Drivers need to spend time interacting with fans

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Seekonk Sports Truck Series Drivers

  One of the most important task; or as I prefer to call it, opportunity, is for a driver to put on their clean uniform and a big smile as fans flood onto the racing surface during a Fan Appreciation Day.     
  An opportunity because one never knows when that youngster that is looking up to you now may be a future racer, or you may be the only person that paid any attention to them that day.
  I remember standing behind the fence and looking at Roland Lapierre, Eddie Hill, Richie Evans, Ken Tremont, Fred DeSarro, Corky Cookman, Bare Foot Bob McCreadie, and others as I was growing up. I often thought about being in a position to do what they seemed so natural at doing, racing a stock car.
Little did I know that someday my horizons would not only include New Hampshire International Speedway but several famous tracks and personalities that this little guy from Hamlet Street would have a chance to rub elbows with.
 I say all this to remind drivers to take time to interact with the fans as #99 Richard Savory did at Seekonk Speedway, Massachusetts on his both visits with the Valenti Tour and the Tri-Track in 2015.
  A classic example of a young racer building a fan base is Derek Griffith who drives in the GSPSS Granite State Pro Stock Series and always takes the time for a young fan in the pit area or a meet and greet or to give away a his and hers bicycles at selected tracks. All drivers and race teams should also develop a strong Facebook Page and other social media outlets to stay in tune with the changing times.
  Another great example of building a fan base is the story of Crystal Serydynski in 2013 with Hollywood Racing in the street stocks at Seekonk. After a victory over 200 loyal fans each met her in victory lane and took a phone photo with her and I think Crystal knew everyone on a first name basis.
  I strongly urge all race drivers to take the time and greet the fans in the most pleasant way you can with an eye to the future.

00 Cole Custer is building a huge fan base

Be outgoing and seek out that shy kid. You will create a memory that will stay with them for a long time.