The Inside Racing Podcast

Are you taking a few minutes this off-season to consider what worked, what didn't and what you could change for 2018? Take another listen to marketing expert Mike Lysakowski as he shares his insights into speedway promotion. (FIRST AIRED: 5/2/17) Do you know who your customers are? Are you reaching new race fans? Is your content on your website and social media helping or hurting you? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll get a set of powerful insights from Mike Lysakowski. Mike truly grew up in motorsports and is an expert on media, marketing and sponsorship. He teaches corporate seminars in the off-season and has been a repeat guest at the RPM Promoter's Workshops. Mike revisits some of his most compelling topics from his RPM talks and hones in on exactly what track promoters should be doing to attract new fans. He should know. Mike was just named the new promoter for Jennerstown Speedway (PA). Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins asks Mike to take over the podcast and teach what he knows. His ideas and observations uncover ways to reach and build new race fans and win with digital marketing. Most importantly Mike pulls back the curtain on the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to race promotion. This episode will definitely get you thinking about your approach at the track. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Want to get in touch with Mike? You can find him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mikelysakowski) or shoot him an email at motorsportaspects@yahoo.com

How do we make sense of everything impacting our sport? Where do we go from here? What examples show us there is an opportunity to grow and thrive right now? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins wraps up his State of the Industry series by tying everything together. Once we understand the internal and external forces affecting our operations we can begin to move towards solutions. There are a lot of factors that cause concern, but at the same time there are and always will be reasons to remain positive about the future. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we will bring our conversation to a close. You'll come for the insights, but stay for the Game of Thrones analogies. It's a serious look and a rallying cry for what needs to be done to move the industry forward. Whether you are just getting started or you've been racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com.

What internal forces are impacting the racing industry? Is the collective mindset and adaptability helping or hurting the sport? How can the industry overcome it's own challenging business models and financial realities? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we'll continue to examine the state of the racing industry. It's all about the internal forces that are well within our control. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins takes a deep look at some of the negative realities holding short track racing back. In addressing these issues and fighting back against them, we can all begin to have a positive impact on the sport. Whether you are just getting started or you've been racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com.

What external forces are impacting the racing industry? How are cultural trends impacting engagement? What does the sponsorship bubble mean for race tracks, series and teams? In the first ever State of the Industry series, business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins share his views and observations from a year in the trenches with short track racing. The first episode focuses on the external forces that are hard to control. They represent changes across the country that impact the sport. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll begin to get an understanding of the challenges facing the industry. Being able to see big trends will help you adapt in the coming years. Whether you are just getting started or you've been racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com.

How can race teams build their brand? What should a team do to attract the right sponsors? Are there inexpensive ways to build a marketing platform for a race team? We're digging into our mailbag on the latest episode of The Inside Racing Podcast to help race teams with sponsorship. We've spent a lot of time talking about sponsorship from different perspectives, but haven't spent any time talking about race team sponsorship. That's about to change thanks to one of our listeners. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins unleashes a ton of recommendations and ideas to help improve a race team's marketing appeal. You'll get the information you need to start thinking about your race team in a different light. Whether you are just getting started or you've been racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Want to learn more about Kristin Swartzlander and her company Dirty Mouth Communications? Start with her excellent blog right here: http://www.dirtymouthcommunications.com/blog/

This is part two of my interview with Bryan Kryder We're taking a minute to focus in on sponsorship before the off-season arrives. (FIRST AIRED: 10/11/16) Do you start sponsorship meetings with features and benefits? Do you know about sponsorship activation? Are you ready for your next meeting with a potential sponsor? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, John talks with sponsorship expert Bryan Kryder. Bryan walks us through the lessons short tracks can take from NASCAR and IndyCar. He talks about what's good and bad about sponsorships in racing. He pulls back the curtain on sponsorship activation and provides excellent strategies for your next negotiation. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins gets Bryan to outline tips, approaches and questions to ask for your next meeting with a potential sponsor. Finally, Bryan shares some of the big differences between sponsorships in racing versus other sports and where to look to steal good ideas. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Questions for Bryan? Email him Bryan@huddlesportsgroup.com or hit him up on Twitter @BryanKryder.

As August rolls on, it's time to revisit our great two-part interview with Bryan Kryder. Now is the time to lay the foundation for your 2018 sponsorship plans. (FIRST AIRED: 10/11/16) What do you get when you take almost 20 years of sports business experience including stints in CART, NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula One? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins sits down with sponsorship guru Bryan Kryder to hear his fascinating story of life in the motorsports fast lane. He shares inside stories, tips and observations that will make you think and laugh and help you learn. In this episode of the Inside Racing Podcast, you'll hear about NASCAR's biggest source of lawsuits, what it was like to buy Martinsville Speedway, how college football inspired an IndyCar program and much more. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Questions for Bryan? Email him Bryan@huddlesportsgroup.com or hit him up on Twitter @BryanKryder.

Are you relying too much on your digital presence? Are you still incorporating old school promotion to fill seats? Are you on the same page with other race promoters when it comes to special events? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins hits the track one more time with Jennerstown Speedway's Mike Lysakowski. Mike's presentations at the RPM Workshops have become legendary. Once again, he's sharing his unique view of marketing and race promotion. On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll have an opportunity to hear new ideas and old school approaches that can help you reach and engage your audience. No matter your angle, track or series promoter, there are best practices you can begin implementing today. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Want to get in touch with Mike? You can find him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mikelysakowski) or shoot him an email at motorsportaspects@yahoo.com

What does it mean to host one of the biggest events in short track racing? How do you prepare for and execute a major event? How do historic and unique events change the perception of a facility? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we sit down with Anderson Speedway owner Rick Dawson to talk about the historic Pay Less Supermarkets Little 500. The Little 500 is the premier asphalt sprint car race in the country. It has been around since 1949 and has consistently been voted one of the hottest tickets in racing. When you own a track that has such a rich history and the tradition of a race like the Little 500, how does it impact your operation? What are the differences in producing a major event? How does the recognition from one race help you throughout the season? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins asks Rick to pull back the curtain on one of short track racing's classic races. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Visit www.andersonspeedway.com to learn more about the track and the Little 500. You can follow the track on Twitter (@AndersonSpeedwy) and Facebook (@AndersonSpeedwy). If you get MAVTV, you can watch this year's Little 500 race. Check your local listings.

What is it like to promote a historic venue? What are the differences in marketing a short track and a touring series? What lessons can you learn from doing both? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins sits down with veteran promoter Stan Narrison to get insights into Stan's unique perspective on the racing business. Stan shares his journey into racing and the evolution of his career. He talks about his approach in promoting Montgomery Motor Speedway and taking his show on the road with the Modifieds of Mayhem Tour. On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we bring our conversation about the differences in racing promotion to one person who sees it from both sides. You'll love hearing Stan's stories, his passion and the things he's learned throughout his career. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Interested in learning more about Montgomery Motor Speedway or the Modifieds of Mayhem Tour? Check out www.montgomerymotorspeedway.org. You can see some of the track's biggest races streamed live on Speed51.com or see the 53rd Annual Alabama 200 live and in person September 9th through the 11th.

Happy 4th of July! We're revisiting one of our most popular non-racing episodes with Entrepreneurship Expert Mel Abraham. While we cruise through the 2017 season, take a moment to take stock in your business mindset. (FIRST AIRED: 1/24/17) So you're a racing entrepreneur. Are you crazy or just a typical business owner? What does it take to win as a business owner? How do you create sustainable long-term value instead of short-term profits? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we chat with entrepreneurship expert Mel Abraham. Mel dives into the passion required and approach you'll need to have success. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins works with Mel to uncover the in's and out's of business ownership. What are the myths and misconceptions, what are the risks and what are the common mistakes other business owners have made. Mel shows us there's a way to think about owning your business that will help you sustain the good times much longer. Most importantly, he provides us with the most important question you can ask yourself as an entrepreneur and the future of entrepreneurship. (Hint: It has a lot to do with a recurring theme we've been discussing on the podcast.) Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Do you want to learn more about Entrepreneurial Thinking? Check out www.melabraham.com. For a deep dive into how to build a business model, you'll love Business Breakthrough Academy (http://www.businessbreakthroughacademy.com/) or for some great online training related to Mel's Book The Entrepreneur's Solution visit: http://www.theentrepreneurssolution.com Mel also recommended some great books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Blue Ocean Strategy by Mauborgne and Kim.

Do racing promoters have common traits? What are the challenges in promoting a touring series? How has short track racing changed over the years? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, we continue our conversation with Must See Racing's Jim Hanks. Jim shares how he moved from broadcasting racing to co-promoting racing to establishing his own sprint car series. The evolution uncovers some common challenges racing promoters face. You'll get to hear firsthand the critical decisions Jim has made while building his business. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins digs deep to understand what it takes to survive and thrive as a racing promoter. This episode will definitely make you think. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Want to learn more about Must See Racing or get in touch with Jim? Visit www.mustseeracing.com. Don't forget to look for the Must See Racing Sprint Series on MAVTV this season.

How does a person end up in the racing business? What decisions cause them to take a different path? How does a vision and clear guiding principles influence strategy and growth? We're kicking off a two-part interview with Must See Racing's Jim Hanks. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins gets to the heart of Jim's story. It's a fascinating look at the ways in which a motorsports broadcasting company has evolved over time. It's also a case study in the importance of television and internet broadcasting. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll hear some familiar themes and uncover some powerful insights. Jim has a great story to share. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Want to learn more about Must See Racing or get in touch with Jim? Visit www.mustseeracing.com

The latest episode of The Inside Racing Podcast goes back to the mailbag for more listener questions. What are the big differences between promoting a track versus a traveling series? Is there a different mindset required? How do fans engage with both? We're taking a deep dive into the world of race track and traveling series promotion on the show. If you are like me, you might not have given it much thought. When a podcast listener asked me to talk more about how traveling series should handle marketing and sponsorships, my wheels started turning. This episode will look at race promotion from both viewpoints and focus on marketing, sponsorship and business mindset. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com.

As the calendar turns to June, it's already time to start thinking about the 2018 season. What better time than now to revisit our interview with sales expert Bryan Neale. Take a minute to get your sales mindset in gear with this great episode. (FIRST AIRED: 11/29/16) Are sponsorship sales not great? Are you looking for a new approach to sales? Do you want to have more success when selling? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, veteran sales trainer and coach Bryan Neale shares his sales framework. He reveals the mindset required to build momentum and find success. Bryan provides real examples racing promoters can use today to think differently about their business and stand out with prospects. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins works with Bryan to connect the dots between a professional sales approach and the realities of sales in the racing industry. This episode will give you a competitive edge this off-season. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Interested in learning more about Bryan? Visit www.blind-zebra.com Would you like to talk with Bryan about sales training for you or your team? You can email bryan@blind-zebra.com to continue the conversation.

Is your track or series using Instagram or Snapchat? Do you know why they are important? Are you missing out on key demographics and social media opportunities? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, Craig Emsweller returns to the show for another deep dive into the world of social media. Craig is the CEO of E Square Marketing, a digital marketing agency with multiple motorsports clients. For a lot of promoters, Facebook and Twitter may seem like the only social media platforms required to have a successful social media program. It turns out there are a few others worth investing in as well. Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins talks with Craig to uncover the most important aspects of Instagram and Snapchat. Once you listen, you'll have a much better understanding of how these social channels can impact your track or series. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Need help with social media or have questions for Craig? Check out www.esquaremarketing.com, tweet Craig @Esquaremktg or send him an email cemsweller@esquaremarketing.com

What is on the horizon for the 2017 season? Are there threats that could derail a successful operation? What opportunities exist for this season and beyond? Business expert and racing promoter John Robbins keeps the conversation going with guest Joe Janowski of the National Karting Alliance. The discussion hits on a variety of topics, including whether NASCAR helping or hurting short track racing. They dive into the mindset of a race promoter and look at content as a key driver for the future of the sport. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll have an opportunity to think hard about the factors at play in our industry. It's a great time to take stock and look to the future as the season gets underway. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. P.S. - Our show needs a fact checker. I know the difference between Ed Sullivan and Ed McMahon, just couldn't spit it out in the moment! Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Want to talk more with Joe? Head over to www.nkaonline.com or email him joejanowski@nkaonline.com

What have we learned from the 2017 racing season so far? Are there early trends that give reasons to be optimistic? What are some of the observations from past podcasts that are being validated at the race track? In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, John chats with regular podcast guest Joe Janowski from the National Karting Alliance. They walk through some trends and observations from their time at the track so far this season. Business expert and racing promoter John Robbins continues to look for clues about what's working and not working in racing. As always the conversation between Joe and John is realistic, authentic and forward-thinking. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Want to talk more with Joe? Head over to www.nkaonline.com or email him joejanowski@nkaonline.com

Do you ever feel like you don't understand what potential sponsors are looking for? What's important to them? What they want to achieve from their sponsorship? Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins asks Travis Roffler, Director of Marketing for Continental Tire to share the lessons learned and perspectives from his 20+ years in the tire business. Travis has an impressive resume with some of the biggest tire brands in North America. At Continental, he's built successful sponsorship programs with the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge and with the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards. In this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll hear directly from Travis why he feels motorsports is such an important piece of Continental's marketing strategy. From innovation on the track reaching their consumer tires to the brand visibility and awareness created through strong partnerships, Travis is a big believer in the power of motorsports. Travis walks through how they activate their sponsorships and the key metrics he uses to evaluate sponsorship opportunities. This episode may give you some fresh ideas for how you can build stronger relationships with your sponsors. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Want to learn more about Continental Tire? Visit them on the web www.continentaltire.com or @continentaltire on Facebook. Looking for the latest from General Tire? You can head over to www.generaltire.com or @generaltire on Facebook. Interested in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge (www.imsa.com/taxonomy/term/2) or the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards (www.arcaracing.com/)

Do you know who your customers are? Are you reaching new race fans? Is your content on your website and social media helping or hurting you? On this episode of The Inside Racing Podcast, you'll get a set of powerful insights from Mike Lysakowski. Mike truly grew up in motorsports and is an expert on media, marketing and sponsorship. He teaches corporate seminars in the off-season and has been a repeat guest at the RPM Promoter's Workshops. Mike revisits some of his most compelling topics from his RPM talks and hones in on exactly what track promoters should be doing to attract new fans. He should know. Mike was just named the new promoter for Jennerstown Speedway (PA). Business expert and motorsports professional John Robbins asks Mike to take over the podcast and teach what he knows. His ideas and observations uncover ways to reach and build new race fans and win with digital marketing. Most importantly Mike pulls back the curtain on the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to race promotion. This episode will definitely get you thinking about your approach at the track. Whether you are just getting started or you've been promoting racing for decades, there's something here for you. Want more episodes like this? Visit www.NSTAracing.com/archive for past episodes. Become a VIP Listener and get access to exclusive listener bonuses. Join the conversation on Twitter (@NSTA_Racing), Facebook (@NSTAracing) or email podcast@NSTAracing.com. Want to get in touch with Mike? You can find him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/mikelysakowski) or shoot him an email at motorsportaspects@yahoo.com