Discovery Studios Discovering Unlimiteds

By now, most of you have heard that H1 Unlimited has announced Discovery Studios is planning a documentary TV series about racing.  There is no set timing published at this time, but this could be great news for the sport.  In the press release, they say,

In a joint announcement today H1 Unlimited and Discovery Studios revealed plans for a documentary TV series focused on the Air National Guard H1 Unlimited Hydroplane Series.

H1 Chairman Sam Cole said “we are thrilled to be partnering with Discovery Studios in this venture.  The TV series has the potential to give millions of viewers a true inside look at the spectacle of the world’s fastest boats.”

In making the announcement Discovery Studios Executive Producer Daniel Soiseth underscored the “unprecedented behind the scenes access we’ll have to the danger, fiercely competitive personalities, and constant conflict that are part of this incredibly colorful sport.  This is the stuff that compelling documentary TV is made of.”

Considering the horrible trash that is currently shown, like Honey BooBoo, Jersey Shore and Todlers and Tiaras, it is about time Hollywood recognizes a sport filled with science, money, competition, global reach and good old fashioned family fun.  It is amazing how beneficial racing is to the venues that host events, and we are just now on the precipice of the rest of the country (maybe the world) learning a lot more about the sport we already know and love.

Is that good or bad?  OK.  Stop yelling.  Let’s take a look at each one.

The good.

For all the reasons mentioned above, raising visibility – both in front of, and behind the scenes – of this great sport will enable more cities to grow the excitement and potentially land an event.  That growth is good for the sport, it’s good for the teams, and is good for the fans.

The bad.

It’s no secret that we’ve experienced some “issues” in the recent past about the pros and cons of expanding internationally.  We’ve debated the readiness and ability to support that growth, but still grow in the advertiser-rich domestic market.  Depending on our ability to manage that growth – and not air more publicly the associated growing pains – we may or may not put our best foot forward.  In my opinion, we need to be aware of that danger as we enter a more public forum in the form of reality TV.

The goal.

As a true fan of the sport, my goal is to help all of the “good” to surface and none of the “bad.”  Discovery Studios’ interest in the fastest boats in the world could really be the next leg up the sport needs to climb the success ladder.  Let’s all wish every one of those people involved all the best of luck.

Dave