Has anyone watched the new Optima TV series?

[bret]

Has anyone watched the new TV series "Optima's search for the Ultimate Street Car" on Friday nights on MAV TV?

Opinions?

[Sieg]

Call Comcast for me please, they might actually pay attention to a celebrity. :D

[mdprovee]

I am with Sieg, No Get It!

[camcojb]

I've seen them all, great show in my opinion. We've posted the air times here, unfortunately not all areas get MavTV.

Optima coverage schedule (http://lateral-g.net/optimas-search-for-the-ultimate-street-car-tv-series/)

[GrabberGT]

I get it but missed the first real episode. Something is not right with the DVR. Im shocked that its not being re-aired yet. I think I've got it sorted now so that I wont miss this Friday. Who knows. Maybe I'll catch myself on video shagging cones.

[bret]

Call Comcast for me please, they might actually pay attention to a celebrity. :D

If I can find one, I'll have them call.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

I get it but I stopped watching the first episode because it was like a long infomercial without any real substance. Then I missed the second episode, but I'll try to remember to set my DVR for this Friday's show.

[Z06Joe]

I've seen it. LOVE THE SHOW!!!

[DBasher]

I watched the first one in some dive bar in Portland, drinks were nice and the girls serving even better. Food was excellent, the burger buns must have been home made...potato bread maybe?

I was looking forward to the Laguna coverage but didn't see it, I think I was cutting the grass.

Dan

[Richio1]

I wish but no MAV on comcast out here in the Bay Area.

[Msracing89]

I don't know. I think they missed the mark a bit here. Bret, you were there as we were, and two shots for of Meire Mustang on the whole episode. He won the event. There was a whole session of the Meire Mustang and the Cortex Mustang chasing each other on the road course....no video of that made it.

I am ok with minimal footage of our car (although it was the only Mopar there) but you have to give some time to the guys that actually win the events!

Attending the events is a great time though. Highly recommended.

[SSLance]

Has anyone watched the new TV series "Optima's search for the Ultimate Street Car" on Friday nights on MAV TV?

Opinions?

I thought the first show was very well done, the producing was very high quality, great actions shots, frankly a lot better than I expected. I also enjoyed the stories and the leading up to what was to come in later episodes.

The quality of the production in the second show was there as well, the guys and gals that put these shows together know what they are doing it is apparent. I was left wanting for a bit more of the on track action though. Maybe a little less talking and a little more action... I don't mind spending some time talking about the different types of cars participating and their drivers...but show some video of the same said cars pounding the pavement.

I've thought about this though relating it to my personal experience. I LOVE to go back and watch the videos from my GoPro after my runs. Our local SCCA board has a section where all of the drivers post their videos and I love watching the rest of them and dissecting them as well. People outside of racing that I share the videos with though, they lose interest pretty quickly... For them it's just cars going around cones in a parking lot. I'm sure this is a fine line the producers of the show have to walk and smarter people than me are going to have to figure out how much on track action to show and how much of the other stuff...in order to keep eyes on the product.

[Flash68]

Comcast is evil.

[bret]

I am encouraging honest opinions here...we learn more from the criticism than the accolades.
Also looking for comments about being able to get MAV. Or really any opinion at all. There are no wrong answers.

[wiedemab]

I've asked our local cable provider, but still no MAV here either :(

[SSLance]

Bret, I really wanted to see a full lap all the way around Laguna Sega in (or of from the chase car camera) one of the high end built cars (ie: Shipka, Maier, you) as well as one of an ordinary everyday hotrod that was out there too like the Fairmont. I'd like to see that on ALL of the upcoming tracks.

A couple of comparable cars running together for a while on the road course would be even better, that way the viewers have a better idea of how one car is doing in different spots on the track than the other.

Imagine a camera set up in the same spot for Speed Stop runs that captures the 1st and 2nd place finishers in that event. Have them replay both runs side by side on a split screen to show just where the one driver beat the other in that event and how close they actually are to one another. Or show a car that has just an awful run on the Speed Stop, and then show the car again if the driver cleans it up and has a real good run.

That's what I want to see, not just who won...but how did they do it...

Video of the everyday Hot Rods on the courses is just as good as the high end cars, show the peeps that these events really are fun for every type of car and driver.

I realize that it is a tall order to capture all of that video as it's happening then to go back after the fact and try to sort it all out and make sense of it...but with the production value shown so far, I have no doubt those in charge can do this if they are just steered in that direction (assuming others want to see the same that I'd like to see).

[NOPANTS68]

I thought the show overall was decent. Reynolds had a lot of comentary that I think could have been left on the editing room floor- one part was even repeated towards the end of the show. His voice is a bit to stomach for an hour, but he's extremely knowledgable about the sport and the people in it. I liked the K&N segement because it showed the company's interest in the event and their customers. I also like the little segments about the Chevelle and its build. Like I said- it's a pilot. Some needs polish, but overall I thought it was worth watching.

[mike343sharpstk]

Saw the first one only, I enjoyed it OK from an introductory standpoint.
For the average enthusiast, some specifics on how some of the cars were changed, especially the more mildly modified cars that work very well.
If the idea is to get car owners to participate and purchase parts and services, then show them that you don't need to spend piles of cash to join in and get started.

Viewers who are newly introduced to 'Pro Touring' would want to know how well some of the older muscle cars work.
- Does a mild modification to something like an average 2nd gen Camaro or Fox mustang beat a new mustang on an autoX?
- Any cars out there that are faster than anyone thought?
- Why doesn't the high dollar exotic stuff just flat-out win all the events?

A segment on how to prepare to compete would be good too. With a new car, stock seat belts are fine. I noticed on many of the muscle cars it's common to use a harness bar, or roll bar if it's not fully caged. Info like that would be good if the goal is to get more participation.

[markss28]

I was get disappointed in the show. Very little shots or discussion of the details of any of the cars. More footage of ppl than of the rides. Really no content. The producers need to story board and not just shoot from the hip. If I catch the next one I'll watch it but the last one was boring.

Best show right now and I don't care if it's scripted or not is (street outlaws).

[chetly]

***disclaimer, my views are my views and not the views of my friends***


I was excited to watch it, had a group of 12 over to the house to watch it and BBQ. One of those friend being Mike Maier, his wife Brianne and both of their kids. We were all excited to watch it. One of my other friends is a video editor for a major online search engine.

I was not impressed, frankly I would have turned it off if I didn't have everyone over to watch it. The editing was poor, the video content was poor and it seemed like more of an infomercial for Optima Batteries, K&N Filters and Detroit Speed. It would have been nice to have all the commentary from Chad as a voice over with more footage of the track.

Mike was the Wilwood Brakes entry for the event and not a mention of him or the car. I was there all weekend helping him, the camera was in his face a lot but nothing. They had a grainy off color shot of him and Cortex in the opening credits but no on track showing. A lot of awesome cars there that sounded amazing and you would have thought there would have been some camera shots of some of these cars hauling ass up the front stretch.

They only showed the results from the autocross. What happened to the results of the start stop challenge, and the road course? Hell, who had the best poker hand? Not a mention of any of it. But, they had two segments worth on the Chevelle that was the K&N entry, and what was that when they went to the K&N factory, was that a commercial or part of the show?

Brian Houbaugh had more coverage in acommercial than any of the winners had on the entire show.

If I were a sponsor of a car hoping for some air time I'd be extremely upset. I hope the other shows get better or this will go down as a flop and no one is going to promote how much fun they had or how many laps they ran because there isn't a chance their cars will be seen.

I'm done rambling now.

[GregWeld]

^^^^^^ I like the honesty. It's not bashing -- it just is what raw thought is.


I don't get MavTV and probably never will.... up to the point that someone else said that's the network the show was going to be on - I'd never heard of it. Never saw any advertising for it... and nobody I've ever mentioned it to has ever heard of it. So somehow I think not many eyeballs are busy searching for it (MavTV).

I quit watching any of the "car" shows. They all just become informercials. That's not interesting for ANYONE. Frankly -- I find a lot more "car stuff" on the internet that I'm interested in researching or reading about.

Personally --- I'm more frustrated at the lack of support from PT builders and owners. Someone finally comes along with a series designed for "us" and hardly anyone shows up. I would have bet money these events would be sold out with waiting lists...

[Smittys67]

I am with you Greg for all the Pro-Touring cars out there they seam to have lost there way to the track.

Then again they say there fast.

[dale68z]

I enjoyed the shows. I would like to see more coverage of different events.
I thought it was interesting how there were more commercials but short.

I want to see the cars, the mechanicals. I do not care at all about the bling.

I would like to see, like already said.. the track differences between the fast guys and the affordable cars

Why wouldn't I seriously consider going?
cost...$500, + travel, fuel,
sounds like I will have very little track time. Lots of standing around :bang:
I just want to drive, I don't care about the competition part of the deal.

example, we will be at Inde Motorsports Ranch on the 23rd. 20 cars maximum, we have the track for 5 hours. We will be running at night, headlights only. Maybe not fast, but will be exciting, and challenging.

[GregWeld]

I am with you Greg for all the Pro-Touring cars out there they seam to have lost there way to the track.

Then again they say there fast.




Hi buddy!!

[markss28]

From my previous post it's obvious I didn't like the show but I will say this the long commercial for DSE has a great shot of the ridetech 48hr camaro. Lmao!!! Best part of the show for sure. Shows how much time they spent in post production and editing. Hahaha

[jeff71]

I'm nobody, but I will give my thoughts.

I was a spectator at the Laguna event, it was pretty cool to see all those cars run at that historic track.

I think the episodes need to be geared more towards showing cars on track and less of a infomercial.

I'm not sure if they were shooting the event with HD camera's but DirectTV airs it in standard definition.

[DBasher]

Hey pal, you're somebody! :lol:

The events themselves are great, well run with plenty of track time. We did Laguna and Portland and could run as much as we wanted. The people I've met at these events and the cars I get to see is well worth it.

About the cars built for this but not showing....not sure what to say. Martin Pond with the Fairmont is a hell of a driver and got invited to the big show, Joe with the Pinto...the guy can drive and other than the straights he holds his own.

I think people are seeing pro built cars and thinking they aren't good enough to show up and compete. We had a guy in Portland asking about the Charger and who built it. He was actually surprised to hear that it was built in a few home garages with dudes that have jobs not related to cars. During the judging they were asking about reverse lights and horns, duh! It's a frickin street car! Full stereo with an amp rack, tons of dynamat, 4 mufflers because it was just too loud, full interior.....whatever, it's a real street car that does pretty good at these events.

:BlahBlah: :BlahBlah: The Charger is retired, going back to street duty only. Marty is looking at building a track car with carpet and a horn, he wants to compete instead of just show up, thats what it takes.

I hope they continue with the series but could care less about the show.

Dan

[Sieg]

One thing to factor in is Optima needs to sell a boat load of batteries and accessories to keep sponsoring the caliber of events they do. The minuscule Pro Touring movement alone cannot put enough money in their bucket to accomplish that.

They need substantially more volume whether it comes from a Kia, Subaru, Hyundai, Suzuki, Yugo or whatever. Their marketing is not targeting the PT core thus the core isn't going to relate to their program because it's not catered to them.

At least that my reasoning behind many of the pathetic dumbed-down TV shows we attempt to watch now days. :wacko:

[Flash68]

***disclaimer, my views are my views and not the views of my friends***


I was excited to watch it, had a group of 12 over to the house to watch it and BBQ.

What cable provider you watching it via around here?



Personally --- I'm more frustrated at the lack of support from PT builders and owners. Someone finally comes along with a series designed for "us" and hardly anyone shows up. I would have bet money these events would be sold out with waiting lists...

I am with you Greg for all the Pro-Touring cars out there they seam to have lost there way to the track.

Then again they say there fast.

I hear there is a waiting list to get into the Pro Jackstand class. Talk about competitive.

[fleetus macmullitz]

I hear there is a waiting list to get into the Pro Jackstand class. Talk about competitive.

Some even revert to it, which is nice...

[chetly]

What cable provider you watching it via around here?

I have direcTV

[SSLance]

So my Dad finally watched the pilot episode yesterday... My Dad is 75 years old, lives to watch stick and ball sports on TV and is one of the ones I described above that looses interest pretty quickly if he watches any of my GoPro videos at all. He likes cars and taught me quite a bit about working on cars in my early teen years and even these days comes out to the shop to hold a light, press the button on the lift or lend a helping hand when he can while I work on my car.

He said to me, "Now I finally understand what you've been up to" and we talked about the types of cars and competitions a bit. When I asked him directly about the show itself, his first comment was "That guy with the goat hanging off his chin needs to not talk so much".

I said "but he's the host of the show and is very knowledgable about all aspects of what's going on, plus he's just cool" and Dad said "He needs to cut that crap off his chin". That's just his generation showing though.

As far as the rest of the show, Dad said he enjoyed watching it and plans on watching the Laguna show probably today. He said the pilot episode did a good job of explaining what the series is about and how it all works. I'll update with his opinions after he watches the Laguna event show.

I'm not sure that he's the target audience as he'll not be buying any Optima Batteries or car accessories any more, but along with what Sieg said above...it has to be a fine line for the producers to walk between satisfying the sponsors of the show\series and getting as many eyeballs as they can to watch the show for the ratings. It's my thought that you have to get the eyeballs to watch the shows and keep watching the shows to get the ratings, once the ratings are there the sponsors get the eyeballs on their products. We have to remember that our group is very much in tune with what is going on here, but we are also a very small number in the grand scheme. The show has to draw in eyeballs from other groups of people, those that aren't as in tune with the Pro Touring scene.

The problem as I see it is if the shows turn viewers away by showcasing the sponsors too much up front, the ratings will never even get there to start with. Does that average viewer that likes cars but has only tuned in to watch street cars participating in a competition really need to watch a 10 minute piece about putting an air filter on a car or a long segment on a basically pro built show piece car that also drives around a bit? It seems like this crowd didn't like those that much, but how about the rest of the viewers... ?

Hopefully the producers of the show have a way to gauge interest so far from other target viewers that are maybe not so close to the sport.

[Rick D]

I hear there is a waiting list to get into the Pro Jackstand class. Talk about competitive.

Some even revert to it, which is nice...

Hey I resemble that remark!!:bang: but that is about to change :warning:

[fleetus macmullitz]

Hey I resemble that remark!!:bang: but that is about to change :warning:

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

J2HBdRCroks

[MarkM66]

***disclaimer, my views are my views and not the views of my friends***


I was excited to watch it, had a group of 12 over to the house to watch it and BBQ. One of those friend being Mike Maier, his wife Brianne and both of their kids. We were all excited to watch it. One of my other friends is a video editor for a major online search engine.

I was not impressed, frankly I would have turned it off if I didn't have everyone over to watch it. The editing was poor, the video content was poor and it seemed like more of an infomercial for Optima Batteries, K&N Filters and Detroit Speed. It would have been nice to have all the commentary from Chad as a voice over with more footage of the track.

Mike was the Wilwood Brakes entry for the event and not a mention of him or the car. I was there all weekend helping him, the camera was in his face a lot but nothing. They had a grainy off color shot of him and Cortex in the opening credits but no on track showing. A lot of awesome cars there that sounded amazing and you would have thought there would have been some camera shots of some of these cars hauling ass up the front stretch.

They only showed the results from the autocross. What happened to the results of the start stop challenge, and the road course? Hell, who had the best poker hand? Not a mention of any of it. But, they had two segments worth on the Chevelle that was the K&N entry, and what was that when they went to the K&N factory, was that a commercial or part of the show?

Brian Houbaugh had more coverage in acommercial than any of the winners had on the entire show.

If I were a sponsor of a car hoping for some air time I'd be extremely upset. I hope the other shows get better or this will go down as a flop and no one is going to promote how much fun they had or how many laps they ran because there isn't a chance their cars will be seen.

I'm done rambling now.

I agree. I wish they would just cover it like a racing event, and not like an infomercial. Here are the cars, here's the event, here are the results. Next event.... repeat.

But I understand that would take more effort and time, which may not be in the budget.

[GregWeld]

But I understand that would take more effort and time, which may not be in the budget.




There won't be a need for a budget unless they get their sh!t together.... and by that I mean - make the show worth watching.... and get participation up to speed at the events. Sometimes in business -- sticking to the budget is the root cause for the failure of the future. Most refer to this as "when the bean counters take over".

[Smittys67]

"Why wouldn't I seriously consider going?
cost...$500, + travel, fuel,
sounds like I will have very little track time. Lots of standing around "

YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!!!!!

You will have so much track time you will skip run sessions.

[65_LS1_T56]

"Why wouldn't I seriously consider going?
cost...$500, + travel, fuel,
sounds like I will have very little track time. Lots of standing around "

YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!!!!!

You will have so much track time you will skip run sessions.

I have to agreee with Chris here. I too was skeptical on the overall cost. Is it a lot, of course it is. But the amount of time you spend driving is crazy. I've done two now, Daytona (unbelievable experience) and Road America. I sat out several sessions due to track time overload. I needed a break and my car needed one too.
I'm looking forward to MIS next weekend as it's in my backyard, so the travel portion will be reduced for us on this one.

That was my original 3 event picks to obtain the minimum events for overall series scoring (like I had a snowball's chance anyway:lol: ). But now, I'm considering the Pittsburgh event as they are so much fun.

[Flash68]

Sounds like a common theme from watchers here is that they would prefer more action (cars, on track video, etc.) and less about the people/drivers.

Now, if you are already in this segment or know of or know directly a lot of the players (like most of us around here) then you might actually enjoy that.

But if this programming is to gain viewership, it needs to bring in more viewers, and players, and cars... right? And that isn't going to happen IMO talking about people all day. The cars will do that. You don't tune in to a new car related show on TV to hear interviews or chats with nice, humble (for the most part) car owners and drivers. The cars are what will lock into you and bring you back.

This isn't reality TV where the people and their drama ARE the show.

That's my thought after reading reviews of those who don't have Comcast.

[BMR Sales]

I don't get MavTV, so I can't comment on the Show.

But I'm looking forward to meeting folks at Sebring next month

[SSLance]

But if this programming is to gain viewership, it needs to bring in more viewers, and players, and cars... right? And that isn't going to happen IMO talking about people all day. The cars will do that. You don't tune in to a new car related show on TV to hear interviews or chats with nice, humble (for the most part) car owners and drivers. The cars are what will lock into you and bring you back.




That's a great way of putting it...

[bret]

This is GREAT feedback! Some of the decision makers for the show lurk on this forum and some do not...I'll make sure that all of them see these comments. I'll also work toward keeping this thread alive as the shows progress so opinions about any progress [or lack thereof] can be expressed.

Carry on!

[GrabberGT]

My thoughts for a winning format...

quick intro to event
intro to location of event and review format and track layout
intro key competitors
let Chad drive the courses while giving a description of whats happening (my favorite part of the into show)

play by play of action for event 1
showcase a car/driver during play by play as that person comes up to start

play by play of action for event 2
showcase a car/driver during play by play as that person comes up to start

play by play of action for event 3
showcase a car/driver during play by play as that person comes up to start

Mix in some design and engineering features, tech info, and random Chadness and you have a show.

This was posted on Facebook some time ago. I had nothing better to do so I watched it. Despite being nearly 30 years old I still found it enjoyable and thought why cant we have similar cvg.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZfKDlvCtDQ

[dale68z]

I have to agreee with Chris here. I too was skeptical on the overall cost. Is it a lot, of course it is. But the amount of time you spend driving is crazy. I've done two now, Daytona (unbelievable experience) and Road America. I sat out several sessions due to track time overload. I needed a break and my car needed one too.
I'm looking forward to MIS next weekend as it's in my backyard, so the travel portion will be reduced for us on this one.

That was my original 3 event picks to obtain the minimum events for overall series scoring (like I had a snowball's chance anyway:lol: ). But now, I'm considering the Pittsburgh event as they are so much fun.


These are good things to know.

I had looked up going to one of the events at the beginning of the year. Got on the website, saw that just a few laps were run on the road course, autocross, and speed stop. Cost to enter was $500. Cannot find now, where or what I was searching

[Flash68]

These are good things to know.

I had looked up going to one of the events at the beginning of the year. Got on the website, saw that just a few laps were run on the road course, autocross, and speed stop. Cost to enter was $500. Cannot find now, where or what I was searching

I too have only read where the seat time has been very high and people sometimes get tired before they run out of track time. Good problem to have as a driver/participant.

Unfortunately, it also appears this has been a direct function of the lower numbers of participants than hoped for. More benefit to the ones that do sign up!

[GregWeld]

The only LOSERS in the USCA events are the guys that are making all manor of excuses for NOT showing up.

You'll have the time of your life.... there are FREE instructors... your FRIENDS are there... GREAT VENDORS are there to help you and answer questions...

Novice to Expert... you're going to have a great time being with similar folks that are more than willing to share info and help you out. You WILL meet new friends - you WILL meet people you'll want to know...


I can't speak for the TV show - haven't seen it - but I went to TWO of the first USCA events to support them and my friends and I had a friggin' blast and I wasn't even driving. (driving people nuts does not count).

[LS7 Z/28]

This is GREAT feedback! Some of the decision makers for the show lurk on this forum and some do not...I'll make sure that all of them see these comments. I'll also work toward keeping this thread alive as the shows progress so opinions about any progress [or lack thereof] can be expressed.

Carry on!
Could someone in a position of power please contact DirecTV and get them to change MAV-TV into an HD Channel. Other people are claiming that the show is in HD on Dish. Home videos from the 60's have better quality.

Thanks

[Ketzer]

Could someone in a position of power please contact DirecTV and get them to change MAV-TV into an HD Channel. Other people are claiming that the show is in HD on Dish. Home videos from the 60's have better quality.

Thanks

X2...

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

... Other people are claiming that the show is in HD on Dish. Home videos from the 60's have better quality.

Thanks

Why yes it is in HD on dish. Ahhhh....HD goodness. Bet you guys wish you had dish. Sure is nice in HD. I can't even imagine watching stuff in SD. I block all my SD channels; I mean, they could hurt your eyes or something. :lmao:

[LS7 Z/28]

Why yes it is in HD on dish. Ahhhh....HD goodness. Bet you guys wish you had dish. Sure is nice in HD. I can't even imagine watching stuff in SD. I block all my SD channels; I mean, they could hurt your eyes or something. :lmao:

You suck. Watching a show that was filmed in HD... Shown in SD... on an HD TV... really blows dude. I know there are a lot of people that agree.

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

You suck. Watching a show that was filmed in HD... Shown in SD... on an HD TV... really blows dude. I know there are a lot of people that agree.

Totally agree. Just couldn't help but gloat. LOL :bump:

[LS7 Z/28]

Totally agree. Just couldn't help but gloat. LOL :bump:
-4AtBBVZ73U

[bret]

Why yes it is in HD on dish. Ahhhh....HD goodness. Bet you guys wish you had dish. Sure is nice in HD. I can't even imagine watching stuff in SD. I block all my SD channels; I mean, they could hurt your eyes or something. :lmao:

I watched the shows in HD on Dish satellite. My only complaint is that the HD cameras make even Jimi Day and Kyle Tucker look like hell...and they're the 2 cutest guys I know :)

[GonHuntin]

I was really looking forward to this series…….I have watched two episodes so far……..I thought it was a suppose to be a show about finding the ultimate street car……instead, it's a show with people talking about cars and almost no action or info about the cars themselves.

If it doesn't get better very quickly, I won't bother watching.

[GregWeld]

I watched the shows in HD on Dish satellite. My only complaint is that the HD cameras make even Jimi Day and Kyle Tucker look like hell...and they're the 2 cutest guys I know :)




MAN CRUSH!!! LOL



Jimi is a good looking stud!

[Silverstreak]

I am one of the slow guys that participated at Texas and gateway in St. Louis to have a good time actually driving my car and hanging out with car guys. The optima folks are trying to put together a great opportunity for car guys to have the chance to drive on historic tracks and I am very surprised that more people aren't taking advantage of it. I can assure anybody thinking about coming out, you'll get more drive time than you want.

As for the 2 episodes, the first one did a good job of setting the stage and laying out the format to qualify for the finals in Vegas. The second one was at total let down. They have to focus on the fast cars, details about the builds, and most of all the Competition that is going on between them trying to get the invite.

The guys that truly have a chance to win the whole thing need to be made into the stars so the audience can latch onto their favorite car and driver so the audience will have a reason to follow the series.

FOCUS on the COMPETITION.

Jeff

[SSLance]

I had another idea...

How about trying to find a way to make sure that every competitor's car makes it on the TV show at least once? A good time might be to show some video of the lead\follow laps at the start of the road course event. I'm pretty sure the whole field rolled by the chase camera car at least once during this time at Gateway.

This does two things, it shows the viewer ALL of the different types of cars that competed in the event and it throws a bone to all of the participants at the event.

[GrabberGT]

The guys that truly have a chance to win the whole thing need to be made into the stars so the audience can latch onto their favorite car and driver so the audience will have a reason to follow the series.

FOCUS on the COMPETITION.

Jeff

Agreed.

USCA people... Please read this.

[Finch]

To begin, I do not have Dish or Direct TV so have not been able to watch any of the episodes, and cannot comment on the show.

I have however attended 2 events so far, and will try to squeeze another one in if my off road racing schedule allows :). Jimi and crew do a great job putting on the events, and like most car related activities, the people and good times are what make it memorable.

Mr. Weld has commented on the attendance levels; which if you are one of the attendee's is a good thing for track time, but if you’re the promoter not so good. This is a business, and like most business will not sustain with limited customers. I am not sure if it is a cost thing or just the fact that our small PT world is now flooded with events of all kinds.

I love racing as much as anyone and would hate to see things go back to the days of 4-5 events per year, in total across the board. Optima is trying to expand the market as they know the PT crowd is not large enough to support the sheer number of events out there. We at ASCS share the same issue as Jimi and have changed our model due to it.

In the end the sponsors will ultimately determine if this series will survive. All we can do is attend as many as we can, and show them we appreciate what they are doing for the hobby.

[Ron in SoCal]

Agreed.

USCA people... Please read this.

I have not seen the MAV production (don't get it), but have helped a bit at the Vegas events the last three years. Those finished productions had a mix of sponsor, vendor and competitor stories along with track action. Some episodes were better than others.

Chris and Jeff you guys are on point - this is the formula and the TV production people know it. Viewers need to get hooked on the plot and care about the characters. No matter whether it's a car show or Gone with the Wind.

Either the director needs to be fired, or the sponsors need to let them do their job. JMHO.

[GregWeld]

To begin, I do not have Dish or Direct TV so have not been able to watch any of the episodes, and cannot comment on the show.

I have however attended 2 events so far, and will try to squeeze another one in if my off road racing schedule allows :). Jimi and crew do a great job putting on the events, and like most car related activities, the people and good times are what make it memorable.

Mr. Weld has commented on the attendance levels; which if you are one of the attendee's is a good thing for track time, but if you’re the promoter not so good. This is a business, and like most business will not sustain with limited customers. I am not sure if it is a cost thing or just the fact that our small PT world is now flooded with events of all kinds.

I love racing as much as anyone and would hate to see things go back to the days of 4-5 events per year, in total across the board. Optima is trying to expand the market as they know the PT crowd is not large enough to support the sheer number of events out there. We at ASCS share the same issue as Jimi and have changed our model due to it.

In the end the sponsors will ultimately determine if this series will survive. All we can do is attend as many as we can, and show them we appreciate what they are doing for the hobby.



Mister?? LOL



Brian -- I'm trying to flog these guys into attending.... So far most of them only have ever run the "Cup O'excuses" event. Frankly -- as much as I love the series -- I'm really more about the guys going out to SOMETHING -- ANYTHING - to use their cars. Once they do - they'll be so hooked... the only excuses being made will be to their wives for why they're not home for her birthday/wedding anniversary/Xmas/first child birth... LOL

Personally I can't imagine being offered a chance to drive on some of the best known / renowned tracks in our country and not taking advantage of it...

[Finch]

Mister?? LOL



Brian -- I'm trying to flog these guys into attending.... So far most of them only have ever run the "Cup O'excuses" event. Frankly -- as much as I love the series -- I'm really more about the guys going out to SOMETHING -- ANYTHING - to use their cars. Once they do - they'll be so hooked... the only excuses being made will be to their wives for why they're not home for her birthday/wedding anniversary/Xmas/first child birth... LOL

Personally I can't imagine being offered a chance to drive on some of the best known / renowned tracks in our country and not taking advantage of it...

Agree 1000% with you Greg, if we had .001% of the people on the web talking about how fast they are actually show up to prove it, you could not ever get on the track.

Texas was fun, but Daytona was insane. There is some physical transformation that happens to your body right around 150 MPH, which was around the middle of the high banked turns, that you will not get too many other places.

[csouth]

I haven't attended an event yet this year, heck this I've only had 1 wknd to myself this summer. I have attended events in the past couple years and even made it to Vegas last year for the OUSCI finals, so I know what goes on in the background and what fun it can be.
IMO, if MAV does not change the production format and what is delivered to the viewer, this series will not last. I deleted the Laguna Seca episode from my DVR as soon as I finished watching, while I still have all my events from last year.

I agree with everyone here saying we need to get out to the events to show sponsors people are interestes.My sched will finally allow me to visit MIS this month, I even invited my co-worker hoping he'll check it out. The bottom line is we want to grow the sport and expose it to new drivers and generations. People who have never been to a PT event will probably want to see it on tv before driving 3hrs the first time having no idea what to expect.

Improving what is to be delivered should be easy because I'm sure they already have the footage. MAV just has to be willing to get rid of the current formula of presentation. If I wasn't generally interested in the sport already, I would have turned away after the first 15 min.

[Ron in SoCal]

Mister?? LOL
...

Yeah I laughed at that too.

-- I'm really more about the guys going out to SOMETHING -- ANYTHING - to use their cars. Once they do - they'll be so hooked... the only excuses being made will be to their wives for why they're not home for her birthday/wedding anniversary/Xmas/first child birth... LOL


Reminds me of a really good golf joke. :D

:topic:

[Ron in SoCal]

Aww, what the hell...

One Sunday this guy’s on the links and he’s having the best round of his life! 10 under par and he’s thinking he’ll go for the course record.

All of a sudden his mobile phone rings and it’s the doctor on the phone. “Hello, Mr. Weld?” Yes says the guy. “Your wife’s been in a terrible car accident and we need you down here right away!” Ok Weld says, I’m golfing but I’ll be right over. After he hangs up he thinks to himself, you know, she’s already had the accident and I’m having the round of my life; I’ll just finish the back nine and get over there pronto. Sure enough, the guy has his best round ever and heads over to the hospital.

With a dismayed look on his face, the Dr. says, “WTH were you??” Your wife was conscious for a short while and she was asking for you. Now she’s slipped into a coma and has little brain activity! She’ll be bed ridden the rest of her life and you’ll have to take care of her every need for the rest of her life. You’ll need to feed and clothe and bathe her, and you’ll have to give up your golf and car hobbies. Sh*t, really? Weld says.

“Naw, I’m just fu**ing with you, your wife's fine.” the Dr. says with a smile. “What’d you shoot?”

(all respect to Gwen!)

:lol: :cheers:

Now...:topic:

[GregWeld]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Right On!!!

[Rod P]

Personally I can't imagine being offered a chance to drive on some of the best known / renowned tracks in our country and not taking advantage of it...

RIGHT!!! the last 20 min session at Daytona had 1 car in it!!! everyone was so worn out from driving all day!!!! that this guy had 20mins under the lights at historic Daytona all to himself.....NASCAR teams over 10,000 bucks an hour for testing, and this dude for his entry and he even used the 100 bucks off we had going....



Agree 1000% with you Greg, if we had .001% of the people on the web talking about how fast they are actually show up to prove it, you could not ever get on the track.



keyboard racers....bring your cars out ugly or not

[73CPCAMARO]

Tonight's episode, Texas, was much better. Not because I happen to be in it :lol:
I like the fact they showed a lot more action. It was a bit crazy at the Autocross racing around with Chad and camera crew running around, but they got some never before seen angles. I am glad they trusted me and some others to get that close. Play by play, corner by corner commentary in the middle of the Autocross was awesome! I want more!
They can't always show everyone I guess, but overall, a huge step in the right direction.
I am looking foreword to the rest of the season.

[camcojb]

Tonight's episode, Texas, was much better. Not because I happen to be in it :lol:
I like the fact they showed a lot more action. It was a bit crazy at the Autocross racing around with Chad and camera crew running around, but they got some never before seen angles. I am glad they trusted me and some others to get that close. Play by play, corner by corner commentary in the middle of the Autocross was awesome! I want more!
They can't always show everyone I guess, but overall, a huge step in the right direction.
I am looking foreword to the rest of the season.
I completely agree Brian. This was my favorite episode yet. :thumbsup:

[LS7 Z/28]

Tonight's episode, Texas, was much better. Not because I happen to be in it :lol:
I like the fact they showed a lot more action. It was a bit crazy at the Autocross racing around with Chad and camera crew running around, but they got some never before seen angles. I am glad they trusted me and some others to get that close. Play by play, corner by corner commentary in the middle of the Autocross was awesome! I want more!
They can't always show everyone I guess, but overall, a huge step in the right direction.
I am looking foreword to the rest of the season.

I completely agree Brian. This was my favorite episode yet. :thumbsup:
I definitely enjoyed it way more than the Laguna Seca episode for sure.

[efs69]

To begin, I do not have Dish or Direct TV so have not been able to watch any of the episodes, and cannot comment on the show.

I have however attended 2 events so far, and will try to squeeze another one in if my off road racing schedule allows :). Jimi and crew do a great job putting on the events, and like most car related activities, the people and good times are what make it memorable.

Mr. Weld has commented on the attendance levels; which if you are one of the attendee's is a good thing for track time, but if you’re the promoter not so good. This is a business, and like most business will not sustain with limited customers. I am not sure if it is a cost thing or just the fact that our small PT world is now flooded with events of all kinds.

I love racing as much as anyone and would hate to see things go back to the days of 4-5 events per year, in total across the board. Optima is trying to expand the market as they know the PT crowd is not large enough to support the sheer number of events out there. We at ASCS share the same issue as Jimi and have changed our model due to it.

In the end the sponsors will ultimately determine if this series will survive. All we can do is attend as many as we can, and show them we appreciate what they are doing for the hobby.


First I agree with you Brian. Second I don't get MAV so I can't comment on it.
I built my car over the course of a year after going to the El Toro ASCS event and wanted to get into the action. Never autocrossed or road raced before. I gutted my car and transformed it into what is is today. I missed Laguna Seca but participated in the Fontana event even though i had not even shaken the car down. I did terribly but like most have said the event was well run and I had a blast. I was on the fence for the Portland event for several reasons. I took advantage of a discount offered by Ridetech (thanks Bret) drove almost 1000 miles one way, got a speeding ticket, slept in my truck and participated with my car even though it still had some issues which ultimately took me out of the action during the second session on the track. Lots of heavy hitters at the event and again i did not finish well but i learned a little bit more about the car, driving and met some great people and got to know others a little better. While I wish I had the ability to travel to some of the other great tracks I look forward to participating in this series when it comes back around to the West Coast.

[SSLance]

Tonight's episode, Texas, was much better. Not because I happen to be in it :lol:
I like the fact they showed a lot more action. It was a bit crazy at the Autocross racing around with Chad and camera crew running around, but they got some never before seen angles. I am glad they trusted me and some others to get that close. Play by play, corner by corner commentary in the middle of the Autocross was awesome! I want more!
They can't always show everyone I guess, but overall, a huge step in the right direction.
I am looking foreword to the rest of the season.


Dangit... It's on my DVR at home in Missouri (I hope) and I'm still stuck in Florida and won't be home until Monday... Sounds like I've got even more motivation to get home now. Can't wait.

[GrabberGT]

Tonight's episode, Texas, was much better. Not because I happen to be in it :lol:
I like the fact they showed a lot more action. It was a bit crazy at the Autocross racing around with Chad and camera crew running around, but they got some never before seen angles. I am glad they trusted me and some others to get that close. Play by play, corner by corner commentary in the middle of the Autocross was awesome! I want more!
They can't always show everyone I guess, but overall, a huge step in the right direction.
I am looking foreword to the rest of the season.

I agree. I was on the edge of my seat watching that. I could feel the competition building. Chad does a great job of announcing a showdown. Give him some free rein to make it happen.

The first half of the show felt like an episode of My Classic Car or LOKAR Car Show. Drop the Car Show format and go with the performance. Do a breakout about the car as it pulls up to the line.

We dont need soo much USCA information. It still feels a bit infomercial like. All of that info could have been given while showing the cars going around the track.

[LS7 Z/28]

Anyone else notice that MAV-TV is now a sponsor here.
<----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe they have been and I just didn't notice...

[camcojb]

Anyone else notice that MAV-TV is now a sponsor here.

I did. :) We're trying to do our part to promote the channel and this show. This involves both members and sponsors of this site and I think we should do what we can to watch it and provide feedback so they can make the shows even better.

They also have a lot of other cool car and boat racing that I watch. :)

[chetly]

Being one of the biggest critics of the Laguna Seca show, I think it's only fair that I review their 2nd attempt.

It was better. They had a lot more racing coverage and Chads commentary during the auto-x was cool. It was nice to be able to actually hear the cars while they were racing. They do still need some work on their editing (I saw footage from Laguna Seca and Daytona on this episode). Overall, I wasn't to excited to watch the show and if it was anything like the Laguna show, it would have been the last episode I would have watched. I like the idea that someone else posted about showcasing the top 3 players for the overall win, but, I don't know how easy that would be to figure out who they would be.

Needless to say, I will watch the next one with an open mind and hopefully they keep getting better.

[bret]

I think you may see a bit more promotional activity from the series sponsors [including MAV] going forward. EVERYBODY wants to see this series thrive. Obviously there are more than a few ideas of exactly how to accomplish that. That is why this forum is crucial for providing relevant feedback on the show.

Chetly [and everyone else]...keep those comments coming. Even if they don't act on your ideas, they need to hear them!

Personally...I thought the Texas show was significantly better this week. Now I can proudly tell all my friends and family about the Daytona show next week!

BTW...now that many of you have seen the show...we are filming another one in Michigan next weekend. RideTech even has an extra $100 discount going on. Use "ridetechnation" in the promo code to get your $100 off. No reason you can't be in the TV show too! http://driveusca.com/events/brooklyn-mi-august-22-24/

[71RS/SS396]

Tonight's episode, Texas, was much better. Not because I happen to be in it :lol:
I like the fact they showed a lot more action. It was a bit crazy at the Autocross racing around with Chad and camera crew running around, but they got some never before seen angles. I am glad they trusted me and some others to get that close. Play by play, corner by corner commentary in the middle of the Autocross was awesome! I want more!
They can't always show everyone I guess, but overall, a huge step in the right direction.
I am looking foreword to the rest of the season.

I can't believe they were dumb enough to get close to me :confused59:

[GregWeld]

I can't believe they were dumb enough to get close to me :confused59:





HAHAHAHAHAHA Okay - that's just funny Tim....

[dale68z]

Much better show than last week. It is almost like they listened to this thread and made immediate improvements.



I like MAV tv, sprint cars, sprint boats, heck the have motorcycle ice racing this Wednesday. I pay extra to get the channel. They took the place of speed tv.

[glassman]

I'd like them to show more of the regular Joes. Not their "15 min of fame", but just the general differances/diversity of what shows up at the track.

Too much time spent on "one" driver, less time on one dude/dudette, and more "little" time with everybody else.

We're gonna need the infomercial part for funding i'm sure, so monitor closely. Don't spend tooooo much time with the sponser but don't bite the hand that feeds ya either. Balance.

Right now i'm an armchair quarterback, car wasn't ready for Laguna, my sons masters cermonies for Fontana, and just could'nt squeeze in Portland.
So blah blah blah.....hopefully the series will be around next year cause this is the genre I like the most.....

[rickpaw]

Like most others have said in prior posts, I like the Texas coverage. It's much better than the first 2 episodes. However, more coverage on the road course actions, and info on the cars competing would be nice.

[syborg tt]

Call Comcast for me please, they might actually pay attention to a celebrity. :D

Ditto for me. I have called comcast multiple times and a no go here in Chicago. I have even posted up on Optima's facebook page suggesting that the air the episodes web based similar to what Red Bull, IMSA and all of the other big guys do. With the new TV's we no longer need to have a provider as most TV's are internet ready. I have actually watched most of the racing web based on my tv vs thru Comcast.

ps As a last resort I went MAV TV page and nope no help there.

[Rod P]

Much better show than last week. It is almost like they listened to this thread and made immediate improvements.



they are listening! :tv_happy: the show has great content its almost to bad that its only 45 min long because they have 4 days of content for most shows, this weeks show was great and I believe they will only get better, the producers have seen the events now for 5 months and have really great ideas

[OBeer-WAN-Kenobi]

I'll also chime in and say the Texas show was quite a bit better. It was good enough to make me want to catch it next week again.

Personally, I'd like a little more info on the cars themselves.

Possibly they could show the runs with the best times and not as many of the repeat runs? That would give them more time for other content and maybe give us a chance to see more competitors.

Yes, I'm also less interested in the AWD classes than the more "muscly stuff" but I'm sure there are a lot of people that would like to see just a little more of those cars as well. I was especially interested last week just because the guy with the GTR is from my state. However; it would be neat to see how the modern AWD cars stack up with the older pro-toured cars.

[syborg tt]

"Why wouldn't I seriously consider going?
cost...$500, + travel, fuel,
sounds like I will have very little track time. Lots of standing around "

YOU ARE DEAD WRONG!!!!!

You will have so much track time you will skip run sessions.

Okay, so I spent a little bit of time thinking about why I have only been to one event this year. ( Heidts event at Autobahn )

Obviously the above cost are something to consider but most people that track there cars also need to have a Tow vehicle and a trailer. Which both cost a substantially amount of money.

Then you have to factor in the cost of storing both if the tow vehicle isn't your daily driver. Most people will have to pay to storage on both. The bad news for me is at the end of September I will be losing my spot where I stored my trailer for years. So my open featherlite trailer is up for sale and I am actually really happy about it. Heck in the last couple years I personally have used it only once or twice. The funny thing is I have let people borrow it at least 20 times in that same period and I am the one stuck paying the maintenance for the trailer, the tow vehicle and storage.

It the last couple weeks I have decided to declutter my life and the truck, trailer and 4 of my high dollar mountain bikes are going to be sold or have already been sold. I can't tell you how great it feels to have less stuff in my life.

Now with that being said I have spent a bunch of money on my 5th Gen Camaro so I can actually do events like this and feel safe (airbags) and actually drive to the event. I have even considering have a very small custom trailer made for a second set of tires, floor jack, tools and anything I may need so I can actually participate next year.

My plan it to head out to Michigan this weekend to actually see the event since I can't see it on TV or the internet. Now I just need to make sure the wife and kids are okay with me being gone.

[Rod P]

Okay, so I spent a little bit of time thinking about why I have only been to one event this year. ( Heidts event at Autobahn )

Obviously the above cost are something to consider but most people that track there cars also need to have a Tow vehicle and a trailer. Which both cost a substantially amount of money.

Then you have to factor in the cost of storing both if the tow vehicle isn't your daily driver. Most people will have to pay to storage on both. The bad news for me is at the end of September I will be losing my spot where I stored my trailer for years. So my open featherlite trailer is up for sale and I am actually really happy about it. Heck in the last couple years I personally have used it only once or twice. The funny thing is I have let people borrow it at least 20 times in that same period and I am the one stuck paying the maintenance for the trailer, the tow vehicle and storage.

It the last couple weeks I have decided to declutter my life and the truck, trailer and 4 of my high dollar mountain bikes are going to be sold or have already been sold. I can't tell you how great it feels to have less stuff in my life.

Now with that being said I have spent a bunch of money on my 5th Gen Camaro so I can actually do events like this and feel safe (airbags) and actually drive to the event. I have even considering have a very small custom trailer made for a second set of tires, floor jack, tools and anything I may need so I can actually participate next year.

My plan it to head out to Michigan this weekend to actually see the event since I can't see it on TV or the internet. Now I just need to make sure the wife and kids are okay with me being gone.

come on out!! It should be a fun, they have been great events so far, its always better in person:thumbsup:

[syborg tt]

come on out!! It should be a fun, they have been great events so far, its always better in person:thumbsup:

I can't wait I am really looking forward to it.

[dale68z]

Okay, so I spent a little bit of time thinking about why I have only been to one event this year. ( Heidts event at Autobahn )

Obviously the above cost are something to consider but most people that track there cars also need to have a Tow vehicle and a trailer. Which both cost a substantially amount of money.

Then you have to factor in the cost of storing both if the tow vehicle isn't your daily driver. Most people will have to pay to storage on both. The bad news for me is at the end of September I will be losing my spot where I stored my trailer for years. So my open featherlite trailer is up for sale and I am actually really happy about it. Heck in the last couple years I personally have used it only once or twice. The funny thing is I have let people borrow it at least 20 times in that same period and I am the one stuck paying the maintenance for the trailer, the tow vehicle and storage.

It the last couple weeks I have decided to declutter my life and the truck, trailer and 4 of my high dollar mountain bikes are going to be sold or have already been sold. I can't tell you how great it feels to have less stuff in my life.

.

Guys don't drive their street car to these events??? :stirthepot:

[Rod P]

Guys don't drive their street car to these events??? :stirthepot:

no I don't...because I drive it 10/10ths and I might break ****, I drive to goodguys events because those are much easier on the car and I don't run 10/10ths at those

[So Cal Camaro]

Guys don't drive their street car to these events??? :stirthepot:

Not a lot of them, but I did...2,100 miles round trip to Portland, drive there, race it and drive it home....

[SSLance]

Dangit... It's on my DVR at home in Missouri (I hope) and I'm still stuck in Florida and won't be home until Monday... Sounds like I've got even more motivation to get home now. Can't wait.



So... Guess who's DVR was locked up when I got home, and nothing after 08/14/2014 that was supposed to record, did. :bang:

First thing I did was run over to my Dad's and check his DVR, it's on there...so we'll have some Father-Son bonding time later this week while watching it there.

PowerNation, the Nationwide Race, Cup race, and Ice Road Truckers I can do without seeing though I guess. ;)

[cpd004]

I too want to know more about the cars. Not really a fan of the host either. I'm probably one of few here, but IMO Goldberg did a better job.

[syborg tt]

Guys don't drive their street car to these events??? :stirthepot:

thus increasing the actual cost of participating in the event which will exclude many drives.

Just like racing this event is more for the big players then most of the bench racers on these boards. It's one thing to have a really nice pro-touring car but it's another thing to have a full on race car to compete at these Optima events.

It's odd from memory I thought the Optima challenged started was started to get Street cars on the track and like everything it has evolved into full on race cars.

In the end I think the Good-Guys Autocross is best suited for most of us on the boards and Optima has become something for the Elite. Which isn't a bad thing but it is a much smaller group of guys and in most case it's for the big players ( re: Vendors ) not the normal average guy / gal.

[ironworks]

I watched Texas last night and it was way better then Laguna. But it still had some infomercial vibe just not as much as the first one. I would describe Laguna as looking at a bunch of sales brochures. Texas was more like postcards ( in the fact we saw action just not of the actual dual between the guys ). They spent more time covering the fact Brian beat Finch then actually showing them actually driving to beat each other.

But I'm also quite sure I'm not the target audience.

[ironworks]

thus increasing the actual cost of participating in the event which will exclude many drives.

Just like racing this event is more for the big players then most of the bench racers on these boards. It's one thing to have a really nice pro-touring car but it's another thing to have a full on race car to compete at these Optima events.

It's odd from memory I thought the Optima challenged started was started to get Street cars on the track and like everything it has evolved into full on race cars.

In the end I think the Good-Guys Autocross is best suited for most of us on the boards and Optima has become something for the Elite. Which isn't a bad thing but it is a much smaller group of guys and in most case it's for the big players ( re: Vendors ) not the normal average guy / gal.


Shocking as it may be, I disagree. The Optima deal seems like endless run times ( possibly due to lower then expected attendance ) and ride along instructors and a more ideal way to get some hands on experience. The Goodguys deal is really about the show now, if you want to autocross at a big show like Columbus and you are not a qualified Pro, you will only run a couple times that weekend. The less busy shows are going to offer more runs and practice but there is no instruction or help to be had except from other racers. Plus the Optima deal is a longer course so you get a chance to practice longer. There is just alot more time at these events so you have a bigger chance to get more experience. I think you could come back from an Optima event with more improvement then a Goodguys weekend.

[syborg tt]

Shocking as it may be, I disagree. The Optima deal seems like endless run times ( possibly due to lower then expected attendance ) and ride along instructors and a more ideal way to get some hands on experience. The Goodguys deal is really about the show now, if you want to autocross at a big show like Columbus and you are not a qualified Pro, you will only run a couple times that weekend. The less busy shows are going to offer more runs and practice but there is no instruction or help to be had except from other racers. Plus the Optima deal is a longer course so you get a chance to practice longer. There is just alot more time at these events so you have a bigger chance to get more experience. I think you could come back from an Optima event with more improvement then a Goodguys weekend.


I completely agree with you and I never thought of that angle. I actually have signed up to do a couple events with the Lotus club as they offer the instructions and actual class time which I feel is what I need.

As of lately I have been going to the local go-cart tracks with these guys learning just the basics and I am actually having a great time and look forward to the weekly racing.

btw - you do realize it's 6:30 in your neck of the woods

[GregWeld]

I watched Texas last night and it was way better then Laguna. But it still had some infomercial vibe just not as much as the first one. I would describe Laguna as looking at a bunch of sales brochures. Texas was more like postcards ( in the fact we saw action just not of the actual dual between the guys ). They spent more time covering the fact Brian beat Finch then actually showing them actually driving to beat each other.

But I'm also quite sure I'm not the target audience.



Funny that you mention the "duel" between "The Brian's". These two guys are serious competitors and bring the goods. Both quiet guys... with skills beyond the norm. Hobaugh was struggling to bring the times down on the AutoX because the Camaro just didn't have the turning radius... and the course was tight with 180's. At the end of the day - Steve Hobaugh (Pops) - Brian - and I busted out some tools and whacked the steering stops off the LCA's. This is the kind of crude "mod" done at night - at the back of the trailer that a serious competitor does in an effort to see some improvement. That small mod netted 1.75 SECONDS the next day - for a First place finish. Next up was the Stop Challenge. It's the end of the day and everyone else has given up -- but not "The Brian's" -- these two guys are just going at it like true competitors. They run - circle back - line up - and run again. Over and over.. dueling it out. The times inch down .01 at a time...

I consider both these guys as friends... and everyone here knows I hauled Hobaughs Camaro to the event... Chad and I and Steve are hanging on the fence watching these guys duke it out. We're offering "advice" to each guy as we see "something" that might help. Launch, 60 ft spin, blah blah blah.... When I noticed that each run - Hobaugh is leaving half the stop box "empty", i.e., he has 10 more feet before he runs out. When you're fighting for hundredths of a second - 10 feet can get you that! Easy to tell someone what to do - harder to do - but we're talking about guys with real talent here. I "advise" Mister H to think about where he's going to pound the brakes - and then to inhale - and then hit 'em. BINGO.... his front end is now a foot from the cones and the time is good for a win.

The point of the above is not about "ME" --- I just happened to be there... in fact by this point in the day - there weren't half a dozen people left out there watching. The point is about the COMPETITION and what was going on between two leaders/gladiators/winners. The amount of EFFORT these two guys were putting in -- and the abuse they were willing to put into their cars... its the end of the day - and you know they're pooped... and here they are - with no audience... beating on each other and both of them with grins as big as all Texas. The cameras were long gone.... and it was the best duel in the Universe. The people hanging on the fence wanted BOTH of them to win. The respect for their effort was palpable. It would have made great TV.

[ironworks]

I completely agree with you and I never thought of that angle. I actually have signed up to do a couple events with the Lotus club as they offer the instructions and actual class time which I feel is what I need.

As of lately I have been going to the local go-cart tracks with these guys learning just the basics and I am actually having a great time and look forward to the weekly racing.

btw - you do realize it's 6:30 in your neck of the woods

Do you realize I have been at work for an hour already?

[GregWeld]

Do you realize I have been at work for an hour already?



When did cruising the internet become "work"??




HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[syborg tt]

Do you realize I have been at work for an hour already?

Well that sucks. About two years ago I decided I wasn't going in till 7:30 and it was the best thing I ever did. I get to see both my girls in the morning and even take my oldest to school in the morning. I actually look forward to mornings now.

ps I do understand what it takes to do what you do and commend you and everyone that does it day and and day out. I've been there and done that and it took a 2nd cancer for me to realize that there is way more important things in life then work.


When did cruising the internet become "work"??

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Seriously the internet is full of great idea's and I say it's work.

Wait I should be working .... nah this is just more fun.

[bret]

thus increasing the actual cost of participating in the event which will exclude many drives.

Just like racing this event is more for the big players then most of the bench racers on these boards. It's one thing to have a really nice pro-touring car but it's another thing to have a full on race car to compete at these Optima events.

It's odd from memory I thought the Optima challenged started was started to get Street cars on the track and like everything it has evolved into full on race cars.

In the end I think the Good-Guys Autocross is best suited for most of us on the boards and Optima has become something for the Elite. Which isn't a bad thing but it is a much smaller group of guys and in most case it's for the big players ( re: Vendors ) not the normal average guy / gal.

It is true that many trailer their cars to the Optima events, just like they would to any track event [drag racing, autocross, track days] but don't think for a minute that these cars cannot hit the street and go cross country. Brian Finch is a good example of a competitive car at any level...he drove his car to the Las Vegas event last year. I will be driving the 48 Hour Camaro to the Ft. Worth Goodguys event...Greg Schneider drove our 66 Chevelle to the Texas Optima event...2000 miles round trip. Trailering is a matter of convenience for tools, family, luggage, etc.

There are ALL kinds of cars at the Optima events. The ones you hear about are the top performers in the competitive segments, but that does not diminish the amount of fun had by ALL the participants. I cannot imagine anyone who has attended one of these events would have a different opinion.

BUT...I do understand perception and reality are close cousins. I'm just trying to explain reality in the hope of influencing perception.

What would be the opinion of setting up the classes according to driver skill instead of car type? This seems to be the way most track days are organized.

I will not pretend that the road course segment is not harder on the car and owner than the autocross or speed stop segment. It is another level of car and driver preparation, and it may not be for everyone. But...doesn't everyone want to have a goal to shoot for?
What would be the opinion of offering the segments "ala Carte", so one could choose to only do autocross and speed stop...or only road course, or just the road rally and design challenge? Obviously you could not fare well in the overall point standings, but it might be a place to start. [BTW...do NOT get the idea that I have any significant influence on how these events are, or will be, run...I'm just exposing ideas.]


Great comments...that's how improvements are made!

[syborg tt]

What would be the opinion of setting up the classes according to driver skill instead of car type? This seems to be the way most track days are organized.

What would be the opinion of offering the segments "ala Carte", so one could choose to only do autocross and speed stop...or only road course, or just the road rally and design challenge? Obviously you could not fare well in the overall point standings, but it might be a place to start. [BTW...do NOT get the idea that I have any significant influence on how these events are, or will be, run...I'm just exposing ideas.]


Great comments...that's how improvements are made!

I think these are great idea's as my goal would be to start with Autocross with the 70 and Road Course for the 2010. As for points that wouldn't bother me a bit as my goal initially is just learn how to drive better.

[LS7 Z/28]

What would be the opinion of setting up the classes according to driver skill instead of car type? This seems to be the way most track days are organized.


I think they have done a great job setting up the series and creating divisions. GT3K, GT2K, AWD. I don't see a reason to change that. I would think that people would want to have a chance to run against the best of the best and be able to measure themselves against the top guys and see how they stack up. The run groups have already divided people into skill level which allows everyone to run at their skill level.

As far as trailering goes, it's a necessity for many reasons that have already been stated. If you are going to run on a track and abuse your car like a racecar then you you need to be prepared for catastrophic failures that can happen. Just because it's a street car doesn't mean it has to drive everywhere.

I personally think it's really cool walking through the pits at a USCA event and seeing all of the trucks and trailers. It's an awesome atmosphere and It feels no different to me than being in the pits at your local short track on a Saturday night and it gives everyone a feeling of being a racecar driver even if you aren't running door to door on track. What's wrong with that.

[SSLance]

I'm torn on that Bret, at Gateway had the elements been available ala Carte, I would have most likely have chosen everything but the Road Course (mainly because I was concerned about the lack of safety items in my car). In fact I had only planned on running 1 or 2 sessions on the road course anyway.

But once I got out on the track, had some shakedown sessions in the car and had an instructor show me the proper and fast way to get around the track...I was hooked and ended up running in all of the sessions only stopping just a few laps before the final session ended. If I hadn't done the road course for whatever reason, I wouldn't have known what I missed (which was the best part of the weekend for me personally).

I know there were a few others that had similar thoughts and experiences about the road course sessions there as well. Offering an ala Carte menu as a way to try to get more entrants may be a valid idea though. It's kind of done anyway right now isn't it? D&E and Road rally only... Adding Speed Stop and Autocross to that menu for halfway between that price and the full package price might be attractive to some due to the added work, prep and expense of the road course portion.

I still think the full entry package was one helluva deal. Like I've said before, between the professional level instruction I received on both days and all of the track time, I more than got my money's worth. It was a much better deal that the school only events that I've paid similar money to go to. The fun level of the event was just gravy...

[SSLance]

What would be the opinion of setting up the classes according to driver skill instead of car type? This seems to be the way most track days are organized.




I think that part of how the events are setup is fine like it is. The run groups are separated on the road course for everyone's benefit...to stay out of each other's way while on the track.

The 3 separate car classes to score everyone in are fine with me. It's great to see how you stack up with the best of the best plus you also get to see how you stack up with those in your level of car (and driver) at the same time. Do not SCCA up the deal...

[eric1967]

I participated at the event at Gateway. I was a little disappointed on Saturday with the speed stop & autocross, mainly because of the run groups. I was split up from some of my friends & unable to watch them run. We normally work together to improve each others times. It would also be nice to be able to ride with other competitors on the autocross. This is a grate help when you are learning to drive. Sunday on the road course was some of the most fun I have had with my car in the 21 years I have owned it. The instructors were great. People that have cars & don't bring them out are missing a great opportunity. It is amazing how much you can learn from the first session to the last.
As far as the TV show. Who does not want their car on TV? Nearly everyone will have friends & family that will watch the show because they were a participant. That can only be good for the sponsors. I hope the series & the show are a success. If it is a big commercial I don't think they will be watch long.

[Rod P]

I participated at the event at Gateway. I was a little disappointed on Saturday with the speed stop & autocross, mainly because of the run groups. I was split up from some of my friends & unable to watch them run. We normally work together to improve each others times. It would also be nice to be able to ride with other competitors on the autocross. This is a grate help when you are learning to drive. Sunday on the road course was some of the most fun I have had with my car in the 21 years I have owned it. The instructors were great. People that have cars & don't bring them out are missing a great opportunity. It is amazing how much you can learn from the first session to the last.
As far as the TV show. Who does not want their car on TV? Nearly everyone will have friends & family that will watch the show because they were a participant. That can only be good for the sponsors. I hope the series & the show are a success. If it is a big commercial I don't think they will be watch long.

there were professional instructors available for the autocross also...free of charge and they could have helped you

[MarkM66]

I thought the Texas episode was better, up until the end when I realized there was basically no road course coverage. Unless I missed it, :lostmarbles:

[BonzoHansen]

I have fios and only have mav on demand. I have not seen this available to watch.

[eric1967]

there were professional instructors available for the autocross also...free of charge and they could have helped you

Those are guys from the local SCCA. They are very helpful & I did work with them. I get great advice from them all the time at local events.

[Lous69]

I'm torn on that Bret, at Gateway had the elements been available ala Carte, I would have most likely have chosen everything but the Road Course (mainly because I was concerned about the lack of safety items in my car). In fact I had only planned on running 1 or 2 sessions on the road course anyway.

But once I got out on the track, had some shakedown sessions in the car and had an instructor show me the proper and fast way to get around the track...I was hooked and ended up running in all of the sessions only stopping just a few laps before the final session ended. If I hadn't done the road course for whatever reason, I wouldn't have known what I missed (which was the best part of the weekend for me personally).

I know there were a few others that had similar thoughts and experiences about the road course sessions there as well. Offering an ala Carte menu as a way to try to get more entrants may be a valid idea though. It's kind of done anyway right now isn't it? D&E and Road rally only... Adding Speed Stop and Autocross to that menu for halfway between that price and the full package price might be attractive to some due to the added work, prep and expense of the road course portion.

I still think the full entry package was one helluva deal. Like I've said before, between the professional level instruction I received on both days and all of the track time, I more than got my money's worth. It was a much better deal that the school only events that I've paid similar money to go to. The fun level of the event was just gravy...

I was at the Gateway event and only entered the design competiton and rally so that is definitely already an option. I was not interested in competing on the track for several reasons including the fact that my engine isn't yet fully broken in or final tuned.

I learned a ton those two days because everyone was very friendly and always proactively asking people like me if they could help us learn. That included the Tuckers and several cool local people I met.

The only down side was that I didn't even get to find out how my car scored against the rest from a design and engineering perspective. For some strange reason I do not understand, my score was not posted anywhere. I can only guess it was because I was not also a track competitor. That kind of made the whole process of judging my car feel like a total waste.

I'm not sure I would have entered into anything if I knew I would not get any indication of results from the judging. As it turns out I'm still glad I did because it was enjoyable and so educational but that may be something to consider for others like me in the future.

[SSLance]

I checked your car out there, VERY nice! I even have a little bit of video of you passing us on the road rally.

In the results there is one car listed under "exhibition" Dan Kuhn #53. I didn't see a number on your car in the video, did they issue you a number at registration? I wonder if that's why your D&E results don't show up?

I'm glad you had fun anyway...if it's held there again next year, will you compete the car with us?

[mike343sharpstk]

I think these are great idea's as my goal would be to start with Autocross with the 70 and Road Course for the 2010. As for points that wouldn't bother me a bit as my goal initially is just learn how to drive better.

Bret, I love the Ala-carte idea!
It would sure be a good idea to hit the auto-X and speed-stop challenge to make sure all is well, for Driver AND Car, before hitting the road course.

I signed up as the ‘silver’ participant for the Road America event and was the only person to do so. I don’t even think my car was judged, and I was interested to get expert information on areas to focus on to get ready to compete. That said, great event.

I too had safety concerns for the Road Course and Road America (even the short version they were using) is no place to skimp on safety. Then getting a look at the car that hit a wall assured me I probably made the correct decision. Looking at what the competitors had done gave me a specific punch list for next year. That was very valuable.

Perhaps in the future the ‘Silver’ entry could be more of a ‘Auto-X/speed-stop’ type of participation for newly finished cars and/or drivers that are a bit apprehensive?

[bret]

Anyone watch the Daytona show that aired this past weekend? Give me some opinions...better...worse...same?

[SSLance]

Much MUCH better Bret! The wife even closed her laptop and tuned into the show which says something. It flowed better, plenty of on track action, great recap of the competitiveness, just enough of the sponsor segments (and they were done better too IMHO) and the special stories that were told weren't too long or drawn out.

Even my Dad said "that show was much easier to watch".

Please pass along a "Good job, keep it up" from this watcher.

[camcojb]

Anyone watch the Daytona show that aired this past weekend? Give me some opinions...better...worse...same?
Better!!

[Rod P]

Better!!

Jody being all nice :twak:

[MarkM66]

Anyone watch the Daytona show that aired this past weekend? Give me some opinions...better...worse...same?

Way better!

[camcojb]

Jody being all nice :twak:
I think each week is getting better and last week's was the best so far. Is that better? :lol:

[dontlifttoshift]

The TV show is better every week. It still isn't a must watch, and if I didn't know a bunch of you guys I probably wouldn't watch at all. I'm also the guy that watches exactly zero car related TV so take that into account.

As a bonus, the show afterwards showed you how to narrow an axle housing....:hitaxeonthehead: :hitaxeonthehead: :hitaxeonthehead: /sarcasm

AlaCarte is bad. Do the whole thing you will be glad you did. There are plenty of places to just autocross, or just have a trackday, but to do it all at one venue in one weekend _IS_ the experience. If you want to make 3 autocross laps and wait for someone to take your picture, go to Goodguys. If you're scared of the big track don't step on the skinny pedal so hard. Fear and common sense will be your savior.

I ran MIS this past weekend.......I was terrified. I had put together solid finishes on the AX and SS but those high banks, concrete walls, and 5 hours from home had me nervous. 120 plus in a turn....brain does not compute. By my third session I was feeling brave and made up my mind to mat the pedal, lean in, and see if it holds......it did and it was awesome.

The point is, don't shortchange yourself the experience. Flip over the couch cushions, scrape up the change and go.

[GrabberGT]

Daytona was MUCH better. Not what I was expecting from the show (competition cvg) but maybe I was wrong about what the intent of the show was. I am enjoying the cvg but still think there is more room for racing cvg. If the V8 Superboats can pull it off, so can autocrossing.

[Rod P]

teaser from this Fridays show!!!!!!

98562462

[syborg tt]

Okay so great promo.

But in my honest opinion it's totally worthless because I am betting at least 50% or more of your target audience will never be able to see it because no one seems to get MAV TV. Heck I only know one person that gets that channel. Heck not a one of the local sports bars in my area even get.

Why not put the show up on the web so everyone can watch it just like Red Bull does (http://www.redbull.tv/ ) it’s about the only way I see this show succeeding. You need people to watch it and that just isn’t going to happen if the channel only available in select area's.

Sorry to be so harsh but it’s just the reality of marketing. If you can’t reach your target audience why on God’s Green Earth would any company spend so much on marketing on something that only a select few may see.

Just doesn’t make for good business.

[MarkM66]

Okay so great promo.

But in my honest opinion it's totally worthless because I am betting at least 50% or more of your target audience will never be able to see it because no one seems to get MAV TV. Heck I only know one person that gets that channel. Heck not a one of the local sports bars in my area even get.

Why not put the show up on the web so everyone can watch it just like Red Bull does (http://www.redbull.tv/ ) it’s about the only way I see this show succeeding. You need people to watch it and that just isn’t going to happen if the channel only available in select area's.

Sorry to be so harsh but it’s just the reality of marketing. If you can’t reach your target audience why on God’s Green Earth would any company spend so much on marketing on something that only a select few may see.

Just doesn’t make for good business.

You don't have one of these service providers in your area?

http://www.mavtv.com/get-mavtv/find-mavtv.html

[syborg tt]

You don't have one of these service providers in your area?

http://www.mavtv.com/get-mavtv/find-mavtv.html

Actually only Dish network carries in our area - but they pretty much suck due to the winters here. We have this thing called snow
and if we have as much snow as we did last year we would be without all of our channels when the snow falls.

[dontlifttoshift]

I agree, it would be better if it was more accessible.......and HD.

Only twice last year did I have a problem with snow stuck on my DirecTV dish. Twice last year I stood under the dish and hit it with a long pipe and twice last year I looked up in dumb awe as the snow came off the dish in one sheet and in slow motion fell to the earth where I kindly caught it all with my face.

[syborg tt]

I agree, it would be better if it was more accessible.......and HD.

Only twice last year did I have a problem with snow stuck on my DirecTV dish. Twice last year I stood under the dish and hit it with a long pipe and twice last year I looked up in dumb awe as the snow came off the dish in one sheet and in slow motion fell to the earth where I kindly caught it all with my face.

and that would make for some good TV and you might even have a chance at $100,000 dollars.

[GrabberGT]

Fontana show is the best one yet. Really enjoyed seeing the wide range of cars and drivers there.

[GrabberGT]

To add to my continuing review of the show...

I posted this on another thread here as well about Road America coverage.

Thought the Optima Batteries "How Its Made" show they stuck in the middle of this episode ruined its momentum. It was interesting and necessary for the primary sponsor but did not flow very well with the show.

All the rest was pretty good. I'd like to see the viewpoint of those on the roadcourse who have decided to just relax and enjoy the cruise. Not everyone is there to set a new personal best. I, like Im sure many others, are a little nervous about getting out on the big track. Especially when all thats shown is the serious competitors and the now 2 wrecks that have occurred. Since this show is more about the experience than the competition, I think viewers and prospective participants need to know that its OK to just come and cruise around the track at a safe speed. There is no pressure to waste a set of tires or risk destroying your ride.

[65_LS1_T56]

To add to my continuing review of the show...

I posted this on another thread here as well about Road America coverage.

Thought the Optima Batteries "How Its Made" show they stuck in the middle of this episode ruined its momentum. It was interesting and necessary for the primary sponsor but did not flow very well with the show.

All the rest was pretty good. I'd like to see the viewpoint of those on the roadcourse who have decided to just relax and enjoy the cruise. Not everyone is there to set a new personal best. I, like Im sure many others, are a little nervous about getting out on the big track. Especially when all thats shown is the serious competitors and the now 2 wrecks that have occurred. Since this show is more about the experience than the competition, I think viewers and prospective participants need to know that its OK to just come and cruise around the track at a safe speed. There is no pressure to waste a set of tires or risk destroying your ride.

I also thought the same about the Optima coverage, but, they are the title sponser. Without them, no series. Since RA is there "hometrack", that's why it was there turn I'm sure.

You are not the only one that is nervous. Everyone should be, keeps you focused. I'm sure you could ask Kyle or Bret or Danny, but I'm pretty sure there are a few nerves before they get out on track. MIS for some reason scared the $#!? out of me. 10 laps later, I felt much better.

It is OK, in the novice group, to go out and cruise. I'm sure you'll be asked to pit and let faster cars go by as there is no passing allowed in novice. I'm no sure however, how many people are content with just cruising a few laps. When you're strapped in with a helmet on, its hard not to want to improve session after session, at least for me.

I'm content with being in the middle of the pack and having a great time, but if I see a late model Corvette or other, that is a few tenths faster, then it's game-on next session. I'm gonna go out and run him down, safely, within my personal limits of course.

It is scary when you see a car balled up at an event. Even worse when he's two cars in front of you. There has been a total of 7 cars that I'm aware of that have been involved in some sort of contact with a barrier or another car.
This is real life no doubt.

You all saw James in the OLC and Ken with the Z28. Not sure what the proper etiquette is about talking about other's misfortunes, so it's best not to I guess. No one has been hurt, that is the most important part.

I can't wait for the last event in Pittsburgh. I wish Sebring was possible, its just too far.

[SSLance]

You also haven't seen many of the spins and off track excursions that happen as well. I personally saw 4 different spins happen right in front of me at Gateway. Every one of them happened when the driver was digging for more rather than just cruising, but thankfully none of them had any contact or damage other than some tire wear.

Aaron is right about the nerves, but as long as you drive within yourself and constantly feel what the car is doing you'll be fine. I assume that all of us are good enough drivers to know when your four tires have good grip with the surface and are able to notice when that grip starts to go away. Once you get to that edge, it is up to you whether to tip toe that line or scale it back and just ride along. Nobody is going to laugh at you or peer pressure you into driving over your head, that is not what these events are about.

[bret]

Okay so great promo.

But in my honest opinion it's totally worthless because I am betting at least 50% or more of your target audience will never be able to see it because no one seems to get MAV TV. Heck I only know one person that gets that channel. Heck not a one of the local sports bars in my area even get.

Why not put the show up on the web so everyone can watch it just like Red Bull does (http://www.redbull.tv/ ) it’s about the only way I see this show succeeding. You need people to watch it and that just isn’t going to happen if the channel only available in select area's.

Sorry to be so harsh but it’s just the reality of marketing. If you can’t reach your target audience why on God’s Green Earth would any company spend so much on marketing on something that only a select few may see.

Just doesn’t make for good business.

I feel your pain on not being able to get the show via livestream or even download. MAV absolutely forbids it. I'm not in the TV business [at least not that end of it] so I don't know the resoning behind it.
I would love to be able to push a link to the video out to our facebook/forum/email base, even if its days or weeks after the initial airing. It would seem to help everyone....including MAV...to excite people about the show and the channel.

The show[and its distribution is not perfect. BUT...it is certainly a huge step in the right direction...AND each show is getting better about focusing on the car/racer/racing coverage.

I can also see the point about the show seeming a little like an infomercial. Opinions vary on this but I like the "organic" approach...casual product placement...performance results...lifestyle enhancement. Each company has their own way of accomplishing this.

One thing to consider...this group is VERY involved and knowledgeable...to the point that they could pick apart the tiniest of technical details. The "civilian" market [even if they are car people] might enjoy a show that is more concept based and more pure entertainment rather than a show that is technically accurate...but could be considered...boring.

It has been called a fine line...I think its a broad and blurry line.

[GrabberGT]

Aaron and Lance... Thanks for your input. As an OUSCI '13 attendee (wont say competitor cause I was fooling no-one lol) I get it. I was just saying that what you guys are saying needs to be shown on the TV coverage. Not everyone at these events is trying to hit 150mph on the straights. They should show the novice class and what its about. I dont recall seeing that aspect of the show yet. Attendance of these events is going to come from those sitting on the sidelines thinking "it looks fun and my car may be capable but I dont want to trash it or push it that hard". Another thought... 5-point harnesses, neck restraints, and roll bars are great but also intimidating for those thinking the only way to do the event is to have that stuff.

[SSLance]

The last two shows (Gateway and Portland) have been the best so far by a long ways. The producers have really listened to the comments and changed the focus of the show to the cars and the drivers...and it shows. They are much more watcher friendly.

I just hope the ratings are showing this on that end of the deal. Bret will you pass along our thanks for asking for our input and more than that...their listening to it as well.

Good luck to everyone in Pittsburgh this weekend, hope the weather warms and dries up for you for the ultimate experience at the event.

[FIREFIGHTER273]

I love the show, I love the action and I think it's a huge step for the hobby, business. I think they do the best they can with a 40 minute show, after all the events are a couple days and the editing has to be tough. I wish MAV TV were available on ATT/ Velocity. I gotta go by the inlaws to view. Can't wait for Vegas.

[GrabberGT]

Another thought for the Producers... Please do a 3 part season finally. With as much competition as there will be there, it would be an injustice not to give each event the time necessary to show all the leaders and the competition. Show their times on the leaderboard so we can follow how the competition is progressing. Do an episode on Autocross, then another on Track, and another on Speedstop. Mix in SEMA cvg, character/driver stories, and D&E competition within each episode. I take that back... you might need a 4th just to introduce SEMA, OUSCI, and the major competitors in the event. Build up to the actual competition.