NHRA News: Finals audiocast a hit with fans, potential new members (11/15/2004)

Finals audiocast a hit with fans

11/15/2004

Audiocast poll

NHRA.com's first-ever three-day audiocast from an NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series event allowed visitors to the site to enjoy all of the thrills and drama of the 2004 season-ending Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals.

This one-time, all-access event, which was sponsored by Jeg's Mail Order, was a preview for new membership benefits to be introduced online by NHRA later this year. In 2005, Sunday's live audiocast will continue to be available to all fans, but the three-day version will be reserved exclusively for NHRA members.

"We were very excited to be able to bring this extended audiocast to our loyal visitors and even more excited about being able to continue it in 2005 as a reward to fans who support the NHRA through membership," said NHRA Editorial Director Phil Burgess. "I can't think of a better advertisement for the benefits of the extended audiocast than this year's Finals. Fans were able to listen in and follow along with the drama of Del Worsham and Gary Scelzi trying to outqualify one another in their bid for second place in the points, to be able to listen in on the dramatic last-ditch qualifying, and all of the exciting Sportsman action, from first burnout to last shutdown, including outstanding moments like Mitch Myers' incredible 5.10 run in Alcohol Dragster and all of the drama surrounding the four Sportsman championships that were still up for grabs.

"We've already received a lot of good feedback on the audiocast, and I'd like to encourage those who listened to participate in our survey at right. You can also offer your comments about ways to improve the audiocast. We're looking at ways to enhance the audiocast, including the placement of an additional microphone at track level and other ideas. (Unfortunately, real-time video is not an option at this time for contractual reasons.)

"NHRA membership already is a great deal with 48 issues of National DRAGSTER, the superb insurance benefits, and all of the other great elements of the membership package, and we've already heard from many fans who think that the opportunity to listen to nearly 70 days of live streaming audio from their favorite sport is worth $59.95 by itself, let alone the additional online benefits we'll be offering soon."

The expanded audio broadcast for the 23-event NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series is just one of the new online benefits on tap for NHRA members. Also on the list are:

Customized news: See only the NHRA.com articles you want – your favorite classes, your favorite drivers, your division – all on your personalized "My NHRA" page.

24/7 membership account maintenance: Submit change of address, request additional copies, and more!

Event/track locator: Using your ZIP code, this feature will find the NHRA drag races and/or member tracks nearest you

Personal points tracking (PPT): Grade points, divisional points, and national points will display instantly upon login (racers only).

Travel discounts: Get great deals on car rentals, hotels and more.

NHRA members also will receive a free e-mail account (yourname@nhramember.com) to allow members to show their pride of membership.

NHRA membership already includes a 1-year (48 issues) subscription to the award-winning weekly print magazine, National DRAGSTER, plus two additional annual publications: the Fan Guide and NHRA Rulebook. Members also receive admission discounts to NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series events; an official membership card, decal, and collector's pin; $485,000 coverage from NHRA's excess medical insurance policy; and more. Membership costs just $59.95 per year (prices slightly higher outside U.S.) Join NHRA now

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