Originally Posted by Jim Gardner:
Couldn't go to a buddy's race last weekend due to work- his sister streamed his heat race via Periscope and in the short broadcast about 10 people (that I presume follow him on Twitter and stumbled upon the feed) asked a ton of newbie questions about racing, asked where the track was, when he was racing again so they could go and support him, etc... If a live feed garners any new interest in racing isn't that a positive for all involved?
Just like social media, live broadcasting is a tool that can yield great things if used properly.
Wouldn't it be great if you did a live broadcast in the pit area before hot laps showing off the stars that are there? Or showcase something new a sponsor is trying to get into the market?
The fans are telling tracks how they want to interact, but too many places just want to push their image and then piss & moan about it when it fails.
There is a huge difference between a professional stream doing iPPV sales and an amateur broadcast through periscope or Facebook Live. Then, like someone else said, there is no replacement for actually BEING there. That free exposure in an online medium has the potential to increase your front gate sales for years to come. If you try to stop it, what is your strategy? Print an ad in the local newspaper that no one below the age of 30 buys anymore?
All tracks need to get with the program in the digital age if they want to keep attracting new customers.