Chapter 10

Props to Lotus!  Why?  Since Jean Alesi took to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit in his #64 FP Journe Watches DW12 on the 10^th of May, he has put nearly 900 miles on his Lotus powerplant.  In and of itself, this is not remarkable; but when one takes into consideration that the team took possession of the engine after it had already seen 900 miles of track time to this point in the racing season, the fact that the engine finished this life cycle with right at 1800 miles, with no internal or mechanical issues of which to speak, is notable.  If we add that the engine ran the last 100 miles or so with the higher boost levels implemented for “Fast Friday” and qualifying, and did so problem-free, then perhaps the too-often-maligned Lotus development team deserves a little bit of a pat on the back.

Why mention this little engine-related tidbit now?  Well, since the close of qualifying and the planned reversion to standard boost levels for Carb Day and Race Day, along with the news that we have received and installed our new and upgraded Lotus engine, Fan Force United supporters far and wide are again asking the hopeful question of “Are you guys going to get to keep the extra boost?”  Of course, to answer this question and to offer our response, we refer the reader to chapter seven of our story.  There, it was flatly stated that “We don’t need more boost.  We just need more cowbell!”

“More cowbell!”  That is the rallying cry.  Formula 1 has their air horns, South African football fans have their vuvuzela horns, and Fan Force United is adopting the cowbell.

Now, if you are asking yourself, “What in the world do these guys mean by ‘more cowbell’?”, we refer you to the famous Saturday Night Live skit featuring Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0uvVZg4Tw4

We most definitely have a fever, and the prescription is “more cowbell!”  We want/need our Fan Force to come out in support of us.  How can you do that?  Just bring a cowbell with you to the Speedway this weekend.  The first 100 fans to come by our garage or to the fence area behind our pit and show us their cowbell will receive a signed Jean Alesi autograph card.  Of course, it won’t be enough to show us your cowbell.  During Friday’s practice, Indy Lights race, and the big race on Sunday, we want to hear those cowbells.  We want to know that our Fan Force is out there and pulling for us.  We want the television and radio commentators to have to talk about the overwhelming sound of cowbell. 

While the final IndyCar practice session is happening on Friday morning, we want to hear those cowbells whenever Jean Alesi is coming down the main straightaway.  During the Freedom 100 on Friday afternoon, show your support for Fan Force United drivers Armaan Ebrahim (black and yellow #24) and Emerson Newton John (white #42), by letting us hear those cowbells as the pack races down the front straight.  During the 500, be loud and proud with you cowbells as you support Jean Alesi, Lotus, and the underdog Fan Force United team, as we attempt to silence the naysayers. 

Now, we realize that not everybody is going to have a cowbell laying around their house just waiting to be picked up and brought to the Speedway.  So to assist you, we have done a bit of research.  Cowbells are available, in a variety of shapes, sizes, and prices at music stores, tractor supply, farm and feed stores, and party supply stores.  They are definitely out there.   It’s up to you to find them; and if you can’t find one, feel free to make banners and signs with the message of “more cowbell,” and join in the rallying cry.   

Be a part of the cowbell movement!  Show us your cowbell! 

If this was not realized already, Fan Force United wants to be known as the true fan’s team.  As part of that desire, and to go along with the creation of the cowbell nation, Fan Force United has unveiled the “Ride With Fan Force United” promotion.  What’s it all about? 

We are giving our fans three Chances to “Ride with Fan Force United” on Memorial Day Weekend.  Because our fans are the backbone of Fan Force United, we are giving you the opportunity to have your name on one of the 3 cars that we are running this weekend.  Two lucky fans will "ride" as a sponsor or either Armaan Ebrahim (#24) or Emerson Newton-John (#42) in The Freedom 100 on Friday; and one lucky fan will “ride” with Jean Alesi (# 64) in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday.  Each winner will also receive an exclusive team hat signed by each driver. 

How do you get the chance to “ride”?  We want you to “like” us on facebook, to tag the “Ride With Fan Force United” flyer/photo, or to post a comment to the photo telling us that you want to “ride”.  The three winners will be selected and announced prior to the Freedom 100 on May 25th, 2012! 

Stay tuned for another fan engagement plan.  It’s going to be a great weekend!

Don’t forget, to
Join the Fan Force by liking us at www.facebook.com/fanforceunited

Visit our website and sign the contract at www.fanforceunited.com
Follow us on twitter @LotusFanForce & @FanForceUnited
Reach us at lotusfanforceunited@gmail.com
Share this with your friends & family and stay tuned for more of our story.