Danica vs Ashley

Burk, you posed the question regarding what Danica has that Ashley doesn't in terms of marketable personality. You stated "...not a thing!". From a one to one comparison in marketability, I would tend to agree with that. Both have appeal to the main demographic that corporations that support auto racing strive to attract (read as very beautiful and can talk and smile intelligently about their sport without being overbearing).

Where the two ladies in question differ is the sanctioning bodies in which they apply their skills. Danica has a far superior forum than does Ashley. When an altercation takes place with drivers in either IRL or NASCAR, the reporters are at the wrecked car almost as quick as the EMTs to get that all important emotionally charged soundbite. That soundbite is played on Sportscenter later that night and the following day. The next day, after being taken to the proverbial woodshed by the respective sanctioning body, the driver(s) in question are again on Sportscenter wringing hands and apologizing all over themselves and to their peers. Thursday rolls around and the new word on pit lane, and once again on Sportscenter, is that driver X better watch themselves come Sunday. It's drama that is almost scripted better than daytime television, but it certainly does wonders for ratings and driver popularity because you can bet your last dollar and the lint in your other pocket that fans and non fans alike will be watching the race on Sunday!

Now let's play that same scenario in NHRA. Ashley is upset that someone quick staged her or made a rude comment about pink cars. The drivers have been pre-warned NOT to make any grievances public or else. Even the implication that such a thing could appear in the media is enough to earn a black mark or a fine. So, Ashley gets out of her car, does her best to mention all of her sponsors, and thanks driver X for being such a great competitor. BORING!

Now I have several dollars to throw away on advertising and sponsorship a year; do I go with something (someone) that is human and emotional and will surely get me lots of attention, or do I roll the dice on the chance that someone outside of the other fifteen racers that showed up to race might see my company on the side of Ashley's car? Hmmmmmm, doesn’t seem to be too tough of a decision.

So, are they different? No. Do they have the same appeal (marketable, not sexual)? Yep. Are they going to do the same for you if you put your money with them in the eyes of the mainstream and unfortunately for our sport, the media as a whole? No chance in hell. The Nothing Happening Right Away is going to have to loosen the stranglehold it has on its drivers and allow them to be human and not automatons to draw the casual observer. And considering the condition of things at this time; drag racing will continue to be considered a niche sport whose drivers are not on par in marketability.

Brian Armstrong
Phoenix, Arizona