This week, we witnessed a large organization with a lot of parts - a lot of moving parts actually - show that things can happen quickly if and when you want them to. I'm speaking of NASCAR.
Saturday night, the fans got shortchanged as the Bud Shootout ended with a checkered flad (the winner) and a yellow flag (caution) flying at the same time. This means that the competition was over as no one is allowed to advance their position or challenge during a caution. Essentially the filed was frozen prior to the finish.
The way it got to that point was with the green-white-checker provision that NASCAR put in a couple of years ago - also after fans clamored for a change. There was a caution before the end of the race so it was started again with a chance - but only one - of completing the race at speed. If there was another caution in the overtime, the race wowas over and would finish under caution. Such was the case.
There was a lot of talk and speculation as to how to give the fans more of what they came to see - an actual race to the the finish line. SO NASCAR now had ruled that there will be three attempts to complete the race in overtime. If the first one doesn't work, they'll do it again , and one more time - if necessary.
That was Saturday. Yesterday, they announced the change - in time for this weekend's big slate of races at Daytona.
It didn't need a series of meetings and focus groups. No committees to mull it over. Less than 4 days and it was done. See what can happen when you remember your customers?
Toyota, take notice.
Congress, are you listening?
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Ahmen and this is a welcome change. Its no fun to drive and hour or two and have a less than stellar finish. Oh and they arent listening.
That can be accomplished because the organization actually listens to the fans.
I like the 3 attemps....it will make it more interesting and a lot of fun to WATCH....Boogity, Boogity, Boogity, let's go racin boys!!!
I LOVE Michael Waltrip * I think he is a class act * I hope he gets in to the Daytona 500!!!
Laura,
It is a great change and it changes the stracing strategies even more. :)
Steve
Jon,
You have to want to listen and then do something about what you hear - unlike Congress. :)
Steve
Wallace,
Michael did get into the race. The duels were incredible. :)
Steve
I am to understand that the NASCAR Hall of Fame display is currently installing a PARA view of the race track (a 360 degree view all around) This was manufactured and Produced in Oakville Ontario.
I was told recently that the company that provided it [banner] unfurled the entire project in the largest indoor facility currently available being the Pine Glen Indoor Soccer field newly constructed in Oakville.
This building a joint venture Business and the Town of Oakville provides four FIFA size soccer fields indoors for year round use.
Oakville is indeed the growing place to be. Tom Adams shared a few remarks here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx9t7uhJHkU&feature=related
David Pylyp shopTOism
I think Toyota will be ok, but congress they are already so much smarter than you or I Steve.
John * my DOGS are smarter than congress!!!
Steve
Seems that Nascar was listening to the fans, and give that fans what they want.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
NASCAR's advantage is that there is a person that makes a decision... And they know that if there isn't a great show, there aren't fans. If there aren't fans, they cease to exist.
Interesting parallels you are pointing to there Steve.
Liberals are not listening to the "fans" because they have an agenda not to the people - but to "change" America
David,
Thank you. :)
Steve
John,
Not sure about Toyota - they have shown that they really aren't putting the customer number one after all. :)
Steve
Wallace,
Did you see the finishes of the duels yesterday? Wow!! :)
Steve
Lou,
It is refreshing to see when it happens. :)
Steve
Lane,
I agree. Now take your same argument and apply it to the NFL. Why would they entertain a lockout proposal in 2011? :)
Steve
Steve,
Thank you. :)
Steve
Nicholas,
Their agenda is to themselves and the cause-du-jour. :)
Steve
Steve, Interesting, And good of NASCAR to be keeping their eyes and ears open to know what pleases their fans. Nothing like a great race!
Steve - excellent example of responsiveness. Also an example of taking a look at what changes were made, identifying what was not working as expected and modifying the solution. Something government does not do.
Sandy,
That's right. Thanks. :)
Steve
Mike,
Thanks. As far as government is concerned, we are the problem. :)
Steve
Steve... how many different racing sanctioning bodies are there? I can think of at least 10 major ones... How many football leagues are there? I can think of one... two if you count college.
Now, if NASCAR pisses off its fans, they have somewhere to go. The NFL doesn't think there is an alternative for their fans.
Lane,
There is only one NASCAR - like the NFL. The NFL is the subject for another post. :)
Steve