Friday, September 18, 2009

IndyCar Marketing: It's Personal


Analysis of IndyCar fans is forthcoming. However, I ask that citizens first consider the following personal anecdote.

Revson or Roggespierre ?

Some years ago, I learned that my mother very nearly named me for 1971 Indianapolis 500 pole sitter Peter Revson. Would that have been silly? Perhaps, but it would not have been unusual.

How many drivers named "A.J." compete to this day at short tracks across the United States? How many African American children were named "Jalen" in the wake of the University of Michigan's Fab Five Freshmen basketball phenomenon?

A.J. Foyt appealed to a certain segment of the population, one that valued grit, determination and hard work. He was a blue collar hero, much like his direct successor, Dale Earnhardt.

Jalen Rose was the straw that stirred the drink for the fresh-cheeked Wolverines. He was the long and lean point guard that ran the show while wearing baggy shorts without apology. The Detroit native was an urban hero.

Peter Revson had everything that a mother such as mine could possibly want for her son: looks, education, money, sophistication, independence, sex appeal. Revson's brand of cool was all his own: Speed with Style.

Incidentally, I have very little in common with Peter Revson. Thank goodness Mom came to her senses and named me Roggespierre.

Yes, there is a Point

What compels people to name their children for athletes and celebrities? Why does it seem that there aren't many Helios and Darios in diapers these days? What did Peter Revson, Jalen Rose, A.J. Foyt and Dale Earnhardt possess that is so apparently lacking in today's IndyCar drivers?

Think about that for a minute or two.

Next, we shall consider this issue within the context of IndyCar racing.

Roggespierre

5 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Here's thought about how important it is for countries to have "one of their own kind" to cheer for. Check out the line-up for tonight's race in Japan.

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  3. My two sons each named a child A.J. (one Andrew J., and one Alexander J.).

    What's in a name?----Think about who they named a kid after, not some current driver, but an American driver who is well respected in every corner of the racing world.

    But my family is nuts about racing--tonight since I have cable--and they have Direct TV. The local group are descending on my home (expecting refreshments) at 10:30 PM local time to watch the Motegi race.

    Oh for the days when the Indy 500 was THE sporting event of the year!

    Today some guy climbing a fence--with a false laugh and dance step is supposed to be our hero?

    Not likely, and if AJ were in his prime could you see him dancing with anything but a race car at full throttle!!

    osca

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  4. Excellent points one and all ! Some have forgot that this is a BLUE COLLAR sport. Racing is about tough men (and women) tough machines, and the ability to beat the odds. As I stated earlier, AJ and his dad had a starting point that didn't cost millions of dollars. All the had was skills, tools and determination. Guts brought Glory !! Talent on all sides of the equation is what made AJ and his dad who they were. Same for others. Tell me Rahal or Sullivan will ever be mentioned with AJ, Mario, AL, Bobby, Johnny,Lloyd, Gordon or Parnelli? They were and are REAL racers!!!

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  5. Oldwrench,

    That's a point that really bothers many of today's IndyCar competitors who want an urban and urbane series in which to compete. They want hot babes, expensive booze, and glamor. They do not want to build their own engines. IndyCar has been a buy-and-race model for at least 25 years.

    That's why references to "technology" now have nothing to do with "innovation". They have everything to do with playing with prepackaged aerodynamic and electronic applications.

    Regarding drivers, I like having some diversity. Guys like Donohue and Revson became natural rivals for the Unsers, Foyt, and Mario. That kind of thing causes fans to take sides, something that IndyCar desperately needs right now.

    Best Regards,

    Roggespierre

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