SEMA Not In The Cards For The Series?
The other road racing (well, sportscar racing) series in North America (GARRA) has always had a nice showing at SEMA. This year in Detroit (NAIAS), GARRA was also on display with the Pontiac GT entry.
A much bigger presence in Detroit in 2007 though, and nice surprise, was that of the American Le Mans Series. Of course with the Detroit Grand Prix on the schedule, and the home of the 'Big Three', it was a natural fit for the ALMS. Although the ALMS booth was outside of the main floor, was a good marketing opportunity for the Series. Along with Audi and Porsche....and Corvette's area for LeMans, caused this fan to 'gear up' for the 2007 season, even as the snow was still falling outside.
The ALMS does not overlook SEMA, but why not a much bigger showing? How does SEMA not fit the direction of the Series?
With that said, I do look forward each year going back to Detroit for the auto show, and although I only lived in the area (Plymouth, MI) for two years, there is something special about Detroit... even in the dead of Winter. The show may not be geared for racing, but seeing the beautiful cars does get the heart racing. Stopping over to Greek Town for a Gyro makes the trip even better....
Still, is the Series missing out by not going to SEMA full bore? This fan thinks so.....
A much bigger presence in Detroit in 2007 though, and nice surprise, was that of the American Le Mans Series. Of course with the Detroit Grand Prix on the schedule, and the home of the 'Big Three', it was a natural fit for the ALMS. Although the ALMS booth was outside of the main floor, was a good marketing opportunity for the Series. Along with Audi and Porsche....and Corvette's area for LeMans, caused this fan to 'gear up' for the 2007 season, even as the snow was still falling outside.
The ALMS does not overlook SEMA, but why not a much bigger showing? How does SEMA not fit the direction of the Series?
With that said, I do look forward each year going back to Detroit for the auto show, and although I only lived in the area (Plymouth, MI) for two years, there is something special about Detroit... even in the dead of Winter. The show may not be geared for racing, but seeing the beautiful cars does get the heart racing. Stopping over to Greek Town for a Gyro makes the trip even better....
Still, is the Series missing out by not going to SEMA full bore? This fan thinks so.....
Total Comments 6
Comments
 |  I think this is one of those subjects where at first blush, it's easy to say, "yes... they should have a presence there." And... they probably should. But... what kind of presence? First, SEMA is huge. And, after all, it is the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association. Given that, and the fact that the Series doesn't have resources to throw around, it might be fair to consider, would this be the best use of their resources? And... could they allocate enough resources to make their presence felt. To be honest, just having a booth may minimize the Series importance... not enhance it. Sort of like kicking a pebble in the Grand Canyon. I don't think it's the best use of marketing dollars for them. IMO. |
Posted 10-31-2007 at 05:30 PM by John Thawley  |
| |  |
| Posted 11-01-2007 at 03:42 AM by HORNDAWG |
| |  Very good points...and I now see the thinking....As even GARRA I do not think is there...meaning as an organization, but rather are using others announcements to show they are there....Look forward to hearing what Rick D has to say about the show.... |
| Posted 11-01-2007 at 10:56 AM by mayk |
| | The Michelin booth was virtually a ALMS dream stand. BBS had the Risi Ferrari, Hankook had the new Corsa Ferrari, Peterson White Lightning car was showcased a one of the SEMA parties on the Vegas strip. Scott Atherton did a variety of radio interviews and other memebers of the ALMS pr and marketing staff were at the show. The activation level at SEMA was quite high. It is pointless for the ALMS to set up a booth to industry folks who basically sell 32 inch rims and bed liners. |
| Posted 11-02-2007 at 03:21 AM by The Sheriff |
| | And we can all glory in your pictures from said SEMA show where? |
| Posted 11-02-2007 at 12:40 PM by mayk |
| |  Did you grab a sandwich from those two guys with the concession stand around the corner from the bathroom by the escalator? These two guys make pastrami sandwiches that are bigger than your head. No measuring...no formal approach...just pile it on, add a whopping spoonful of potatoe salad and bark at you to move your ass along you're holding up the line in their New York accent. Fantastic lunch for the money. Place is always packed. |
| Posted 11-02-2007 at 02:43 PM by Todd Benne |
Recent Blog Entries by mayk
- They may be in, but are they listening? (12-21-2007)
- Autoextremist and TRF.com (12-07-2007)
- SEMA Not In The Cards For The Series? (10-31-2007)
- Who Am I (10-30-2007)
- Slide Shows and Music Royalities (10-30-2007)
