Picture a new fan and/or sponsor hearing about the wonderful, exciting world we call sprint car racing. What’s the first step they are going to do in the 21st century? They are going to go to the internet and find out what it’s about.

Have any of you done a Google search for “Indiana Sprint Car Racing?” I did and the first site that came up was Indiana Open Wheel.

So what do you think it does to a new fan or sponsor when they read some of the hate and venom that goes on here sometimes? Look at the post about USAC ruining midget racing because Poweri had a low car count. Do you think that will bring fans or sponsors to midget races?

To me, one of the best things we as drivers, owners and especially fans can do to bring new people into the sport is to be good ambassadors of the sport.

Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t think we need the pits and grandstands to be full of a bunch of Pollyanna’s, but as I asked of a poster once that was trashing a certain race, “What are you trying to achieve?”

In my opinion, you will get better results e-mailing an organization, or track, or owner, or driver directly and expressing your displeasure. Be concise, be accurate, and be truthful. Don’t be hateful. And include your name. I have worked with several customer service representatives over the years and nothing makes them hit the delete button faster than an anonymous e-mail. If you truly believe in what you are saying, you should have no trouble revealing your name.

If you look for the good, you will find the good. If you look for the bad, you will find the bad.

Tom Paterson
PDP Racing