Indulge me here. I'm trying to prove a point I made the other day to some friends.

[Phil Lampman]

Okay, here's a question:

When you think about Unlimited Hydroplane Racing during the period from, say 1955 to 1970, what comes first to mind?

1. A Driver 

2. A Boat

3. An Event

No essay answers, please. Just tell me which of the 3 choices comes immediately to mind. It's easy to pick all 3 I realize, but I just want to know what you think of first.

Just curious. Thanks for indulging me

[Phil Lampman]

Well, I didn't get an overwhelming response to my mini-poll. Hardly anything that might be considered statistically  valid, but the few responses I did receive lead me to my belief that for the sport to increase its fan base is not so much the "200 MPH boats" so much as to build a following toward the drivers. 

Consider NASCAR as an example of what I'm trying to suggest. Does it really matter to those who follow the spectacle that is "stock car" racing really believe or care whether any given driver is wheeling a Toyota, a Chevrolet or a Ford around the track? Of course not; it's the driver that matters. I think.

I offer no solution to what I perceive as declining attendance and loss of venues, but I do feel that the best bang for the buck, promotionally, is to promote the drivers, not the boats.

Consider the UFC or MMA bouts on TV. Does anyone care about the venue where the fight takes place? BTW, my whole idea here comes from a friend of the museum who is a high level executive dealing in the marketing of such events. He's the one who planted the seed in my mind about what organizers and promoters ought to consider to boost attendance and attention to our sport.

Just a thought. This is a blog after all and I would gladly welcome further comments.

[WhitemoonG]

Muncey

[Steve Cernich]

Driver: Bill Muncey

Boat: 1968 Checkerboard Miss Bardahl

Event: 1966 President's Cup

[jim giles]

a driver. Bill Muncey

[Chip Dean]

A Driver.....Actually two drivers..