At a recent Sprintcar Racing Association (SRA) meeting which was discussing proposed changes to the SCCA rules, I put forward a motion; “Communication devises be allowed that would enable the track announcer to communicate directly with individual drivers, whilst on the track or in the pits, and the communication be broadcast over the Public Address system only”.
Whilst the motion did not receive any support from the SRA members present, I think this concept (which is used in most other forms of sport) would be a great benefit in promoting drivers and their sponsors to the speedway fans. I suggest that this concept could be employed in at least 2 cars in heat races and perhaps 5 cars during final events.
Whilst it is impossible for Announcers to communicate effectively with the driver/s whilst they are racing because of the engine noise etc, there is opportunity to converse with a driver at other times, for example, whilst they are being pushed out on the track, during engine starts, perhaps roll around laps, during red light stoppages and also whilst being pushed off the track back to their pit area.
This provides opportunities for the drivers to promote themselves and their sponsors directly to speedway fans at race meetings and those viewing via live streaming of the events.
There are many ways of controlling this functionality to ensure that drivers are not advantaged or disadvantaged during the race event.
If you agree, please push this concept with your club/track administration.
We will be trialing this concept soon.
Ray Solomon 0407 801 513