I know SMS has somebody new running things this year, and I've heard mixed things about him.

I don't know him, nor do I know his reputation other than what I read here.

That being said, something I don't see this year that I've seen in the past is the Santa Maria Speedway "Schedules" in all the Automotive and other businesses this year.

I do see and hear the TV and Radio spots, which is good...but I don't think really helps bring out NEW people.  (Not that I think the schedules did either...but I liked seeing them to remind me WHO was racing what weekend).

Has the SMS promotion team ever thought about doing some type of package ticket deal with Central Coast businesses to promote a ticket package.

I remember reading about the LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY a couple years ago doing a package deal to promote the Craftsman Truck and Indy car night race I believe.  They offered (Granted they have a TON of seating) 1000 tickets, for $1000.00 to business to use a promotional give-a-ways.  These businesses could sell, or give away the tickets in ANY manner they chose.

It seemed like EVERY business in Vegas took advantage of this deal..and they ALL had posters in their place of business promoting the event.

SMS could do similar, but offering tickets good for ANY race of the year.

Some would say..."We can't GIVE-A-WAY tickets that way...it would cost too much"

But, if the idea works and works properly, you are out SEAT space w/o really spending money (Like you would spend on Print, TV and Radio ads)  Plus, for every seat filled, you could figure (especially since it didn't cost the spectator anything...or much for their ticket) they'd spend 10 - 20 bucks in the concession stand.

...just an idea...

that probably would have been good for next weekends race. super streets, late models 50 laps each i'm sure anyone would like that.... especialy if it would be free!!!!

Paying Customer vs. Paying for Advertising

Money Spent on Advertising, is money well spent.  That being said, is a TV ad going to bring in enough Spectators or pay for the ad?

If done right, I agree w/ Mike that EVERYONE would take advantage of the cheap tickets...but, in order to get those tickets, you'd have to patronize one of the business who offered the deal (advertising)

Everytime somebody walks into the doors of that business, they see some type of ad for the speedway.  A lot more exposure than a light night TV ad on a back channel cable station.

The track, still SELLS (albeit, at a HUGE discount) their tickets.  

Use this, we'll use FASTUNDERCAR, A)because I love the name....B) because they are here.

FASTUNDERCAR does a promotion, every CV Axle purchased between March and May receives ONE ticket to SMS.  These go to Jobbers, Independant Shops, Dealerships, etc.

Now, I as a independant repair shop, already use FASTUNDERCAR for my suspension part needs, but I order a pair of axles, and they show up with tickets.  I as the shop owner give those 2 tickets to an employee who does not regularly attend the races.  He uses them, and becomes are fairly regular spectator to the track.

What does the track get out of the discounted ticket?  Well, first off they have to look at how many more people they could stuff into seats on a annual basis.  If it's 500 people a night mulitplied by 15 races then that's about 7500 tickets, not counting the guys who buy now that would find a way to get one of these cheap tickets.

Empty Seats aren't PAYING anything right now...and the price of $1.00 was just a number to throw out...  Use a realistic number.  Say$5.00 or $10.00, (It has to be a discounted number because you are trying to sell VOLUME...not just single tickets)

Use the $10.00 number, 'cause it's just as round as the $1.00 number is.

Sell a block of 100 tickets for $1000.00, the companies who BUY a block of tickets, for their purchas also get a ONE YEAR Ad in the SMS Program...FEATURED BUSINESS section.

(back to my dark corner)

fromthegrandstands wrote on 08/26/06 at 12:33pm:


I hear ya loud and clear. I did this with the Speedway for a few years before Scott took over and it will work.
Any time you get 100 more peeps to show than would have it is $$$$$$$$$$$well spent, you just must be careful not to lose your base to promo tickets meant for new customers.



peace....................mike

How about "a hot date with some hot rods" Two adult passes and 2 small beers 30 dollars. In case mom and dad want to go to the races without the kids

sats race has been uped to  $ 20.00 bucks  on my flyer

They are Racing on Sunday