Bobby Diehl: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ASK HIM?

[USAMedia]

Let us know what you want to ask Bobby Diehl, the owner of Charlotte Connty Motorsports Park, on Monday night, 7-9 PM.

These owners are taking the time to talk with us and with you, so send your questions or comments to robelting@aol.com or IM Rob at robelting@aol.com or post here on the forum, CeCe Brooks will will be monitoring it.

Purses, Promotion, Prices.....pick your Poison.

[Boneman]

I posted this a month ago and hoped that someone from track management would reply. None of them did, so I would be curious to hear John's take on this.

Incentives to Get Cars Back to the Track

Some of our local tracks have seen significant decreases in the car count compared to 2007. My local tracks are down around 30%, and it had not improved all season. Since there were more cars running within just the last year or two, it is safe to assume that many of the idle cars are still reasonably complete and could be returned to the track without major rebuild or expense.

So how do you get these cars off the jack stands and back in the pits? Regardless of whatever reason parked these cars, here are a few suggestions to get them back racing.

After all, it is very tough to win new fans to a sub-standard show.

#1 Give two weeks of free pit passes to cars that have not run in 2008.
Each car that returns to action for the first time all year gets 2 or 3 pit passes, and do this for two weeks. This would have to apply to brand new cars too. It would be worth around $150, and would be like throwing out a welcome mat for new and returning drivers.

The regular drivers may complain, but all you have to do is ask them if they would rather race against 10 cars, or against 5. It certainly beats hearing. “we are dropping you class for lack of support”.

#2 “New Winners Night”
Schedule a night that has the regular feature races, but instead of heats, run a “new winners race” for all the cars that have not won yet in 2008. It would interest some drivers who have not had the chance to sit in victory circle and hold the flag.

I suspect that “New Winners Night” also holds more appeal to the fans than “non-winners night”. That sounds like a race for losers.

#3 A phone call from track management that invites them back.
This personal touch could be especially effective if there are incentives to tell them about. It may also help because most racers feel they are invisible to track management and have been taken for granted.

The down-side for management is that it may turn into an un-productive b*itching session. If so, the track probably doesn’t need that type of driver back anyhow.

Remember the old saying: “every business is a people business”.

#4 Tire amnesty or assistanceThis will vary from track to track depending on their tire situation, but the point is to overcome a barrier that keeps some racers home: a set of fresh tires. I am not suggesting free rubber, just some cooperation from the track like collecting used tires to give away for free, or working with a racer to allow use of other track tires for a week or two. Do anything to get over the common complaint of “I can’t afford a $500 set”.

I know that many tracks have always done this…to a point. It would be an excellent thing to bring up in the phone call described in item #3.

[OLD STYLE RACER 2]

For Phil----Why doesn't his track post the rules online???

[Racefan99]

I listened to last night's Inside Florida Racing broadcast live. Then, I listened to it again today, to make sure I heard everything correctly.

To CeCe Brooks, I am now a fan of yours. You maintained your cool under fire and did nothing to deserve the reaction you got. And, if you ever hear me call you "sweetheart", I promise it won't be in a mocking, sarcastic manner.

To Rob and Jack. Please, don't change a thing. The show is great. And please don't stop asking the tough questions, just because some guests don't appreciate it. Everything you asked was fair last night, and represented the questions that most fans and racers involved with Desoto Super Speedway are asking (at least the racers and owners I know).

Please keep doing what you are doing. I look forward to listening to the show each week.

From a fellow "schmuck".

[rcxracer]

Boneman has some good points.

You have to have cars to bring in the fans.
Like John said the economy sucks so drop the purses and lower the entry fees to make it where someone who is on a budget come race again every little bit helps.Alot of racers bring thier Family and crew members . Its a hobby.

[CeCe]

Racefan99,

Thank you so much for the kind words. I love racing, talking with drivers, owners, fans, etc. but people like John make me want to stop pursuing my hobby. Listeners like you keep me going! Thank you again.

CeCe

"To CeCe Brooks, I am now a fan of yours. You maintained your cool under fire and did nothing to deserve the reaction you got. And, if you ever hear me call you "sweetheart", I promise it won't be in a mocking, sarcastic manner."

[Todd McCreary]

oy.

you guys covered yourselves in glory there.

you asked the question. John said he wasn't interested. you remade your point. John said he wasn't interested. after that it's not "asking" anymore, it's badgering. and it didn't appear that John dealt well with the questioning, much less the badgering.

is John right, is he wrong? well, it's his track and his decision. either way he'll have to live with it. me, i wasn't planning on going there anyways.

it's up to us out here in the hinterland to make up our own minds about John's behavior ... and about yours. making a suggestion is fine. once you've reached a point where it's clear there's not going to be any progress you need to change the subject and see if you can't accomplish something constructive with the interview. all this trying to yell over a guest on your show ...

now that the interview is over and done with i've finally thought of a question:
How has that Desoto crate motor rule worked out?

maybe next time. if there is a next time. you guys keep this up and you're going to run out of track owners to talk too. there aren't that many in Florida, you know?




NFS needs to get that Enduro payout and rules posted. he sounds like a decent guy.

[Osmosis Jones]

Tonite....

.....I went against my better instincts and downloaded the show from Monday night. To be fair, though, the previous posts on this thread piqued my interest a little so what can I say.

First off....I have never been accused of being one of John Sappriacone's biggest supporters or even seen much sense in a lot of the things he has done or does.

But I gotta tell ya'll.

I had a blast listening to that phone line slappy fight between King John and Rob "the Ego That Roared" Elting.

It was like a bad episode of American Chopper. Here's a hint, okay?....WHEN, as a host, okay?.....you want to have a guest ON your show to you know....TALK about what is is they want to do....okay?....it might be a good IDEA....okay?....to you know....let that guest say what they want to say....okay?.....and not....you know.....try and tell them them what to do....okay?......and not get personal and try to come on, you know.....like you have answers to problems you have....you know....NO idea about how to solve.....okay?....Ih'm jus shayin......I mean, you know?......cuz, see....this is how it shou be because....the depression of...of the ....uh receshun......is what is cahzzin......okay, I mean that when I raced....I mean RACE...RACE....when I race.....I don' ever really think or even know....okay?.....what or who is you know....eatin' hotdogs inna granshtands okay?......okay?!......LISTEN....I KNOW RACING!.....'KAY?!?......


In what parallel universe would you ever think John S. would want or ever need your keen insight into running his race track? You say you've been racing for a while but seriously....have you never met the man? Did the small hint of an accent lend you any clue that maybe he isn't from around these parts? Not been on the message boards for the past.....ohhhh.....say 5 years? Right or wrong, I'd have to say that you sorely "lost" that discussion turned debate turned Springer trailer trash cat fight. You, like you always seem to do, wanted...no...NEEDED to announce what YOU think the problems are and more importantly, what YOU absolutely KNOW are the answers to everything from car counts to admission pricing. John on the other hand sees his ownership as a business and couldn't care less about other folks opinion as to how he conducts his business least of all someone who has never tried on his shoes at the store let alone walk a few feet in them. This might have been a chance for a legitimate give and take for racers and John to workshop some new ideas about his plans and reasons but thanx to your inability to bottle up the ol' ego and lack of debating skills, I doubt he'll ever come back another round of "Ambush Interview" brought to you by the good folks at KARNACKY.

Jack.....he even got you cranked up and you probably know him more intimately than most. You really needed a moderator big time during that little ordeal. CeCe proved, I think, that debate moderating is just not her forte. And then, by reminding listeners just how little inexperience she has with the racing industry, that's just givin' the other side ammo that they really don't need.

In the end....
Is John resistant to outside suggestions about how he runs his railroad? Yes he is. But he has a legitimate reason for being argumentative given the fact that most of the people who have the perfect solution for saving a short track have indeed never owned a racetrack and haven't a clue about how to deal with the problems of trying to operate a racetrack and keep it in the black while also trying to keep racers happy. No small feat in itself. Is he trying something new next year? Yes, and I wish him luck as it sounds like it has a big following of supporters. In Johns defense, he DID ask for other promoters to post their payouts for comparison since that's a hot topic in lots of message board threads. Purses and point funds really aren't a reason I would or would not run a track but I can also understand that it could mean more to the next guy. I can't say I would have reacted all that different to someone with Elting's "Shut up...I can't hear me talk about me" attitude asking...sorry, TELLING me questions.

Lastly.....if a promoter wants help from the racers on how to make it better for them.....he asks the racers.
If he wants to find out what would make the situation in the grandstands better then he should ask the fans. You know....the ones who actually pay to sit there and watch his show with or without their kids.
And definitely....MOST never consult an internet message board for answers. The only thing worse might be.....
....to go on a radio show and get into a pissing match.


There Jack....ya'll asked for some feedback. Good or bad.


OJ

[Todd McCreary]

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Bandwagon jumper. i'll bet you're cheering for the Rays too.

[Osmosis Jones]

Jeee-rk

....do you own a message board?....huh?!? do you?.....don't try and tell me how to post okay?.....okay?......I posted at least 5 other times this year and I paid for all of them......plus we just got a little doggy for the house and it takes up my time these days......


schmuck.





oh yeah....Go Devil Rays!

[fred23]

I have to agree with OJ on this one....I actually listened to the John part of the show yesterday also, which was my first and last. The first part of the interview was actually pretty good. I have never met John in person and was almost expecting a beligerant old man. I thought he was answering all of the legitimate questions quite candidly. Then big mouth wouldn't stop talking or better yet yelling over his guest. I have to think the show thought that with John on there would be fireworks from John and when they weren't getting them big mouth decided to create them.

Desoto is John's track and he can do with it what he feels necessaryto run his business. He even offered to open his books to people to show what he has paid out and taken in over the last 7-8 years.

[CeCe]

CeCe's Response

I've read the comments posted here and thank you for all the feedback. Good and bad. I just want to point out a few things.

1) There was no way for me to control what was going on between John & Rob. I tried several times to interrupt them they ignored me. I tried going to break so they could calm down and come back with a new topic. They wouldn't have it. I mean both John & Rob wanted to stay on the air with their debate.

2) You don't need to own a race track or been a racer or fan for years to have a background in marketing, promoting, event planning and advertising. Or to have common sense and ideas. In my career I'm part of a team that plans, organizes and runs concerts and other events. 14k people come out to our yearly Country Fest. Even more attend our seafood, boat and other festivals and events. I've been actively doing this for over 15 years. I have experience.

3) I've never claimed to be a moderator or a debator. I've never claimed to know alot about the sport of racing. I'm a girl who likes racing and is willing to be a soft, friendly, fluffy balance to Rob & Jack's racing experience and strong opinions. Remember IFR is for me, something fun to do after work.

I get paid to be an on air personality, producer, music director, production director, asst. programming director, voice talent, sales person, and online psa director. I love going to local tracks to watch racing. I love hanging out at tracks and talking with drivers, owners, fans, etc. I love it when they let me be in the flag stand, start races, announce, ride in pace truck, and let me play race car driver for the night. I love promoting the sport and want to see more people become fans and attend races. I love getting to go every Monday night and talk to my racing friends and making new ones on IFR. This is my hobby.
Let me make this clear because I've seen things written about me that claim I get paid to do the show. No I don't. I'm there doing the show because Jack invited me. It's a hobby that a happily spend my own money on pursuing. No one pays my gas to travel to tracks or to the studio to do the show.

4) I'm not on CCMP's or any race tracks payroll.

Good night and hope to see you at a race track sometime!

[carolwicks]

CeCe

Let me explain something to you... Ive been around race tracks since i was in diapers...the kind we used to have to scrub on a scrubbing board..
YOU do not have to defend youself. Every Monday night you are there VOLUNTEERING to bring fun and news to the racing circles! every Saturday night you are at a track gathering information for your next show. i know for a fact it is not a paid job... i know for a fact you dont leave til nine and then have to go home and prepare for work the next day exhausted!. Every single week you are out there promoting RACING!!! what you do for KIX is a paid job...and anyone who uses your services has to pay... thats a no brainer...but there are countless hours you give to the sport that you do for the same reasons i do... just plain love...
we dont see eye to eye all the time CeCe but i sure as hell respect you as a promoter and a radio personality.
You do not know ALOT about racing (YET). but you do know 1000 times more than you did when you started at the beginning of the year. you made it a point to research the sport and get to know people. you dont have to know ANYTHING... all you have to know is how to make your guest comfortable enough that they will do the talking. AND YOU DO THAT...
Please dont get discouraged or upset by a night like Monday. There is NO WAY you could have stopped that. you are not in control of the boards... you did the best you could to mediate and its time to move on.
i personally thank you for doing what you do every single week... you do it for us and trust me with this CeCe.... you may hear from a couple who dont like you or the show....but there are many many more who REALLY do like you and appreciate what you do.... they just stay out of all the controversy...Keep up the good work and keep giggling and making it fun...
after this week i have even more respect for what you do!...
Thanks again CeCe...
Hang in there.
carolwicks aka OZZIE
over and out...

[Osmosis Jones]

Apologies to CeCe....

I kinda thought after I made my post last night that, and especially when I re-read it, that it painted CeCe in a not so nice light. This was really not my intent and I'm truly sorry for any inference drawn in that direction.

CeCe, you are probably one of the only reasons that a lot of people tune in to IFR. You have the experience and knowledge of working in a radio environment (see your #4 response) and as such seem to know that the guests are the show and the hosts job is to provide an insight to these peoples stories by getting them to answer questions from their fans about themselves and what they do. Not too much different from your real job I imagine. When I said that it was a bad thing when you admit you don't know a lot about racing, I meant because it gives people a reason to tear you down if you make a mistake. (something pretty common to an internet message board) You probably know more about racing than you think when compared to the average fan. So don't sell yourself short on the air. But I do stand by my statement about the moderator thing. Sometimes ya gotta just yank the jacks out of the panel to shut someone up. Especially when they can't control themselves enough to have a simple discussion.

About your second point....well....it does go both ways. Would you want John S. to critique and second guess every move you make at the radio station? I don't want to sound like I'm defending John or any of the things he does, because as I think we all know, he doesn't need or seek anyone's help or advice about much of anything. He is who he is and at this point in time he makes the decisions about DSP and what he thinks needs to be done. He gets ostracized for the things he does right as much as for the things he does wrong. Yeah, he brings a lot of it on himself with his attitude sometimes but I can't imagine he's happy with the way things are going now. That said, he is at least willing....well...WAS willing to talk about it and is actually going to try a different approach to his show. Time will tell if it's a little too late in the game for DSP and it sure doesn't help when he defends himself with "It's time to make some money for John". But again....this is the Sappriacone way. We should all be used to that by now.

Again, sorry I drew a picture of you as the moderator for the show. I probably should have stated that Jack probably should have cut them off...not you. In the end, it's his show and if he wants to let one of his hosts get into a screaming match with an invited guest....well....just like "it's John's racetrack"......I guess you could say, " It's Jack's radio show". (shrugs)

So keep on being who you are and adding your unique perspectives to the show and at all the other racing functions you get to attend. Just please talk Jack into finding another co-host for you.

Pretty please?


OJ

[JackSmith]

Actually Inside Florida Racing is Rob and CeCe's show and both do a great show interviewing guests every week. No one needs to defend Rob as he is obviously quite capable in that regard.

The IFR listening audience continues to grow every week and visits to the insane asylum are going to happen from time to time in an entertaining live racing show. You notice when we tried to go to break BOTH John and Rob demanded that they be allowed to continue. That's racin'.

We appreciate very much the comments posted on here as well as the many people who e-mailed and phoned us their thoughts in the last two days.

In well over a thousand interviews I have only seen a clash of wills of this magnitude three times, two of them involving the same person.
check this one from Sept 5, 2006:John Sarppraicone meets Bobby Diehl