If it's Maritime Late Models - Why so much American content?
Artistic/fictional depiction of two real drivers who were (are) prominent at a young age in the Maritime racing world, #67 Dylan Blenkhorn, versus the #53 Cole Butcher, who were often battling for the lead.
March 6th, 2024
[Opinion piece - shoutout to an anonymous individual who has been paying attention to my content since early on, who cared enough to express themselves to me]
As the frost of winter is perhaps only starting to thaw, and we eagerly anticipate that eternally endearing sound of racing engines across the Maritime provinces, I find myself reflecting on a question posed by someone who pays attention to this platform. The question was straightforward, honest, and important. The spirit of it was: why does this site, dedicated to Maritime Late Models, feature a notable amount of American racing content?
This brings into question something pretty important about my platform. With a moment of introspection, and some thoughts I am already cognizant of, it was helpful to be confronted with this, in a way that seemed interested enough to want an answer, but potentially confused, or not entirely pleased with the direction this platform is going. It given me an opportunity to clarify my vision and reaffirm my commitment to the passionate racing community of the Maritimes, which is my home scene.
Firstly, let me express my sincerest gratitude for this feedback. Engaging with my readers and addressing their concerns or opinions is important to me. Ultimately, this is a hobby of mine, and I choose what I want to choose, but feedback is in fact important, and I want to provide value, not alienation, and the Maritimes are my priority. Both my own, and other people’s voices are the fuel that drives my platform, and it is with this in mind that I address the raised concern.
Off-Season Dynamics and Content Strategy
The off-season presents a unique challenge for any sports platform. With local tracks currently silent, my focus is to to maintain an engaging presence year-round. This period often involves diversifying content to include stories that extend beyond our immediate geography, along with things like: 2024: A Key Year for Maritime Racing - The Tale of Two Tours, Decades on the Track: The Rise, Peak, and Shift of the ECI Pro Stock Tour, Part 2: Decades on the Track: The Rise, Peak, and Shift of the ECI Pro Stock Tour, ECI Pro Stock Tour History - Visualized, SLMS: Riding a Successful Debut’s Momentum into Year 2, Canadian Drivers invading Florida for Snowball Derby Weekend. American racers who have graced our tracks and left a mark on our racing heritage naturally become part of this broader narrative, as well: names like Trevor Sanborn, Mike Rowe (upcoming piece), and Travis Benjamin are notable parts of Maritime racing history, but also link us to a wider racing community, where we can proudly display the Maritime label, whilst asking questions about our region to these people, possibility of return, and sharing their opinion of our region with their audiences, potentially allowing for broader exposure.
Connecting the Dots – Local and International
My intention has always been to spotlight any and everything Maritime racing, or people involved, including racers - celebrating both their achievements or upcoming races, etc. on home soil and their ventures abroad. Covering events featuring racers from the Maritimes is not a departure from this goal but rather an extension, in that case. When our own racers like Cole Butcher, Nicholas Naugle, or Cory Hall as examples compete in the US, their stories are Maritime stories too, as I try to provide context to our fans here, if they aren’t familiar as to the history or significance of the race involved, whilst also providing a good quality article about the event. My hope is that the fact that I also add an emphasis on the local driver in the article, again, will also help with giving us exposure to the audience from the region of the race being covered.
The Essence of My Platform: A Passion for Pro/Super Late Model Asphalt, Template Bodied Racing
I pay out of pocket for this platform, and do it alone, independently (I just mean - Maritime Late Models is a 1 person team, I acknowledge photographers, readers, drivers, and plenty of other people help). It is a labour of love, a hobby born from loving late model racing. Each article, interview, and feature is crafted with this passion at its core. This platform was born unexpectedly and quickly just this past September, when the racing season here was just about over. I had literally never interacted with anyone in the racing world, besides my father, who is also a fan like me, despite attending since I was a kid, in the 90s. I had no connections, etc.
During the off-season, there is only so much going on, but I try to create original content. Also - my platform strives to cover things not already covered by others - I do not want to compete with or replicate other platforms, I want to be additive. As far as articles/interviews with people involved in racing here, I am working on it constantly. It takes 2 people to make things happen, and I do not like to talk about what I am working on, unless I think it is virtually 100% for sure happening. There are no contracts, etc. So even if people agree to things, I do not want to announce ‘I will be doing such and such, with so and so,’ and then if it doesn’t happen, there is a risk that some people may think that person backed out, flaked on me, whatever. That is my thought process, anyway, the last thing I ever want is to give anyone a negative impression of anyone. No one owes me anything, and there are no obligations for anyone with my platform.
Looking Forward – A Commitment to Maritime Racing
As the new season dawns, rest assured, my focus will intensify on the Maritime scene more explicitly.
In Conclusion – Your Voice Matters
In closing, I want to reiterate my appreciation for anyone’s feedback. It is helpful for me to get a gauge on what people enjoy, as that is my purpose, to provide enjoyment. While my content may cast a wider net, the heart of my platform remains firmly anchored in the Maritimes. Concerns are not just heard but are instrumental in helping with my journey forward. I am cautious of the fact that I could potentially be alienating or pushing some people away, which is the last thing I want. I figure some will appreciate the extra content, some will be neutral, and some may be pushed away. I am trying to be aware of these things. My thinking is that if you click on the Article or Archive tab, you can see all of my content, and pick and choose what you want.
As always, I invite anyone’s thoughts, suggestions, and stories. This platform is as much yours as it is mine, and together, we'll continue to celebrate the thrilling world of Maritime late model racing.
