Nope.Doesn't NHRA pay Fox?
Thanks, not sure why I was thinking NHRA paid for their TV time.Nope.
They definitely did with ESPN.Thanks, not sure why I was thinking NHRA paid for their TV time.
I do think this is more viable with a Pro only event. Too many sportsman cars and classes for a two day only event. Back in the 70’s and early 80’s the Mile High Nationals eliminations were always run Saturday night. It was always a great show but they only ran 8 car pro fields. I think it was 85 or 86 when they moved eliminations to Sunday. I think in the best case scenario night eliminations would work on holiday weekends. You could run eliminations on Sunday night with most not having to work on a Monday. Of course the pro race teams seem to be against running after dark.One reason for asking the question is if there is a spring/summer date where Nascar is not running on Saturday night, and no football, maybe Fox could broadcast one or two NHRA races as a test. If if outdraws Sunday broadcasts and the track owners get a cut of the TV deal, that would help.
Also, a Saturday night nitro eliminations should get a huge gate, more tickets than Sunday would get.. ie drop to 3 qualifying sessions- 2 quals Friday, 3rd during day Saturday, start pro elims between 5:30-6:30 depending on time zone.
The thinking is Saturday is a big ticket day. Sat night would sell more tix than normal Sat day qualifying (even bigger ticket day), which would help offset Sunday. TV money could make up the rest and perhaps generate more net revenue than current format.
People may respond with 50 reasons why there are issues with the idea, but someone should try it. Sounds crazy, might work.
Ps- Ticket price points can be tricky. If currently a Sat GA ticket for 2 qualifying sessions is $50, would the market support $60 or $70 for 1 qual plus eliminations?
Does Fox pay the NHRA?Nope.
I would bet there is split of advertising revenue and some agreement to promote NHRA on other programming.Does Fox pay the NHRA?
I do think this is more viable with a Pro only event. Too many sportsman cars and classes for a two day only event. Back in the 70’s and early 80’s the Mile High Nationals eliminations were always run Saturday night. It was always a great show but they only ran 8 car pro fields. I think it was 85 or 86 when they moved eliminations to Sunday. I think in the best case scenario night eliminations would work on holiday weekends. You could run eliminations on Sunday night with most not having to work on a Monday. Of course the pro race teams seem to be against running after dark.
Yes. It was ran in late June, early July if I remember correctly. They did run finals at least once on Sunday night.Didn't St Louis do night eliminations at one point?
That may be true, but I feel like NHRA's ability to run an efficient and timely show has improved dramatically since 1998NHRA ran Topeka back in 1998 at night we were in the finals and it was 1am