Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

With the College World Series winding up, I once again am wondering about their claim to be the "Greatest Show on Dirt". Who came up with this first, the WOO or the NCAA? Wondering if either has a copyright on the name and, if so, have there been any legal battles? As a long time follower of both, I recall the Outlaws using this long before the College World Series. Personally, I get the Outlaws connection to "dirt" more than baseball. Yeah, the infield is dirt, but there's a lot more grass on the field. I guess they didn't really feel the "Greatest Show on Grass" would go over very well . . .

I asked this once few years ago too.  Then, other night, out of nowhere I am watching Field of Dreams (I think...not sure) and they talked about the Greatest Show on Dirt. (MLB). Now I'm gonna have to go and double check.....

Since it's two completely different sports I wouldn't think it would be a big problem.   If another car dirt car racing series started using it obviously that would conflict.   Not sure baseball does though.  

The greatest show on dirt is definitely not baseball. I would rather take a kick in the nuts than watch baseball. 

I seem to recall MLB having a huge issue with Eldora using the term 'Mud Summer Classic' for the truck race. 

I guess it was too close to  'Mid Summer Classic' , referring to the All Star Game. 

WoO used it at least as early as 1988: 

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87012954&docId=FTK20160428074550&linkId=4#docIndex=3&page=1

It looks like WRG tried to trademark it in 2016, but were rejected because NCAA already had it trademarked since 2007: 

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87012954&docId=FTK20160428074550&linkId=4#docIndex=2&page=1

NCAA's trademark: 

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=77187986&caseSearchType=US_APPLICATION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch

NCAA could only show where it had been used as early as 2003: 

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn77187986&docId=APP20070526065136&linkId=18#docIndex=17&page=1

Which sucks for WRG since they were obviously using it longer, but never actually registered it because that just wasn't a thing in racing back in the day. 

And then WRG didn't respond so it their application was considered 'abandoned'

https://tsdr.uspto.gov/documentviewer?caseId=sn87012954&docId=NOA20170307222500&linkId=1#docIndex=0&page=1

Even I learned something today! 

Great response, I always wondered about it and now I know. Thanks!

I even noticed tonight watching the final that most of the infield is grass. Other than the batters box and baselines, pitchers mound and warning tracks, it's all grass. So not really a great show on "dirt".

Thanks again.

Maybe the greatest show on dirt is better on grass!

Even though I may not know you, I 
care what most of you think!

and thats cuz u have the BC bud in Canada!!!   everyone everywhere is on the Grass without a doubt...

Ascot was the greatest of all time..

West Capital wasn't half bad either..

Life is good...