Promotional Idea

[HYDRO21Z]

We all agree that our sport needs to be able to attract new racers, and that we need to promote ourselves.
So here is an Idea I had...
My first thought is APBA pays for this, but it could be a private enterprise as well, but I will begin with my original thought.
APBA leases/purchases a Gooseneck Trailer and Dually truck, and builds a rolling showroom, and hires an individual to manage it. Racing Graphics all over the outside, room to haul 6 race ready rigs. J Hydro/Runabout, A, B, and C. Motors, from Merc to Sidewinder, to Yamato, props, kevlars,helmets everything needed to race a weekend. All electronics to show video in and outside the trailer. Promotional clothing, etc., and here is the kicker.. make it possible to sell with a credit card, and be able to finance the sale if neccessary, I am sure there is a finance Co. that would work for this purpose. Maybe have equipment on consignment from boat builders, and engine suppliers, and when something sells, pay, and reorder. Rotate boat builders and suppliers so no one has a monopoly, and no one gets mistreated. Create a full color cataloge so if you don't have something someone wants it can be ordered.
Take this showroom to shows, malls, anywhere there is a chance to generate interest.
I have lots more thoughts on this subject, but just wanted to toss it out there to see what reactions this idea gets.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to the replies.
Dennis

[B Walker]

Good ideas Dennis......but......

Forget the part all that takes money and with a declining membership in a membership based and financed organization that APBA is in a slow sure death spiral.

Here is the real problem. APBA right now is little more than an insurance re-seller. Every service APBA provides is so they can re-sell insurance. This metric is measured on an annual basis so APBA's outlook is not capable of being more than one year out. Real growth will be measured over a much longer period of time.

In other words, APBA has no capability to consider in any way the promotion of the sport, even though it would be in its own best interest. When promotional funds are budgeted they are given to the individual categories to do with as they see fit, in accordance with the bylaws of the APBA charter.

Until there is a change in the bylaws of APBA, they will just be insurance re-sellers. It is what it is.

Until there is sustained growth in the membership the driving schools are the best tool for getting new members.

Start one today!

Love ya long time,

BW

[HYDRO21Z]

APBA Home,Life,Auto, and Racing

Good ideas Dennis......but......

Forget the part all that takes money and with a declining membership in a membership based and financed organization that APBA is a slow sure death spiral.

Here is the real problem. APBA right now is little more than an insurance re-seller. Every service APBA provides is so they can re-sell insurance. This metric is measured on an annual basis so APBA's outlook is not capable of being more than one year out. Real growth will be measured over a much longer period of time.

In other words, APBA has no capability to consider in any way the promotion of the sport, even though it would be in its own best interest. When promotional funds are budgeted they are given to the individual categories to do with as they see fit, in accordance with the bylaws of the APBA charter.

Until there is a change in the bylaws of APBA, they will just be insurance re-sellers. It is what it is.

Until there is sustained growth in the membership the driving schools are the best tool for getting new members.

Start one today!

Love ya long time,

BW

Interesting way to look at APBA, never thought about it in those terms, but I see the truth in it. Disappointing, very disappointing.

[STEVE FRENCH]

We all agree that our sport needs to be able to attract new racers, and that we need to promote ourselves.
So here is an Idea I had...
My first thought is APBA pays for this, but it could be a private enterprise as well, but I will begin with my original thought.
APBA leases/purchases a Gooseneck Trailer and Dually truck, and builds a rolling showroom, and hires an individual to manage it. Racing Graphics all over the outside, room to haul 6 race ready rigs. J Hydro/Runabout, A, B, and C. Motors, from Merc to Sidewinder, to Yamato, props, kevlars,helmets everything needed to race a weekend. All electronics to show video in and outside the trailer. Promotional clothing, etc., and here is the kicker.. make it possible to sell with a credit card, and be able to finance the sale if neccessary, I am sure there is a finance Co. that would work for this purpose. Maybe have equipment on consignment from boat builders, and engine suppliers, and when something sells, pay, and reorder. Rotate boat builders and suppliers so no one has a monopoly, and no one gets mistreated. Create a full color cataloge so if you don't have something someone wants it can be ordered.
Take this showroom to shows, malls, anywhere there is a chance to generate interest.
I have lots more thoughts on this subject, but just wanted to toss it out there to see what reactions this idea gets.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to the replies.
Dennis

Sounds....Like a great idea Dennis that has been tossed around on here by several include'n myself........13 of any Sidewinders, 302 box stock Yamatos, D-Tohatsu's, 13 Rolls-can-hardly's...etc...etc.....draw a number out'a the hat....go git yer motor for that class....that day..13th motor is a back-up or rotated in the next day....all seal'd...........draw another number....git yer prop (Optional).......

How many got their start drive'n for that Doctor when he haul'd a trailer load of kg-4's/10XS's around?
An Idea is just that......an Idea......Keep'm coming!....No disappointment......ignore the Negatives/Nay-sayers

100N/Steve..............

[Jeff Brewster 59s]

Interesting idea Dennis!

Good job Steve! "Happy Chime" right????

[STEVE FRENCH]

Commissioner?

Did you nominate me for Commissioner/Commodore yet .........Jeff?.....errrr.... or was I........ suppose'd ta nominate you'ns ?......Per our last phone@conversation?

"Green FLAG".............Let's go....BOOGITY! BOOGITY!BOOGITY............RACE'N!!!!!


100N/Steve French..........

[Bill Huson]

Once upon a time . ..

I built the dual-axle mega trailer - an A frame backbone with tons of storage for engines, life vests, helmets, whatnot. Two boats on each side of A frame mounted on an angle for excellent roadside viewing, two more boats on top rails.

My plan: Six fully rigged ASH boats which would be raced in six-boat heats and piloted by local celebs and/or young `uns. I would have the rigs propped to get on plane with extra Dunkin Doughnuts beef on board. Goal: recruit more drivers, and add incentive for a town to get involved and sponsor the race.

With the trailer about 90% done I approached the APBA powers at a National meeting. No, I wasn't asking for free engines, boats, or even cash. All I wanted was a break on single event insurance. At the time SE was $75 a pop, and I asked for a cheaper package deal with the understanding that novice heats would be run with additional safety precautions. I worked my way up the APBA food chain with my sales pitch and got: NO! ABSOLUTELY NO! GO AWAY AND QUIT BOTHERING US WITH YOUR SILLY IDEA!

So I went away. Done.

Great idea, Dennis, but as others mentioned recruiting new racers is a club deal. The meg trailer idea was fueled by what was our best number jump in Region 4 when the CVRA would set up an assortment of stock boats and offer "test rides" after the Camden race and at a few other venues. Lines would form. Usually darkness shut us down, not the lack of eager newbies.

[Kip69w]

Wow, (Bill Huson) That is so sad... and after a guy invests all his time & money... he gets a "no" like that.

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Wow Bill, I think that was a great project. I agree a reduction in single event fees would of been the ticket. What a way they had to squash a great idea.

[Bill Huson]

Well, building stuff like trailers & boats and fixing things is hobby time and keeps me entertained. A lot cheaper than whiskey & women, which would quickly involve expensive lawyers and maybe even firearms - EEK!

Insurance is the bug-a-boo. I still think a cheap package deal for a six boat novice heat in de-tuned rigs would enhance our sport numbers. Even a sweet price for a day of a take-your-kid-racing show at a local launch site would work.