TT's and not just the big dogs.

My condolences to the Norris family. Your father was looking down on you smiling.You guys did good and it was very tough watching your interviews. My eyes started watering up on me. My hats off to your family.