Street outlaw clowns are in trouble!

here are my thoughts..

1. NHRA does not have a legal claim against the drivers on "street outlaws" if the show films the episodes on closed roads where police permits have been issued. if you read the section that NHRA is quoting, it refers to "illegal" street racing. street outlaws racing on public streets would not be "illegal" if they have obtained a permit.

2. NHRA would have a claim against the show if there are any NHRA stickers visible on any of the vehicles in the show. NHRA would have the right to oppose the use of such stickers "without their written permission" which is the usual standard for using corporate logos.

3. all TV shows have lawyers who give the final OK on scripts and intended actions. given the "public profile" of the street outlaws show, it would be hard to believe that the producer of the show had overlooked any legal requirements and/or liabilities in the filming and/or broadcast of that show.

4. i suspect there is a "back story" behind this dispute. perhaps the show's producer wanted involvement with NHRA and they couldn't agree to a deal; perhaps there was advertising offers made that the show and NHRA couldn't agree upon - whatever the issue, i would bet there is much more to the story.

5. the problem that NHRA has is that the "real" money in racing these days has to do with broadcasting rights and revenue. the premise of "street outlaws" as ridiculous as that show is - is the kind of show that brings viewers and advertisers these days. it is impossible for NHRA to compete with the "entertainment" street outlaws brings. oddly, rather than trying to beat this show, if i were advising NHRA, i would advise that they find a way to work with the show.