SUPER SCHEDULING

MANZANITA HISTORY: Three-time World of Outlaws' champion Donny Schatz accepted his 2008 AARWBA All-America Team Horsepower Trophy Saturday night from Arizona Republic contributor Mark Armijo (right). Jamie Reynolds (left) of Racing Roundup Arizona radio joined in the front-straightaway ceremony. Schatz was racing in Australia at the time of the AARWBA dinner. It was WoO's last appearance at legendary Manzy, scheduled to close April 11. I'd say the grandstands were about 90 percent full and I was glad for the chance to be there one more time. Thanks to hard-working Outlaws' PR director Tony Veneziano for his help in coordinating this presentation. (Photo courtesy of Terry Shaw.)


(There were two blogs last week. If you missed last Thursday's special posting, on the Bill York outrage, please scroll down.)

My first thought, upon receiving word that NFL owners were considering adding regular-season games that could push the Super Bowl to the Daytona 500's traditional mid-February date, was:
Maybe NASCAR and Fox could turn back the clock and take a page from the Indianapolis 500's better era -- Start the race at 11 a.m. That would be far-more respectful to fans than last month's 3:42 p.m. green flag, which was a key factor in stock car racing's Super Bowl only going a rain-shortened 380 miles.

That would be sweetly ironic. But it still wouldn't work. There are too many corporate conflicts. If forced to choose, I bet I can guess where sponsors would focus their attention -- and money. And it would be a media coverage Titanic for NASCAR.

If the NFL acts, NASCAR will be forced to adjust. It would not only throw off NASCAR's schedule, though. The ripple effect on race dates would be felt throughout motorsports. And, come to think of it, a large segment of the overall Florida travel/hospitality industry.

Actually, the best idea would be to use the NFL's move as a convenient excuse to delete the NASCAR All-Star race. It has outlived its usefulness. Remember, this event was originally created in the 1980s to generate publicity for NASCAR in May vs. the Indianapolis 500. That's no longer an issue. That date could be used for a regular Cup race or help provide for an off-weekend somewhere else on the schedule. The levels of desperation being used to hype the All-Star spectacle just proves my point: It has outlived its purpose.
********************************************************************
I just finished reading No Time to Think: The Menace of Media Speed and the 24-hour News Cycle. (Continuum, 2008.) The co-authors are Howard Rosenberg, former Los Angeles Times TV critic, and Charles S. Feldman, former CNN correspondent. The title is self-explanatory. It's a warning about the dangers present in our standards-challenged, instant-communications era.

I don't agree with all their points, but this book is worthwhile even if you just read Chapter 6 ("In-Depth Instant Results") and Chapter 7 ("Desperate Newspapers Play Catch-Up").
********************************************************************
All the best to Jim Pedley, laid off from the Kansas City Star, and my other friends now involved with the new Racin’ Today. Pedley, et al say the site "is our response to the decision of major newspapers to exit motorsports coverage.

"Here you will find entertaining and insightful features on drivers, crew chiefs, owners and teams from a staff of award-winning writers. Here you will find educated opinion from highly experienced racing journalists who have roamed the teams’ garages and shops, who have spent as much time in haulers as some crew members. Here you will get news and notes from reporters whom drivers, crew members and team owners know and respect and trust."

Bill Fleischman, John Sturbin, Larry Woody and Rick Minter also are involved. It's http://racintoday.com/
********************************************************************
Here's a link to my Arizona Republic story last Friday on the last Outlaws' race at Manzanita Speedway:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2009/03/26/20090326outlaws0327.html

I'll be in Las Vegas this weekend to see what happening in the NHRA Full Throttle series.

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

SURPRISE! BILL YORK OUT at IMS

I like to tell myself nothing surprises me anymore.

I was wrong.

A decision made last Monday in a conference room at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's corporate offices -- which I learned about earlier today -- defies logic, good business practice and virtually every other quality I can imagine.

Thus, the need for this emergency post.

Bill York, who for decades ran the Speedway's media center with a gentlemen's class all-but-lost to another -- better -- era, was told to "retire."

The ramifications are no less than this: The last remaining voice of credibility, delivered with a sincere smile and warm handshake, within Tony George's communications apparatus has been silenced.

For what purpose?

Don't tell me the economy -- Bill's fee was modest measured against the hours he put in. More valuable was the goodwill and common sense he brought to the MC. Especially after some journalist or publicist had just gotten needlessly hassled by the credentials department or a Yellow Shirt or some other arrogant operative within the Speedway's self-sacred "system."

"Have a seat," York would say in that calm way of his, gesturing to a chair opposite his in a glassed office on the fourth floor overlooking the pits. He'd pick up the ever-present bowl of candy on his desk and offer it to you. "Have a piece of candy, Michael, you'll feel better," he said to me after one especially maddening bit of nonsense several years ago.

If Bill could do something tangible to make it better, he would. If he couldn't, he'd give some genuine words of support. In 2005, at AARWBA's annual pre-Indy 500 breakfast meeting, I introduced Bill by calling him "the media's perennial MVP during the month of May."

When I began covering Indy for the Philadelphia Daily News, in the 1970s, Bill was the first Speedway person to say, "Welcome. Glad to have you here." Even with a full house (those were the days!) in the old MC, Bill somehow always took time for our Eastern press group which included the late Bill Simmons of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Paul Reinhard of the Allentown Call-Chronicle, Nick Nagurny/Terry Brennan/Leroy Samuels of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, Pat Singer of the Philadelphia Journal, and others in our crowd.

When I left the Daily News to become CART's first full-time communications director, in the midst of one battle in the CART-USAC war, Bill never treated me with any less respect or kindness. To him, I was a friend, not the enemy as other IMSers would act. In various team/sponsor PR roles starting in 1984, I would always make it a point to walk through the MC race morning, and I remember Bill would always not only offer a "good luck," but also "be safe."

York has provided statistical expertise for various Indianapolis sports teams for many years, but many of us know him from the Speedway. He first showed up there as a spectator in 1951. In '57, he proudly carried a flag as part of the Purdue University marching band parade. The next May, he worked on Stark & Wetzel's Rookie of the Year program, serving lunch meat in the press room and garage area. He's been an IMS man since '64.

I spoke with Bill a few hours ago. He says IMS' PR director Ron Green unexpectedly gave him the "word" on Monday. But, hey, the Speedway still will give him a credential. (!)

There have been times in my life when I have been wronged, and was deeply pained when "friends" didn't speak out. Bill York has tons-more friends than I'll ever enjoy, and their voices must be heard -- NOW. "It won't do any good" isn't good enough in this case.

I predict with true sadness that too many of the Indycentric, IMS-dependent will be too scared to do what's right. Shamefully, they will cower in their silence. That will not be a surprise to me.

For all that Bill York has done for them, for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and for the sport, he deserves much -- much -- better.

QUALITY vs. QUANTITY

Memo to publicists, track and sanctioning officials everywhere:

All media coverage is not created equal.

There are stories that simply fill a few seconds of airtime, or a few inches of print space.

And, then, there are stories that actually help SELL tickets. Not because they are re-written press releases masquerading as real journalism -- trying to fool the audience into believing everything is wonderful -- but because they are compelling and create interest in the subject.

It's amazing to me how few understand -- and appreciate -- the difference.

Tonnage is a favorite sales tool among those trying to convince others media are falling all over themselves to report on their particular team, event or series. I get "pitched" these numbers all the time. Take your pick: Total number of stories up in the last 12 months, total hours a network is televising a series has increased, higher number of media credentials issued, more website hits, better measurements in key (carefully selected) demos, etc. The list is limited only by someone's imagination to create a new category.

Nice, but such numerology ignores a central fact: One line buried in a general sports notes column ("Paula Creamer shot 2-under in yesterday's Pro-Am . . . Chipper Jones is continuing contract talks with the Braves . . . Robby Gordon will switch from Dodge to Toyota in NASCAR . . .) gets credited. But certainly doesn't have the impact of 750 well reported and written words on Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon or Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Especially in this media environment, it's really quite something how few acknowledge the journos who are actually still out there trying to be as comprehensive as space and time will reasonably allow.

Mark Armijo worked hard last week to interview as many of the players in the Manzanita Speedway sale as he could, especially given the limitations of time and space, and get their information included in his Arizona Republic story. I haven't seen elements of Mark's reporting anywhere else. And, yes, I know some will take this as self-serving, but I actually PLANNED my coverage when NHRA's Full Throttle series was at Firebird Raceway. I knew there were many more good stories than available space, so I intentionally got as many "voices" into print as possible. In seven Republic stories, covering testing and race week, I interviewed and quoted: Tony Schumacher, new crew chief Mike Green, Kenny and Brandon Bernstein, Alan Johnson, Larry Dixon, Del Worsham, John Force, Ashley Force Hood, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Jack Beckman and Ron Capps.

I'll always be interested in the tonnage stats. But I'll always place more value on Quality over Quantity. Because -- bottom line -- that is the work and those are the stories that add to the Bottom Line.

Think about it.
********************************************************************
I've said for a long time that people who spout the old "any publicity is good publicity" don't know anything about the business. Finally, someone in the Mainstream Media agrees.

Recently, USA Today writer Robert Bianco, commenting on CNBC's Jim Cramer's fiasco-of-an-appearance on Jon Stewart's The Daily Show, wrote: "Well, despite what you may have heard from the lazily cynical, all publicity is not good publicity -- particularly not when respect is your stock in trade."
********************************************************************
FAST LINES: Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber wrote in an E-mail to me last week that he is "not interested in a February race date for our Sprint Cup event, nor has anyone proposed that." This to counter reports of a possible date swap with California Speedway . . . Tyler Alexander soon will be retiring from McLaren. If you don't know that name, that's a shame. Tyler is a legendary team manager with great success at the Indy 500, and in Formula One, Can-Am and CART. I had the great experience of seeing his organization, intensity and professionalism up-close when he managed Newman/Haas Racing in 1987 and I did the PR. That, in many ways, was a true Dream Team: Tyler as manager, Adrian Newey as engineer, in a Nigel Bennett-designed Lola, with the then-new Chevrolet engine. And, of course, Mario Andretti driving for Paul Newman and Carl Haas . . . Formula One got this much right: Fans want more emphasis on winning, not "a good points day" driving . . . Maybe someone can explain this news judgment to me: Speed's Thursday ALMS preview show from Sebring didn't report on qualifying until 50 minutes into the one-hour program. And there was no full-field qualifying results graphic. There was competition to like at Sebring, especially in the P1 class, but the quality of pit reporting still doesn't match the series' aspirations. Speed's crew uttered far-too-many "How does it feel?" "What does this mean to you?" "Tell us about your race" lines. Justin Bell handled the microphone about as well as stumbling White House press secretary Robert Gibbs . . . I'll have a story in this Friday's Arizona Republic previewing the World of Outlaws' last run at Manzanita . . . Mark Armijo and Jamie Reynolds will join me in presenting AARWBA's All-America Team Horsepower Trophy to Donny Schatz Saturday night at Manzy. Schatz was racing in Australia at the time of the AARWBA ceremony.
********************************************************************
I'll make a return appearance on Racing Roundup Arizona Monday, March 30. We'll be talking various Business of Racing issues, including, I'm sure, NASCAR's upcoming Phoenix weekend. And co-host Chris Hines says he wants to talk about the IRL season. The show airs 7-9 p.m. (local time) and can be heard on 1310 KXAM or
http://racingroundup.com/ .


I'm happy to be able to help faciliate an April 13 RRA visit by National Speed Sport News president/publisher Corinne Economaki.

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

SHORT CHANGED

When I got tipped-off last Thursday morning that legendary Manzanita Speedway was being sold and racing would end -- the official announcement came today -- I was disappointed but not surprised.

Reports on the demise of the Phoenix dirt track, where the green flag waved for the first time on August 25, 1951, have been around for several years. I was at Manzy last summer for a night of local competition, when Jim McGee was inducted into Arizona racing's Hall of Fame, and the crowd wasn't at 50 percent capacity. I returned last month for USAC's Silver Crown, sprint and midget tripleheader. Looking up at the grandstands from the pits before the heats began, I'd say they were 60-70 percent full. Doesn't sound too bad in these tough times, but certainly not good enough for a national show like USAC or the World of Outlaws.

Manzanita, for those who don't know, is where people like Foyt and Andretti and Bettenhausen raced on their way to fame. Sometimes, it was tough to tell what was more rough: the competition, track, or neighborhood.

Manzy's passing into history for the sake of property value is not just a sentimental moment for people like me. It's another head slap to the Business of Racing in Arizona. Other than local stars who developed there, like Yeley and Boat, at least three times a year national motorsports media attention was focused on the Valley when USAC and the Outlaws visited. I have no doubt there will be people who cite the end of Manzy as an indication enthusiasm for the sport is diminishing in this state. And, I'm sure, there are a few around here rubbing their hands -- figuring one less competitor for the racing entertainment dollar adds to their own power base.

So, let's everyone be clear about this: It is NOT a positive for racing in Arizona, from a fan or industry standpoint, to be viewed as limited to two NASCAR and one NHRA shows per 12 months.

While it will be very difficult in the current environment, there IS an opportunity for another short-track promoter to step-up and try to fill the void.

To me, the most important question now is: Who -- if anyone -- will that be? There's at least some optimistic talk about a new dirt track in the Valley, possibly even continuing the Manzy name.

Meanwhile, I'm glad that the Outlaws' March 28 event will go on. I'll be there to see Kinser, Swindell, Schatz and Co. take on Manzy one more time. Manzanita's final checkered flag is scheduled for Saturday night, April 11.
********************************************************************
I made the following comment at last January's AARWBA All-America Team ceremony: One of the most insidious trends in modern motorsports is driver BUSINESS managers being allowed to make MEDIA decisions. Where does it say just because somebody knows how to write a contract they also know how to write a proper press release?

I was reminded of this again last week. I received a release touting that Borja Garcia will race in this season's Atlantic series. To quote from this offering, "In a move masterminded by his management company, CJ Motorsport Consulting, the talented Spaniard . . ."

A self-congratulatory quote from a rep of the consulting company followed.

If these people knew anything about publicity or news, they'd know the idea is to promote the driver. Not his manager."Masterminded?" This is a perfect example why many journalists don't want to deal with managers or agents.
********************************************************************
This was lost during the Sprint Cup "off" weekend, but I noted a Jayski posting attributed to Fox. This was about the Atlanta ratings. I quote:

"One month into the season, NASCAR racing is being impacted by two disappointing trends on the track: lead changes per race are at an all-time low, while caution flags per race are near an all-time high. The season's first four points races have averaged just 14 lead changes per race. The same races a year ago averaged 30 lead changes."

As a follow-up to last week's posting, Sports Business News reported Bank of America CEO Kenneth Lewis defended spending on sports marketing.

"I was never inclined to pump big sums of money into sports marketing until I saw the facts and the numbers. In general terms, for every dollar we spend on sports marketing, we get $10 in revenue and $3 in earnings. This is not wasted money." ********************************************************************
Invented News: ESPN treated as "headline" and "breaking" news last weekend the drivel that one of its self-important "bracketologists" (it even sounds self-important) had changed his opinion on one of the four regional NCAA No. 1 seeds. Let's clearly understand this: ONE guy, who had no role in the actual selections, made a GUESS and ESPN acted like it was REAL, LEGITIMATE news. Oh, and by the way, he was wrong. This is what the media has become. I feel safe in saying this even though I never worked for the New York Times or Washington Post.
********************************************************************
It's no secret charitable giving is down. But the 28th annual CARA Charities' Fashion Show is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Money raised goes to Riley Children's Hospital and the Cody Unser First Step Foundation. More information from CARA Charities' executive director Cathie Lyon, 317-299-2277, or caraexdir@aol.com .
********************************************************************
First to 300. First to 30. Here's my new Drag Racing Online "All Business" column on Kenny Bernstein's 30th anniversary with Budweiser sponsorship. It was announced today Bud will conclude this sponsorship, as well as its NHRA relationship, after this season:
http://www.dragracingonline.com/columns/knight/xi_3-1.html

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

SPORTS MARKETING UNDER FIRE

Sports marketing is in the cross hairs of Washington politics. Motorsports better take cover.

Anything that can be tagged as "wasteful" or "lavish" spending is getting denounced in the halls of Congress, by media hoping to tap into populist outrage, and in the court of public opinion. Recently, Northern Trust got headlines it could have done well without, for its title sponsorship and activation of a PGA golf tournament. Video of celebrity entertainment at a dinner for NT's customers found its way onto the network news and drew the oh-so-predictable ire of all the usual Congressional suspects. Wells Fargo, which now owns Wachovia, yanked W's name off a tournament and chose a non-corporate title rather than putting its own ID on it.

The message is clear: Any corporation accepting taxpaper money is going to be an easy target. What used to be considered legitmate marketing now is an unnecessary expense.

With word last week that even General Motors' auditors view it as a company on-the-brink, and Chrysler also on the receiving end of what is labeled with the generic "bailout," how much longer will it be before racing budgets get steered into the political center-stage? It probably already would have happened if not for NASCAR's own long-engaged lobbying efforts and the recognized electorial force of a voting strata known as "NASCAR dads."

A continued business downturn, and maybe evidence of attendance and TV ratings weakness, could help change that.

I understand why he did it, but it was painful to see Greg Biffle feel the need to offer a defense for sponsor Citi after winning the Nationwide race in Las Vegas.

I just read that Chevrolet is trying to sell-off its VIP suites at the NCAA Final Four and, if it can't, will leave them vacant. How many speedway suites and chalets and tents have gone unsold so far this year? How many more by season's end?

I truly pity the travel, leisure and hospitality industries, among America's largest employment sectors. Conventions and receptions in this economic and political environment are as taboo as peanuts used to be in the pits at Indy. Interesting to me that in four states which benefit the most from tourism -- Nevada, California, Florida and New York -- six of the eight U.S. senators are Democrats. Including, of course, senate majority leader Harry Reid.
********************************************************************
FAST LINES: Congratulations to good guy and fellow Scottsdaler Didier Theys (left), who announced his retirement last week. I first met Didier in 1986 when he won the championship in the old Bosch Super Vee series. He went on to success in Indy Lights, was in CART, and qualified for three Indianapolis 500s. But he's best known as a winner in endurance sports car racing, including Daytona and Sebring. Theys, 52, said he planned to retire at the end of 2009 but the worldwide economic downturn made it impossible to put together a sponsorship package for this season . . . Some people still get it: Thanks to Kelby Krauss for the outreach last week. Kelby did it the old-fashioned way -- He picked up the phone and called me. NHRA's Anthony Vestal sent a hand-written thank you note for my Firebird coverage. Kenny and Brandon Bernstein mailed their own thank you letter . . . Disspiriting -- Dave (King) Wilson off-the-air at WIBC in Indianapolis due to the economy . . . Please note Sunday's NHRA Gatornationals final eliminations this Sunday are on ESPN, not ESPN2, due to a coverage conflict with the World Baseball Classic. Qualifying and all other NHRA races are on "2" . . . One of the worst things I've ever seen -- The iconic yellow and black Ferrari Prancing Horse logo on a UPS-brown baseball cap. Whoever thought that was a good idea probably would like to see Reese Witherspoon with purple hair. (!)

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

MEASURE OF RESPECT

It must be true: Desperate times call for desperate measures.

That's an impression I was left with after the interests of NHRA (Firebird Raceway), USAC (Manzanita Speedway) and NASCAR (Phoenix International Raceway) collided the other week here in the Valley of the Sun.

It was, from a historical standpoint, drag racing week here. The 25th annual NHRA Nationals ran at Firebird. There was a time in motorsports when that would have been respected and others stood down. No longer.

With Antron Brown (who went on to win Top Fuel) available for the media rounds on Thursday, Feb. 19, and Manzy hosting an open test in preparation for Saturday night's USAC Silver Crown, sprint and midget tripleheader, PIR brought in Clint Bowyer for a media availability and go-kart racing. Bowyer, of course, stopped on his way to California Speedway.

The bizarre element was that Bowyer's visit was promoted as not only to pump PIR's April NASCAR weekend, but also, "the track's relationship with Coca-Cola." Apparently, Coke's brand managers and sports marketing types aren't coordinating activities, since Full Throttle is NHRA's new title sponsor. (!)

With an admission that, back in my days as CART's communications director, I was involved in an episode of trying to step on someone else's event, I have a distaste for what I saw. If there's one thing in shorter supply than entertainment dollars, it's media airtime/space. USAC at Manzy on NHRA's traditional weekend was another in the seemingly endless examples of racing shooting itself in the foot. But the attempt to Big Foot NHRA with the Bowyer visit was much more regretable, and, I'm sorry to say, a sign of our less respectful times.

Furthermore, now comes word via a Mike Mulhern website report that Cal Speedway President Gillian Zucker wants to change the date of her first Cup weekend to April, "possibly in a swap with Phoenix International Raceway" according to Mulhern. Using this year's calendar, that would bring NASCAR to the Valley on NHRA's long-held weekend.

Are the straight-liners supposed to just give up a date in which they own a ton of equity?

(To the best of my knowledge, no Valley media outlet has raised this issue. If there's no space, money, interest or manpower to pursue a potentially important story like this, what will it be if NASCAR/PIR do try to claim the date, and both series run here at the same time? Let me be clear: THAT would be the biggest mistake, the greatest debacle, the dumbest move, in Arizona motorsports history.)

Meanwhile, credit to NHRA. The Firebird crowd -- especially Saturday's -- was solid. And overall media coverage -- especially local TV -- was up from recent years. As I've said many times, NHRA is an under-reported sport. Maybe, just maybe, this was an indication of increased awareness.
********************************************************************
Here are BASIC things we still don't know about USF1 even after last week's live "news conference" (and cheerleading) on SPEED:

1. It was said team founders Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor sold an ownership stake. Who was the buyer? What percentage? How much? Is the money in the team's bank account, or just promised?

2. It was said a visual presentation existed for display to investors. How many more investors are needed? What additional percentage of the team ownership will be sold? How much more funding is needed?

3. Is Bernie Ecclestone, either directly or through a company he owns/controls, financially involved in USF1?

4. The budget has been reported as $62 million. Is that accurate? If so, how much is actually in the bank, vs. pledged funds?

5. Sponsors?

6. Marco Andretti was promoted as a potential driver. The Andretti family position, from Mario to Michael to Marco, has been it would take a ride with one of the "top" teams to make the switch from Indy Cars. Are they saying USF1 will be considered a "top" team right from the start?

7. What is the actual deadline, go/no-go, date to ensure the team is on the grid for the 2010 season opener?

8. Oh, and why weren't the above seven questions asked?********************************************************************
I'm glad The Daly Planet is back and could not agree more with this post-Vegas analysis:

"It may be that time spent on setting up Digger in every segment of the race takes away from the time spent getting current information ready to be told to the viewers. The Fox team makes sure that Digger is a constant presence. It would be wonderful if information from the pit road reporters was presented as regularly as the animated cartoon character."
********************************************************************
Grab a copy of next week's (March 11 cover date) National Speed Sport News. My blurb in honor of NSSN's 75th anniversary is scheduled to appear in that issue.

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

40 YEARS

Indulge me, please . . .

This is a special year for me -- it's the 40th anniversary of what I consider to be my first contribution to motorsports and participation beyond the role of spectator.

In April 1969, USAC ran Indy Cars at the old Hanford Motor Speedway oval, in Fresno, Calif. Sadly, during a pit-stop sequence, crew member Red Stainton jumped away from a refueling fire. He tripped and fell into the path of Mario Andretti's car. Stainton died. In the aftermath, I wrote a guest column for the old USAC News newspaper, suggesting the sanctioning body require pit crew members to wear fire-resistant uniforms. It was my first byline.

Eventually, that idea became reality. I'm not taking credit, but I do remember this: Years later, Dick King, who became USAC's president, recalled that column and thanked me for it.

A month earlier, I had my first taste of actual competition. I was the navigator in a 50-mile sports car rally in southern New Jersey. We won in our family's Ford Mustang. Yes, I still have the trophy.
********************************************************************
An Act of Desperation. A Cry for Attention.

That's the only way I know to describe the "Tale of the Tape" posting on IndyCar.com last week. Alex Rodriguez' news conference in Tampa, to answer questions about his admitted past use of performance enhancers, was twisted into a comparison to IRL racing in St. Petersburg. An example:

"Performance-enhancing fuel -- A-Rod -- Steroids; IndyCar Series -- 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol."

Bizarre. Outrageous. Offensive. Inappropriate. Bad judgment.

If I were Graham Rahal, or his representative, I would not appreciate being pictured side-by-side with A-Rod in this way. In fact, I would have been on the phone to Tony George, demanding the image be taken down.

One can only ask: What were they thinking? And: Where's the oversight?

http://www.indycar.com/news/?story_id=13168
********************************************************************
I covered last weekend's drag racing at Firebird International Raceway. Links to my Arizona Republic stories are below. I noticed many things that reflect on the industry -- some positive, some alarming -- and I'll have a lot to say about that next week.

Saturday was a long racing day: When qualifying was over at Firebird, I headed to Manzanita Speedway for USAC's Silver Crown, sprint and midget tripleheader.

When Coca-Cola announced that Full Throttle would take over from Powerade as the NHRA series sponsor, a more aggressive marketing/advertising effort was promised. I didn't see any retail promotion or point-of-purchase displays in the local supermarkets, which was disappointing. Time will tell, but I like this fresh creative: http://creativity-online.com/work/view?seed=2353381b . (Thanks to Autoextremist.com for the tip.)
********************************************************************
FAST LINES: Congratulations to former Champ Car PR boss David Higdon (right), just named the LPGA's chief communications officer. According to the announcement, "In this newly created role, Higdon will be a member of the LPGA management committee and will develop strategic corporate communications initiatives for the organization" . . . Congratulations to Chris Economaki, this year's recipient of Pocono Raceway's Bill France Award of Excellence. The NSSN 75th anniversary issue is June 24 with ad close June 22 . . . E-mails to John Medlen, recovering from insertion of a stent into his heart, can be sent to the John Force Racing crew chief at getwellmedlen@johnforceracing.com . . . A referral from John Force Racing helped Gary Densham land Asom Tequila as his new Funny Car sponsor.
********************************************************************
Here are links to my NHRA stories last week in the Arizona Republic:

Thursday -- Notebook, including Kenny Bernstein and Ashley Force Hood:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2009/02/18/20090218nhranb0219.html

Friday -- Alan Johnson, "Drag racing's Most Wanted Man":
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2009/02/19/20090219spt-nhra.html

Saturday -- First day qualifying, Ron Capps:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2009/02/20/20090220spt-nhra.html

Sunday -- Newsmaker Q&A (Jack Beckman, Brandon Bernstein, Jeg Coughlin Jr.):
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2009/02/21/20090221spt-nhra.html

Monday -- Race notebook:
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2009/02/22/20090222spt-nhranb.html

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

THE DAYTONA DOWNER

If Bud Selig, the commissioner of baseball who routinely gets bashed in the media like Ryan Howard does a fastball, realizes how inappropriate it is to allow rain to end a World Series game before nine innings, then it's time for those who run America's two most important races -- the Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500 -- to wake-up and understand the same.

Last November 3, I posted here "The Selig Doctrine" -- calling on Daytona and Indy to follow baseball's example and mandate those events run to the full 500 miles. Here's a link:
http://spindoctor500blog.blogspot.com/2008/11/selig-doctrine.html .

Sunday's disappointing Daytona 500 proved the point. Congratulations to Matt Kenseth and Roush Fenway Racing's Ford team, but what a downer. The anti-climatic ending, with 120 miles to go, guaranteed that the Dale Earnhardt Jr.-Brian Vickers tangle would be the race's dominant story -- and that's a disservice to the winners, the series, and the sport.

Here's what's obvious to me: The finger rightfully gets pointed right at Fox, for hanging NASCAR with a 3:42 p.m. EST green flag. That's an insult to every true race fan. And, please, spare me the talking points about a late start to attract a larger audience. The dumbing down of the production has reached a stage where I'm expecting one of the pit reporters to be laid off -- in favor of more time for "Digger." We'd have seen 500 miles, no problem, with a proper and traditional and more respectful to the ticket-buyers 1 p.m. start.

At Daytona and Indy, "500" actually means something. It's truly important. Everywhere else, it's just a number, a marketing gimmick. Plus, Daytona and Indy have the advantage that the following day is a national holiday, making it easier for fans to return.

By the way, according to Weather.com, it was sunny Monday in Daytona.
********************************************************************
I intentionally steered clear of Daytona here last week, highlighting Mazda's driver development program as a contrast to the celebrity/star culture of which NASCAR has worked most hard to join.

That doesn't mean I wasn't paying close attention to what was happening in Florida, though. Some quotes, specifically as uttered during media day, cry out to be put in this spotlight.

Ryan Newman was asked, as virtually every driver was, about the economy and its impact on racers and fans.

“I hear everybody complain and I mean everybody complain about how bad the economy is and I don’t think it’s that bad. I think it’s just not as good as it was. I think that everybody from an organizational standpoint whether its NASCAR, Stewart-Haas Racing, Hendrick or Roush, whatever has to keep their pencil sharp and put themselves in a position to where they can be strong for the future. I think the economy is going to have more of an effect six months from now than it will now. If the economy is as bad as everyone says it is then, realistically, we are living off of our reserves whether it’s financially, or whatever, and we’ll have to see who has the biggest stockpile of reserves. I’m no economic adviser but that’s just my gut hunch about it.”

“I think it’s mentally affected everybody more than it has physically. Maybe this is my opinion but when we go to the gas station, and we can’t get a gallon of gas and a gallon of milk, then the economy is really hurting. Now gas is half of what it was last fall when the economy was good and there’s no shortage of milk. I mean how bad is it really? That’s just my gut feel. And I’m probably a little naïve from the standpoint that I think NASCAR spoils you a little bit. Spoils me personally, you know my lifestyle is not the same as somebody that is greeting at Wal-Mart, but in the end, I don’t think the economy is that bad. The cream is always going to rise to the top and I just think it separates it off from the weak individual. It’s like a minor plague, I guess.”

It must be nice to live on whatever planet Ryan is on. Unfortunately, the automakers, sponsors and ticket-buyers aren't acting like this is "minor."

Newman obviously didn't get the talking points, because his new boss, Tony Stewart, had this to say:

“It’s hurt everybody, obviously. We still have 13 races to sell on Ryan’s car. Haas Automation stepped up and is going to sponsor some of those races, but not all of them. So it’s no different for us than for anybody else. It’s hurt everybody this year.”

Clint Bowyer, had to explain -- if not defend -- that new jet he got during the off-season.

“That plane is a big part of what I do for all my sponsors. I can’t reach out to all my sponsors anymore without that. I can’t continue doing more for my sponsors without a means to get there. I can’t do what the media expected those auto execs to do. They had to drive a car there (Washington, D.C., for Congressional hearings) and it took more time to get there just to appease the media to keep them off their backs and what’s that doing? That’s taking away time from them trying to take care of business and keeping people’s jobs. That’s the way it is as far as transportation goes so those people can have at least a little bit of life and reach out to their responsibilities with their jobs. They have to have that. It’s no different than the president. Yeah, he reached out and put a (salary) cap on them all, but he had a pretty expensive party a few weeks ago too (inauguration). You gotta keep that in mind, too. There’s pro and cons to everything and there’s repercussions to everything. He’s our leader and we all have to have confidence in him and his programs.”

“He has the No. 1 one plane in the world. His plane (Air Force One) is badder than any other plane out there. It is what it is. The biggest thing is not to get negative and not to get down on everything. It’s what we make out of it. If we work hard and make good decisions as a country, I think we’ll be just fine and our sport will be no different. I’ve been over to the dirt track in Tampa and, normally, I wouldn’t know anything about anything that was going on with our country, but the reason I know all this is because I’ve been sitting in the dirt hauler for the last two days watching the news for the last two days and it makes you want to put a gun to your head. The world’s over if you listen to CNN. There’s nothing positive. For four hours I watched the news and not one thing came on that was positive. Even ESPN -- everybody’s doing drugs. Come on guys, somebody’s doing something good. I finally quit and got on the racetrack and nothing happened good there either. It didn’t change there. Maybe it is bad out there. I think just with our sport I want to encourage the media to find positive things for our sport, too. There are good people doing good things out there and working their butts off to make this sport better for all of us. There are negative things going on in our sport, but there’s a helluva lot of good, too.”

Enjoy the jet, Clint. No one's saying you shouldn't have it if you can afford it. Just don't put out a news release release about it! (I'll bet Chevy's racing brass cringed.)

Finally, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was asked, "What's the hardest part about being Dale Jr.?"

“Answering a lot of questions. I got to answer so many damn questions. I never wanted to be asked so many questions. I just wanted to drive but that’s not all there is to it.”

Oh, OK. I can't end without a contribution from Kyle Busch. This, on NASCAR's new single-file restart within 20 laps of the checkered flag rule:

“Now when there’s a caution inside 20 laps, everybody’s coming to pit road. I guess they just wanted even more cautions in the last 20 laps and that’s just the way it’s going to be. Guys are going to come to pit road and they’re going to be driving erratically in the last 20 laps to try to get up through there and make up all the spots they can and probably running into each other. It will be pretty crazy when there’s cautions in the last 20 (laps). I’m not in favor of it, but whatever they want to do.”
********************************************************************
Here's a link to my new "All Business" column in the February Drag Racing Online (it's on two pages, so be sure to click over at bottom of the first page): http://www.dragracingonline.com/columns/knight/xi_2-1.html
********************************************************************
David Poole of the Charlotte Observer had the best story datelined Daytona Beach:
http://www.thatsracin.com/135/story/3681.html .

$ign of the Time$: No USA Today Daytona 500 special section (first time in memory; there was, however, an NBA All-Star Game section) and no Indianapolis Star staff coverage.
********************************************************************
President Obama's town-hall meeting in Elkhart, Ind. last week reminded me of this long-lost-to-history tale from CART in the 1980s. Upon hearing that the Marlboro team would be racing that weekend in "Elkhart," a New York-based Philip Morris manager traveled there, not Elkhart Lake, Wis. (!)
********************************************************************
I'll be NHRAing it this weekend, covering the Arizona Nationals for the Arizona Republic. You can check out my stories (and Mark Armijo's) at http://azcentral.com/. And good luck to Lachelle Seymour, who has left the NHRA PR staff for a job at Chicagoland Speedway.

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

OWNING THE PATH

Mazda's John Doonan is surrounded by karting kids Court Vernon (left) and Sage Karam, who have advanced to the BFGoodrich Skip Barber Nationals presented by Mazda.

As Dean Case's always useful news releases always remind us:

"On any given weekend, there are more Mazdas on the road-race tracks of America than any other brand of vehicle."

Case says Mazda has 9,000 customer racers!

As Gordon Kirby and others have written, Mazda is the No. 1 advocate and supporter of road racing driver development in the U.S. It is a very comprehensive program.

Most are familiar with the Atlantic Championship, powered by Mazda, and naming rights to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Other elements include: SCCA Spec Miata, the largest road-racing class in the country; Star Mazda, Formula Mazda, Skip Barber National and MAZDASPEED Challenge Series; Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup; and participation in karting, Grand-Am's GT class, Speed World Challenge Touring Car, Grand-Am Koni Challenge, SCCA and NASA Club racing, and Solo II Autocross. On the track are the MX-5 Miata, RX-8, MAZDA3, MAZDA6, RX-7 and other vintage Mazda models.

Going back to Atlantics and the old Bosch Super Vee series, I've always been a strong believer in robust driver development efforts. One side effect of the economic downturn we've seen, at least in Sprint Cup, is owners and sponsors trending toward veteran drivers who are known quantities -- they can qualify, and race consistently, if not spectacularly.

I wanted to know more about Mazda's very different philosophy. So, before he spoke at the recent AARWBA Shav Glick Newsmakers Forum, I asked John Doonan. He's Mazda's manager of motorsports team development.

"The program has always been built around grass-roots racing. Our competition parts program, coupled with all of the corporate partners we have, have allowed us to do what we do. The other piece of it is, Mazda has the youngest average age buyer in the industry. The ability to have our brand in front of young minds, and their parents, frankly, because we're involved in karting, allows us to identify our next generation of customer. We want to continue that. For us, it's not necessarily about everything that happens at the racetrack, but also, what happens at the dealerships. That whole ladder system, as it developed, as our partnership with Skip Barber came together, we noticed the missing piece was karting. You don't get any more grass-roots than karting. Now, on both sides of the open-and-closed wheel ladder, we've got everything covered."

I wondered if going with non-"star" names in our celebrity-driven, People magzine society, was a tough sell to management. Especially now.

"The whole philosophy we have is, we don't necessarily want to own the driver's name, we want to own their path. Someday, in the Indianapolis 500 winner's circle, Daytona 500, Le Mans, Sebring, have the driver say in their post-race interview, 'I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the opportunities I had to grow my career in Mazdas.' It's not necessarily the 'name' driver. The management is fully behind that concept."

An important new addition to the lineup, however, is Mazda's involvement with the respected Dyson Racing team in the ALMS LMP2 class. Is this a "star" turn?

"Dyson's vision is to build a ladder system within Dyson Racing. But as a family-oriented, independent team, who has never necessarily been a factory-endorsed team, it's an opportunity for us to get our program out more visually. We're going to test some of our ladder guys in their car during the Le Mans break."

Anyone with any interest in the future of American road racing should keep an eye on what Mazda is doing. And, say thank you.
********************************************************************
Mike Harris has made it official: He'll retire from the Associated Press July 1. Mike, the AP's national motorsports writer since 1980 (when I first met him), began to formally tell people last weekend at Daytona. I'll have much more on Mike's enormous contributions to racing in the upcoming months.
********************************************************************
I'll be guesting on Racing Roundup Arizona next Monday, Feb. 16. The show airs from 7-9 p.m. (local time) and can be heard on 1310 KXAM or at http://RacingRoundup.com .
********************************************************************
FAST LINES: One of the most stunning things I've ever seen has been the near zeroing-out of staff-produced NASCAR coverage among a lot of Southern newspapers . . . Count me among those sorry to see John Daly end his The Daly Planet reporting/analysis/
conversation about NASCAR TV coverage . . . I wish broadcasters, writers and publicists would embrace the fact that event "records" aren't valid "records" when the format changes. The Budweiser Shootout was a great example. Lead changes and other stats from this year's event mean nothing when placed in contrast with previous runnings contested to different distances . . . According to a story in the Arizona Republic, an expert on how to do a job search in these tough times recommends making cold calls. Why? It helps you "stand out from the rest." Sounds like what I've been saying about PR people who actually take the time to reach out to individual journalists . . . Latest example of the decline in journalistic standards: Katie Couric's pre-Grammys special last week, in which she mainstreamed behavior that should be considered on the extreme fringe of our culture. Yes, the ANCHOR of the CBS Evening News mouthed what was essentially an infomercial . . . Congratulations to Paul Page, who recently was presented the Eddie Sachs Lifetime Achievement Award by the Michigan Auto Racing Fan Club. Eddie Sachs Jr. made the presentation . . . Sanctioning body and track publicists, take note: The number of media credentials issued for the Super Bowl was down, the NFL admitted. The reason? The economy and cost cutting, of course. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution sent no one. Now's the time to be cultivating and appreciating -- not haranguing -- those who are still out there providing coverage. Especially those who go out-of-their-way to provide quality coverage . . . Politico.com posted a column recently that offered this observation: "Smart campaigns know that it’s a waste of time to attack and ban the media. Seducing the media is much more productive."
********************************************************************
Mediabistro.com (which I check out daily) recently posted a Q&A with Howard Bragman, CEO of Fifteeen Minutes Public Relations. I can't honestly say I agree with everything Bragman said in his interview, but here are a selection of right-on-point remarks:

" . . . we all have images -- whether we think we do or not. You don't have to be Angelina Jolie to have an image. You've got a Facebook page, or you're the president of the PTA, you're trying to clean up a river or run a dry cleaners; we all have something that we want to get out there. If you don't define yourself to the world, somebody else is going to define you -- and you're probably not going to like it as much as if you did it yourself."

"The metabolism of the media has gone berserk, meaning the speed at which things happen. You used to have time to take a breath, see what was going on, get the big picture. Now you barely have time to do that -- then the video's on TV. They're digging this hole for you so quickly. I've never seen reputations shattered so quickly in this world. Did you see how stunningly quick the governor of New York went down? A very powerful man -- did you see how quickly that happened?"

"The media can screw up very quickly because it seems to me many media outlets are more interested in speed than they are in accuracy. I like journalistic standards. I'd rather take a breath and get the story right rather than get it out quickly. This is the way the world is now. I can't bury my head in the sand. And the Internet has great value because, trust me, there ain't a lot of print space left, you know? When you've got to get publicity for a client, and they're paying you because they want to get their image out there, you don't have the same opportunities you did 10 years ago."

"There's a lot of PR people . . . who seem to be proud that they're inaccessible. You can't talk to them and they don't return E-mails, and I'm sort of proud of the opposite. If a journalist approaches me, even if it's a 'Sorry, we're going to pass on that,' they'll generally get a communication from me."

"We used to talk about crisis control. Now it's crisis management. You can't control the blogosphere and the Internet. I could maybe corral it. I could maybe get it to flow into the ocean like lava to a place where it's not going to do too much damage. But I can't stop it. There's ways to bury it once it's out there. There's tricks of the trade, but it's a different world."

"PR no longer stands for public relations. It stands for perception and reality. And the job of the PR person is always, always, always to manage the relationship between perception and reality. The concept is like the scales of justice, and you've got perception on one side and reality on the other -- you want them in balance. Because if perception exceeds reality, we call that hype -- or Dr. Phil. And that means the wind's going to come under your balloon and the balloon's going to pop. As I always say, you want a career made in a crock pot, not a microwave."


[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

THANKS, JUDY

Judy Stropus, 2008 winner of the Jim Chapman Award, wrote the following for the February AARWBA newsletter. I am most grateful to Judy for this, which came as a surprise to me. Thanks for noticing, Judy, and this blog is part of what I see as the big picture learning experience for us all. I copy Judy's note here exactly as it appears in the newsletter:

“I had the greatest honor of receiving the Jim Chapman Award for Excellence in Motorsports Public Relations at the recent AARWBA awards dinner in Ontario, Calif.

“Receiving this award meant a lot to me, especially because it was given in the name of one of the titans of this business.

“Although I thanked nearly everyone who was instrumental in my career, I did not give true credit to the one man who has worked so tirelessly to maintain Jim Chapman's legacy through this award for so many years.

“Thank you Michael Knight for all your efforts in making sure the motorsports p.r. profession is duly respected. And thank you for your professional demeanor for so many years. Your belief in the value of good motorsports p.r. and publicity has kept this profession in the forefront. While we are so often forgotten or taken for granted, you have made sure that the media, the team owners, manufacturers and sponsors are made aware of the importance of high-quality p.r. and media relations.

“You are the example for that, and I have always respected your abilities. Through the years members of the media have on many occasions named you to me as the best p.r. person out there. So, congratulations also to you for initiating the Jim Chapman Award in memory of your friend and for everything you have done and continue to do.

“And thank you to all the AARWBA members for their hard work and support of the AARWBA awards programs.”

Warmest regards, Judy Stropus

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

'SOME JOURNALISTS DON'T LIKE PEOPLE'

NHRA Full Throttle Top Fuel and Funny Car teams -- those whose budget allowed -- tested last weekend at Firebird Raceway outside Phoenix. The National Time Trials was a good place for me to interview drag racing personalities.

And, that's exactly the right word -- personalities. In less than four hours on-site, I did one-on-one sit-down interviews (lasting around 15 minutes, at least) with Ashley Force Hood (she's married), Kenny Bernstein, Brandon Bernstein, Larry Dixon, Alan Johnson, Del Worsham and Jack Beckman. Plus, shorter sessions with Tony Schumacher (who I interviewed two weeks ago at AARWBA), Mike Green (his new crew chief), Don Prudhomme and Melanie Troxel. Actually, I went back to Hood, Dixon, Worsham and Beckman for follow-ups. Of course, I had time with John Force and Robert Hight at AARWBA. This was not just quantity in short order. It was quality time.

To repeat what I've often said, I consider NHRA to be an under-covered sport, media-wise. One reason is the colorful, interesting and fascinating (and cooperative!) people in the pit area. It's too bad too many journalists don't wake-up to that fact, although I hope the recent field trip to John Force Racing and media competition at Pomona before the AARWBA ceremony might have awakened some people. NHRA and JFR did the right thing that day -- they went out and made something positive happen.

Before the AARWBA awards, I sat down for an interview with legendary NHRA broadcaster/announcer Dave McClelland (right). Dave still possesses a great announcer's voice. His own contributions to the popularity of drag racing earned him the Pioneer In Racing award -- as MC, he was surprised to learn that -- the first non-competitor to receive the honor. When I asked Dave about drag racing's personalities vs. under-represented press coverage, Dave had a most interesting observation. Some people might find it stunning. I don't want to let another week go by without sharing this:

"I have the feeling that a great number of journalists don't like people. It shows when they are dealing one-on-one with an interview subject. I'm sorry. I'm not trying to diss the journalistic business; I've been in it way-too-long. But I don't think some of them really like people.

"Motorsports hasn't necessarily been the pinnacle of success in the sports world, as far as journalism goes. A lot of people would much rather be covering Major League Baseball, or pro football, golf, or things like that. That's what always amazed me about the late Shav Glick (Los Angeles Times.) He was an avid golfer, loved it, but he also loved motorsports and the people in it. I'm not holding Shav up to ideals that no one else can achieve. I'm just saying, you've got to like people. If you don't, you're going to have a tough time in a lot of fields, not just journalism.

"It's a shame a lot of people (journs) don't do their homework anymore, because it's so easy. You can type a name into a search engine box and come up with 2,312,000 hits in about eight-tenths of a second. But if you're too lazy to do it, or just don't care, then it's a disservice not only to who you're working for, but to the industry, and certainly your interview subject."
********************************************************************
FAST LINES: Good PR and marketing sense came into play as George Gillett agreed to put Richard Petty's legendary name front-and-center for their newly joined-together team. Here's the logo . . . Classy gesture by Hurley Haywood and David Donohue to remember Bob Carlson, the late Porsche PR expert and Jim Chapman Award winner, after their victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona . . . By all accounts -- and not surprisingly -- the level of activity during last week's NASCAR Media Tour was down. Several participating reporters told me so. There was a lot of extra "writing time" built into the official schedule, they said . . . Shakiest Start I've seen this side of a traction-challenged Funny Car: White House press secretary Robert Gibbs . . . Bad Timing Award goes to Phoenix International Raceway, which solicited media to interview a visiting Marcos Ambrose Friday at a wing joint while John and Ashley Force, Tony Schumacher and other NHRA Headliners were testing at Firebird. Plus, Arizona Cardinals' Super Bowl fever . . . The American Drag Racing League has a new logo, too, to reflect its National Guard sponsorship. Bob Margolis now heads-up ADRL's communications effort . . . Distribution is one of the key problems affecting the newspaper industry. So, let me share this head-scratching first-hand experience: On my way to the gym one recent morning, I waited for a man to load that day's editions of USA Today and the Arizona Republic into honor boxes. It took him 10 minutes to service just two machines. When he was finished, I put four quarters into the USAT box -- and discovered he had placed only TWO copies of the paper into the box. Why bother?
********************************************************************
Here are links to my two NHRA testing stories in last week's Arizona Republic:

Season preview --
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/speed/articles/2009/01/22/20090122spt-nhra.html



Test report --
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/2009/01/24/20090124spt-nhranb.html
********************************************************************
Please don't anyone ever insult my intelligence again by telling me journalistic standards haven't declined or there isn't media bias. I consider myself qualified to make these observations, and criticisms, even though I've never worked for the New York Times or Washington Post.

Any reasonable review of last week's Presidential Inauguration TV coverage proves my point. I'm not even referring to the gushy, platitudinous so-called "reporting."

Not too many things surprise me anymore, but for news anchors, as well as pundits, to talk over the top of the formal ceremonies and podium speakers just proves how out-of-control these people are . . . or, I should say, their egos.

And, as far as I can determine, Fox News was the only network to carry live the remarks of former President Bush (43) upon his return to Texas. Talking heads on the other nets blathered on while this was happening. They, and their producers, think their words are more important than those of the actual NEWSMAKERS! I dare anyone to compare the extensive time devoted to President Clinton's public activities, upon his departure from the Capitol eight years ago, to what Bush 43 got. Go ahead. Make my day.

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

MEMO to NASCAR's PR SUMMITEERS

NASCAR's annual PR Summit for those involved in its national series is this week. I wasn't invited. That doesn't mean, given my almost four decades of experience in the industry, that I don't have suggestions.

Here's a little Straight Talk for the Summiteers, or more importantly, those who employ them: "PR," as pretended upon by the big majority of NASCAR team, sponsor and track representatives, is abysmal.

It's worse than our national economy. Which makes me wonder how team owners, sponsor managers and track presidents justify the salaries -- especially now. My theory remains those in charge aren't paying attention. Shame, since these people are your front-line representatives to the public and the media. Translation: To your CUSTOMERS.

It's no surprise to me, as selection committee chairman, that THREE of the last FOUR Jim Chapman Award winners, for excellence in motorsports PR, have been NHRA team publicists. (It would be worthwhile for everyone at this meeting to take the time to learn about Chapman, a legend in the PR business, not just motorsports. Among many other things, Jim was Babe Ruth's PR man. His life story and example are priceless professional learning tools.)

Yes, there are a few pros, like Jon Edwards and Judy Kouba Dominick and Nancy Wager and Drew Brown and Bill Janitz and a pathetically tiny handful of others. Here's what I've seen as a contributor to the Arizona Republic's (the state's largest newspaper) racing coverage: "PR" people who don't spend meaningful time in the media center, don't bother to introduce themselves to journalists, use NO! as response-by-rote to requests for access to drivers (don't even try to make it happen), seemingly are afraid of their drivers, have almost zero one-on-one relationships with reporters, send out non-news "news" releases (the driver is "excited about" and "looking forward" to this week's race), and, in short, exist only to carry the driver's helmet or walk with him to a hospitality appearance.

When Ryan Newman was testing at Phoenix International Raceway last spring, his person was viewing away on a laptop in the media center, but certainly didn't go to any effort to introduce herself to me or other locals. When I went over and asked a question about the sponsorship ID on his Dodge (and how many would do that?), the demeanor was that I was a bother and had asked a stupid question. (Note: Given business conditions, any opportunity to get your sponsor's name into print in a positive story about the Daytona 500 winner, sure as hell shouldn't be an irritant.) When Carl Edwards came to town for a promotional appearance, I got the first interview. His guy sat on the sofa, not introducing himself to the local reporters, or offering any help with background info. Why bother to even come?

The California Speedway bunch doesn't even bother to reply to E-mails -- at least in my experience. The recent AARWBA All-America Team ceremony, at the Ontario Hilton, was minutes away. IF anyone from the track troubled themselves to show up, I don't know it, because no one said hello to me . . . but, hey, why would they? . . . I was just the ceremony co-chair. (Gillian, please bring back Dennis Bickmeier!)

Last fall, at PIR, I was talking with a publicist and his boss. It was early afternoon. I had told both, in advance, I would have a story quoting the boss in that day's paper. Free copies of the Republic were stacked in the media center. In our conversation, I referenced my story. It was obvious neither had bothered to read it.

All of the above examples fall under the category of PR 101. I agree there's value in guest speakers like former White House press secretary Jody Powell, but this group is in desperate need of a strong reminder about the BASICS. Like relationship building. I have no interest in listening to any complaints about stories from PR people who have made no true effort to establish a professional one-on-one relationship with key journalists.

PR-wise, the stock car community is more challenged than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway trying to sell Allstate 400 tickets after last year's tire debacle. So here's a list of action points for the Summiteers to talk about at a time when delivering sponsors with a documented Return of Investment has NEVER been more urgent or important. Let me phrase that even more clearly: JOB SECURITY.

1. NASCAR would do well to post a daily PR reps sign-in/sign-out sheet in the media center. Officials would be shocked to see how many don't spend meaningful time in their constituents' base of operations.

2. Introduce yourself to the working media. Show the common courtesy to offer a business card with cell phone and E-mail address. Offer updated information. Ask if you can be of any help.

3. Only send out news releases if they actually contain NEWS. It's NOT news that a driver is "looking forward to" or "excited about" a race. It WOULD be news if they weren't! For an example, see my 1989 pre-Michigan 500 release.

4. Try to say "YES!" -- for a change -- when asked to arrange an interview.

5. How many times was Cup qualifying rained out last season? Use that "down" time to do phone interviews with local media in upcoming race cities, including newspapers and radio stations. Honestly, it wouldn't take that much of your effort to create a list of interested journos who could be offered interviews on short notice. Seek help from track publicists. Any of 'em worth anything will jump to your assistance, because, believe me, they've got plenty of tickets to sell.

6. Teach the driver to promote the network telecast during live local radio interviews. Those plugs, and those for sponsors, can't be edited out. In case you haven't noticed (I assure you, the sponsors have), ratings aren't what they used to be.

7. Do not allow your driver to walk around in public with his uniform pulled down. It looks sloppy. It's unprofessional. It presents a disrespectful appearance to the fans. It's costing sponsors big-time exposure value.

8. No hats worn backwards. No towels over shoulders, covering up corporate logos that sponsors have PAID for to gain media exposure.

9. Pay attention to where your driver is interviewed. NOT in front of a hauler or banner with competing sponsor ID. And, NOT in front of a Port-a-John.

10. Give the paying customers what they paid for: It's a disgrace to see drivers with their backs turned to the grandstands during the driver introduction parade laps.
********************************************************************
Congratulations to National Speed Sport News on the start of its 75th publishing anniversary season. I've been getting NSSN every week since 1970 or '71. Corinne Economaki attended the recent AARWBA All-America Team ceremony and explained the paper's plans for this special year during the Shav Glick Newsmakers Forum.
********************************************************************
Here's my January Drag Racing Online "All Business" column (NHRA has subsequently announced a "Fan Relief Program" that includes ticket price reductions):
http://dragracingonline.com/columns/knight/xi_1-1.html
********************************************************************
God love the people, but shows like ESPN's college football and NHRA preview shows, which are set with noisy fans in the background, are just gimmicks. That's what NBC News and its cable operations are becoming, too, and that should alarm anyone with a legitimate interest in standards of journalistic professionalism. Last Saturday, MSNBC buffoon David Shuster yelled out to the crowd behind him to scream, Yes or No, if there were enough Port-a-Johns in a spectator area for the presidential inauguration. Classy.

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

STROPUS WINS CHAPMAN AWARD

Jim Chapman Award: Making the presentation to Judy Stropus. (Photo by Ron Lewis.)

Congratulations to Judy Stropus, recipient of the 2008 Jim Chapman Award for excellence in motorsports public relations. Series executives, team owners and sponsor program managers in NASCAR, IRL, etc., please note: This is the THIRD time in FOUR years the Chapman has gone to an NHRA team publicist (2005 -- Susan Arnold; 2007 -- Dave Densmore).

Stropus, representing Don Schumacher Racing, was honored at last Saturday night's 39th AARWBA All-America Team ceremony. Presented by A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, it was at the Ontario Hilton, with Susan Wade joining me as event co-chair. NHRA Top Fuel champion Tony Schumacher earned the evening's No. 1 honor, the Jerry Titus Memorial Trophy, as the top vote-getter on the Team regardless of category. It was Tony's second Titus in three years. Legendary broadcaster/announcer Dave McClelland, our MC, was the surprised winner of the Pioneer In Racing Award. And we rememberd Paul Newman, Mike Hollander, Bob Carlson, Phil Hill and Scott Kalitta.

The Chapman, which dates to 1991, is named in memory of the late and legendary PR executive. Jim was Babe Ruth's PR man and PPG's director of racing overseeing the landmark series sponsorship during CART's big-time days. The winner is chosen by AARWBA media members who knew and cared about Chapman. PR reps from all forms of motorsports are eligible to be considered. Judy took her rightplace place on the list of Chapman Award winners.

I remembered Jim and then introduced AP's Mike Harris, another of Jim's many friends, who announced Judy. Here are some of my remarks from the podium:

"Jim was my closest friend. He had a profound influence on my life and career. I take this time to tell you about him because, especially in an era of declining standards, it is important to learn from Jim’s unmatched example . . .

" Every year I try to share with this audience a different example of the way Jim lived his life. Mike Harris reminded me of a story . . .

" During a CART race weekend in September 1985, the fire alarm went off at the Holiday Inn in beautiful downtown Mansfield, Ohio. It was Saturday, between 1-2 a.m. As fire engines pulled up to the lobby, guests came down the fire escape and assembled in the parking lot – in various stages of dress and undress.

" As you probably know, you’re not supposed to use the elevator in this sort of situation. However, some of us standing outside could see inside the lobby, and were treated to this sight – The elevator doors opened, and out stepped Jim, wearing a double-breasted navy blue blazer, dress shirt, pressed slacks and loafers.

" That’s the way Jim was – his appearance and professionalism were a matter of personal pride . . .

" As Jim once said: 'There is almost NO decision made, about ANYTHING, that doesn’t, in some way, involve PR.'

" Jim loved the PR business. I know it would sadden him that, today, too many 'PR' people don’t bother to build one-on-one relationships with journalists. Jim would insist that PR people actually spend meaningful time in the media center, that phone calls be returned, and E-mails be answered. He knew people prefer the honesty of an answer -- even if it’s NO -- to the discourtesy of indifference. Those are things worth remembering . . .

"To tonight’s recipient, as well as those past and future, I say the honor is NOT in the plaque you receive. The TRUE honor is having your name forever associated with that of the great James P. Chapman."

Like every other organization, AARWBA has been impacted by the economic downturn. We thanked ceremony presenting sponsor A1GP and reception co-hosts ESPN, MAZDASPEED and Valvoline. We presented appreciation awards to five automakers -- Ford, Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Porsche -- which have long supported AARWBA and continued to do so as table hosts. Schumacher, Scott Pruett, Scott Sharp, Johnny Benson and Wolf Henzler were Team drivers who attended.

I also spoke from the podium in my role as event co-chair. Here are some of those comments:

"The wins and championships and great moments deserve to be celebrated . . . and we will.

"It is impossible, however, not to also acknowledge that we come together tonight at an especially difficult time in our sport, our industry, and our country.

"We understand that.

"But in the words of a senator from my state, Arizona, this occasion also calls for some ‘straight talk.’ Those of you who have had the questionable pleasure of knowing me for a long time won’t be surprised.

"Just as the world-wide economic downturn as affected the auto companies, team sponsorships, and track ticket sales, so has it impacted on our gathering. Members who have been fixtures at this event were unable to make the trip. Too many of the Team drivers aren’t with us. Some have a good reason. Some don’t. Anyone who wants to know who falls into which category, well, I’ll tell you privately. It doesn’t help that some of their so-called 'PR' people don’t give a damn. And, let me add, one of the most insidious trends in modern motorsports is driver business managers making media relations decisions. This is to be resisted at every turn.


(It was wonderful to hear Scott Pruett agree and say, especially in this economy, it's more important than ever for drivers to get closer to the fans and media. Tony Schumacher and Johnny Benson picked up on the theme.)

"Under the circumstances, the old thinking that companies automatically buy tables and ads just to seek favor with the media seems as outdated as an Offenhauser. The new reality, for journalists as well as everyone else, is EVERY expenditure MUST make business sense. It is AARWBA’s responsibility to attempt to organize the most VALUABLE event possible. The time of the AARWBA dinner being just that, a dinner, is in the past. Last year, we added an important new element with the Shav Glick Newsmakers Forum, an opportunity for participants to tell their news directly to media attendees. Today, thanks to NHRA and John Force, we had the good fortune to spend quality time with John and his Ford Mustang team at his shops and then do some media drag racing at Pomona. It’s been a full – and fantasic – day. It demonstrates AARWBA’s desire to host an important event for our members, corporate friends, and competitors. One that does deliver a Return on Investment and offers the chance for essential relationship building. In my opinion, AARWBA can and must change with the times."
********************************************************************
It is great to see new people come to the AARWBA ceremony and use the opportunity to meet new people and network and build relationships. Allison Barry, PR/media services manager for the ALMS, did so. Tony Veneziano of the World of Outlaws was back after a few years' absence. Jamie and Betsy Reynolds of Racing Roundup Arizona and Mark Armijo of the Arizona Republic and Chuck Givler of the Easton Express were among media on hand for the first time. Allison and NHRA Funny Car Valvoline Dodge driver Jack Beckman were interested to learn more about Jim Chapman, a joy for me.

As I said to NHRA President Tom Compton Saturday night, it was a good day for drag racing, and the Full Throttle series made some new media friends. NHRA and John Force Racing organized a fun and fantastic field trip. AARWBA members (Johnny Benson came along, too) went by bus to Force's incredible facility for breakfast, an "every room is open for you to see" tour and a typically incredible presentation by John and Robert Hight. (I engaged in a lively one-on-one interview with Force. Photo courtesy of Don Helms.) Afterwards, the bus went to Pomona, where Beckman taught Drag Racing 101 before an afternoon of media competition. Ace photographer Ron Lewis won the AARWBA Nationals. High-profile journalists who haven't been exposed much to drag racing came away impressed -- and that was a big positive for the sport.

Thanks to the PR people who helped in various ways: Chris Dirato, Jerry Archambeault, Anthony Vestal, Michael Padian, Jamie Stephens, Dave Densmore, Elon Werner, Bob Dickinson, Allison Barry, Dean Case, Andy Hall, Mike Geylin, Andy Schupack, Kelby Krauss, Marc Spiegel and J.J. O'Malley.

Good News: When Versus announces its IndyCar broadcast team this week, Bob Jenkins will be confirmed as host.
********************************************************************
I'm VERY sorry to report that Valvoline communications director Barry Bronson's position was eliminated last week due to the economy. And Susan Wade has discontinued 1320tv.com.

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]

THINGS THAT HAPPENED

Several noteworthy things have happened since I last posted. I'll review those right after reminding you the 39th AARWBA All-America Team ceremony, presented by A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, will be this Saturday night at the Ontario, Calif. Hilton. Members first will tour John Force Racing and do some media drag racing at Pomona. The Shav Glick Newsmakers Forum is at 5:30 p.m., followed by the pre-dinner reception, co-hosted by ESPN, MAZDASPEED and Valvoline. Legendary broadcaster/announcer Dave McClelland will MC. Susan Wade and I are co-chairs.

In addition to Team driver awards, the Jerry Titus Memorial Trophy winner will be announced. The Titus, named in memory of the late racer/journalist who was an AARWBA member, goes to the driver who received the most Team votes regardless of category. Some of the other honors to be presented include the Jim Chapman Award, for excellence in motorsports PR, and the Pioneer In Racing. AARWBA will pay tribute to Paul Newman, Mike Hollander, Phil Hill, Scott Kalitta and Bob Carlson.

* Carlson, Porsche's longtime PR expert, died just before Christmas after a lengthy battle with cancer. Bob was a Chapman Award winner. He was the first to step-up and promise Porsche as an official sponsor of AARWBA's 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2005. He and I worked on the Porsche CART program with the late Al Holbert in 1987 and 1988. I will never forget Sept. 30, 1988, when Al's plane crashed after takeoff from Columbus, Ohio. Bob and I went through that terrible experience together and fielded countless media communications from around the world. God Bless.

* I have no doubt financially struggling NASCAR fans just delighted in this news release:

"Clint Bowyer . . . took delivery of his Beechcraft Premier IA, the world’s fastest and most technologically advanced single-pilot business jet. With a cruising speed greater than 520 mph – 50 mph faster than its nearest competitor – the Premier IA is the only light jet in the world that satisfies Bowyer’s need for speed."

Somebody, tell me, please: What are these people thinking?


* PRNewser posted this in a year-end listing of hopes for 2009. I AGREE:


"Public relations professionals will rediscover (or remember) that PR is about people, not just technology. No matter the latest bells and whistles that emerge from social media -- the essence of communication and building relationships remains."

* Per my last posting, I was glad to see at least a couple of 2008 media year-in-reviews call NBC on the carpet for pandering to GE's business interests in "reporting" on the Summer Olympics. In-love-with-celebrity Matt Lauer deserved the blast he got on Fox News Watch for his disgraceful Today show segment, citing a poll that claimed a far greater percentage of the Chinese people are happier than Americans. A survey of McDonald's owners about the popularity of hamburgers would have more credibility.

Still, newspaper publishers and editors who wonder why their business is in such distress need look no further than this, taken from a 2008 wrap-up of cultural happenings:

"We will never again be able to watch a mere Super Bowl halftime, shamed by the extravagance and precision of the four-hour-long opening ceremony at the Beijing Olympics. The show . . . wasn't just over-the-top, it was a message from an arriving superpower to a receding one."

No mention, of course, that a pretty young girl was ordered to mouth the words sung by a less attractive child. I thought the politically correct crowd was against that sort of thing. Or of the robotic joyless children who were used -- and that's the right word, used -- as ceremony props.

Just what proud Americans want to read: Their country is "receding." I wonder what it will take for the media elites to grasp that China represents the most serious long-term threat to the national security and sovereignty of the United States.

* Coming off my last blog, about reporting standards, I was saddened by AutoWeek's "Where Are They Now?" article. A good idea, except for this, about deposed CART President Andrew Craig:

"In retrospect, the personable Brit might be considered the most effective executive CART ever had. We can only speculate about the direction open-wheel racing might have taken had he remained at the helm."


FACT: Timing and circumstances gifted Craig with the most powerful unifying weapon any leader could ever have -- a common enemy (in his case, Tony George). FACT: Warnings from the engine manufacturers and (others) about diminishing ROI based on increased cost and less audience went nowhere. FACT: Craig's contempt for those who had worked hard for CART to even exist. I was standing there, on the grid in Phoenix, when he was introduced to a former staffer. "Oh, you're one of those . . ." FACT: I will never forget a 1998 Houston Grand Prix conversation with a CART front-office person whose commitment, dedication and loyalty to the organization cannot be doubted: "(John) Frasco doesn't look too bad now . . ."

* Then, of course, there was the even-more-disgraceful pre-Christmas incident where Detroit News columnist Rob Parker crossed-the-line with Lions' Coach Rod Marinelli. Parker used a post-game news conference as his personal ego forum, asking Marinelli if he wished his daughter had married a better defensive coordinator.

This, I remind you, is the same Parker who used racial considerations as the basis for an anti-Detroit Grand Prix column some years ago. There were many things to criticize about the Belle Isle event, but that kind of "race" wasn't one of them. I said then, and repeat now, that column should have been spiked.

* So, NBC Sports is using Matt Millen as an NFL playoffs' analyst. The genius behind the Detroit Lions' 0-16 season, just what credibility does Millen bring to the job? Why would network execs think fans would care what he has to say about anything football-related? Oh, as I understand it, the powers-that-be say Millen is good on TV. Just brilliant . . .

* Finally: The Brickyard Crossing (IMS Motel) closed. More cheating went on in those rooms than in any NASCAR garage area.

[ more next Tuesday . . . ]