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What’s the frequency, Kenneth?
Everyone "in the know" and/or "in the biz" seems confident all will be well. And no doubt there will be drag racing on TV next year. But what will it look like, where will it be on, and will anyone know about it? The answers (my opinion) are it will look just like it does now; ABC-TV, ESPN, ESPN2, and Speedvision will all have a piece of the action, and you and I will have just as much trouble keeping track of it all as we do now! Doesn't sound like a whole lot of change, does it? Well, there has to be a reason for this ongoing cycle of sameness (or worse) regarding NHRA drag racing's on-air presence. I think the answer is surprisingly simple. In my opinion, the sport as it is now broadcast is not sufficiently visually compelling to attract a mass audience. No mass appeal, no appreciable improvement in the TV deal — it's just that simple. Now keep in mind, I'm not talking about whether you or I or anyone else already interested in the sport will like what appears on the tube. I'm talking about attracting (and keeping) new fans. New fans means more of everything for everyone connected with drag racing. Don't get me wrong, NHRA is to be applauded for the steps they have taken so far. A business their size should have a full time PR firm and a media consulting partner. But unless they improve the on-air product, it really won't matter. For my money, they could just as well have hired a Hollywood cinematographer to do a makeover of their broadcasts and been money ahead on the deal. I suspect said cine-man would have a lot to say regarding camera angles, what action should be shown, interview formats and timing, etc., etc., etc.! But that's a whole 'nother subject in and of itself. But enough of what I think. Let me know what you think of NHRA's TV shows. Better yet, let me know your ideas on how to improve televised drag racing. Even better, let NHRA know your views. They do have some new people in important places, and they might just be in a listening mood. Two Too Much Don't know how y’all feel about the rumored increase in two-car nitro flopper teams, but I think it will prove to be a short lived scenario. Bottom line, there just are not that many guys out there who are true crew chief material. Many will try, but few can handle all the tasks that come with the title. Now if existing teams were to pool their resources (standardize their equipment and share info), that might just be a better way to go about it. Where Ya Going, Uncle Joe? Those who were surprised by the announced termination of the Joe Gibbs F/C team probably shouldn't be. Gibbs' decision illustrates two salient points about racing in general, and drag racing in particular. First, in virtually any business situation pitting NASCAR versus NHRA, NASCAR will prevail. Second, on-track success is not enough to keep the decals on the body panels. With any luck, T. J. and the boys will find the necessary backing to keep the team together -- that is a bad hot rod, after all! Question mark and the Mysterions Here's some questions; e-mail me your thoughts (if you have any)!
I think that's enough for now!! When next we speak, the new mill will be staring us down like a drop dead deadline! Make your plans to take in a turn of the century drag race to mark the occasion. There sure are enough of them out there!! As always, e-mails are welcome - it's racer4339@aol.com.
photos by Jeff Burk
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As planet
Earth hurtles toward a new millennium, a single burning question simmers
in the minds of mankind. As thoughts become words, the populace shrieks,
"What #*&@** channel are the drag races on next year?"
Unfortunately, as Y2K and all it's presumed mysteries approach, the
jury is still out on the state of televised NHRA drag racing. 