RENO -- Six-hundred seventy one people, from 168 tracks, associations and series, 52 exhibiting companies, 38 states, three Canadian provinces and New Zealand, gathered at the Eldorado Hotel Casino, December 7-9 2006. The 19-session Workshop opened with keynote remarks from Thirtieth Auto Racing Promoter of the Year Steve York of Magic Valley Speedway, Twin Falls, Idaho. York, drawing a fitting parallel, told promoters calling does not work, It is time for them to either raise or fold in the game of short track promotion. Racing Promotion Monthly editor Stewart Doty urged promoters to embrace new communication technologies as they promote short track events. Speakers, panelists and presenters, gave promoters persuasive picture of the communication potential of the World Wide Web and the intensifying battle for ticket buyers' leisure time.
Featured presentations included York's address and market researcher Steve Bruyn's "Seeing the Forest Through the Trees," a summary of market research illuminating fan media habits and ticket buying preferences. The three-day Workshops cover all facets of short track operation. Other speakers, presenters and discussion leaders included podcaster T.J. Milton who introduced podcasting to promoters;, webmaster Kevin Spiddle, who explained emerging RSS technologies; and media expert Bill Moffett, who told promoters how he would mix radio and TV with new technologies. Other popular sessions included Ron Drager's discussion of the Michigan Speedway Promoters Association, Nancy Bicknell's description of how she turned her track into a value-priced venue and doubled attendance, and "The Tale of Two Tracks," with promoters Todd Fisher and Toby Kruse, a candid session that compared the experience of two new promoters.
Three RPM Promoters Workshops Achievement Awards were presented during the Workshop, recognizing individuals and tracks that have distinguished themselves in the weekly racing industry. Recipients were: George England, long-time insurer of race tracks, Jim & Nancy Wilson, World Dirt Racing League, (WDRL); and Mount Lawn (IN) Speedway.
"Some worry that short tracks might become a dubious cultural icon like the drive-in theater. We say, 'No way!' as long as promoters continue to share promotional ideas and are responsive to ticket buyers' changed attitudes, habits and demands," said Racing Promotion Monthly editor and Workshops Chairman Stewart Doty said. Many tracks did well in 2006 and expect to do so again in 2007. Next year, they'll share what has been learned when they convene for the 23rd consecutive year in Reno, at the lead off event of the milestone 35th Annual Workshops Series.
The Speedweek Workshop, produced by Racing Promotion Monthly, takes place February 12-14, 2007 at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary. Racing Promotion Monthly, the idea newsletter of auto racing promoters, and the Workshops are produced with the year-round support of K&K Insurance Group, Inc., Hoosier Racing Tire. The 34th Workshops are produced with additional sponsorship support from: INEX, GM Performance parts, Lucas Oil Products, Moffett Productions, Musco Sports Lighting, DIRT MotorSports, Click 'N Print Tickets, World Karting Association and Simes Graphic Designs. Information on the Lake Mary Workshop is available from the Racing Promotion Monthly editorial offices, P.O. Box 427, Green Lake, WI 54941, by calling 920-294-0830 or by FAX from 920-294-0832.
