by Aaron Polburn

Maybe We Can Learn Something

Every two years I have a ritual that most of you will think is absurd.  I plan my entire life around the three days of the Ryder Cup. This year it included getting up at 2:30 a.m. each day to watch the live telecast from Scotland.

To the unknowing: the Ryder Cup is a competition between the 12 best golfers from Europe and the 12 best from the USA. There is no sporting event that I am aware of that is more riveting than the Ryder Cup because every shot is critical. The drama changes by the minute. And maybe best of all these bazillionaires play for love of country. They don’t get paid a dime. Former rivals become fierce teammates. It is the golf equivalent to a combination of the Super Bowl and WrestleMania. 

So, what does this have to do with drag racing? Everything. As we look toward drag racing’s future the successful retooling of the sport may find some answers in the Ryder Cup. Here are some things to consider.

- We love team sports. Why not form real teams comprised of Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers. You win as a team and you lose as a team. The teams should be regionalized, linking the fan to the place where they love. How about the Cleveland Nitros?

- We love rivals. Why not put the drivers in a position that produces meaningful rivals. Remember when it was fun to watch the Olympics because we hated the Russians so much? Remember when Dyno Don and the Grump got into some epic battles? 

- Create an experience that fans can get into and let them cheer, boo and become a part of the overall experience. Watch one Ryder Cup and you will get the idea.

- Make every run down the track count, including wins. Create sudden death scenarios. Fans gravitate toward anything where everything is put on the line.

- How can a sports book be created around drag racing using the team concept?

In the end all it takes is massive amounts of money and creative marketing. I can see John Force wearing orange pants like Rickie Fowler. OK, maybe that is a stretch, but somewhere in this scenario is the answer.

WORST PLACES IN THE WORLD TO DRIVE

  1. Washington, DC
  2. Detroit
  3. Toronto
  4. Anywhere in Spain
  5. The pit area at any national event

DC was the hands-down winner because every hour of every day on the Beltway was like the last lap at Talladega.

A GREAT DRAG RACING MOMENT

I was asked the other day what one drag racing story was etched in my mind forever. There are plenty, but one that I will never forget was Billy Harper's first ever win. What made it so memorable was because his 92-year-old father-in-law was there to experience his very first drag race. Notice I didn’t say ”see” his first event. The man had lost his sight but his other senses and brainpower were in overdrive. So keen were his observations that everyone that came in contact with him was amazed. It took Billy’s father-in-law three days to understand what had taken me 30 years. It was remarkable.

THE NEXT BIG THING

I am always amazed every time Apple introduces a new phone. Does the world really need an upgrade every 6 months? I think not. When Apple comes up with a BS Meter I’ll be all over it. It is a phone that detects BS and allows a small vibration when BS is detected in the voice. I get the feeling mine would be vibrating 24-7.

Race safe... Godspeed.