Sean; I respectfully disagree that our sport is in need of "glitz and Hollywood style BS". Those are the exact reasons why I no longer attend 'big time' NASCAR races.

LOL can't see that happening thats where the make all their $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

this should not be seen as selling out...the "glitz and Hollywood style BS" as it is described in the above post is what is needed for open wheel racing. I understand that many see this concept as foreign and a "sellout".....however NASCAR is a master at this - it is marketing; and now (like it or not) they are second in the US only to the NFL. Yes - I am sure that many do not attend NASCAR events due to the fact that it is so commercialized now - however for every one that refuses to attend - 5 more do so due to the fact that they have been marketed to, and they associate with a driver....they probably have no clue about the car itself...but they fill the stands....I really dont like Monster Trucks - but I just took my son to a show and the 74000 seat stadium was packed...kids wearing "Monster" and "AMP" energy drink shirts, texting on their cell phones etc.... We need more corporate involvement in open wheel - the more people are exposed to it - the better for all involved, owners, drivers, sponsors fans....this is called "branding". I like the idea of going into 7/11 and seeing the National Midget or Sprint champ on an energy drink....kids in Florida love snoboarding...it is seen as an extreme sport....but theres no snow in Florida....how do you think they are exposed to it???

Does Lucas oil drill for oil and own refinerys or do they buy it and resale with their name on the product?

It's interesting to me that you disagree with his post, which was only agreeing with mine. For the record, the term "glitz and Hollywood BS" was introduced in this thread by AlkyMadness, and Sean was clearly planting tongue-firmly-in-cheek when he repeated it. Hence the "quotation marks". I think we can all agree that we wish to see the sport we love become a more marketable, and bankable entity, but we also wish this to take place without losing it's integrity, unlike what NASCAR has done. Do I want our sport to grow and it's fanbase to be strengthened? Absolutely...Do I want it to keep the steadfast claim of real race car drivers and real racing without seeing it homogenized within an inch of it's life, thereby dilluting the brand itself (like NASCAR has)? A thousand times no.

It's a fine line to walk, but I am hoping the powers-that-be in this sport will market it and create growth, without compromising it's integrity.

DM

That's the trick.

Thanks to Kevin and Todd for setting the record straight. I'll make sure to pass this along to the "source" when I see them again tonight. I'll be interested in their reaction.

Sorry my opinion disappoints you Mr. Mills, but it's just that, an opinion from a paying fan's perspective. And I'm certain there are others who feel the same as I do.

Since I annually attend 70-80 events (driving 30,000+ miles a year to do so plus food and lodging) with no side income paying for my attendance, I feel I've earned the right to speak my opinion as a paying fan.

But, since we are all into selling out, I'd like to take this time to Thank the following for my current trip to Volusia and : HONDA for my wonderful 2004 Accord Coupe that now has 192,000 miles; HAMPTON INN for the great place I'm staying in beautiful PALM COAST. I'd also like to thank the PILOT truck stop in Brunswick, GA for $2.79 a gallon gas and a tasty SUBWAY sandwich. Also, the delicious cigars from COHIBA, ARTURO FUENTE, and FONSECA that I've been enjoying. And the STARBUCKS in Burlington, NC for the fuel to help keep me awake.

Oh, and of course, the WORLD RACING GROUP, VOLUSIA COUNTY SPEEDWAY and THE ALL STARS. Without them, this entire experience wouldn't be possible. And, AREA AUTO RACING NEWS for providing me great enjoyment during down time.

Thank you to all (and I expect the checks to be in the drop box by Friday).

Most of the time what Dean Mills has to say on this board is pretty accurate, and it's clear he has the sport's best interests at heart.

But....

That soapbox is very, very tall.

Alky, I don't think "disappointed" is the right word to describe my feelings about the myopic mentality our sport has been deluged with for going on twenty years or so. Astounded is probably more like it. I am constantly amazed by the short-sided viewpoints of the powers that be in this sport. That includes sanctioning bodies, promoters, owners, drivers, and yes, even the fans.

I think we as a whole need to start thinking outside this tiny little box we've constructed of cardboard. It's time for us as a whole to change our mindset, and begin to embrace new, fresh ideas that will draw in a new fan base. Because if we don't, sprint car and midget racing will surely falter.

BTW, that was a witty post. I liked the sarcastic "thanking of your sponsors", as it made me laugh. But, it really is not germane to the subject at hand. Corporate involvement is a necessary evil of auto racing. You know it, I know it, everybody knows it.

Oh, and 192,000 miles on your Accord? Nice...My GMC Yukon has 212,000 and my Ford Thunderbird has 188,000 plus. I sure am glad my vehicles have been so dependable, too.

DM

I think the future of open wheel racing is in the hands of all those young fans. The one thing we cannot control is getting old. With a large portion of the racing's fanbase growing old, it's time to look at new ways of attracting a younger audience.

I think sponsors like Oakley, energy drink companies, etc. are a good way to attract that audience. Racing is an extreme sport, and if marketing it that way brings in new fans, new dollars, and more support, obviously it will benefit everyone involved.

Someone brought up the NASCAR example of why not to bring in "Hollywood" sponsors. I too dislike NASCAR for what it has become, seemingly "selling out" and compromising the product on the track. They've dumbed-down the racing to appeal to as broad an audience as possible.

What needs to happen is embracing our sport's great heritage, while bringing in new people. Never turn our backs on those that helped make the sport what it is today. Celebrate it! Bring in new fans and get them to buy into the traditions. Continue to race at historic venues, and revel in the history that comes with them. Encourage long time sponsors to stay involved, but never be afraid to look at new ways to improve the product, or at new companies interested in starting their involvement.

A healthy mix of youthful energy and historic reverence is necessary for a series to be successful.

I love open wheel racing. I want to spend my life involved with it, and if that means finding youthful sponsors to ensure that my kids, or my grand kids can see a sprint car race years from now, then youthful sponsors is what we need to go after.

Keep in mind, many of those established companies today were at one time youthful, new faces on the race scene.

Just my .002 worth.