BRAMMER: NHRA PRO MOD IS GOING TO HAPPEN
Fri, 2009-01-30 11:29
Matthew Brammer, president of Phoenix-based Active Marketing, spends
much of his day fielding questions and putting out fires related to the
status of NHRA Pro Modified in 2009.
Brammer has been a force behind the scenes in bringing forth required sponsorship of the special exhibition series scheduled to appear at ten NHRA events in 2009.
Brammer contends the deal is done, making the announcement of BrakeSafe sponsorship nothing more than just a formality.
"It's a reality, but I can't make an official statement,” Brammer admitted. “We should have the official announcement from NHRA out any day now after the final pieces are put in place. I can't really make that announcement because of the contract that was signed, but suffice it to say, it's will be another great year in Pro Mod Racing at NHRA events, and everything is moving ahead full throttle." Days Before the Season-opener and No Announcement Has Been Made Yet …
Matthew Brammer, president of Phoenix-based Active Marketing, spends much of his day fielding questions and putting out fires related to the status of NHRA Pro Modified in 2009.
Brammer has been a force behind the scenes in bringing forth required sponsorship of the special exhibition series scheduled to appear at ten NHRA events in 2009.
Brammer contends the deal is done, making the announcement of BrakeSafe sponsorship nothing more than just a formality.
"It's a reality, but I can't make an official statement,” Brammer admitted. “We should have the official announcement from NHRA out any day now after the final pieces are put in place. I can't really make that announcement because of the contract that was signed, but suffice it to say, it's will be another great year in Pro Mod Racing at NHRA events, and everything is moving ahead full throttle."
The BrakeSafe NHRA Pro Modified series will reportedly compete at the same venues as as announced earlier this season minus the Sportsnational events, and the terms of participation (invitation only) will remain largely the same with one unique twist. From the outside looking in, NHRA Pro Modified will become a “pay-to-play” affair.
In order to compete, teams will have to pay a $15,000 per season fee.
"Again, the details are all in that announcement that should be out any day, but it's not really a 15K 'buy in.' There is a membership fee, and there is an entry fee - and the total is $15,000, you are correct,” Brammer added.
Brammer understands a membership fee could limit participation, but is necessary.
"What you have to remember that the series is and has always been an 'invitation only' booked-in-show class at NHRA events, and the fields have always been limited to 20 or 24 depending on the venue,” Brammer explained. “Jegs was able to negotiate 24 spots at every race for this year, and we picked up on that and were able to keep it in the new contract.
"I've had great response from the drivers and teams I've talked to, and already have almost 20 signed up and confirmed, and have received the fees already. That leaves less than a half-dozen spots that have to be filled, and once we reach the 24 we're allowed, that's it. We will work out a program that will allow for alternates at races when people can't attend, but the field is limited to the 24, and those are first-come, first served."
Then there’s the sticking point, Brammer understands those competing as well as fans of Pro Modified are clamoring for an announcement. He’s all too willing to take the blame for the delay.
"I don't know how much I can or should say, but, I can say that Rich [Battaglini], owner of BrakeSafe is new to series sponsorship and there have been a couple of things he has had to get a quick education on. I've been walking aside him, trying to coach him, and I think those beginner lessons are pretty much over. He likes to do things very well, and sometime things take more time than we think they should.
"I think part of the issues have been my fault actually, because I am an eternal optimist - and sometimes I share too much and think people are actually on the same team as I am when they are just information fishing.
"You have to remember the culture out here - if someone comes in as a new sponsor, you know they will be attacked. Attacked by teams looking to cash in on the new blood, and attacked by people who like to focus on negative things rather than the positive.
"I think it's also important to remember that we're in one of the worst economic climates of our country's history. That certainly doesn't help. The way I look at it is this: we're all on the same team, and we're all trying to accomplish the same thing - provide a great place for Pro Mod racers to compete. If we all support each other, we can get a lot of amazing things done."
Brammer has been a force behind the scenes in bringing forth required sponsorship of the special exhibition series scheduled to appear at ten NHRA events in 2009.
Brammer contends the deal is done, making the announcement of BrakeSafe sponsorship nothing more than just a formality.
"It's a reality, but I can't make an official statement,” Brammer admitted. “We should have the official announcement from NHRA out any day now after the final pieces are put in place. I can't really make that announcement because of the contract that was signed, but suffice it to say, it's will be another great year in Pro Mod Racing at NHRA events, and everything is moving ahead full throttle." Days Before the Season-opener and No Announcement Has Been Made Yet …
Matthew Brammer, president of Phoenix-based Active Marketing, spends much of his day fielding questions and putting out fires related to the status of NHRA Pro Modified in 2009.
Brammer has been a force behind the scenes in bringing forth required sponsorship of the special exhibition series scheduled to appear at ten NHRA events in 2009.
Brammer contends the deal is done, making the announcement of BrakeSafe sponsorship nothing more than just a formality.
"It's a reality, but I can't make an official statement,” Brammer admitted. “We should have the official announcement from NHRA out any day now after the final pieces are put in place. I can't really make that announcement because of the contract that was signed, but suffice it to say, it's will be another great year in Pro Mod Racing at NHRA events, and everything is moving ahead full throttle."
The BrakeSafe NHRA Pro Modified series will reportedly compete at the same venues as as announced earlier this season minus the Sportsnational events, and the terms of participation (invitation only) will remain largely the same with one unique twist. From the outside looking in, NHRA Pro Modified will become a “pay-to-play” affair.
In order to compete, teams will have to pay a $15,000 per season fee.
"Again, the details are all in that announcement that should be out any day, but it's not really a 15K 'buy in.' There is a membership fee, and there is an entry fee - and the total is $15,000, you are correct,” Brammer added.
Brammer understands a membership fee could limit participation, but is necessary.
"What you have to remember that the series is and has always been an 'invitation only' booked-in-show class at NHRA events, and the fields have always been limited to 20 or 24 depending on the venue,” Brammer explained. “Jegs was able to negotiate 24 spots at every race for this year, and we picked up on that and were able to keep it in the new contract.
"I've had great response from the drivers and teams I've talked to, and already have almost 20 signed up and confirmed, and have received the fees already. That leaves less than a half-dozen spots that have to be filled, and once we reach the 24 we're allowed, that's it. We will work out a program that will allow for alternates at races when people can't attend, but the field is limited to the 24, and those are first-come, first served."
Then there’s the sticking point, Brammer understands those competing as well as fans of Pro Modified are clamoring for an announcement. He’s all too willing to take the blame for the delay.
"I don't know how much I can or should say, but, I can say that Rich [Battaglini], owner of BrakeSafe is new to series sponsorship and there have been a couple of things he has had to get a quick education on. I've been walking aside him, trying to coach him, and I think those beginner lessons are pretty much over. He likes to do things very well, and sometime things take more time than we think they should.
"I think part of the issues have been my fault actually, because I am an eternal optimist - and sometimes I share too much and think people are actually on the same team as I am when they are just information fishing.
"You have to remember the culture out here - if someone comes in as a new sponsor, you know they will be attacked. Attacked by teams looking to cash in on the new blood, and attacked by people who like to focus on negative things rather than the positive.
"I think it's also important to remember that we're in one of the worst economic climates of our country's history. That certainly doesn't help. The way I look at it is this: we're all on the same team, and we're all trying to accomplish the same thing - provide a great place for Pro Mod racers to compete. If we all support each other, we can get a lot of amazing things done."
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