12/25/2021
Dirt2Media
Opinion: My Christmas List For Motorsports
Christmas Morning this year started at 2 AM with a wake-up call from our 7-year-old letting us know that in fact Santa did show up to our house. Yes, you read that correctly 2 AM, we held him off until 4:30 AM at that point he had begged enough it was inevitable. I’ve drank half a pot of coffee and have picked up all the wrapping paper, opened toys, and programmed an iPad. After fulfilling all of my dad duties before 8 AM I sat down to think about what I would put on my motorsports Christmas list.
These are the 5 things I would want Santa to bring me for motorsports in 2022:
5. Heat Races in Karting – We cover several Kart races throughout the year and for those who have never been around oval kart racing it is some of the most exciting racing action you can see. There is constant moving people to take a position, think 90’s Bristol during a Winston Cup Race. The one downside is that the first several hours of a Kart race is practice and qualifying. I would like to ask Santa to bring us hot lap qualifying and heat races to make it into a feature event. Santa all I’m asking is give us more of the best part of watching kart racing.
4. Consistent Rules Packages – I can say that this is getting closer even with the drama that has occurred after the announced Super Late Model rules package between World Racing Group and Lucas Oil Dirt Late Models at PRI earlier this month. This goes beyond Super Late Models though in my request. I would love to see a consistent Crate Late Model package as well. Something that would let our Indiana guys run in the south without major changes and allow the southern drivers to come compete in Indiana. Oh, Santa if you can also throw in a tech man at each track and promoters who stand behind their tech man that would be great too.
3. Show Them the Money – 2022 will be a record-breaking year for Super Late Models and the amount of money that is available at events. This is an amazing opportunity for drivers of all levels, but I want to see our local and regional Crate Late Model drivers get similar opportunities. Many times, as fans we get star struck by the national touring series drivers and take for granted the local and regional crate racers who put on amazing shows for us each and every week. Local tracks have started raising the purse for crate late models in 2022, but we need to continue to push so that these guys can race for $2,000 - $2,500 weekly. Santa if you can bring some sponsors interested in giving these guys the opportunities to race for the cash, they are worth that would be great.
2. Social Media Filters – It’s the time of year when drivers consistently post their sponsorship proposals, the pictures of their unwrapped car with dollar figures attached and ask for any small business owner to support their racing program. It’s vital to the local racer to have sponsors that support them and help them make it to the track each week, but many times after the initial check has been written drivers forget they represent the businesses on their car. Drivers need a social media filter that takes their Sunday morning rants, their drama with drivers, promoters, and fans and changes it into positive and uplifting posts for their sponsors. Drivers would be amazed at how much more sponsors would be willing to throw their ways if they are doing their part of promoting the business and representing them professionally. Santa, please bring drivers this filter so they can continue to promote our great sport and the businesses that support them.
1. Indy 500 Ride – As much as I would love to say that I am asking for an Indy 500 ride for myself or even for the legendary 2009 Hornet Track Champion that’s not where this request is going. If anything on my list can be answered it would be this request. We all need to see Kyle Larson in an Indy 500 Ride in the very near future. The man has tore through all forms and competition levels of racing and proven that he is truly the GOAT. The opportunity to see Larson race in the most historic race in motorsports would be a once in a lifetime event. With the correct support from a talented Indy Car team don’t sleep on the idea that Larson could end up adding an Indy 500 to his list of accomplishments. Santa it’s time to trade in your sleigh for a Indy Car ride for Kyle Larson.
Let me know what you would have on your Christmas list for motorsports!
Article Credit: Dustin Roller