USAC Fanfest in Speedway

Tim Clauson · 4/8/12, 2:15 PM

A big thanks to Dave Brzozowski of USAC Racing and his daughter Amber for organizing and working the USAC Fanfest in Speedway yesterday. While the participant level was less then I think was hoped for, the enthusiasm by those who were there more then made up for it.

There was a great turn out from the fans and the number of families who were walking around was great to see. There was also a number of drive by's who stopped and checked out the cars.

Once a week we get on here to discuss how to engage the fans and get them out to our events and I just wanted to thank those who went the extra mile yesterday to try to make that happen.

I hope this was the 1st of a annual event.

Tim Clauson

HARFprez · 4/8/12, 3:20 PM

Would have been a great P.R. event for USAC with some advertising. No advertising...no attendees, but then again I'm not sure where the advertising budget went. The only place i saw this event mentioned was on IOW, not even a mention in the Speedway Press (and they will offer a free write up on any major event happening in Speedway). Next year, and i hope you do this event again, please contact racing groups that can help you spread the word, HARF would have been more than happy to help out. If it's racing related we are happy to let as many people as possible know about it. Best of luck next year on the event, contact us if we can help, bob.

racefan20 · 4/8/12, 7:02 PM

I dont know if you guys think this is a good idea or not but if you are trying to attract people that are not already race fans why not ask the Pacers if you can put a few cars in the lobby of Conseco on a few game nights. Have the drivers ready to sign some hero cards for the kids, pass out some schedules... Maybe you could get Buckley or Mills to set up some videos so they can see what you are selling so to speak. You could do the same thing at Indians games.
BTW I drove by about 2:15 Saturday and it looked like it was pretty much over, I thought it was supposed to go until 4.

Dave Rudisell · 4/8/12, 9:54 PM

I agree, its a great idea, but needs improvement, i did'nt even know about it. Maybe have it when there is no racing going on. I would have loved to help promote this event and maybe promote our USAC shows. Anyhow thanks for putting it on, and promoting our sport.

openwheelfan1 · 4/8/12, 10:05 PM

It was mentioned several times on the USAC Facebook page, but that was the only place I saw any mention of it.

HARFprez · 4/9/12, 9:12 AM

Once again, some advertising to race fans who are either on IOW or USAC's "facebook page" only helps those already in the know about racing, and has NO impact on "outsiders" (not the right word probably, but you all know what i mean). Great points by John & Dave, let all the local track promoters know about this, get them involved, get drivers involved with hero cards and the opportunity for kids to sit in a fire-breathing sprint car (and for the drivers to sell more t-shirts). So much can be done to make this a huge event next year, and please do it again next year, our sport needs all the PR it can get. 2 suggestions, expand your horizons to include other racing facilities such as Dave suggested, and possibly a different weekend than Easter weekend (and i know early dates vs. weather concerns will be a huge guess, but that's racin'). Please take this post as what is is meant to be, and that is help to bring your event to the front pages, and not just nagging. My hope is that you can grow a huge annual event here and to let non-race fans know where the future IRL or NASCAR stars started, on the dirt tracks of Indiana. bob

openwheelKT · 4/9/12, 11:37 AM

I was a little disappointed with the turnout as I thought there would be more cars and displays. The main reason I went was so my 2.5 year old little boy could see racecars. He got to sit in a couple of them and he loved it. So that's all I needed to make me happy.

I do think the word needed to be spread more to get more people involved. I agree that not all fans come to this board or are on Facebook. I think it could grow into something really good so I hope they do it again. It would also be cool if they could get IndyCar involved too if they have an open date.

mscs20 · 4/9/12, 12:19 PM

As a car owner/driver I received 2 emails from usac detailing the event as a participant. So I assume each usac member of all divisions got the same notification. It is a good promotion idea for sure, but the timing for some of us that are at least 125 mi from Speedway, (Hoffmans, Wissmiller, Ulrich, Bateman etc) it wasn't to practical. But it seemed to be a good oppertunity and fun for the Indy based teams. I agree on reaching the untapped fan market too. And that's everyones job, :-)

Steve

Posted via Mobile Device

Joker0801 · 4/9/12, 3:45 PM

I found out about it via an advertisement in the Indy Star. So USAC did advertise. My one critique would be that it wasn't specified where the event would be held. My sons and I rode our bikes down to the USAC offices and wondered where everybody was. There was no signs or anything AT THE USAC OFFICE. It was only by chance that we decided to ride down through Speedway's Main St. and saw the gathering by the Dallara factory. If you're not having the event at your home location, a good idea would be to put up directions to where the event is being held. I will say, I was glad I took the 2-seater ride. I'll probably never have the chance again to ride in an Indy car on 16th St!

4/8/12, 10:05 PM	#5 Re: USAC Fanfest in Speedway
openwheelfan1 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,437	It was mentioned several times on the USAC Facebook page, but that was the only place I saw any mention of it.

4/9/12, 11:37 AM	#7 Re: USAC Fanfest in Speedway
openwheelKT Senior Member Race Count Last Year: 73 Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 742	I was a little disappointed with the turnout as I thought there would be more cars and displays. The main reason I went was so my 2.5 year old little boy could see racecars. He got to sit in a couple of them and he loved it. So that's all I needed to make me happy. I do think the word needed to be spread more to get more people involved. I agree that not all fans come to this board or are on Facebook. I think it could grow into something really good so I hope they do it again. It would also be cool if they could get IndyCar involved too if they have an open date.

4/9/12, 12:19 PM	#8
mscs20 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 967	As a car owner/driver I received 2 emails from usac detailing the event as a participant. So I assume each usac member of all divisions got the same notification. It is a good promotion idea for sure, but the timing for some of us that are at least 125 mi from Speedway, (Hoffmans, Wissmiller, Ulrich, Bateman etc) it wasn't to practical. But it seemed to be a good oppertunity and fun for the Indy based teams. I agree on reaching the untapped fan market too. And that's everyones job, :-) Steve Posted via Mobile Device

4/9/12, 3:45 PM	#9 Re: USAC Fanfest in Speedway
Joker0801 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 33	I found out about it via an advertisement in the Indy Star. So USAC did advertise. My one critique would be that it wasn't specified where the event would be held. My sons and I rode our bikes down to the USAC offices and wondered where everybody was. There was no signs or anything AT THE USAC OFFICE. It was only by chance that we decided to ride down through Speedway's Main St. and saw the gathering by the Dallara factory. If you're not having the event at your home location, a good idea would be to put up directions to where the event is being held. I will say, I was glad I took the 2-seater ride. I'll probably never have the chance again to ride in an Indy car on 16th St!