Open Pits Equals Happy Fans

There are more sports out there than most of us may ever know, but little doubt that most of them contrast in a number of ways. Some good, some bad is what we have all become accustomed to. We all love football for the hard hits and the big plays. Or maybe your forte is basketball with the kids in the front drive, throwing down dunks like an NBA start. Regardless of which route you go in the off-season, we can all agree on one sport come summertime and that is PULLING. Now what is one of the so called past times in pulling that makes it so special, open pits of course.

For as long as pulling has been around, and its been a few years, open pits has gone hand-in-hand with the motorsport. We all know sports is evolving and more than ever we see organizers and promoters finding improved ways to get fans closer to the action. Some of that is at the field or pulling track, some of that is before and after. This latter part is where I want to focus this article. Most of us have come to expect this as just part of the event. You make it a point to get to the pull early, just to roam and check out all the shiny stuff. How can it not be an automatic wherever you go? Let’s examine this thought.

PIT PASSES ARE STILL A THING

So yes, you can still roll out to a pull or two on a given weekend and run into something known around the sport as the “pit pass.” Now, of course, this idea does carry with it a few different definitions. Some clubs issue passes to pullers and immediate family and/or pit crew for access throughout the year. Charging pullers more than they already have to pay is silly, right? There is also the definition of charging to get into a closed pit area, making it more of a privilege earned than one automatically granted. Now do I personally believe in the second of two options, not so much. Open pits is just a part of pulling, simply put. We all know and can understand that promoters are always looking for extra revenue streams. That is something also evolving and it includes looking at all facets of the pulling event. But charging extra, sometimes above and beyond what is charged at the gate, just for access to walk around? Let’s rethink this idea.

THE REVENUE VERSUS THE FAN EXPERIENCE

As I stated above, we all know for the most part why pit passes and extra charges exist at the pit gates still to this day. But what is more important that fan experience I ask you. And that term is used loosely, as I often think pullers are fans too and when they aren’t on the track, they too may be enjoying the show. The vast majority of events have moved on from charges at the pits because they want their fans to experience one of the best parts of the show, the pulling vehicles, the pullers and all the prep work that goes on pre-pull. Sometimes it may be a lot of jaw jacking (don’t try to deny it) and other times its a form of art what does down prior to a hook in the pits. It can be fun, interesting and educational. Most of all, it goes back to being a truly important part of the fan experience that should be enjoyed by all.

Now let’s not confuse overall event admission to pit access charges. Some events have the ability to charge you just at the track, while others charge you when you enter the grounds. That, my friends, is just event admission that we all should be happy to pay for the amount of entertainment we will soon see. But when you pay at the gate, or track, and then find yourself paying again to get into the pits… yeah, that is what I’m hoping more events do away with. There are some examples still to this day, at events in and around Wisconsin, that may see you get charged $10 at the gate or $20 to enter the pits. Things like this will persuade fans to ignore the pits or find new events all together. We all know the sport can do better.

IN CONCLUSION

The great thing about this sport like so many others is that improvements are always right around the corner. We all attend some of the same events year after year and there is no doubt you can see things changing for the better. Finding new ways to keep the fan happy. New ways to improve puller moral. And some new ways to prove to sponsors that taking a chance is worth their time. In a world that is demanding more of us outside the sport, we all look to pulling to make life just a little more enjoyable on the weekends. Open pits pulling fans, is one of the best places to start.

This article is an opinion piece and written from one’s own point of view. This article does not reflect the opinions of everyone in the sport. All feedback and/or comments are welcome. Thank you for reading.