TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST
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TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST
TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST <U>
Miami, FL – Say it ‘ain’t’ so!!! South Florida’s 7-Year Sport Compact Veteran Driver and Team Owner, Len Monserrat, has decided to skip the upcoming National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event, to be held on May 20-21, at Atco Raceway, in Atco, New Jersey. The event snub will mark an official protest, regarding a decision made by the NHRA event directors at last weekend’s sport compact race, held at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, in Englishtown, New Jersey.
The decision, which Monserrat describes as, “Poor, at best…” goes against all fundamentals of the term ‘motorsports marketing’ and may have jeopardized a very important Team Sponsor relationship. Monserrat adds, “The SCORESTM – BigLen partnership holds much potential for our team, however, it is in its infancy and mishaps like this certainly leave a bad taste in the sponsor’s mouth.” So what happened? Here are the facts:
When Monserrat’s car would not fire, prior to round 1 of eliminations, the team requested to pull the car under the tower and on to the side road. This is a normal occurrence when a car breaks at the line or is unable to stage on its own power. Crew chief Roman Serra then pro-actively notified the crew of their Team Titan-competitor Brad Personett that they would have a bye run. Pulling the car onto the side road, which is located along the front of the grandstands at Raceway Park, would allow Team BigLen’s sponsors some added exposure; particularly SCORESTM, who had executive personnel in attendance. Permission was momentarily granted by NHRA officials in the staging lanes, only to be pulled at the last second and turned back by the NHRA tower officials.
The event directors’ decision contradicts NHRA’s preaching(s) regarding helping individual teams maximize their sponsor’s investments; a point they do not fail to re-iterate at each and every driver’s meeting. To top it off, NHRA’s event directors and media specialist were notified in advance (days before the event), via emails and voice messages, that Team BigLen would be entertaining sponsor executives at the race. No response was received by any Team BigLen personnel regarding the notifications.
Serra had this to add, “regardless of the sponsor request, the bottom line is we earned that spot to pull out from under the tower next to our competitor and they simply denied it to us. They made the wrong call and they know it.” As a matter of fact, following the incident, NHRA did make an attempt to ‘make good’ by offering Monserrat an opportunity to be a guest announcer in the tower. It may have proved too little too late, however, as the team’s SCORESTM guests left the event immediately following the 1st round of eliminations. Monserrat, felt so beside himself at what had just unfolded that he could not find it within him to accept the offer.
The team will passively protest the instance, according to the rules and regulations in the 2006 NHRA Rulebook, by skipping the Atco event, mainly to shed light on the subject and to make sure that this does not happen to any other team; especially one which may also be on the verge of a big sponsor deal. Our sport is very heavily supported by sponsorship and everyone knows that once in a while you need to go that little extra step for them. In this particular instance, the actions of the NHRA event directors, in the tower, disregarded that fact. They stated that they were behind schedule as their reasoning. It would have taken approximately 30 seconds to tow the racecar along the side road. You be the judge.
Monserrat concluded, “It is no secret that securing and maintaining a sponsorship may be the most difficult aspect of our sport, even when everything goes smoothly. I wonder what they were thinking???”
Team BigLen is no new-comer to high profile sponsorships, having been trusted, in previous seasons, by some of the biggest names in motorsports; Michelin – North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Sunoco Lubricants & Petrochemicals, and The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, just to name a few. This season, the team is on the threshold of finalizing an agreement with another nationally recognized brand in SCORESTM.
As a former National Champion in his rookie season (2000), Len has brought his team to six (6) consecutive top 10 season finishes in Sport Compact Competition. The team heads into their seventh (7th) season on the national circuit with high expectations and much enthusiasm. Team BigLen plans to tour the national events of the NHRA and the NDRA, as well as attend numerous auto shows, lifestyle events, and select sporting events. As always, the team will support and make appearances for the Racers Against Street Racing (RASR) program.
</U>
Miami, FL – Say it ‘ain’t’ so!!! South Florida’s 7-Year Sport Compact Veteran Driver and Team Owner, Len Monserrat, has decided to skip the upcoming National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event, to be held on May 20-21, at Atco Raceway, in Atco, New Jersey. The event snub will mark an official protest, regarding a decision made by the NHRA event directors at last weekend’s sport compact race, held at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park, in Englishtown, New Jersey.
The decision, which Monserrat describes as, “Poor, at best…” goes against all fundamentals of the term ‘motorsports marketing’ and may have jeopardized a very important Team Sponsor relationship. Monserrat adds, “The SCORESTM – BigLen partnership holds much potential for our team, however, it is in its infancy and mishaps like this certainly leave a bad taste in the sponsor’s mouth.” So what happened? Here are the facts:
When Monserrat’s car would not fire, prior to round 1 of eliminations, the team requested to pull the car under the tower and on to the side road. This is a normal occurrence when a car breaks at the line or is unable to stage on its own power. Crew chief Roman Serra then pro-actively notified the crew of their Team Titan-competitor Brad Personett that they would have a bye run. Pulling the car onto the side road, which is located along the front of the grandstands at Raceway Park, would allow Team BigLen’s sponsors some added exposure; particularly SCORESTM, who had executive personnel in attendance. Permission was momentarily granted by NHRA officials in the staging lanes, only to be pulled at the last second and turned back by the NHRA tower officials.
The event directors’ decision contradicts NHRA’s preaching(s) regarding helping individual teams maximize their sponsor’s investments; a point they do not fail to re-iterate at each and every driver’s meeting. To top it off, NHRA’s event directors and media specialist were notified in advance (days before the event), via emails and voice messages, that Team BigLen would be entertaining sponsor executives at the race. No response was received by any Team BigLen personnel regarding the notifications.
Serra had this to add, “regardless of the sponsor request, the bottom line is we earned that spot to pull out from under the tower next to our competitor and they simply denied it to us. They made the wrong call and they know it.” As a matter of fact, following the incident, NHRA did make an attempt to ‘make good’ by offering Monserrat an opportunity to be a guest announcer in the tower. It may have proved too little too late, however, as the team’s SCORESTM guests left the event immediately following the 1st round of eliminations. Monserrat, felt so beside himself at what had just unfolded that he could not find it within him to accept the offer.
The team will passively protest the instance, according to the rules and regulations in the 2006 NHRA Rulebook, by skipping the Atco event, mainly to shed light on the subject and to make sure that this does not happen to any other team; especially one which may also be on the verge of a big sponsor deal. Our sport is very heavily supported by sponsorship and everyone knows that once in a while you need to go that little extra step for them. In this particular instance, the actions of the NHRA event directors, in the tower, disregarded that fact. They stated that they were behind schedule as their reasoning. It would have taken approximately 30 seconds to tow the racecar along the side road. You be the judge.
Monserrat concluded, “It is no secret that securing and maintaining a sponsorship may be the most difficult aspect of our sport, even when everything goes smoothly. I wonder what they were thinking???”
Team BigLen is no new-comer to high profile sponsorships, having been trusted, in previous seasons, by some of the biggest names in motorsports; Michelin – North America, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Sunoco Lubricants & Petrochemicals, and The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, just to name a few. This season, the team is on the threshold of finalizing an agreement with another nationally recognized brand in SCORESTM.
As a former National Champion in his rookie season (2000), Len has brought his team to six (6) consecutive top 10 season finishes in Sport Compact Competition. The team heads into their seventh (7th) season on the national circuit with high expectations and much enthusiasm. Team BigLen plans to tour the national events of the NHRA and the NDRA, as well as attend numerous auto shows, lifestyle events, and select sporting events. As always, the team will support and make appearances for the Racers Against Street Racing (RASR) program.
</U>
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From: Irvine, CA, usa
Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (boosted_TSi)
So you are denying your sponsor more coverage by sitting out an event? Makes absolutely no sense to me. Go out there and race and promote your sponsor. That is what they expect from you, not a political statement that won't affect NHRA in the slightest.
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From: Allentown, PA, USA
Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (tony1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tony1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Maybe it's just me, but this seems kinda ridiculous... 
</TD></TR></TABLE>
X2 And who is BIGLEN?
</TD></TR></TABLE>X2 And who is BIGLEN?
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Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (earl)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by earl »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So you are denying your sponsor more coverage by sitting out an event? Makes absolutely no sense to me. Go out there and race and promote your sponsor. That is what they expect from you, not a political statement that won't affect NHRA in the slightest.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Agreed.
Agreed.
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Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (tony1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tony1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Maybe it's just me, but this seems kinda ridiculous... </TD></TR></TABLE>
x3 But its BIG LEN. He can do whatever he wants. I honestly dont think he's prescence in the sport compact racing arena is big enough for him to afford to do something like this.
</TD></TR></TABLE>x3 But its BIG LEN. He can do whatever he wants. I honestly dont think he's prescence in the sport compact racing arena is big enough for him to afford to do something like this.
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Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (Hybrid-Performance.com)
Just found out who he is. For anyone else that does not know.
http://www.nhrasportcompact.co....html
http://www.nhrasportcompact.co....html
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Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (tony1)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by tony1 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Maybe it's just me, but this seems kinda ridiculous... </TD></TR></TABLE>
It is.
I don't think it would do much for their sponsor to show off the car not running with the hood up. And if you didn't get to do that, protest a whole race because of it? Makes no sense.
</TD></TR></TABLE>It is.
I don't think it would do much for their sponsor to show off the car not running with the hood up. And if you didn't get to do that, protest a whole race because of it? Makes no sense.
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From: modesto, ca, usa
Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (nsxmatt)
no disrespect to big len but 6 top 10 finishes in 7 years where and when maybe just cause you showed up but ive never seen your car make solid passes ever! i appluade you for finding outside the box sponsers and your passion to stay out there and race! but if your car doesnt run then your lucky to even have any sponser time for your car to be seen! they usaully just push your car off and say bye! go out and make some passes for your sponser and stop whineing it makes you look worse! you need to go lay down some #'s. then you will get what you want out of this deal! protesting get you no where! just my 2 cents
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From: Glendora, ca, usa
Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (boosted_TSi)
To those of you who care...
There are many reasons he was not allowed to "parade" his broken car and take additional time away from track activities.
The major reason was that Etown is under HEAVY curfew--730pm - -no questions asked. At the time the event was behind due to excessive oildowns. NHRA has an obligation to all racers to get the event finished. We are not happy turning any cars away at 731pm because of the curfew.
Thank you for the time.
There are many reasons he was not allowed to "parade" his broken car and take additional time away from track activities.
The major reason was that Etown is under HEAVY curfew--730pm - -no questions asked. At the time the event was behind due to excessive oildowns. NHRA has an obligation to all racers to get the event finished. We are not happy turning any cars away at 731pm because of the curfew.
Thank you for the time.
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Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (A train)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by A train »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">no disrespect to big len but 6 top 10 finishes in 7 years where and when maybe just cause you showed up but ive never seen your car make solid passes ever! i appluade you for finding outside the box sponsers and your passion to stay out there and race! but if your car doesnt run then your lucky to even have any sponser time for your car to be seen! they usaully just push your car off and say bye! go out and make some passes for your sponser and stop whineing it makes you look worse! you need to go lay down some #'s. then you will get what you want out of this deal! protesting get you no where! just my 2 cents</TD></TR></TABLE>
x2 thats just redicuous...
x2 thats just redicuous...
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Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (Hybrid_Coupe)
i dont remember a time in the last 3 years i have seen that car make a clean pass down the track
winning rounds gets exposure
getting your car down the track in a competitive manner gets exposure
sitting out a race in protest because, essentially the car cant make clean passes in the first place, does not help the sport or the sponsors in any way
winning rounds gets exposure
getting your car down the track in a competitive manner gets exposure sitting out a race in protest because, essentially the car cant make clean passes in the first place, does not help the sport or the sponsors in any way
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From: SATX
Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (fieldafm)
kinda ridiculous...thats an understatement...can't believe they when public with that.
Just curious...whats the fastest pass to date with that car...my bet its NO where even close....
Just curious...whats the fastest pass to date with that car...my bet its NO where even close....
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From: wEsT of WattS...NoRth oF CompTon, CA
Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (Gravy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Gravy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the car hasnt made a single digit pass yet. </TD></TR></TABLE>
well, it has, but it isnt a pass thats going to win any rounds in PRO RWD or even if he ran MODIFIED...hahahahahahahahahaha
South Florida qualifying
Right Lane: Len Monserrat Runs 12.531/76.55, Now #2
Runs 9.122/138.33, Now #5
South Florida Eliminations
(L) Len Monserrat ('04Elclipse) 0.215 8.855 147.80
Virginia
qualifying
Right Lane: Len Monserrat Runs 11.655/120.17, Now #2
Eliminations
(L) Len Monserrat ('04Mitsubishi) -9.999(R) NT-No Show
Englistown
qualifying
Left Lane: Len Monserrat Runs 11.816/134.27, Now #6
Eliminations
(L) Len Monserrat ('04Mitsubishi) -9.999(R) NT-No Show
here's his NHRA 2006 season so far...
well, it has, but it isnt a pass thats going to win any rounds in PRO RWD or even if he ran MODIFIED...hahahahahahahahahaha
South Florida qualifying
Right Lane: Len Monserrat Runs 12.531/76.55, Now #2
Runs 9.122/138.33, Now #5
South Florida Eliminations
(L) Len Monserrat ('04Elclipse) 0.215 8.855 147.80
Virginia
qualifying
Right Lane: Len Monserrat Runs 11.655/120.17, Now #2
Eliminations
(L) Len Monserrat ('04Mitsubishi) -9.999(R) NT-No Show
Englistown
qualifying
Left Lane: Len Monserrat Runs 11.816/134.27, Now #6
Eliminations
(L) Len Monserrat ('04Mitsubishi) -9.999(R) NT-No Show
here's his NHRA 2006 season so far...
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Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (f@sth@tch89)
You need A tissue, wtf.....it seems like you guy's need to look at your own operation instead of worrying how NHRA is running there's.
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From: city of angels
Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (boosted_TSi)
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From: modesto, ca, usa
Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (fieldafm)
also its tough to get a good track to race at and get some exposure for your sponsers! sack up and go make a full pass! like bigman said parades are for holidays and racing for at the track! just my 2 cents
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From: ORIGINAL H22 GANGSTA
Re: TEAM BIGLEN TO SIT OUT NHRA ATCO EVENT UNDER PROTEST (GHOSTWORKS)
ohhhhhh-the humanity
on another notes their is a mini airport behind e-town im sure acouple bux and a talk to the operator will get you a nice sized banner flying over e-town at the nhra events
on another notes their is a mini airport behind e-town im sure acouple bux and a talk to the operator will get you a nice sized banner flying over e-town at the nhra events
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