Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

I agree with Michael. If it was'nt BB it would be something else.
I was told 405 entries with a 70% BB ratio. I think management was well pleased. They will make adjustments for the future. All I can say for you Classy racers is swallow your pride because BB are coming.

To the ones that stayed home you really missed out. It was very festive atmosphere also. I heard hardly anyone complaining.

Bryan, The did make an adjustment in prep. I think it was 3rd rd they called QR after TS and moved SS behind QR to get more rubber down and help the SS cars.

Chip Johnson

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

JR,
One of these days ya'll classy racers will realize you are actually bracket racing as long as there is shoe polish on the window.LOL

Chip Johnson

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

I think several things to help this event.
1) A Spring date. The 4th was on Monday lots of people on vacations still.

2) Random pairing first rd and ladder in the second, based off our qualifying runs.

3) Make it a 3 day event.
Friday Qualifying-Class eliminations
Saturday- 1st rd,Re-entry rd, Run the bracket cars
Sunday Finals

4) For the Classy Racers actually have Class runoffs. Maybe have a Comp style race for the top 8 qualifiers.

5) For the .90,TS,TD, Have a Top 8 Qualifier Shootout. Get Contingency sponsors to pay Win and R/U. Would'nt cost IHRA nothing to do that.
Just some suggestions
Chip Johnson

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Well I was at Maple Grove this weekend for one of the S/G & S/C association races and speaking with a few guys at the track they told me they would have gone to MIR if it was announced a little sooner and marketed a little better. I mean they really didn't start doing articles on Comp Plus, DRC in Late May, early June and even though you let NHRA Cars enter you can't advertise in the Dragster because you're a IHRA Racing Body. We all know NHRA Has a lot more members then IHRA and if they put something in the Dragster I bet Royce would have to knock down trees to hold all the cars. A lot of these racers plan vacation and their racing schedule in January / Feb and the Sportsman Spectacular was not announced until April 19th (http://www.ihra.com/News/2011/04/19/2/). I'm personally one who plans my race schedule at the beginning of the year and have to take off by March at work or I get denied the time off. When they announced the Sportsman Spec I called my Dad and said "Well if they only announced it 2 months earlier we would prob go". I think VMP will have lots of cars cause people have the time to plan a little better and it's the last race of the season for most. We personally had 27 Super Gas cars at Maple Grove and we announced that race back in January plus you put it on top of the All-Star race in Chicago. Now I know a lot of people say "Not many people from that area will affect the car count" but, I bet you would have had some D3, D2 & D1 NHRA guys go play if they weren't All-Stars or friends with cars driving out with them. The next few weeks would be perfect timing to do the race since the NHRA Circus is out West, really D-1 has New England in 2 weeks and D-3 has Columbus the same weekend and Mid-Michigan the following week so these next few weeks would have been perfect to put the race to grab the NHRA only guys.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Well I myself throughly enjoyed the event as did Dad and are both very happy we supported it. Facility was OUTSTANDING and well run. We towed 15 hours one way and had a great time. $5000 to win is HUGE!! If it takes buy backs to do it, so be it. No we did not buy back but as Beard, we are also on the learning curve with our car. I would however like to see Class runoffs at the future events. Overall a awesome job. Thank you IHRA and Summit racing. All future parts orders will be with them!!!

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

I agree with you 100% Chip.
Better date without a MAJOR conflict and we would have been there with all 4 team cars.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

HEY CHIP It was I that started the dont like BUYBACKS at a big sportsman class race like the one this past weekend at MIR. Lets just say that it is the 4th round of any race, bracket or class and car #1 has won the first 3 rounds and car #2 lost the first or second round and bought back in and car #2 wins that round so both cars have won 3 rounds and lost 1 round but car #2 is still in the race and car #1 is out because he lost the wrong round. That is the reason that I dont like BUYBACKS plain and simple. Now I know that BUYBACKS will never go away and a lot of tracks need BUYBACKS to survive but I think that BUYBACKS should never be used at a big race like the one this past weekend at MIR. And I do realize that Stock & Super Stock racing is just a bracket race unless it is a heads up run.
Allen

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Allen,
First off it's not a Buyback it's a RE-ENTRY. You have to win the re-entry rd to get back in the race. That means a re-entry car has to go an extra rd.
Re-enrtry- also means you can run for $5,000 instead of $1,000.
Chip

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Alex, you sly devil....#4 would be?????

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

First off reentry made an extra round for everybody in stock, not just the ones who reentered. Second with the amount of people who reentered compared to the amount who possibly didn't come because of reentry, it most likely was a wash.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Well I supported the re entry and runnered up...so thanks IHRA.....if u don't like the format don't go to the race...if u don't like the track don't go to that track...if u don't like the sanctioning body don't run there events...everybody that went chose to go to the race weather they liked the re entry or didn't like the idea...those that didn't like it apparantly didnt re enter the race....we can nit pick this event if we wanted to for awhile but the bottom line is it was a well run race with a few minor set backs with the track and computer but all was corrected and completed....ask Myron if he is complaining about the 8 grand he took from me(lol) I know I wouldn't...200 entry 5000 to win national contengcy ill see you all at VMP....good job MIR SUMMIT AND IHRA...thanks we had a blast

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Well said Mr P!!!!....even coming from a tall guy - LOL. If I finish the Mustang in time, I WILL be at VMP.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

I was there and I supported the race. But if people don't stop and look at the big picture and figure out how we got to this. Reentry is just a band-aid if they don't come up with real solutions we'll all people looking for somewhere else to race. So either I'll have an overpriced bracket car or I'll have to spend more money to do something else.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

If we can get more support than maybe the re entry would vanish...

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Would anyone on here like to put on a race like this and guarantee the purse out of your pocket if not enough participants..?............... I didn't think so...(:

This was the first time any sanction has tried this and there are tweaks to be made ,but it is not going to happen over nite..Like it was said ,you need to let IHRA know how and what (in your opinion) needs to be looked at for improvement......
I am sure they would love to here your thoughts as it may even make the Virginia race a better race.....As far as the re-entry format ,if we had enough cars maybe we would not have re-entry...Maybe look at a minimum car count per class..Instead of complaining on here just e-mail IHRA and Scooter and let them know....

I would like to see class run-offs actually ran, cause you could have a better light and possibly win class without being the fastest car, which brings back a little driver pride....


I still think it went off very well as being the first time anything like this has been done.

Thanks ,IHRA ,SUMMIT , & MIR........We will be back........

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

I should have proof read that last post,before posting it. I'm not coming on here just to complain. I'm coming on here to discuss with my fellow class racers on what should be done to get IHRA class racing growing again. There's lots of smart people on here that should be able to come up with some reasonable solutions.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Did not mean for it to sound exactly like that and i am sorry if i offended anyone cause i certainly did not mean to...maybe i should have said constructive critisizim(spelling ? )
I want to see it grow also.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

x-2

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

It went 7 rounds. If more cars came because of NOT having re-entry (refer to previous post), then it would've gone.... 7 rounds. And all the other classes were only 6 rounds even with re-entry.... you'd need almost 100 cars to make it go 8 rounds. I think that part's a non-issue. The whole discussion is a matter of principal more than anything else, IMO.

It's a chicken vs egg problem. If we had high car counts to start with, re-entry probably wouldn't have been put on the table to begin with. Due to the lack of support from the masses in recent years, it's not surprising they chose this route. I'm with Danny: I would prefer to see "no buybacks if over 64 cars" (but there again, no class went over that threshold this weekend anyway). I would also like to see round money posted "bottom up", ie: Rnd 3, Rnd 4, etc. rather than "top down" (W/RU/Semi/Quarters), such that 1) you'd know going into it what round payouts started and 2) All classes started payouts in the same round.

Just my opinion,

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

I would have gone but knew nothing about it until I received an advertisement from IHRA in the mail a few weeks before the race...by that time I had other obligations for that weekend. These races need to be supported !!!!

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

In response to Michael's post,your right no big deal. I was just responding to Chip's post about the reentry cars having to run an extra round,but just for fun lets just look at the numbers. There were 54 cars in stock. They would have needed 11more to make 7 rounds at $200 thats $2200. They got 15 reentrys at $100 to make 7 rounds thats $1500. See what I mean.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Joe..

I ran into the same situation. I had flights scheduled to go on vacation with the family. My race schedule was mapped out many weeks ago.
I didn't know anything about this race until reading about it on here a few weeks ago. I wish we would have knew about it sooner.... I can guarantee you we would have done our best to be there.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

I blame the low car count on Nitro Joe for not putting the race on his master schedule at the beginning of the year! Just kidding!

This race was advertised at the beginning of the year when IHRA's schedule came out! I know because I included it in my planned races for the year. So now we all know about the one in Virginia in October. The car count should be pretty good, right? I know of at least 3 more cars that will be there, at least based on comments on here.

I like some of Bo's ideas! I too would like to see class run off's, and maybe even a CIC race. But all in all, I liked the race and will be in VA for the second one!!!

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Chip,

I've always agreed that we are bracket racing but under a set of rules, buy backs void all those rules ie: redlight loss, crossing the centerline, breakout etc. If you're going to suspend those rules then Stock and SS ought to be converted to racing off 9, 10, 11, 12, etc second index racing and make it "run what you brung" classes like the NMCA/NSS.

JimR

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Guess nobody read that big blowout discussion about payouts & car counts back in FEBRUARY.

I posted this on Feb 11...
...and Brandon Peterson posted the dates for the events on the following day.

BTW, Kenny, they did announce you and ClassRacer.com over the PA quite a bit. I think it was a smart move on their part. Evidently just needs done further in advance.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Michael,

I think all in all it was a good event. If we could just keep it going I think it will grow to where it could be one of the best sportsman races to attend.

We started promoting the Sportsman Spectacular on Class Racer one month before the race date. In hind site I think we should promote the race father in advance.

Any ideas or concerns with how the race was run and what you would like to see in future races is more then welcome here. If you would rather not post your ideas here, you can contact me and I will pass them on to Skooter or you can email him yourself at fpeaco@feldinc.com he would be glad to hear from you.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Thank you Ken and classracer.com for your support

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

i like bo ideas
what va race in oct

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Oct 14-16 at VMP - a Sportsman Spectacular replay plus the IHRA Tournament of Champions. Same weekend as "the Dutch".

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Whoever set that date most certainly doesn't want it to be a success.The Dutch is the most waited for race in the northeast.It almost seems like they want to doom IHRA.
Stupid,stupid,stupid.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Ed,
Same dates as last year. On top of Silver Dollar also. I agree to some point, but there are just so many weekends to choose from.
I have to ask would you rather race for $5,000 + contingency and a $10,000 World Championship race the Following day, or go to "THE DUTCH" and race for a grand?????????

Chip Johnson

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Don Lower from Summit was asking for feedback. I got home and thought some. I sent Don, Scooter, and Royce my suggestions. I get replys back. I think everyone needs to do the same, but keep it civil and constructive. I'm sure changes are in store for the VMP race and for next year. IHRA wants you there, and there are 5,000 reasons for you to want to be there.
Chip Johnson

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Chip,honestly I'd prefer going to the Dutch.I have nothing against IHRA but being in Pa in October is for me.
Finances willing I would like to hit some IHRA races in 2012
The biggies at IHRA would be wise to move the race to another weekend.I think the response from Northeast racers would be more than positive.There's still time.The only fly in the ointment is weather.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

You can lead em to the troff ,but you can't make em drink.....oops ,you can't even lead em to the troff.......
NHRA ===$1,000.00 to win yaaaaaaay!!!!!!

IHRA $5,000.00 to win (and contingency).....Booooooooooo!

Now we know the rest of the story.....

Just callin like i see it........


Good Luck to all wherever you go.......

End of story......

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Ed & Vic,

You guys missed a very good Race @ MIR this past weekend .. It
was Sunny & Hot , but no rain on Sat. & Sunday ... I think everyone was very surprised how well everything went ... You could race your Stocker in Mod & Stock Class at the same race and many did ...
There were a couple small problem's ,but a great first Race & will only get better ... I said that I don't like buy-backs , but in this case it work out well ... It was a true re-entry, you had to win an extra round to get back into the 2nd round ... There were racers there from all over the east coast; Canada,SC,NC,GA,FL,VA,WV,PA,NY,NJ,OH, etc...
We were all upset that there weren't more racers , but it wasn't for lack of effort by Summit & IHRA & MIR ... They did a great job and I
know that the Oct. Race at VMP will be even better ... Last year's VMP was a great success & well attended for Big Money ... Yes, we all have to make choices where to Race & how far to travel ?
You really need to attend an IHRA race and see for yourself what you are missing .... See you in Oct. 14-16 @ VMP .........

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Not only that, but a win gets you into a $10,000 to win World Championship race for FREE !!!!!

Like some predicted, I was also expecting 70-80 Stockers and a lot more in other classes. I was shocked to learn that Stock was the biggest class! IHRA and the tracks hosting these events are really sticking their necks out. If racers don't show their appreciation by attending, there can easily be less options in the future. Imagine NHRA having a monopoly on the drag racing circuit! Regional associations are great. But running for divisional and national championships has a special appeal.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

I being a working stiff like 99% of the Sportsman Racers out there, whether your running NHRA or IHRA races probably pick the races your gonna attend ahead of time because of work schedules or vacation time that you get from your job.

I for one would like to see more of the $5,000 & $10,000 races in the course of the year.
I wouldn't run any National Events anymore because everyone knows "The Pro's" are the show.
It cost me $305. for the SuperNationals & not that i'm complaining because Englishtown
is only 30 minutes away for me. But i would rather pay $305. or less, lol to run the big money races with LESS B.S.
NHRA wants more insurance money, more pit vechicle money, what's next ????

I wish someone would organize our own sactioned body, but it is alot of work for someone
to do & police the factoring of the cars, ect.....

Now, going to the dutch or going to vmp, everyone makes there own choices but you have to realize to, towing expense & everything else that us drag racers buy, some maybe can't afford the longer tow, or the longer ride, 2 hour tow vs 8 hour tow.

Just my 3 cents

Pistol Pete
1374
I/SA

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Guys,the point I was making was the bad scheduling of the race.I said I did enjoy the time
I raced IHRA (2006 and 2007).I think they care more for the sportsman racer than NHRA.
They need to plan races not to conflict with other races on the same weekend.If that means rescheduling races and they draw good fields then fine.If they don't come in this
sceneario then it's on the shoulders of the racers who didn't show up.In that case if good money was posted and the fields remained low then it confirms the fact that too many
racers are addicted to NHRA drag racing,good or bad.End of story.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

Thanks Bo,well said.

Re: LIVE from IHRA Sportsman Spectacular @ MIR
 

VMP won't change the date. Look at their schedule and figure where it could go.
Besides of all the people that would request date change how many would still not go. My bet would be 90%.