2016 Oildown enhancements

[Mark Faul]

Originally Posted by Dale Hulquist

As I read these posts about the rising cost of racing and the anger that it causes a very vocal few. I can't help but wonder why you the few continue to complain about YOUR situation or imply that its NHRA's problem that YOU don't have the resources to race and enjoy yourself. I'm fortunate enough to be self employed and enjoy some of the benefits that it affords me most of the time, but what struck me this morning was the renewal of the commercial insurance policy that has increased for the 16th year, and if I had not passed the cost on thru the services I provide, I would be scratching a broke ***** here today. I also wish the cost of racing was less and the payout was more but like so many, common sense tells me for that to happen the entry fee would have to be increased substantially, just pick a number 1,000, 2,000 3,000 entry and the purse would be better for the top two cars and trickle down accordingly. The facts are the cost of doing everything is up and we have little or no control. I have read the posts about the salary that the management @NHRA received and, if that was the problem IHRA would be the answer. I haven't seen their W2's posted, but I don't think they are compensated the same so, I don't believe complaining on Class Racer is going to change that one dollar, its unfortunate that everyone can' t play, but that's life in general. Be happy with what you have or stay home and complain to your dog, wife or whoever is willing to listen. I'm very thankful I woke up this morning, most things on my body are working and I'm not going to complain about a damn thing today.

Dale, yes racing is expensive. We all know that going in. What really bugs me is the entry increase vs the purse lack of increase. I'm a relative newcomer compared to some racers out there. I ran my first national event in 1996, and the entry was $160. Plus you could sell the extra crew pass they gave you back to NHRA for $40 if you didn't need it. When I won my first national in 1998, the purse was $1800 in SS.
Fast forward to 2016...Entry is $320 and crew pass is $85. The purse? $1800. Plus as others have pointed out, the contingency is horrible. I won a total of &15,000 20 years ago without trying as hard as now on the stickers. Now I'd be lucky to get $10,000.