My Take - One Owner, Multiple Teams
Written by Jory Elliott · July 23, 2006
It has become a reality of motor sports in the modern day marketplace. Corporate America wants to be affiliated with the teams that are proven winners and therefore those team owners are able to build somewhat of an empire in their specific genre of racing. Of course this creates an often disputed topic raising heated discussions across North America. There are definitely two sides to the coin of this dilemma and I intend to shed some light on facts supporting both sides.
Let me start by pointing out some of the reasons and obvious advantages to having owners with multiple car teams. An owner with multiple racing teams is able to share data between their many race teams and therefore can help to improve not only the performance standards of those classes but also the parts and pieces that make these cars both fast and safe. These high profile teams also help to draw more media attention to our sport because it draws similarities to the most popular motor sport in North America, NASCAR. This comparison along with the fact that people are now capable of making a living as professional drag racers gives us some serious credibility in the market for major corporate sponsorship. The concept of multiple car team owners has also opened the door for hired drivers. Just 15 years ago rookie drivers in the professional ranks had to fund their efforts from their own pockets and were not usually contenders right from the get go. An argument could also be made that multiple car teams add more excitement to the races because it creates rivalries between those multiple car teams and the possibility that there may be team orders in some key situations as the points chase winds down.
On the flip side of this picture are some grim realities. The fact that multiple car teams can soak up the limited number of marketing opportunities available to professional teams is frustrating. An owner that has all the resources already in place is far more likely to impress one of those potential marketing partners than a team that is working to market their past successes and capabilities as a team. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the competition is diluted by multiple car teams but it leaves a much thinner crack for those single car teams to fall into in the points standings. You can talk to any of the single car teams out there and they will tell you that it is nearly impossible to compete with the teams that can gain three or four runs of data from one qualifying session or round of eliminations. The issue of team orders also comes into play. It has been suggested and documented in the past that drivers have taken a “dive” as it is referred to, so that their teammate could benefit from their loss. No matter which way you shake that scenario it can not be good for the sport.
Of course multiple car teams are not new to our sport. Connie Kalitta and Larry Minor were both instituting this philosophy more than 20 years ago. Where the problem lies is in the NHRA and their unwillingness to acknowledge and control this situation. A rule should be implemented that limits team owners to the operation of two cars in only two of the NHRA’s professional class designations. The remainder of those sponsorship deals should be dispersed to the numerous veteran racers who have paid their dues and deserve the opportunity to be competitive week in and week out on the tour. Of course the sponsors are still going to want to be affiliated with the sport because they currently are and have seen the benefits of doing so. And who wouldn’t want to see a more level playing field that gives even the number 16 qualifier each week a realistic shot at winning the event? I hope that this creates some constructive banter and maybe, just maybe the NHRA will take notice of an issue that in my opinion definitely needs some attention.
Jory Elliott is the Marketing Director for the Northern Force professional race team based in Ontario, Canada. His background in the sport is very diverse and his passion is undeniable. Check out the Northern Force Racing team’s website at www.northernforce.com for more information.
Comments
Got something to say?
You must be logged in to post a comment.