NASCAR Can Teach Us Social Media

I have to hand it to NASCAR when it comes toweek the Atlanta Motor Speedway offered the first
connecting with their fans using social media. The1000 fans $1 tickets because the #1 car won the
way they use Twitter especially on race day isDaytona 500 the week before. They used Twitter
second to none. As a NASCAR fan I really appreciateto push the word out and they had 300 fans at the
the work they are doing.track almost instantly buying tickets.
They keep fans up to date when it comes toReporting On Twitter in Real Time
cautions, drivers conditions after a wreck, pit roadThere are also many reporters on Twitter who are
violations, and useful information fans can use asat the track while the races are going on and they
they are enjoying the race. One thing they havetweet out updates as they happen. These guys
going for them is it isn't just NASCAR talking to theknow that the fans want to hear these updates and
fans, most of the drivers communicate directly withare glad to get the news out there, after all they are
the fans. This has made the average fan get an upreporters.
and close look into what their favorite drivers are upThis should be a lesson for the NBA, NFL, MLB, and
to in almost real time.the NHL which are punishing players and coaches
They have about 45 drivers actively using Twitter.from using Twitter. No longer does the average fan
Even when the drivers are out on the track doinghave to listen to a sports reporter when it comes to
200 mph they have someone on the team either ingetting the true NASCAR story as we are kept up
the pits or at the track giving updates which theyto date on their favorite driver and team. Sometimes
can hear from the teams radio. Most of the timewe are more informed then the reporter who is
while I am watching a race I know what is happeningactually at the race.
even before the announcers tell me on the TV.Even the drivers sponsors and auto companies are
Not only are the race drivers on Twitter, so are allembracing Twitter. You can follow what is happening
the racetracks. You can get advance notice on ticketby following Twitter accounts like Lowes or Ford
sales and other fun things going on at the tracks.Racing. They usually keep you up to dates on things
Some tracks even help with traffic coming to thelike driver appearances and specials when the team
racetrack and offer other routes instead. This pastwins.