Sparkplug 22

Well, it's the U.S. Open weekend and it looks like the race is shaping up to be an epic conflagration between past winners Rick Carmichael and Mike LaRocco and superfast hopefuls James Stewart and Kevin Windham. But the only decently-paying race of the year is not the subject of this week's Sparkplug. Instead, I am going to continue to lay out my vision for a new day in American motocross. So put your thinking caps on and join me for a mental journey.

One of the benefits of a league-style racing season is being able to see multiple professional-level races at each facility. This means that each facility can sell “season tickets”. At a top notch facility, season tickets would give the ticket holders privileges that regular ticket buyers just don't get.

Imagine a small family at the races. Husband, wife, young child and toddler. They've got to carry enough gear to keep the kids safe and happy, so they have their hands full with bags and a stroller. They get to the track and because they're season ticket holders, they get to park in a reserved lot that's closer to the facility than general parking, so they don't have to walk as far.

They make their way to their seats, and because they decided to upgrade their seat option, they have box seats, which gives them extra room to stow their stroller and kid-related paraphernalia. Their box seat also includes a small tv monitor, which is currently showing replays from yesterday's practice sessions, with commentary from the in-house production staff.

Dad takes the older kid off to get snacks for the family. They go to their favorite concession stand, which is not too far from their seats. While they wait for their order, they're able to enjoy the practice videos from monitors at the stand. Meanwhile, Mom takes the littlest one to the restroom for a diaper change, where there is a clean diaper changing station. It sure beats kneeling on a blanket at trackside!

When the family returns to their seats, they're greeted by their neighbors who have just arrived. Since they're all season ticket holders, they see each other regularly and have become friends. Just as all are settling in, the announcers ask all to stand for the national anthem, and everyone can hear everything perfectly because of the top notch sound system.

As the riders take their sighting lap for the first moto, the conversation picks up. “Can you believe Team Dell? This is the third time this season that all four team members swept qualifying!” “Yeah, looks like hiring David Bailey as a riding coach was a good move for them, huh?” “I want to see the Motorola squad kick their ass, though.” “It might happen; Motorola had an easy time with Black & Decker/Pennzoil last weekend in New England...”

The banter slows only slightly as the first moto gets underway. On the box seat monitors, lap times and rider positions are presented, while the family is able to see the entire track from their seats. In comfort. In style.

Like all good motocross fans, they stay until the checkered flag falls on the last moto of the day. They watch their trophy presentation and give a final cheer for the victors. Then they pack up their belongings and stroll back to their car. They stop and buy last minute souvenir t-shirts on the way. They're in no rush because they know that there's no hassle in getting out of the parking lot and back on the road for the drive home, even though the place was nearly packed with over 70,000 fans. They're already looking forward to the next home race in two weeks. And waiting for them in their mailbox at home is the renewal application for their box seats, which they will enthusiastically renew.

Like the movie said, “If you build it, they will come.”

P.S. Enjoy the racing in Vegas!