motorcyclebloggers.com

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a show for the first time called Pinks.  The premise of the show is in their tag line “lose the race…lose your ride”.  The winner is determined by a best out of five series at a local dragstrip.  The rules are set beforehand and both participants must sign over their respective vehicle titles to the show, and then the show awwards both vehicles to the winner.

The drivers negotiate the terms of each race.  The first race is usually to feel each other out and usually goes head-to-head.  After the first race, then the negotiating begins for the remaining races.  This is where the fastest car doesn’t always win.  there is tact in the negotiation and the drivers must be careful not to give away too much.  I have seen up to twelve car lengths given away.  That’s insane.

The negotiation, mediated by the host, is key to the show’s dynamic.  This is where I ahve always determined who I want to win.  I know absolutely nothing about drag racing.  I therefore pick the lesser of two douche bags.  I have to admit, the trash talking is fun to watch.  Everyone talks up the opponents car to try to get leverage.  Another popular accusation is the sandbag theory - “you lifted at the end just to keep it close!”.  The host will lean on the previous run winner to give something up in order to level the field.  That’s always interesting.

The bottom line is that the winner is the combination of smart and fast driver.  Give away too much and you’ll lose.  FUBAR a launch and you’ll lose.  Drop an engine and you’ll lose.  I have seen the show a handful of times, and only once has the loudmouth won.  He won because of poor negotiation on the ‘faster’ guy’s part…and a blown engine.

I also caught one episode with drag bikes.  This may shock you, but both were Hayabusa’s.  Both these contestants had some $35-$40k into there bikes.  Neither was willing to bet their bike in total, so they were creative.  Both being Suzuki guys, they went in halfsies on a new GSXR 1000 and the winner would get the bike.  Very cool bet.

This episode went all five races.  The quiet humble guy (who was a better rider) won.  It was not without controversy as video replay was necessary to tell if he jumped the light - it was ruled that he did and lost that run.  What was cool about this show, was that the bikes were well-matched and every race was head-to-head.  In this show, it was all up to the rider.

Overall, I think its a pretty cool show given I’m not into drag racing.  The basis for the show is intense - “Lose the race…Lose your ride”.  I’m not a gambling man, but I could not imagine going to the track with my bike and leaving without it due to a bet.

Reality TV has gone off the deep end evry which way.  This at least seems to be the least contrived.  I have only one complaint:  the host drive an H2 with six wheels.  Silly.  Have I ever complained about bling ;)?  He must be compensating for something.