Heid | The "Drag-N-Drive" Trademark Situation, Midwest Drags Owner : The Cooper Bogetti Podcast EP98

Introduction to Midwest Drags and Hyde

Overview of the Event and Community

• The host introduces Hyde, owner of Midwest Drags and a significant figure in the drag racing community.

• Discussion begins about trademarking "drag and drive," which became a major topic in 2022-2023.

• Hyde explains that while many knew about the trademark since 2018, public awareness was limited until recently.

History of Drag and Drive

• The term "drag and drive" was coined by Hyde to differentiate his event from others like Drag Week.

• A timeline is established showing the evolution of drag events from 2005 with Drag Week to the emergence of other events including Midwest Drags in 2018.

• Post-COVID, there has been a surge in drag-and-drive events globally, with around 50 recognized worldwide.

Trademarking "Drag and Drive"

Rationale Behind Trademarking

• Hyde discusses the confusion caused by multiple events using similar names, prompting him to create a unique term for marketing purposes.

• He emphasizes that "drag and drive" accurately describes their activities—combining drag racing with driving on public roads.

Impact of Trademark Awareness

• The phrase gained popularity after being endorsed during live broadcasts, significantly increasing its visibility within the community.

• By September 2021, following a car giveaway event, "drag and drive" became widely recognized across various media platforms.

Challenges During COVID

Adjustments Made Due to Pandemic

• The pandemic forced Midwest Drags to pause operations for a year; they resumed with plans for giveaways as marketing strategies.

• Organizing an event during COVID presented logistical challenges due to restrictions on tracks, hotels, and restaurants.

Community Engagement Through Giveaways

• The car giveaway aimed not just at promotion but also at fostering community spirit among racers who completed specific criteria during events.

Event Logistics and Racer Experience

Structure of Events

• Hyde shares insights into how he structures races focusing on fast cars while ensuring safety through well-prepped tracks.

• Emphasis is placed on racer preferences for routes that allow flexibility rather than strict turn-by-turn directions.

Route Stops Importance

• Route stops are strategically chosen based on motorsport relevance; local shops often provide support services during events.

Promoter Challenges

Coordination Among Tracks

• Organizing these events requires collaboration between multiple track promoters who must align schedules for successful execution.

Marketing Difficulties

• Promoters face challenges filling seats during weekday events due to lower attendance compared to weekend races.

Trademark Controversy Unfolding

Public Reaction

• Discussions reveal misunderstandings regarding trademark intentions; some believed it was an attempt at monopolization rather than protection.

Legal Process Insights

• Hyde details the lengthy process involved in obtaining trademarks, including initial rejections based on similarities with existing terms.

Discussion on Dragon Drive Licensing and Community Reactions

Overview of Licensing and Usage

• The annual license for using the term "Dragon Drive" is still priced at one dollar, making it accessible for those in the drag and drive community.

• Prior to any controversies, various promoters, motorsports retailers, and racers were already utilizing the term without issues.

Clarifications on Legal Matters

• The speaker clarifies that there was no lawsuit against Bailey; they maintain a cordial relationship.

• The trademark for "Dragon Drive" was secured before Bailey's magazine launch, indicating prior knowledge of its existence.

Misconceptions About Trademark Use

• There is a perception that the name "Dragon Drive" was taken from others; however, the trademark office would not allow such an action.

• The speaker emphasizes that their use of "Dragon Drive" predates many discussions about its ownership.

Community Sentiment and Adoption

• Stickers with "Drag and Drive TM" were produced as early as 2019 to establish first public use in connection with Midwest drag events.

• Despite having established usage, there seems to be confusion regarding why some community members expressed outrage over trademarking.

Response to Criticism

• The speaker expresses confusion over the backlash received despite not imposing rules or requirements on promoters within the community.

• They clarify that obtaining a license is voluntary; no promoter has been denied access if they requested it.

Financial Aspects of Trademarking

Cost Implications

• Although licensing costs only one dollar annually, significant expenses were incurred during the trademarking process itself.

• Many promoters do not profit significantly from their roles; it's more about passion than financial gain in this sector.

Comparisons with Other Trademarks

• The discussion compares "Dragon Drive" to other trademarks like TX2K which are also protected due to their prestige within racing communities.

Challenges Faced by Drag and Drive Events

Event Integrity Concerns

• Completing a week-long national dragon drive event is seen as a badge of honor among participants due to its challenges.

Perception Issues

• There’s acknowledgment that some individuals may have misunderstood or misrepresented intentions behind trademarking efforts.

Sponsor Relationships and Public Perception

Changes in Sponsorship Dynamics

• No sponsors dropped out; instead, restructuring occurred for better focus on brand defense without external pressures from sponsors.

Communication Breakdown

• A lack of communication from peers during controversies led to misunderstandings about ongoing legal matters affecting public perception.

Addressing Misinformation

Impact of False Claims

• The speaker notes disappointment over being unable to directly communicate with critics who spread misinformation about lawsuits or cease-and-desist letters.

Community Support Dynamics

Need for Unity

• It would have been beneficial if fellow community members had publicly clarified truths during times of conflict.

Personal Experiences During Controversy

Emotional Toll

• While attending an event when controversy erupted, the speaker felt overwhelmed by sudden attacks online regarding their business practices.

NHRA Involvement in Drag Racing

Relationship Between NHRA and Drag & Drive Community

• There's hope that NHRA's involvement will encourage more racers to participate in drag events while maintaining integrity within both communities.

Future Directions for Drag Racing

Saving Drag Racing Through Participation

• Emphasizing participation through Dragon Drive events could help revitalize interest in drag racing amidst declining track numbers.

Discussion on Trademark Issues in the Drag and Drive Community

Initial Concerns

• The speaker expresses regret about not being able to address trademark issues directly, feeling overwhelmed by the situation.

• A consensus was reached to remain silent during a heated period, believing it would help the situation cool down.

Reactions and Community Dynamics

• The speaker sought assistance from others to clarify misunderstandings but was told they needed to resolve it independently.

• Observations of mob mentality within the community are noted, where reactions can be impulsive and unconsidered.

Importance of Perspective

• Emphasizes that there are always two sides to every story, which is often overlooked in heated discussions.

• The speaker reflects on their love for the drag and drive community and how external perceptions can lead to defensive attitudes.

Communication Challenges Within the Community

Desire for Clarity

• The tight-knit nature of the drag racing community leads to significant infighting when events aren't happening.

• The speaker notes a pattern of crises occurring every few months within the community, questioning whether members prefer conflict over racing.

Protective Instincts

• Many feel protective of drag racing but struggle with what that protection should look like in practice.

• The speaker emphasizes open communication as vital, encouraging direct contact rather than relying on social media for information.

Efforts Toward Unity and Standardization

Outreach Initiatives

• There’s a call for similar rule sets across events so racers don’t have to modify their cars extensively between competitions.

• Adoption of established rules from successful events like Drag Week is discussed as a way to create consistency.

Championship Structure

• Introduction of a world championship aims to encourage participation across various dragon drive events, showcasing versatility among racers.

• Highlighting challenges faced by competitors demonstrates resilience; an example includes Bryant Goldstone's journey with his Javelin car.

Clarifying Event Guidelines and Points System

Championship Mechanics

• Explanation provided regarding how points are accumulated through participation in different types of events (national vs. regional).

• Clarification that trademark issues do not affect championship structure; they were developed separately based on racer feedback.

Inclusivity in Events

• Promoters were consulted during rule development to ensure inclusivity while maintaining event integrity.

Addressing Concerns Over Trademark Ownership

Protection Against Misuse

• Fear exists that if trademarks aren’t protected, someone could exploit them negatively within the community.

Open Licensing Offers

• An offer is made for any promoter or racer interested in licensing opportunities at minimal cost ($1 annually).

Future Directions for Events

Current Status Update

• Midwest drags are progressing well with registration opening up due to participant dropouts as event dates approach.

Exciting Venue Visits

• Upcoming visits include notable automotive facilities such as Harget Automotive and Fat House Fabrication.

Enhancing Racer Experience

• Focus remains on ensuring engaging stops during events that benefit both sponsors and participants alike.

Trademark Ownership and Community Responsibility

Understanding Trademark Protection

• The speaker discusses the importance of trademark registration, emphasizing that the registered "R" symbol indicates federal protection for their trademark.

• It is highlighted that the owner of a trademark must actively police it; failure to do so risks losing the trademark rights.

• The speaker reached out to community members using the trademark, offering licenses rather than resorting to legal threats, fostering goodwill.

Risks and Responsibilities in Trademark Management

• There are companies that aggressively enforce trademarks for profit, which poses a threat to community-driven initiatives like "Dragon Drive."

• Open communication within the community is essential to prevent misunderstandings regarding trademark usage and ownership.

Promoting and Protecting Events

Importance of Promotion

• The speaker advises promoters to protect their events by securing trademarks if they believe in their value.

• Concerns are raised about other events like "Drag Week" potentially being at risk due to lack of trademark protection.

Community Engagement

• The goal is not just personal gain but uniting the racing community under a protective umbrella for collective benefit.

Evolving Perceptions Within the Community

Changing Attitudes

• Over time, negative perceptions towards the speaker have diminished as support from friends has strengthened.

• Acknowledgment of how public opinion can shift based on understanding and transparency in communication.

Value of Trademarks in Racing Culture

Significance of Branding

• The phrase "drag and drive" has become valuable; protecting it ensures its integrity within the community.

• Success attracts attention; thus, protecting valuable phrases becomes crucial against potential malicious actors.

Legal Considerations in Motorsports

Challenges with Trademark Enforcement

• Concerns arise over whether someone else could misuse a trademark if not properly protected, leading to potential harm within the community.

Community Welfare

• Emphasis on ensuring that any enforcement actions taken are beneficial for the overall motorsport community rather than detrimental.

Communication Among Promoters

Need for Collaboration

• Promoters should enhance communication efforts among themselves to better serve racers and fans alike.

Future Aspirations

• Reflecting on past successes can inspire future growth within drag racing events over decades.

Recognizing Pioneers in Drag Racing

Acknowledging Contributions

• Discussion about recognizing figures like Fried Burger as pivotal contributors who shaped drag racing culture.

Inspiration Behind Drag Drives

Motivational Aspects

• The concept of drag drives inspires participants by encouraging them to build cars or restore old ones based on what they see during events.

Engaging Fans Beyond Competition

Fan Experience

• Non-participating fans often enjoy unique experiences during events while supporting drivers informally.

Enhancing Event Accessibility

Participant Passes

• Introduction of an all-tracks pass allows non-racers easier access while still feeling part of event activities without competing directly.

Prioritizing Racer Needs

Racer-Centric Approach

• Emphasizing that promoters should prioritize racers' needs as they ultimately drive fan engagement and sponsorship opportunities.

Discussion on Agricultural Equipment and Consumer Rights

Concerns about John Deere's Service

• The speaker expresses frustration over the high costs associated with moving agricultural equipment like combines to dealerships for minor repairs, suggesting that such issues should be fixable in the field.

• There is a call for consumers to avoid purchasing from companies like John Deere if they demonstrate a lack of care for their customers, emphasizing that the end consumer ultimately bears all costs.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

• The speaker mentions Jay Barry, a farmer and drag racer, who faces numerous challenges from federal regulations while trying to sustain his business.

• The discussion highlights the difficulties farmers encounter due to regulatory pressures and competition from large corporations like Big Oil.

Future of Motorsports and Community Unity

Vision for Motorsports

• A lack of clear leadership in motorsports is noted, with no prominent figures outlining future directions or strategies for growth within the industry.

• Emphasis is placed on the importance of unity among promoters in drag racing to ensure its survival against external pressures.

Importance of Proactive Communication

• The next few years are deemed critical for sustaining motorsports; proactive communication among stakeholders is essential to navigate upcoming challenges.

• Supporting individual rights within the community is crucial; eroding one person's rights can weaken everyone's freedoms.

Legislative Impacts on Automotive Freedom

Government Regulations

• There's concern that Congress focuses more on increasing its power through new laws rather than protecting consumer rights.

• The speaker expresses a desire to disconnect from social media due to privacy concerns and reflects on how life was before its prevalence.

Advocacy Through Social Media

• A shift towards using social media as a platform for educating others about legislative changes affecting cars has been adopted by some individuals.

• An emphasis on understanding bills related to automotive industries indicates a growing awareness of how legislation impacts car enthusiasts.

Evolution of Vehicle Technology

Changes in Vehicle Design

• There’s an acknowledgment that modern vehicles have become increasingly complex with computer-controlled systems, making repairs more challenging than in previous decades.

• A distinction is made between older vehicles and newer models equipped with extensive sensors and electronic controls, complicating maintenance tasks.

Ownership Concerns

• Questions arise regarding true ownership of modern vehicles when manufacturers can reset vehicle settings remotely after modifications are made by owners or tuners.

Future Predictions and Consumer Choices

Market Trends

• Observations are made about how consumer preferences may shift away from newer models due to increased restrictions imposed by manufacturers.

Legislative Developments

• New legislation mandates that all cars must include technology capable of monitoring driving behavior by 2026, raising concerns about personal freedoms being compromised.

Conclusion and Event Promotion

Upcoming Events

• The conversation wraps up with an invitation to participate in an event in Kentucky aimed at bringing together automotive enthusiasts.