How do we reward our racers at the end of the day ?

[hydroman6]

But it will take some convincing to get me to believe that either of these two are apparent to a spectator or potential new racer. I can’t think of another sport that does not recognize the winners and the end of the day, from the local 10K run to the office golf outing. Are we so inwardly focused that we are oblivious to the impression of our sport that Joe spectator takes away at the end of the day? I believe that without awards we communicate to the outsider that the race didn’t really matter.


<O</O[/QUOTE]

I've followed this and many other threads that seem to say "wish we could be like them." Sponsorships, lots of new members, and things like that. One thing you, and the Joe Spectator sees at everyone else's events is APPEARANCE. In all other sports I can think of, everyone is in uniform. I watched the highly touted Pro Nationals video and saw our sports "professional" division drivers being interviewed on TV in shorts w/ no shirt. I know that several years ago Region 10 lost a potential Nationals sponsor (+40K) because the local city fathers (people I personally knew) showed up un-announced at a Sunday morning drivers meeting, and told me they were going to pass because of the lack of professionalism. These people were used to the unlimited teams showing up to test in full dress.

I seem to remember Stock Outboard making an attempt at requiring uniforms, but even that fell apart. Just can't understand why we can spend a thousand or two a year on props, but can't but get some collared shirts from Walmart, and get some simple printing done.

First impressions are important. A little fresh paint, a little spit and polish, and a couple of cheap shirts. What's the big deal? Could be somewhere to start.

We really should care about what the prospective new racer, or Joe spectator (business owner & future sponser?) takes away from one of our raaces. I'm agreeing w/ Dan. I'm also beginning to think it is just hopeless.

[Bill Huson]

Uniforms?

Well, yes. Way back when the SORC urged uniform use me'n my son picked up cheapo light "uniforms" = pants and shirts with some cheesey racing stripe logos. Tell the truth, they were kinda dorky looking. I think we wore them twice.

The only true test was Denton, MD, shortest race course on the east coast venue, but the largest spectator crowd ever. Me'n son raced in our uniforms. My 20ss boat on it's maiden voyage proved to be a genuine pig, a woofer beyond belief. Race over. Drivers headed for the pub. Spectators milling around all the boats. Didn't matter that I finished dead last plus, folks were handing me race programs for autographs!!! Other than my uniformed son, I don't know of any other drivers who got jumped for autographs. Couldn't be speed, I sure didn't have any (son did, he was kicking ASH tail), so it must have been the uniform, which was so K-Mart cheap it fell apart in two weeks.

The unifrom deal died out quick, but at any race specators tend to gather around race crews that are at least wearing "team shirts." Even "Team Scott" shirts draw the folks in - heh, if they only knew . . .

[PETEG]

I have been asking this question for a long time, (with tongue in cheek I must admit) "who are we trying to please?" Of course the answer is -the spectator! The program must be short enough to allow the spectator to mingle before he has to go home for supper. Run a limited number of classes and make sure they are full and competitive, End the program early and put on an "awards ceremony" within 15 to 30 minutes of the last heat. Cheer, scream, jump, holler to make sure everyone knows that something is happening. Oh gosh, this sounds like what the TITLE SERIES has been doing for years!! It works!!