When did pro teams start taking so much pit space?

[vegasnitro]

I miss all the vendor trailers with their products and support. Now it's all John Force T shirts and Toyota and Motorcycle mobile sales lots.

Manufacturer’s Midway was the best.

 

[none]

Kenny Bernstein is the first I remember with pit side hospitality. And as I understand it, he would sell it to the local Bud distributer who then would give the tickets to their best customers. KB was/is a very smart businessman.

The midway was a victim of the internet. Between the information available at a click, and mail order, it's hard to justify a rig on the road full time.
I used to wear the Holley Carb guys out when they came to the AHRA Winternationals in Tucson. I had questions, they had answers, and if I need to buy something there was always a racer discount to be had. Same with the Hurst Shifter guys. Now? I can find answers with a click.

Alan

 

[Nunz]

Kenny Bernstein is the first I remember with pit side hospitality. And as I understand it, he would sell it to the local Bud distributer who then would give the tickets to their best customers. KB was/is a very smart businessman.

The midway was a victim of the internet. Between the information available at a click, and mail order, it's hard to justify a rig on the road full time.
I used to wear the Holley Carb guys out when they came to the AHRA Winternationals in Tucson. I had questions, they had answers, and if I need to buy something there was always a racer discount to be had. Same with the Hurst Shifter guys. Now? I can find answers with a click.

Alan

I think the same thing happened with the memorabilia show that was held during the US Nationals. It was a lot of fun, kind of like treasure hunting. But now, the internet has really changed the collectable market as well.