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JBX2
  #56 10/8/09 9:04 PM
Originally Posted by Kevracer58:
Duke, I respectfully disagree; the jury is still out on combo cars. There are plenty of people who have only dirt and some only have asphalt cars. I honestly think that as the economy improves and if USAC can get the paved races on national live TV, crowds and car counts for asphalt racing will return. The best racing I saw all season was one May evening at Mount Lawn, and if there were 50 people in the stands I would have been shocked.

Hey Kev -

Good post - Something to think about...

IMO - For USAC - a national series (this may be debatable to some) - that is striving & landing national live TV coverage makes total sense. But, I'm sure the folks at USAC would tell you how tough that is on a national scope. SO many racing & entertainment choices are out there to program from texas hold 'em tournaments to cheerleading competitions and even to ultimate fighter bouts! Heck, I think I saw the nat'l spelling bee on ESPN2!

I say this because I'm not totally convinced that that national live TV route is the most effective tactic. Not sure at all that it would add more spectators. Higher car counts, absolutely. But, I'm not sure that you could convince the networks of a consistent fan following. It's nothing personal - I just don't think so. And, simply put, proving a consistent fan base to a network means good ratings. Without that, networks aren't interested.

So where are we, then?

-- I really think the ONLY way to get consistently higher car counts is to swallow some pride & ego; back up; and work together - owners, teams, drivers, promoters, & sponsors - on a smaller scale FIRST and find ways for EVERYONE TO BENEFIT somehow.

Maybe this is a pipe-dream and stated overly-simplistic. But, I really don't think so.
There are tons of ideas out there with many already that have been used or being used.
BUT, few ideas encompass EVERYONE together. If we don't, we're doomed to repeat the same ole thing.

(Can you tell I miss it, KB? Maybe, it's time again? :2::2
Have a good night, all,

Jimmy Baumgartner