It's not a guideline, it's a deadline.

One of the things I really am a stickler about and how I judge a track is whether or not races start on time. And I'm picky about the whole program. Yes, the actual race time is the most important, but gate opening times, pit meeting and hot lap times are important as well as one usually depends on the proper execution of the former.

When I asked in this week's Pace Lap column what could be done to get fans out there to pay for your show, this is a good and easy place to start. And so often, it's neglected. Your customers' time is important, whether they're fans or not. Just because a person is a fan of the sport doesn't mean they've awarded you free reign over their time.

In this age of instant information, dual incomes, and increased pressures, scheduling has become not just a necessity, but a habit, a way of life. The digital clock has driven us to the minute, and the phrase "quarter 'til" is becoming as quaint as the term "record" when describing the new song by Lady Gaga.

Noticed how the times of major sporting events are given by the expected time of kickoff, tipoff or first pitch? Fans got tired of pre-game blabber taking place when the game was supposed to start. Now, the first 10, 15 minutes get their own listing in the guide, or...there is a minute or two max of pre-game chat.

Movies are the same way. A film starting at 7:20 starts at...7:20. Not 7:30, 7:45 or sometime before 8. If you have to blame it on our impatience as a society, then fine. But that's not changing anytime soon, and fans expect the goods when you say they're going to be delivered?

How much grief would ABC have caught if the finale of Lost started 14 minutes late?

There's another, larger and intangible effect of this. By not starting on time, you appear disorganized and inept. You appear cavalier and uncaring of the person's time and anything you have told the customer is worth less than Missouri saying "we are a proud member of the Big 12." (well, that is before June 11th)

If tracks want to have fewer problems with drivers, crews and fans questioning their calls on the track, do at least the favor of getting ONE thing, the most basic thing right, your start time.

It's hard to crack the whip, impose time and lap limits on classes when you can't "stage" on time and have lessened credibility. In this age of getting the show done quickly, why put yourself behind the eight ball from the get-go knowing that wrecks, lineup troubles and so on will add up quickly? I know there are problems that arise, but I see this happen at tracks greeted by fair skies and warm temperatures...no excuses.

If you want to build followers and advocates (I'll talk more about this) start by showing them that your word is bond, that you make the effort to meet the smallest of details.

These intangibles will reap you tangible benefits down the road.

- Jason