Jeff Gordon

Haroon Mokhtarzada asked:


I talk frequently about the importance of widgets – how they’re an advertising format that swims with the current instead of against it; that of the major marketing disruptions handed down by the Internet only widgets are proving to be both promotion-effective and brand-enhancing; how they allow marketers to join conversations they might not otherwise be invited into.

But let’s suppose for a minute that widgets aren’t important to marketing.

OK, I can’t do that. Let’s suppose for a minute that the importance of widgets to marketing is not yet known, that they are just emerging as the next new thing, are building in buzz, but short on evidence. Let’s suppose that we are where we were about a year ago. Or where every new platform, technology and distribution development have found themselves. eBay, Amazon, Google have all been there. Mobile, Video, Behavioral Targeting did their time. Virtual worlds, advergaming, much of social media are there still.
Whether the current marketing fascinations evolve into the next Google, or deteriorate into the next PointCast is relevant to their executives and VCs. But it shouldn’t matter a whit to marketers. Marketers ought to be equipped to plunge into opportunities as soon as they are spotted, not after they have been proven. Not because they may develop into opportunities that marketers will have missed. Trust me, if any startup suddenly finds itself the brand marketer’s Holy Grail, there will be inventory and opportunity for everyone.

Rather, marketers should be involved in emerging opportunities because even if they are not big events themselves, they are training for marketing’s big events, and for the past couple of years the Freewebs sales and marketing team has been trail blazing in this area.

Every discipline needs practice, and no level of expertise can be achieved without it. For example, Derek Jeter probably fields about half a dozen ground balls during a 9-inning game. That he does so with such aplomb is because of the countless thousands of sharply hit grounders cracked his way during practice every season. Imagine if the only driving Jeff Gordon did other than his qualifying and competitive laps on the Nascar track was shuttling his kids to school and soccer practice in the family minivan. Or if Lance Armstrong took 11 months off every year, and only rode his bike about 100 miles a day for 3 weeks straight during the Tour de France.

These are world-class athletes I’m using as examples, but the analogy is valid. The clients I work with here at Freewebs – at major movie studios, CPGs, auto manufacturers, music labels, and financial services companies – are world-class. If there were an Olympics for marketing, these people would be medal favorites in every event. And if you’re not among them, you’re competing with them for the same consumer mindshare.

The trouble comes when opportunities have to be Olympic-caliber to warrant attention. The analogy ends here because athletes can’t just decide they’ll do the Olympics. They have to train and qualify and prove their worth every step of the way. Marketers with a big enough budget can elect to compete in any arena, including only the biggest. But without the endless hours of training and practice and qualifying and simulating competitive environments, their chances for gold are severely hamstrung.

Emerging opportunities – in whatever medium – are an ideal training facility. The skills marketers are sharpening there, by nature of the “emerging” part of “emerging opportunity”, are likely new skills, giving marketers more depth and versatility. Imagine if Brett Favre could run like Vince Young. Or if Roger Clemens could suddenly throw a knuckleball like Tim Wakefield. Or if Wal-Mart could make people love them as much as Prius. Sheer domination.

But practice takes time, and time is money. And when you’re talking about advertising, everything is money. How should you determine how much budget to allocate to the skill-building offered through emerging opportunities? One ratio to consider is Mickey’s, who said to Rocky as the fighter was languishing through a workout, “For a 45-minute fight, you have to train hard for 45,000 minutes.” By those calculations, for every $100K an advertiser spends on television, they ought to put $100 million into Second Life.

Again, you see the analogy is like the lane dividers on NYC avenues – more of a suggestion than a hard rule. Wannamaker might suggest half the budget be devoted to emerging opportunities (he just wouldn’t know which half). If only we could identify the wasted parts and put them to better use.

I would posit, however, that given the supersonic speed of media change, all resources NOT contributing somehow towards developing the world-class marketing skills required to compete within emerging opportunities will someday be viewed as wasted. And some brands may remain on the sidelines, watching the race they ought to have won. The Freewebs team is dedicated to making sure they win next time.



MAURICE

Karen J asked:


I have a Jeff Gordon 6 in 1 Universal Remote control and have lost the codes to it. It is for a television with the brand name being Symphonic. Does anyone have the codes for this tv?

BRANDON

CarMatchPro asked:


The other day I had my car aligned (4 wheel alignment) after replacing pretty much my entire suspension. A friend recommended Johnson’s Alignment Service out of Torrance. All I can say is WOW! (I usually, don’t write about a specific shop, but was truly impressed with the product and service that Johnson’s offered and in some cities these types of shops don’t exist, unfortunately). You’re probably thinking…big deal? Well, it was a big deal for the fact I haven’t seen a shop like this for close to twenty years! Most technicians have been there 10+ plus years and knew their stuff. Totally “old school” but for the right reasons.I spoke to John, the Manager and spent a little time with him on the phone and he asked me what components that I had put on. John knew the products cold. Having said that, once I arrived…it was all Porsches, BMW, SAAB and a truck, yes, a good ol’ Chevy pickup.John asked me how I wanted it set up. I told him that I don’t race the vehicle anymore and suggested “aggressive street driving”.

Now, I’m going to water this all down. This is like asking me how I want my steak - rare, medium or well done, as well as getting the salad dressing on the side. He catered to my needs. There is sort of rule is these type of setups…better handling applications increases wear and tear, more so, in how it is aligned. In other words, an aggressive set up will make you look like Jeff Gordon or Mario Andretti, but you’ll need a pocket book like Trump, because it will wear down your tires faster.

Conversely, a good, standard alignment will give you longevity, better than factory handling (I will talk more about this later), better gas mileage, etc. Further, with these “old school” techniques they work out all the components over and over and yes, over again. With these typical shops that you get a 4-wheel alignment, which is done electronically and can have you out in jiffy- 30-40 minutes, tops. At Johnson’s he worked on it for 2 hours straight! And let me tell you, even though I replaced the entire suspension, it wasn’t until the alignment came in effect that the car was, frankly, a new car.

In fact, I felt, that I had to learn how to drive the car again.John told me what was out and let’s just say for argument sake that the tire can go in roughly dozen plus positions and multiply that with 4 wheels, are you getting the math on this?

Well, to make a long story short there were considerable amount of things that were out and when he explained it, it’s almost like I was driving a tractor out on the freeway. Three words: Night and Day. As I mentioned earlier about factory “settings.” The manufacturer gives tolerances and parameters to work with and as long as you are within those “boundaries” you are good to go. In other words, when you get a brand new car whether it is an Audi or Yugo, professionally speaking, they will ****.

As I mentioned, there was a BMW 5 series, it was brand new. Another gentlemen had just bought a Porsche Cayman (one of the best handling vehicles in the world) that he was putting the finishing touches. In fact, he was doing something a little bit more advanced-corner balancing. In laymen’s terms, this is like getting an adjustment from your Chiropractor, so that your hip is in place and that the legs are moving freely and going back and forth to legs and to hips, but in the cars perspective, from corner to corner and yes, OVER and OVER.

Lastly, as I mentioned that an old pick up had an alignment done. You see, it doesn’t matter what you are driving and alignment like this WILL pay for itself from decreased wear and tear on your tires to better gas mileage. I almost felt like I ripped John off, from how much he charged me. Now, how often does that happen when you take your vehicle to the shop?

Sincerely,

Lawrence Ribeiro



JESSIE

anyonebutkc asked:


Jeff Gordon signed the passenger side dashboard and Rick Hendrick signed the driver’s side sun visor. What is this car worth? Is there a place I should go to that could give me an accurate estimate of its value?

HANS

Jeremy Dunn asked:


The 2008 NASCAR Racing Sprint Cup season was dominated by a small circle of teams that have ingeniously advanced their entire programs over the past four or five years. Most NASCAR fans will agree the Roush Fenway Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, and Joe Gibbs Racing are at the zenith of the sport when it comes to on-track performance and achievements. Take a glimpse at the driver roster for each of the above mentioned teams. Roush Fenway Racing boasts a blend of talented personalities in Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, David Ragan, and Jamie McMurray. Hendrick Motorsports owns perhaps the most star-studded lineup in NASCAR history with Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Mark Martin. Richard Childress Racing possesses perhaps the most consistent trio of drivers with Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, and Clint Bowyer. He added former Hendrick Motorsports driver Casey Mears to his driver roster for the 2009 season. Joe Gibbs Racing has the youthful vigor of Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and rookie Joey Logano, with their ages ranging from 18 to 28. Logano replaces the two-time champion Tony Stewart. In 2006, the four teams made up eight of the ten drivers in the Chase for the Championship. In 2007, they occupied ten of the twelve slots in the ten-race championship chase. In 2008, the entire Chase for the Championship field was drivers and teams from the ‘big four’. Clearly, it is no surprise that other teams may tremble at the thought of having to compete with these juggernauts. However, there are a few teams out there with drivers and personnel capable of giving the big four a run for their money.

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates were separate entities prior to the merger in November of 2008. Remember the Coors Light Dodge battling the Budweiser Chevrolet in the early 2000’s? Now they are one operation, combining their resources with the intention of competing at a higher level. Earnhardt Ganassi Racing has their share of critics, but they have two talented drivers with solid sponsors. Martin Truex Jr qualified for the Chase for the Championship in 2007 after winning his first race at Dover. Truex Jr quickly became a popular driver with his laidback outdoorsmen demeanor. Juan Pablo Montoya is not one of the more popular drivers in the Sprint Cup garage, but no one can say that he is not talented. Montoya and Truex Jr are both capable of winning a race in 2009 with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing equipment. In fact, the organization is practically depending on it. Aric Almirola is expected to compete in all thirty-six races in 2009 in the No. 8 car. Stewart Haas Racing: Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman are significant upgrades from Johnny Sauter and Scott Riggs, but how will they stack up against the big four? Stewart Haas Racing will use engines and chassis supplied by Hendrick Motorsports, but they are no Hendrick Motorsports, at least not yet. In due course, this team will flourish with Stewart and Newman as the drivers. Stewart is a two-time champion and Newman is a Daytona 500 champion so they do not lack credentials. Stewart and Newman winning a race in 2009 is not that far-fetched, especially on the restrictor plate tracks as well as the road courses. It would come as a surprise if they are fast enough to contend at the 1.5-mile and 2-mile tracks.

Richard Petty Motorsports: Like Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports is fresh off a merger and name change. Formerly Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Enterprises, they are now one team with four drivers. Kasey Kahne is the star, the driver that will likely produce the best results. Elliott Sadler is the veteran who has struggled in recent years, but hopes to turn the corner. Reed Sorenson and A.J. Allmendinger are hungry young drivers itching to earn a trip to victory lane. Kahne provides the only real threat to the big four. Allmendinger may emerge as a pleasant surprise if he has the opportunity to compete in the full slate of races. Penske Racing: Kurt Busch is the only driver in Penske Racing’s three-team shop that can really threaten the big four. Busch qualified for the Chase for the Championship in 2007 after winning two races. Ryan Newman won thirteen races in Penske Racing equipment, but bolted after three sub par seasons. David Stremme replaces Newman, but you get the feeling that Penske settled for his test driver. Sam Hornish Jr is comparable to Jeff Gordon or Jimmie Johnson when he is driving in the Indy Racing League, but his results in NASCAR Racing have been downright awful. Hornish may begin to show signs of potential in 2009.

Yates Racing: Yates Racing has made some bold moves this off-season. After forming an alliance with Hall of Fame Racing, they were able to use the Ask.com sponsorship to lure 2000 champion Bobby Labonte to their neck of the woods. Labonte joins Paul Menard and Travis Kvapil. Menard and his sponsor, Menard’s, fled Dale Earnhardt Inc, joined Yates Racing, meaning that the team has two fully sponsored cars. Travis Kvapil may not compete in all races unless sponsorship is found. Labonte may contend on the restrictor plate tracks, and possibly the short tracks. Menard still has a lot to prove in NASCAR’s highest level of competition. Red Bull Racing: Red Bull Racing has a couple of young drivers that will put it all on the line. Brian Vickers owns a Sprint Cup victory and had shown considerable progress in his two years at Red Bull Racing. Scott Speed is a rookie, and it may take a few banged up race cars before he fully catches on to this NASCAR Racing thing. Michael Waltrip Racing: David Reutimann is Michael Waltrip Racing’s strongest driver based on his result over the 2008 season. He ended the season on a high note with solid performances at Texas and Homestead. Michael Waltrip has yet to show any signs of contending in his own equipment. Marcos Ambrose will be a contender on the road course tracks, but he may struggle on the ovals.



RANDOLPH

Julie Smith asked:


Preparations are beginning for the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race held annually at the Daytona International Speedway catalogued as the most important and prestigious race on the NASCAR Calendar is around the corner and the annual season opening is already in action.



The Budweiser Shootout, a non-points All-Star race featuring the previous season’s pole winners and past Budweiser Shootout champions which kicked off a week before the big day of the season shows a record of 23 racers this year. The shootout is very famous in the United States; however, nothing is more important than the NASCAR’s Superbowl or Daytona 500 usually held the second Sunday of February and always associated with the Presidents Day weekend.

Winning Daytona 500 is the perfect chance to shine on the sport’s biggest day. It’s also the biggest payday each year. The winner’s share this year likely will top $1.5 million. But the drivers aren’t thinking about the money because it is all about a place in history since winning this event makes you the most valuable player in NASCAR since fans remember Daytona 500 winners more than Cup champions.

In fact, Daytona 500 TV audience has been the highest for any auto race of the year. Actually, the 2006 Daytona 500 attracted the sixth largest average live global TV audience of any sporting event that year with 20 million viewers. People who normally don’t watch NASCAR will tune in and watch the Daytona 500, just like people watch the Kentucky Derby or the Masters.

There are already three drivers leading the pack as early favorites to win the 2008 Daytona 500. Defending Nextel Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports Teammates Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are all listed as favorites to win the 50th running of the Great American Race.

As yet, Jimmie Johnson has the fastest speed in the first Daytona 500 practice; he posted it this morning going 186.285 miles per hour while rookie Carpenter was the fastest in the afternoon going 186.150. Patrick Carpentier was the quickest driver in the second practice session for the 50th Daytona 500. The Valvoline Dodge driver lapped the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway tri-oval in 48.348/186.150 mph.



ROOSEVELT

KatieJones asked:


Last month, the most popular NASCAR driver today announced that he will be leaving his father’s team at the end of the season. Dale Earnhardt Jr., voted as the most popular NASCAR driver today by fans, publicized that he will be leaving the Dale Earnhardt Inc. after the 2007 Nextel Cup Series. The NASCAR team was put up by his late father - the legendary seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt Sr.

After the announcement, the NASCAR community has been speculating which team Junior will be racing for next year. For weeks, fans of the superstar have waited for his decision. Recently, he announced that he will be racing for Hendrick Motorsports next year.

With Junior joining Hendrick Motorsports, he will replace Kyle Busch. For the next season, Junior will still be driving a Chevy which is currently dominating the Nextel Cup Series. Chevrolet cars with their Chevy door handles shaved have already won ten of the fourteen races so far this season.

Brian France, son of the late Bill France, the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of NASCAR, has this to say of Junior’s jump to Hendrick: “Today’s announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s move to Hendrick Motorsports is indeed an important announcement for this season and beyond, and it should be noted that high-profile partnerships have always been a part of NASCAR’s competitive history. There have been so many great partnerships involving people of great character and ability. We’re proud of what they have brought to our sport. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always said that first and foremost, he wants to win a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship. We wish him the best of luck.”

There are questions surrounding his sponsorship with Budweiser. The company has been the most notable supporter of the 34-year old NASCAR driver. Tony Ponturo, the Vice-President for Global Media and Sports Marketing for Anheuser-Busch Inc., has this to say after Junior’s announcement: “Anheuser-Busch has enjoyed a remarkable relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. since our sponsorship commenced back in 1999. Dale Jr. is an excellent ambassador for the sport and our company, and we look forward to exploring options with Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports to continue Budweiser’s relationship with him as he enters this new stage of his racing career.”

Ironically, Junior will be joining the team which knocked off his father from the top spot of the motorsports in the 1990s. His new teammate Jeff Gordon led the uprising of young drivers which took the place of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and his contemporaries at the pinnacle of the sport. Aside from Gordon, Junior will be joining defending champion Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears.

Analysts saw the jump to Hendrick by Junior as an excellent decision. Tim Brewer, an analyst for ESPN, says: “I think it’s a great decision because he wants to go and win races and win championships. He’s going to make the change for himself, get in a good race car and he’ll get the job done. He’s been saying all along that he really wants to drive the No. 3 car at the end of his career so I think that’s the reason he didn’t go to Richard Childress yet. They are proven winners and proven champions at Hendrick. The combination he’s had hasn’t been working, and that’s no disrespect to anyone. If I were him I would show up, not even take my helmet, and just ask ‘which car do you want me to get in?’ If I’d implemented a change and gone this far, I believe I’d make a big change.”



DEAN

tyler asked:


what happened to jeff gordon laast week on sundays race at michigan my family was having a get together? i know he went from 7th to the 20’s fast and i saw some playbacks of something haqppening but i couldn’t hear it what happened to him?

PHILLIP