First let me say how excited I am for you to be taking the reins of NHRA. Your experience in understanding the complexities of the sanctioning body will be a great attribute as you move this organization forward. I know there are a number of exciting announcements on the horizon for the sport. My hope is this change will invigorate the entire organization from Glendora to the local tracks to fans around the world.

As the NHRA explores its broadcast options, I hope the NHRA is seriously considering adding a live streaming element or even a delayed stream of a fully produced broadcast. We can all agree that live TV is crucial but in this constantly changing media landscape it is also vital our current fans, and new fans have the ability to consume our sport on their schedule. Having live streaming available would reach younger viewers, address one of the biggest complaints we receive from our TV viewing fans, make our sport compelling for advertisers, and create value for our existing sponsors.

Exploring a partnership with a streaming partner like Netflix or Amazon Prime should be on the broadcasting wish list. I hope you lead the charge to make our sport consumable to anyone, at any time on any device. This is how young people are consuming media whether it is TV or sports or music. Our sport has to be able to be viewed on a Smartphone, tablet or laptop. Most TVs are now being sold with Netflix or Amazon Prime already incorporated/built in.

In your new role as president being seen by the racers, sponsors and fans will be crucial to the growth of the sport we all love. Passion is infectious and seeing the president at the races in the pits mingling will go a long way in generating good will amongst all the participants in our sport.

Fan engagement should be a top priority. Social media is hands down the most influential element to reaching fans. Teams and sponsors should be encouraged to positively promote the sport both on and off the track throughout the race weekend. This might ruffle some feathers in Bristol, but it is vital to keeping our sport and the broadcast top of mind.

Finally, our product and its participants at every level are exciting, compelling and underrepresented to the media. An aggressive media program should be a priority to position NHRA as the fastest, most dynamic and exciting motorsport in the world. As you said, NHRA is the first extreme sport and we should be vigorously promoting that at every opportunity.

 These suggestions will all require capital investments both monetarily and with qualified and motivated personnel. It is exciting that the NHRA has a new president, but the real question is do we have a new leader? My hope is yes.

Sincerely,

Openly Optimistic Fan