Danica and Daytona: It’s 2005 all over again
A reader responds to this feature article, Sorry, Stephen, Life isn't fair. Promotion is the key to selling tickets, and having a great narrative is the key to promotion that works. And having it resonate with the public is what matters. Life isn't fair. I would venture that more people know who Danica is than Ryan Hunter-Reay by a factor of 100-1. Hell, she has achieved single name status, like Mario or Renaldo. And it isn't because of some perceived over-emphasis in the coverage. She is a great story. She may prove herself a great driver, though few do. That's not the point. What the other drivers need to do in the public marketplace is what they do on the track: work harder on crafting a message that attracts attention, not whine about the success someone else is having. Then they will get the ink and win the race for promotion. Mark Wigginton
Dear Mark, So what you are saying then is that racing is not a sport. Only in racing does the best talent not rise to the top, just the best looking. It's only in racing where talent does not counts as it does in any other sport. As you say, it's how you market yourself, such as half naked on the front of a Men's Magazine that gets you to the top of the sport. Absolutely, that makes you a great story. No wonder racing in the USA is sinking to new lows. Sex is more important than talent it would seem. There will never be another American World Driving champion at this rate. USA racing is cultivating a bunch of Sex Symbols and Playboys it would seem. Stephen