Speed. Excitement. Strategy. Perseverance. All were present and more at the La Crosse International Speedway in West Salem, Wisconsin, in early October 2021.
But what struck me most was the strategy. I’ve never experienced the rush of sitting in or driving a racecar. I didn’t grow up immersed in the world of racing. Consequently, I’ve never thought about the tactics of what it takes to win a race.
Turning corners at just the right spot and speed. Taking advantage of the straight areas of the track to gain momentum, only to approach the next corner and do it all over again, lap after lap.
Which driver can make these adjustments to result in the best time, especially when several other drivers are doing the same thing at the same time? Which driver can do this in the safest way possible while cramped in a small, hot space, while also keeping mechanics in mind in case something goes awry?
I learned all this and a lot more about racing strategy from the Gabe Sommers Racing (GSR) Team while watching Gabe qualify for the Oktoberfest Race on the weekend of October 8-10 at the La Crosse International Speedway in West Salem.
It was the main event the WPVGA Promotions Committee desired to sponsor with GSR, but the team was gracious enough to provide Wisconsin potato promotions at many other races leading up to Oktoberfest by putting a “Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes” logo on the car.
While many people, both regular and new fans, have gravitated to attending races, especially after being required to stay home amid the pandemic, the crowd at Oktoberfest was quite exciting. The stream of people walking by WPVGA’s Spudmobile was endless. The vehicle was parked in a highly visible location; people couldn’t help but notice it on their way to and from the racetrack.
When visitors did stop by the Spudmobile, they received more than anticipated. WPVGA director of nutrition Sarah Agena was grilling seasoned samples of petite potatoes to tempt visitors’ taste buds. Passersby were also given the opportunity to take a bag of fresh petite potatoes home with them to make on their own. Finally, they could walk away with giveaways, recipe tear pads, and the opportunity to win a gift bag by entering their names each day.
But there’s more. The “Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes” logo was apparent on Gabe’s car the whole weekend, and WPVGA sponsored the wi-fi connection for the 12,000 people who camped on-site for the weekend. On Sunday, WPVGA provided 500 Wisconsin potato brownies that a 4-H group handed out during their pancake breakfast on the grounds.
When all was said and done, consumers had a hard time avoiding the “Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes” message that also encompassed the health benefits potatoes naturally provide and the importance of buying local. Online guests received the same message during three consecutive social media contests that lived on WPVGA’s social media platforms, as well as those of Gabe Sommers Racing. Winners received gift cards to Kwik Trip and a “Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes” T-shirt. The last giveaway also included an engraved cutting board with the “Powered by Wisconsin Potatoes” logo. It was a great way to incorporate the “Fuel your performance with Wisconsin potatoes” concept into an entire weekend.