Tom, well said and I agree with you 100%. The auto magazine market has
changed so much that my local grocery store doesn't even carry Hot Rod any
more. It's all Eurosport and Honda Civic clones.
----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas E. Bryant <saltracer@awwwsome.com>
To: Land Speed <land-speed@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 1999 6:00 PM
Subject: Hot Rod Magazine
> Group,
>
> When this issue first hit the network, I was deeply disturbed that Hot
> Rod's editor could be so harsh to one of ours. But, I had some time to
> think about this controversy of Walkey and Hot Rod's editor, while I was
> out of town, visiting my daughter and her children in Bend Oregon. When
> I arrived back at the shop this afternoon, I reviewed the article in
> question and Ken's response.
>
> With all due respect to both Walkey and McGonegal, both acted like
> children in their responses. In the article, it was very plain that this
> was 1/4 mile territory and should not have caused any feelings of
> disrespect from our corner. As someone pointed out, "we need to make
> friends with the Media if we want coverage." This episode has not helped
> our cause, possibly has done us harm.
>
> Ken's response was unnecessarily harsh. Pointing out that Nish's car has
> a faster time could have been done without raising the hackles of
> McGonegal. The editor's response was not as kind as it could have been,
> being brought on by Ken's remarks, I believe. (I'm not defending
> McGonegal here, but, just look at the responses his remarks got from
> us.)
>
> We need to recognize that Hot Rod Magazine has readership with a broad
> Automotive interest. Unfortunately, Land Speed Racing isn't what most of
> their advertisers are involved in. I know we all love to see our events
> covered by the major magazines, with pictures of our cars displayed, and
> good coverage of the proceedings, but we are an amateur sport, and as
> such, don't gather that much attention in today's society. Times are
> changing though, on the positive side, we are getting much more TV
> exposure. It also needs to be understood that Petersen no longer owns
> Petersen Publications, it was sold a few years ago to, no doubt,
> non-racers. One thing that gave us the coverage we have received was the
> fact that Petersen Publications grew out of our roots.
>
> Be it known that I am not condemning anyone for responding as they did
> to Hot Rod Magazine. As I have said, my first inclination was to do the
> same. I guess that sometimes, when angry, it is better to count to 10
> before speaking.
>
> I plan to respond to McGonegal, hopefully, in a way that will put us in
> a better light.
>
> Tom, Redding CA 5:30PM PST
>
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