Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

Down here in Div 2 we have 3 heads up classes that run at our points meets. 10-0 11-0, 12-0. No throttle stops allowed. Very low car counts for the past two years. I don't think heads up is the answer. Better promotion and more realistic purse money will bring the cars out. Michael Beard is a top notch racer and promoter so he could give the best advice for this topic. Listen to what he has to say.

Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

Are you talking about
10, 11, and 12 lbs. per cubic inch, or 10, 11, and 12 seconds.

Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

It is a problem that cannot be fixed and here is why,

What was Drag racing originally, Heads up with with 1st to the finish line.

US nationals 1968 how many categories/classes raced 20?
All I believe were 1st to the finish line. 20 winners.

How many class race winner at Indy this year 200?

What changed, mostly money, those who spent the most usually won.

Everyone suggests a entry level class and different rules, These rules are already in place, Just run class eliminations, no bracket racing.

Unfortunately, car count will go down and we will go back to where we are today.

Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

Yes they are 10, 11 and 12 second index cars. There also used to be some 5.50, 6.50 and 7.50 heads up index racing at the 1/8 mile tracks down here but I think that has all but dried up too.

Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

mike pearson, if the classes were based on seconds then there were break outs Right?They could "pedal"it at the end to win?

Rognelson: Class racing is wonderful if you have a one combo class. The minute someone finds a loop hole car or bogus motor end of story. I raced GT/AA for several years and it was great. Only two combinations were running and they were a coin flip on hp rating. Then Small block combination runnin1000 lb lighter same class. Then bogus Truck motor. Result several years of fewer equivalent cars to race for trophy.
IF one motor per class or based on lb per cubic inch same specs that is REAL class racing....
Also Class racing with current rules can be very expensive due to wild equipment and machining available.

Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

Brodie spec. Same head flow, all 3 manufacturers.

Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

Brodix, dang spell check.

Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

Yes they could peddle it but both cars leave at the same time and run hard to the end. Not like the Super categories' that use the electronic throttle stops that bog at the start. plus with the 3 classes you fall into the one that is closest to your target number. They are definitely entry level classes. and heads up. The index thing just keeps the cost down. What you are talking about is heads up no break out. It could be done but the cost would be very high to be competitive. Look at comp or any other no break out class. Huge bucks. Just look at what happened to top stock. Good for a few years then the big buck guys killed the class and now its gone

I was watching the online coverage of one of the IHRA points meets earlier this year and from watching that coverage the most boring class was the SC dragsters. They are like watching paint dry. No wheels up action. They all look the same. The stupid throttle stop thing make it even worse. Drop the indexes on the super categories by a second and a half it might be a bit more interesting.

There is no cheap way to go class racing. I am not real fast but enjoy what I do.
It all boils down to the track operators promoting the show that they already have to put some butts in the stands. No matter what kind of class you have running if there is no promotion there will be no spectator interest. When is the last time you saw any type of advertisement for a local race of any sort. Not even a mention on the sports report on the local news unless something bad happens. Its not up to the racers to promote we provide the show.

Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

Mike----I dont think that is the "heads up" Randy and the guys are looking for-----heads up is same rules both cars------- first man wins is what they are looking for.

Re: Part of what hurt drag racing
 

James, I LOVE YOUR COMMENT!!!!!!!!:D