Pinks – Season 4

Description

What is PINKS? 

“PINKS” The show first premiered in 2005 and quickly gained a dedicated following among motorsports enthusiasts. Created and hosted by Rich Christensen, “PINKS” was known for its unique format and intense drag racing competition. The premise of the show revolved around two competitors who had to negotiate and agree upon the terms of a 2 out of 3 or 3 out of 5 drag race for vehicle titles. The negotiation process involved participants discussing details such as lane choice, car lengths, and even repair time. “PINKS” emphasized the importance of strategy and negotiation skills as the end result would either be winning a vehicle or losing one. The show featured a wide range of vehicles, including street cars, muscle cars, trucks, and motorcycles, which added to the variety and excitement of the races. The races themselves were intense, with participants battling it out in a head-to-head, winner-takes-all format. The loser of each race would hand over the title or “PINKS” slip, representing ownership of their vehicle, to the winner.

“PINKS” offered viewers an inside look into the world of grassroots drag racing and showcased the passion, competitiveness, and camaraderie among racers. The show’s popularity led to several spin-offs and a dedicated fan base. It aired on Speed Channel until 2008. While “PINKS” is no longer on the air, it remains a beloved show that left a lasting impact on the automotive and motorsports community. It exemplified the thrill of drag racing and the excitement of high-stakes competition. PINKS is considered the birth of drag racing-based reality TV shows. The show’s legacy lives on with POWERtube TV!

History of PINKS By Rich Christensen Creator & Producer 

PINKS got started due to an obsession to succeed, relentless cold calling, and the badgering of network executives. That’s a fact.  Plain and simple.

I moved to Los Angeles with the impossible goal of selling a TV show. But I was determined. I, literally, made hundreds of calls a week over a 15-year span, with little to no success. For some reason, I remained undaunted. I just kept grinding with blind faith.

Eventually, I sold a documentary (shot in cinéma vérité style) to ESPN called NASCAR Uncut. It was amazing and kind of groundbreaking at the same time. The show was a behind-the-scenes look on a NASCAR race weekend following Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, and Kenny Wallace. I hired a small production company, called The Camera Guys in Santa Monica, to make it and lost money in the process.  But, that shoot gave me the car bug and an undeserved confidence.

I started calling Jim Libertore, who was president of Speed at the time, weekly with ideas. Poor Jim! I’m surprised he didn’t go insane by talking to me as much as he did. I truly was absolutely relentless. Jim and I were talking about all kinds of shows. I think we actually did a show that was a silly dating concept based on dating a NASCAR racer. I did that one with High Five Entertainment and my buddy, Martin Fisher. But as Jim and I began working more closely together, I kept telling him that he had to take a look at my show idea about racers who actually race for titles.  When he showed more interest, I remember getting really excited and telling the concept to a group of my friends.  We were all working out together at the gym I was managing at the Riviera country club. My buddy, Brumby Boylston, a hugely successful commercial Director in LA, screamed out “PINKS” when he heard the concept.  That night, in a small gym at the Riviera country club, the name PINKS was born.

I kept pushing the concept on Jim until he eventually relented and said he could give me a few bucks to give it a try. He was true to his word and gave me the fewest bucks I’ve ever seen to make a TV show.  The budget was so sparse that I could not get anybody to make it for me. I remember three producers Passing on the project because the budget was so, so low. They all said it was simply impossible to make even one episode with that small of a budget. Then, luckily, I met Steve Pullen.  He said yes instantly and enthusiastically.  Stephen became crucial to the PINKS initiative.  He had an uncanny knack for taking everything that came out of my mouth, crafting it into something special, and making it become an even better reality on the screen.  He was also extraordinary at hiring the best people for the job.  He truly was a master craftsman.

Our first pinks shoot was in 100° heat at an empty track in the middle of nowhere, California. Myself, Kevin Dean, my cousin Kale and a couple of shifter karts. That was it. And it’s a good thing because Anybody watching would’ve thought it was the biggest disaster ever being filmed.  I, however, saw lightning in a bottle and said so to my cousin. As PINKS was initially met with mostly tremendous skepticism by all involved parties, I never saw it as anything but The monster success that it became.  I just knew it in my soul.

PINKS.  It was fun. It was awful! It was amazing! It was brutal and also euphoric. It was painful. It was exciting. It was boring. It was dangerous. It was problematic.  It was perfect! Mostly, it was an unbelievable and indescribable dream. I never laughed so hard in my life while being as stressed as any human being could possibly be. I loved the people that I worked with passionately and I hated the people that I worked with the same amount of passion at the same time. I was the best version of myself and, unfortunately, the absolute worst version of myself.

The older I’ve become, and as I look back, I wish I could’ve led that wonderful group of people with kindness, empathy, and love. I wish I would’ve given myself permission to enjoy the journey. I really wish I would’ve taken a moment to actually experience … the moment.  Only now, since my dear friend Brian Bossone has taken over the brand, am I able to sit back and look at what we accomplished and feel any real pride. Absolutely, PINKS changed my life. For the better and for the worst. Given the chance, however, I would not go back and erase that time of my life or the amazing people that I encountered.  Regardless of what it has cost me emotionally and personally.  It was, without question, the most extraordinary journey!  One, that most people could only dream of experiencing.  In the end, I am grateful and humbled by it all.

The Future of PINKS

Boss One Media’s creation of the POWERtube TV streaming network was built for shows like this. For years we’ve received an outpouring of feedback from national and international fans asking for more shows and events. The POWERtube TV network will now act as a re-launch pad for future shows and live events. With support from viewers and marketing partners, revivals of hit shows like this will return and be cast onto multiple viewing platforms for the world to see one more time. But this can only happen with your help. Spread the word and let the world know these shows are on POWERtube TV. With everyone’s help through their social platforms and word of mouth, we can build a network “Community” together and bring these shows back. Our goal is simple, highlight the fans and racers that supported these shows in the past and bring them back to the elevated stage they deserve! Click the “Join the Community Button” and stay informed!

Original Cast Members: 

Rich Christensen- Host
Kail Christensen – Technical Adviser
Charles Hendrickson – Technical Adviser
Nate Pritchett – Technical Adviser
Gavin Jerome – Announcer