The Inside Racing Podcast

The latest episode of The Inside Racing Podcast is all about answering your burning questions. How do you make sure your sponsorship proposals get noticed? Should you be advertising on Facebook? Are ticketing programs right for your track? These are the big questions we tackle in our first ever mailbag episode. I asked listeners to submit questions and I got some great ones right out of the gate. We'll take a deep dive and really dig into the answers, so you can make improvements to your track or series today.

• Sponsorship (02:13)
• Facebook (23:40)
• Ticket Programs (29:20)

Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Want to check out 80/20 Sales and Marketing by Perry Marshall. You can find it on Amazon here: www.amazon.com/80-20-sales-marketing

Have you heard of the United States Motorsports Association (USMA)? It may be one of racing's best kept secrets. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins heads onto the track with USMA Executive Director Shawn Stewart. Shawn is no stranger to motorsports. He's spent nearly two decades in the industry wearing almost every hat imaginable. Shawn shares how the USMA came to be and its purpose within motorsports. He reveals some of the advocacy work the organization does on behalf of its members. Most importantly, he outlines the political challenges for racing and the opportunities he sees for racing's future. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll have an opportunity to hear some of the common misconceptions non-racing people have about our sport. It's eye opening to learn what steps can be taken to build stronger relationships with community leaders. Most importantly, Shawn talks about racing's economic impact and how you can start to think about the economic impact of your track or series. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Would you like to become a member of the USMA? Sign-up here https://www.unitedstatesmotorsports.com/join-free Have questions? Send them to [email protected]

How important is social media? Which social platforms should you be using? What are some of the best practices and strategies to get the most out of your digital marketing efforts? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, Craig Emsweller makes a pit stop to explain the in's and out's of digital marketing and social media. Craig is the CEO of E Square Marketing, a digital marketing agency with several motorsports clients. He discusses what he's learned over the years developing and executing digital marketing strategies. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins asks Craig to explain the critical elements of good social media. Craig shares his thoughts on the future of social media. We agree you must make social media and digital marketing a top priority. If you don't someone else will and they will attract the fans, sponsors and attention you want for your track or series. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Need help with social media or have questions for Craig? Check out www.esquaremarketing.com, tweet Craig @Esquaremktg or send him an email [email protected]

The team behind The Inside Racing Podcast finally went racing this weekend. So we're mixing it up a little. In a nod to our first race at Lucas Oil Raceway, we thought we'd dust off our interview with Kasey Coler, Lucas Oil Raceway General Manager and Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy for NHRA.

Take a second listen...it's worth your time. See you next week!

(FIRST AIRED: 2/14/17)

How do you create a compelling fan experience? What do today's fans want? Why is storytelling so important? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins covers a ton of ground with Kasey Coler. Kasey is the Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy for the NHRA. He reveals what he's learned in his stints with IndyCar and the Professional Bull Riders and what he's working on with the NHRA. This conversation uncovers some of the biggest issues facing sports and entertainment and how you can leverage your assets, stories and partners to bring your events to life. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, Kasey reminds us how important it is to experience this sport live and why we need to do a better job getting people to the track, stadium or arena. This episode is packed full of great tips and ideas. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Do you want to talk more with Kasey? You can visit NHRA.com or send him an email [email protected].

Where are the race fans? What do they want? How do you attract and keep them? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins puts the hammer down with Randy White, CEO of White-Hutchinson Leisure & Learning Group. Randy is known throughout the world as an expert on experience and entertainment facilities. He understands trends and data, knows what works…and what doesn't and has valuable insights we've been looking for. Randy has studied in-home entertainment versus out of home experiences and sheds some light on what consumers expect these days. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, Randy unleashes his knowledge to help the racing industry understand its struggles. It's encouraging to know we are not alone. It's troubling to recognize some of the long-term trends. Randy gives us reason to believe there are still opportunities to attract customers, but it's going to take a 21st century mindset to win with race fans. This episode may be the most important episode I've recorded so far. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Interested in talking with Randy or getting access to some of his great resources? You can email him [email protected] or visit www.whitehutchinson.com. You can subscribe to his newsletter by clicking here.

What are the latest trends in sports and marketing? Have expectations for drivers changed over time? How has the Drive for Diversity program in NASCAR impacted the sport? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, Christy Gormal, a marketing executive for Matchbook Creative and part of leadership team for NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program shares her perspectives on marketing, sports and entertainment and the D4D program. She reveals the pressure on drivers to deliver more than on-track performance to their sponsors. Christy explains why content and communication with your fans is so important and how consistency is the key in maintaining authenticity. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins walks the track with Christy to get perspective on the opportunities, threats and challenges in racing. Christy's path to Rev Racing is fascinating and she reveals some of the ups and downs of managing the D4D program. This episode covers a ton of topics and has a little something for everyone. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Want to talk with Christy and her team? Check out www.brand-fuel.com or call the office (317) 920-1200. You can find Brand Fuel on facebook (@brandfuelIndy).

If you are interested in hearing more about NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program visit www.NASCARdiversity.com or www.revracing.net

Every track and market is a little different. What are the common challenges we all share? What works when it comes to schedule and purse structure? Is there a right or wrong approach to marketing and sales? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins hits the beach with Myrtle Beach Speedway's Mike Neff. Mike has a lifetime of experience in racing. He's currently leading sales and marketing at Myrtle Beach. He's also spent time as an announcer and held various media positions at tracks throughout the southeast. Mike shares his insights and lessons learned at Myrtle Beach. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll get an insiders perspective into what's working and not working in grassroots racing. Mike puts a few rumors to rest about live streaming, broadcasting races and selling tickets online. More importantly he gives his opinions on the current state of grassroots racing and reveals where he thinks the industry is headed. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Check out Myrtle Beach Speedway online or on Facebook (@mbspeedway)

You can watch Mike Neff's video series Riding Shotgun and learn more about Daytona1 Beach Madness here or hit him up on Twitter (@MNeffShortTrack)

Are you getting the most from your media partnerships? Do you understand the value of the content available to you at the race track? How are race fans consuming motorsports media? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we spend time with broadcasting legend and owner of the National Speed Sport News, Ralph Sheheen. Ralph takes the time to survey the current media landscape in sports and racing. He shares the trends he's seeing when it comes to content and content platforms. Most importantly, he provides suggestions for making the most of your relationships with the media. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins digs deep to hear Ralph's perspectives on the industry and uncover the success stories of promoters who have used television to grow their brands. We live in a world that is hungry for content 24/7. Ralph's strategies for putting content into the hands of your fans and customers is compelling. This episode is overflowing with great stuff. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Want to check out Speed Sport? Head over to www.speedsport.com. Sign-up for The Daily presented by General Tire. Subscribe to the monthly magazine and more.

You can tune into MavTV for Suzuki presents Speed Sport. Every Thursday night at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm EST.

Keep the conversation going with Ralph on Twitter @RalphSheheen

Do the struggles of the racing industry matter? Why are short tracks so important? How is storytelling critical for marketing, entertainment and sales? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins takes a spin with Mike Waddell, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Richmond International Raceway (RIR). Mike shares what he's seen in a 25 year career spanning broadcasting, college athletics and racing. He shares his personal history growing up in Hickory, NC and looks to the future of NASCAR and racing with great enthusiasm. Mike and the team at RIR are in the midst of re-imagining the track and the race weekend experience for fans. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, Mike brings storytelling to the forefront of our discussion. It's the people, places, venues and moments that help to create magic within sports and entertainment. These factors inspire excitement and create connection for your customers. If you aren't taking advantage, you may be left behind. Mike has an unbelievable amount of energy, passion and belief in motorsports. This episode is a heck of a ride. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].

Do you want to learn more from Mike? Visit RIR.com or hop on twitter @RIRInsider or @WaddellRIRVP to keep the conversation going.

What is the single most repeated theme on the podcast so far? What kind of thinking can help you get ahead? What are the most critical lessons to implement today? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we take a little break from the normal routine to look back at the first 20+ episodes. I'll spend time reviewing what I believe are the common themes and best pieces of advice you can bring with you into the 2017 racing season. It's time to shift your plans into high gear. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins will take a quick time out to make sure are ready to supercharge your 2017 plans. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you.

Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email [email protected].