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Wrench Turner 6/21/10 4:28 PM

Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
Who's ready for the first episode of Heartland Thunder tonight on Discovery Channel? It's about time we got a dirt racing reality show! Now we just need one for sprint cars. :8:

EKracing 6/21/10 4:48 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
I will check it out...I would love to put together a sprint car documentary or reality show in the Indiana area. I have a contact with 40 plus years of executive production experience in hollywood and is a huge race fan. Any ideas as to what true die hard sprint car fans would want to see?

darnall 6/21/10 5:16 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by EKracing:
I will check it out...I would love to put together a sprint car documentary or reality show in the Indiana area. I have a contact with 40 plus years of executive production experience in hollywood and is a huge race fan. Any ideas as to what true die hard sprint car fans would want to see?

This die hard fan wants to see on track action for half of a 1 hour episode. combine that with a feeling of how much time is spent traveling, shop and carwash time, fan interaction, sponsor interaction, family sacrifice, etc.

And please don't sacrifice the integrity of the sport and don't demean the participants and fans for the sake of ratings... (Madhouse style)

terrehautian 6/21/10 5:21 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
I guess my thread wasn't good enough.....

https://www.indianaopenwheel.com/showthread.php?t=33546

Anyway, dvr'ing it.

38DD 6/21/10 5:38 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
What time does it start?

Wrench Turner 6/21/10 5:40 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by darnall:
This die hard fan wants to see on track action for half of a 1 hour episode. combine that with a feeling of how much time is spent traveling, shop and carwash time, fan interaction, sponsor interaction, family sacrifice, etc.

And please don't sacrifice the integrity of the sport and don't demean the participants and fans for the sake of ratings... (Madhouse style)

I think you hit the nail on the head pretty good there. I agree with not sacrificing the integrity of the sport and not demeaning people. But, for the regular viewer (who isn't an avid racing fan) I think that you almost have to impose at least a bit of drama to keep it interesting for them and to keep the show from getting cancelled. All in all, I think finding that balance would be good for the sport and get more people to the tracks and interested in local track racing. One good thing about the sprints is that it's not beating and banging (mostly) like it is at Bowman Gray.

I think another good thing would be to focus on multiple tracks. Get racers that travel to be the stars of the show. It would be different and it would give much need publicity.

I couldn't think of a better place to do a sprint car reality show than in Indiana. We sure have plenty of great tracks to choose from here. :22:

Russ 6/21/10 5:41 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
I'll watch it. Heck, I enjoyed the show that was at taped at Anderson.

AlkyMadness 6/21/10 5:58 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by darnall:
This die hard fan wants to see on track action for half of a 1 hour episode. combine that with a feeling of how much time is spent traveling, shop and carwash time, fan interaction, sponsor interaction, family sacrifice, etc.

And please don't sacrifice the integrity of the sport and don't demean the participants and fans for the sake of ratings... (Madhouse style)

Madhouse didn't change anything. It was an accurate portrayal of what goes on every weekend at BGS. That's why I've only been there a couple of times even though I live only 45 minutes from the track and I love modifieds. But apparently a lot of people enjoy it because they consistently have crowds approaching 10,000 every race.

What's changed is the the crowd has more than doubled since the TV show. The few people I know who go there say it is miserable. They estimated 25,000 fans were on hand for opening weekend and people were standing ten deep at the top of the stadium. It's ridiculous that the track sold more tickets than they could accomodate.

So, be careful what you wish for. Indiana has some great bullrings that provide awesome racing in a comfortable setting. That whole comfortable setting thing could be history if you have a show like Madhouse (but the promoter will love going to the bank on Monday).

fridaynightracer 6/21/10 5:59 PM

I would love a sprintcar show. I think you would need to capture both angles of the racing spectrum though to make it interesting. Your stars of the show should be from both the high end racers that have the best of everything to the local racers that don't can't afford to buy a brand new parts, etc. The drama of the show would naturally be there. From someone working their butts off all week getting the car ready and then on race night tearing up or not making the feature. To the shear emotion of someone getting the victory. If such a show was ever made it would for sure be on my TiVo.
Posted via Mobile Device

okienonwingfan 6/21/10 6:01 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by Wrench Turner:
I think you hit the nail on the head pretty good there. I agree with not sacrificing the integrity of the sport and not demeaning people. But, for the regular viewer (who isn't an avid racing fan) I think that you almost have to impose at least a bit of drama to keep it interesting for them and to keep the show from getting cancelled. All in all, I think finding that balance would be good for the sport and get more people to the tracks and interested in local track racing. One good thing about the sprints is that it's not beating and banging (mostly) like it is at Bowman Gray.

I think another good thing would be to focus on multiple tracks. Get racers that travel to be the stars of the show. It would be different and it would give much need publicity.

I couldn't think of a better place to do a sprint car reality show than in Indiana. We sure have plenty of great tracks to choose from here. :22:

I agree. Esp with the traveling part. The avg race fan does not understand how much of this sport is spent on a road getting to the track.

---------- Post added at 05:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:01 PM ----------

Originally Posted by fridaynightracer:
I would love a sprintcar show. I think you would need to capture both angles of the racing spectrum though to make it interesting. Your stars of the show should be from both the high end racers that have the best of everything to the local racers that don't can't afford to buy a brand new parts, etc. The drama of the show would naturally be there. From someone working their butts off all week getting the car ready and then on race night tearing up or not making the feature. To the shear emotion of someone getting the victory. If such a show was ever made it would for sure be on my TiVo.
Posted via Mobile Device

I can feel the pain part about cant afford to buy a new part lol.

mtek56 6/21/10 7:24 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by 38DD:
What time does it start?

The guide says 10:00 pm on Discovery channel 278 on Directv.

SUPERDUKE 6/21/10 7:53 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by ekracing:
i will check it out...i would love to put together a sprint car documentary or reality show in the indiana area. I have a contact with 40 plus years of executive production experience in hollywood and is a huge race fan. Any ideas as to what true die hard sprint car fans would want to see?

dick wallen has over 50 years of sprints dirt cars champ cars midgetson tape

Austin75 6/21/10 9:04 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
I have the DVR set. Hopefully its pretty good

captrat 6/21/10 10:14 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by EKracing:
I will check it out...I would love to put together a sprint car documentary or reality show in the Indiana area. I have a contact with 40 plus years of executive production experience in hollywood and is a huge race fan. Any ideas as to what true die hard sprint car fans would want to see?

Wish I would have seen this thread earlier. This is exactly what is needed for USAC. A weekly 30 minute compilation of racing highlights of all 3 major divisions, lots of human interest angles and scheduling highlights. A good example is early days of NFL films (This Week in the NFL) by the Sabols which generated tremendous new fan interest in the NFL when it was lagging behind baseball in both viewership, attendance and prestige. USAC must set itself apart from the self-appointed major league of dirt track racing, i.e. WoO-obviously no wings, get rid of the extra sheet metal so you can see the driver, easily understood, standarized program format.

Rpracing1 6/21/10 11:28 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
Watch out, the hilljacks are loose and on TV. I watched the show and I would give it a B+.

Hawker 6/21/10 11:28 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
C- for me...

Sprint39 6/22/10 8:46 AM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
I actually enjoyed it. I was impressed they were able to change the motor at the race track. I know I couldnt accomplish that at the track. Actually I wouldnt do that at a the race track. And is it just me or does the one guy look just like "Billie Bob" on Varsity Blues. I'm mean looks just like him minus about 100 pounds. I'd give it a B+ for sure. You have to give one guy props for telling the other driver who crashed him "if he could race as good as he ate cheeseburgers" was a classic.

JSBH03 6/22/10 9:20 AM

Originally Posted by Sprint39:
I actually enjoyed it. I was impressed they were able to change the motor at the race track. I know I couldnt accomplish that at the track. Actually I wouldnt do that at a the race track. And is it just me or does the one guy look just like "Billie Bob" on Varsity Blues. I'm mean looks just like him minus about 100 pounds. I'd give it a B+ for sure. You have to give one guy props for telling the other driver who crashed him "if he could race as good as he ate cheeseburgers" was a classic.

I liked it. I'm not to sure I could put up with that wife/mother though.

Also, last I heard/saw Billy Bob on TV, he was skinny. Lost like 2-250lbs. They guy does look like him though!
Posted via Mobile Device

wolfracer69 6/22/10 9:21 AM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
the show imo needs to be on sprint cars only not alot of classes sprint week would give you all you need travel time off to work on cars and different tracks and hook up with a couple of fans that follow all of the races so you could see what people do to be able to go to all the shows just think TSR, KK, HOFFMAN they all have big sponsers and that would be free time for them and you could cover small teams to and show the difference how things work sounds like a good thing to me

hoosier race fan 6/22/10 10:24 AM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by JSBH03:
I'm not to sure I could put up with that wife/mother though.

Exactly what I was thinking. Less than 10 seconds into her appearance on the show and I couldn't stand her. Shut up or go sit in the stands. I wonder how much of that is for the cameras and how much is her true beauty.

TQ29m 6/22/10 10:32 AM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
I'm afraid another "reality" show is not in the best interests of getting people to the seats in the stands, from what I've seen, with both shows, I wasn't impressed, real fans, and real owners and drivers will still be the only ones who know the true picture, someone who doesn't know anything about the real racing may watch for a little while, but they'll still watch Price is Right, Cash Cab, and all those other "fantasy" shows, and still think "racing" is as it's portrayed on TV. Give me"American Pickers", and "Pawn Stars", that's some real, "reality"! JMHO! Bob

Eatin Dirt 6/22/10 3:24 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
Thought the show was pretty good, liked it better than the Bowman Gray simply because it was dirt vs pavement. If they would follow a Sprint Team for say 3 days before Sprint Week starts and then all the way through the two weeks that would make for a good show.

Lakesidedemon 6/22/10 4:47 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 
This show hits close to home for me! My brother who is a pit member on Danny's car is the main reason why this show is on tv! 4 years ago he contacted a group in New York who came to Lakeside and taped a little bit here and there about the racing lives of a few of the guys there and they put together a little mini show that many people have never seen! That company then went around and shopped the boys and it was finally picked up and filmed by 3 Ball Productions! Then off to Discovery! A lot of emails, a lot of time spent by Rodney and Tom to get this going!
The intent is to follow the lives of these people in the racing world! These guys are not huge stars, but weekely local racers who live and die by this sport!

I have known everyone in this show all my life! Everyone on here truly lives to race!

Many do not know that this track gave birth to Clint Bowyer while Tim Karrick put him under his wing racing the dirt side! Clint and Tim are great friends to this day! Clint comes back all the time and brings Tony, Kevin, Carl and many others!!

Justin was a huge USMTS racer a few years back and came one lap from winning the IMCA Super Nationals a few years back! Flat Tire on the last lap..

Tom has been racing since 1968! He has well over 300+ Feature wins to his credit in the Kansas City and Kansas/Missouri/Iowa/Nebraska area's! He is a legend! Use to build his own cars, and still can! He is a master fab guy and a welder! His Wife DEE DEE who is in the show REALLY DOES ACT LIKE SHE DOES IN THE SHOW!! Full force, in your face every second! She does know her stuff when it comes to racing! She has been known to chase other drivers in the past with 4 was around the pits when she gets mad! That was several years ago though! Great lady, great family with a life long passion for racing!
Tom and Dee are also great friends with Clint, like we all are!

His son Danny I grew up with and was a stud football player in HS! Rode Bulls in college, and left that to go race with dad! He started in Street Stocks and won a championship in his first year racing those in 2001! He is now a great Mod driver and is the father of 2 boys, one who is deaf! Great Kid!

This show had no script! It was not written before! I am sure there was a plot that the directors had to kinda go off off, other than racing, but nothing was acted out! That is our track week in and week out! The show will show that! It gets better!

Thanks for watching!

Go Fast 6/22/10 4:48 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by TQ29m:
Give me"American Pickers", and "Pawn Stars", that's some real, "reality"! JMHO! Bob

Bob I knew there was a reason I liked you besides what you have done for racing. Those are my two favorites right now.:9:

interpreter66 6/22/10 6:05 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by Lakesidedemon:
This show hits close to home for me! My brother who is a pit member on Danny's car is the main reason why this show is on tv! 4 years ago he contacted a group in New York who came to Lakeside and taped a little bit here and there about the racing lives of a few of the guys there and they put together a little mini show that many people have never seen! That company then went around and shopped the boys and it was finally picked up and filmed by 3 Ball Productions! Then off to Discovery! A lot of emails, a lot of time spent by Rodney and Tom to get this going!
The intent is to follow the lives of these people in the racing world! These guys are not huge stars, but weekely local racers who live and die by this sport!

I have known everyone in this show all my life! Everyone on here truly lives to race!
n

Many do not know that this track gave birth to Clint Bowyer while Tim Karrick put him under his wing racing the dirt side! Clint and Tim are great friends to this day! Clint comes back all the time and brings Tony, Kevin, Carl and many others!!

Justin was a huge USMTS racer a few years back and came one lap from winning the IMCA Super Nationals a few years back! Flat Tire on the last lap..

Tom has been racing since 1968! He has well over 300+ Feature wins to his credit in the Kansas City and Kansas/Missouri/Iowa/Nebraska area's! He is a legend! Use to build his own cars, and still can! He is a master fab guy and a welder! His Wife DEE DEE who is in the show REALLY DOES ACT LIKE SHE DOES IN THE SHOW!! Full force, in your face every second! She does know her stuff when it comes to racing! She has been known to chase other drivers in the past with 4 was around the pits when she gets mad! That was several years ago though! Great lady, great family with a life long passion for racing!
Tom and Dee are also great friends with Clint, like we all are!

His son Danny I grew up with and was a stud football player in HS! Rode Bulls in college, and left that to go race with dad! He started in Street Stocks and won a championship in his first year racing those in 2001! He is now a great Mod driver and is the father of 2 boys, one who is deaf! Great Kid!

This show had no script! It was not written before! I am sure there was a plot that the directors had to kinda go off off, other than racing, but nothing was acted out! That is our track week in and week out! The show will show that! It gets better!

Thanks for watching!

i just watced the first show and thought it was ok and i will watch again.that lady dee would get the $hit knocked out of her by a few cracker girl's down here if she ran her mouth like that every week. :34:(every once in a while is o.k but not all the time cause thing's do happen) i have friend's from that area and i know there not all like that,they might drink crappy beer(PBR) but there good people.

---------- Post added at 06:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:05 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Lakesidedemon:
This show hits close to home for me! My brother who is a pit member on Danny's car is the main reason why this show is on tv! 4 years ago he contacted a group in New York who came to Lakeside and taped a little bit here and there about the racing lives of a few of the guys there and they put together a little mini show that many people have never seen! That company then went around and shopped the boys and it was finally picked up and filmed by 3 Ball Productions! Then off to Discovery! A lot of emails, a lot of time spent by Rodney and Tom to get this going!
The intent is to follow the lives of these people in the racing world! These guys are not huge stars, but weekely local racers who live and die by this sport!

I have known everyone in this show all my life! Everyone on here truly lives to race!
n

Many do not know that this track gave birth to Clint Bowyer while Tim Karrick put him under his wing racing the dirt side! Clint and Tim are great friends to this day! Clint comes back all the time and brings Tony, Kevin, Carl and many others!!

Justin was a huge USMTS racer a few years back and came one lap from winning the IMCA Super Nationals a few years back! Flat Tire on the last lap..

Tom has been racing since 1968! He has well over 300+ Feature wins to his credit in the Kansas City and Kansas/Missouri/Iowa/Nebraska area's! He is a legend! Use to build his own cars, and still can! He is a master fab guy and a welder! His Wife DEE DEE who is in the show REALLY DOES ACT LIKE SHE DOES IN THE SHOW!! Full force, in your face every second! She does know her stuff when it comes to racing! She has been known to chase other drivers in the past with 4 was around the pits when she gets mad! That was several years ago though! Great lady, great family with a life long passion for racing!
Tom and Dee are also great friends with Clint, like we all are!

His son Danny I grew up with and was a stud football player in HS! Rode Bulls in college, and left that to go race with dad! He started in Street Stocks and won a championship in his first year racing those in 2001! He is now a great Mod driver and is the father of 2 boys, one who is deaf! Great Kid!

This show had no script! It was not written before! I am sure there was a plot that the directors had to kinda go off off, other than racing, but nothing was acted out! That is our track week in and week out! The show will show that! It gets better!

Thanks for watching!

i just watced the first show and thought it was ok and i will watch again.that lady dee would get the $hit knocked out of her by a few cracker girl's down here if she ran her mouth like that every week. :34:(every once in a while is o.k but not all the time cause thing's do happen) i have friend's from that area and i know there not all like that,they might drink crappy beer(PBR) but there good people.:2:

raceway video 6/22/10 6:37 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by TQ29m:
I'm afraid another "reality" show is not in the best interests of getting people to the seats in the stands, from what I've seen, with both shows, I wasn't impressed, real fans, and real owners and drivers will still be the only ones who know the true picture, someone who doesn't know anything about the real racing may watch for a little while, but they'll still watch Price is Right, Cash Cab, and all those other "fantasy" shows, and still think "racing" is as it's portrayed on TV. Give me"American Pickers", and "Pawn Stars", that's some real, "reality"! JMHO! Bob

Size of the crowd at Bowman Gray greatly increased according to this article. Seems they even bumped up the purse for the guys because of it.

http://www.bowmangrayracing.com/pres..._Winnings.html

#1Brad Kuhn Fan 6/22/10 8:03 PM

Re: Heartland Thunder on Discovery Channel
 

Originally Posted by Go Fast:
Bob I knew there was a reason I liked you besides what you have done for racing. Those are my two favorites right now.:9:

also my 2 favs right now!


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