[A Rare 70]

Went to the BOP race in Cordova yesterday and was extremely disappointed with the car turn out. Wasn't a total of 25 cars there and only 6 entered in the quick 16. Just curious why more cars not present? There are a fair number of Pontiacs within a couple of hours of the track (1 of the 6 cars drove from Michigan) and many more Buicks and Olds in the area. I know I didn't see any promotion or advertising for the event in any of the Pontiac publications or this website. Just curious what others thoughts are to the low participation and how it could be improved in the future and not cancelled completely. Arnie was present, but not many fans to greet, but he was his always friendly self. Just hoping to get some discussion and comments from others on possible reasons for this low turnout that could possibly help increase future participation.

[mgarblik]

There are only a couple of events that can get by without any real promotion. One is Norwalk because it is so firmly established and everyone knows about it. All the rest of the specialty events need a strong social media blitz and a strong main stream media blitz together to get the cars and fans out to the track. If the only people who know about the event are the weekend racers at Cordova, this is the turnout to expect. Not to be snobbish, but if they want fans to show up at a specialty event like this, they need a "fans in the stands" draw to get them there. That means a couple fuel alterdes, or fuel funny cars, or wheel standers, or jet cars, or something? Then make sure someone knows those cars will be there. A good fit for this event would be nostalgia Super Stocks or Gassers. When Scott Gardner owned the track, he understood marketing events like this and the cars and fans would come. They also have Arnie Beswick and under-use his star power. We brought the Boss Bird to that event one year, a 16 hour round trip at Arnie's request. The turn out was decent but still not near what it could and should have been. Obviously, they can fill that place for the World Series, and they sell it out every year, but it takes some work. IMO, they need to hire a couple 14 year olds with social media skills and put them to work promoting the event.

[PAUL K]

That is disappointing to hear. That has always been a great event and had a strong turn out of BOP cars.

How was the weather?

Thanks for starting this thread.

[prostreet64]

Way back in 2010 we had a BOP race at Gainesville Raceway and the turnout was pretty good. Don't remember the total # of cars but I would estimate around 60-70 which for our neck of the woods is a solid turnout. I was expecting to see the same race the following year but it didn't materialize. I know it takes publicity and a lot of hard work on somebodies part to make it happen but it seems that so often these events start strong and then fizzle out. Sure do enjoy these specialty races as opposed to the traditional bracket race.

[Bill Eveland]

Weather may have been an issue, cloudy and 60's early. There was some mist also here and there . Gas prices don't help either. I was there with my gasser, but just ran some tnt. On a good year maybe 125 cars is about it?

[gman005]

I was there and had a brake issue on my 1st pass.

[form74]

I was their and like it was pointed out , car count was 1/2 of what it has been in previous years.



Was a good day for me new best of 12.061

Made over 10 passes

[PAUL K]

Originally Posted by form74

I was their and like it was pointed out , car count was 1/2 of what it has been in previous years.



Was a good day for me new best of 12.061

Made over 10 passes

Good job Gary.... That eleven second slip is one cool, fall day away.

[S/st 54]

Me and my old man were planning on attending this race. However, I thought the date was in October like in years past. It’s only a 6hour pull for us and I like that track a lot!