Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Be careful there are members that will call you a HATER.LOL

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

James, the problem i have with the Quota's is that when people drop for any reason, if it is full at grade 4 or 5 and then they open up, you cannot get in with Grade 2 or 3. that is totally stupid. I had friends tried to enter the Gators, no way they could,and why not open the fields up. they would get more income in there pockets, but they all want to leave at 5 O clock ,happy hr somewhere and fill there faces.so they keep they Quota's low. Bracket racing and S/SS looks better all the time. Brian

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

This shouldn't come as a surprise to most of you.
Apparently , they don't have anyone who knows how to promote what they already have, .i.e. Stock , Super / Stock ,and Comp. (I have no idea how to promote the .90 classes).
So, what do they do? Try to steal something else, of course.
Pro Mod
Big inch Pro Stock
Import Racing
Street Outlaws
Pretty sure the Pro Stock Truck idea came from the Busch Series or ??
Now, out of control 10.5 and no prep..whatever it's called.

That being said, I'm not sure the best at it, like Pat Joffrion, Michael Beard, the late Alex Denysenko, and the many association promoters, could promote S/SS within the confines of the Dog and Pony Show.

Specific ideas ? Post them.

Boycotts won't work, in my opinion. The next year, you'll just be replaced with 11.90 cars, or belt sanders on skis , or who know what.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Brian, you can get in at the end of the cycle, which is when most drop out.
You need 1 g.p. to get to the entry phase.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

edit

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Boycotts won't work, in my opinion. The next year, you'll just be replaced with 11.90 cars, or belt sanders on skis , or who know what.[/QUOTE]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFlCD5CYAcU

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

And that Mark, is sad, but very true. Beltsanders. Too Funny.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

I'm new to class racing but been around since the flag man. I read and comment on a lot of these posts about aluminum manifolds, knocking HP off for certain engine combos, list goes on. Maybe NHRA is getting tired of the bickering back and forth and these cars bring less hassle with a whole lot less work on their part. Now I love S-S/S racing but for the average beer guzzler in the stands, no clue how it works. The allure of the no prep whatever is they're fast and heads up and no slamming on the breaks to keep from running out. Do any of you watch Street Outlaws? These cars are fast, high 3s to very low 4s on a non preped street, they have the high tech traction control electronics to keep them going straight. The "chief" was invited to the Indy race for exhibition and fans where six deep at the trailer. The country has gone nuts over this show and NHRA is trying to tap into those viewers. Hate the say it but class racing has become a glorified bracket race, I know there's heads up racing occasionally, but the fans don't pony up the big gate fees to watch what they can see at the local tracks for a lot less money. I don't have the answers but sorry to say there's a new game in town and it's not good for class racing.
Mike

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

How about everyone use a sealed crate motor at the same weight...be lots of heads up then. :p

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Mike you are right to a certain extent you are correct there is another class of racer out there .Racing on the streets is not safe regardless of the way the show is planned or set up for entertainment. No prep is ok .and I doubt you will see all the unsafe actions at a NHRA Drag race . I see them on videos with fans on the staring line with the race cars .I know this won't happen at a NHRA way to much liability not to mention dangerous to the people what are they thinking they are not invincible and can't get hurt silly people. You say there is a new game in town I say no this type of racing has been going on since I was a kid many many years ago .lol

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Back to the original post, I will be at new england.....since I am always parked at the end of the track, behind some trees, I am not going to worry about flying shrapnel and such.....fans in the stands that might be another matter, from a marketing standpoint, announce they are next, get the butts in the seats, and run a round of SS qualifying to get em all worked up, and then unleash the edge of disaster class.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Street Outlaws is pure scripted "reality" TV.

And that's fine, if that's your thing, but it will be like all of the rest of it, gone as soon as the new wears off.

Honestly, that whole image, and getting rid of it, is the exact reason for NHRA existing to begin with. I guess what was once old is new again.

The same goes with the "no prep" and other "outlaw" stuff. The new wears off, and the uninformed crowd wanders off looking for the next new shiny object.

None of that is a long term plan for the over all or general health of the sport. NHRA may use it as something to kill off class racing, simply because they're so short sighted that they cannot see past the next payout after the next national event. But it will just be another nail in NHRA's coffin. The crowd WILL move on.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

That would be NMRA's Coyote Stock.

Tight racing and wheels up launches.
It's popular right now for sure, but not exactly entry level stuff.

At least NHRA Stock still has entry level classes for those not wanting to spend more than 15K

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Right, Don..and I'll bet that competing at these various events doesn't cost $350 , car and driver, and $100 + for a couple of crew men or family members ; thus another part of the allure.
NHRA has priced themselves out of the realm of the average working guy, in my opinion.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Sealed crate engine programs have done a fabulous job of decimating grass roots circle track racing. Does wonders for smart engine builders who know how to blueprint and tune. The amount of cheating I saw when those hit the tracks boggles the mind. When one of those 355HP crate engines sounds like the small block in Rampy's Bantam Altered, you know everything is above board, and the playing field is as level as a tournament billiard table.
:rolleyes:

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Where NHRA has priced themselves completely out of the market is in the stands. It's absurd. And it's a huge reason you don't see kids in the stands with their parents.

And that's exactly why the long term is so bleak. Because those kids in the stands with eyes as big as saucers, and a smile a team of plastic surgeons can't remove are where new racers come from.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

No prep and grudge racing events are unsanctioned private track rentals. Pretty much anything goes that way.

Not sure what can be gleaned from import racing. That was a shooting star fueled by the Fast and Furious movie franchise and a few Speed TV shows. Promoters tapped into the niche youth market and made a lot of money. The shows combined drag racing, car shows and flashy lights, music and dancing into the night. The "kids" really seemed to like it. But what would I know about it at my age. A good time to me is a bag of Cheetos and a Dr Pepper watching Hee Haw reruns in my underwear.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

has anyone gone to a pro sports event lately??

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Street Outlaws is scripted for the bs but the racing is real, believe me. And money, these guys have $100,000 engines $10,000 trans, basically pro-mod cars all state of the art. NHRA "tried" to thwart this racing with sanctions against some of the racers, failed miserably. Basically told to get off the property. So after eating crow they're In the background and NHRA tech guys check out the cars before running. Police, fire department and rescue are there, all run on a closed highway. They're not a bunch of country bumpkins tearing up the place. I'm not saying I like that racing venue but even the idiots get it, what NHRA is after. Any track these guys show up at the place is packed and people are turned away, the last one they came through the woods and the cops could do nothing. Get it while it's hot.
Mike

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Brian like Mark said you're supposed to be able to get in when people drop out now. That changed a couple years ago.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

No, Don, and I haven't been to any Rock concerts lately either.

And your point is ??

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Don,
That's an apples to oranges comparison. Major League Baseball, the NBA, the NFL, and the NHL, just to scratch the surface, are purely for profit organizations of extremely wealthy owners of billion dollar franchises, provided with government subsidized venues, and paying union represented athletes millions of dollars.

By comparison, NHRA is a 501 (c) non profit sanctioning body charged with promoting safety and the sport of drag racing.

NHRA is charging exhorbitant gate fees, and absurd licensing fees, not to mention a huge cut of concessions. Mostly from private track owners, and fans. They get massive cuts of every sale on the property. It's a combination of a monopoly and a RICO violation.

The absurd cost to attend an event, which they do a horrific job of promoting to begin with (remember, promoting drag racing is the main reason for their NON PROFIT existence) prevents most working class families from considering a weekend of racing as good affordable entertainment.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Barry,
I think you have it right. It sure looks a lot like they're trying to get the last of the money they can get before it crashes.

I've got my heart set on a 69 Chevelle, it makes a good companion car to Kevin's 69 Camaro. We can share nearly any combination outside of the ZL-1 we have sitting on the shelf, it makes sense for us, and I've loved the 69 Chevelle since my friend Harry Vineyard had his wicked white 427/425 Chevelle years ago.

I like that 70 Camaro combination, I think it's a good one. Jimmy Bridges and I looked at that one. Keith Lynch had Schroeder's black 70 Camaro running well. You guys can make a rusty roller skate run 1.00 under, you'll do real well. I just hope we can get back out sometime soon.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Barry, whatever you build make it a Black Car....
I'll maintain the looks on the car for a burger n a beer....

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Entertainment dollars are expensive .of course if a person is concerned about expensive costs find out the mark up on other items that you buy all the time it will make you think a little about prices we pay to race. lol

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

I suppose this thread is more about spectators, but if you look around, you'll see a lot of 70+ year old racers that can afford to do this. That's all well and good.These guys have worked long and hard to get to this point in their lives.
But the question is, still, what will be left for their children and grand children,so that they can continue to participate?
Bringing in the latest flash in the pan group, is just putting a band -aid on a long standing problem, rather than confronting it head on....in MY opinion.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Don, the problem that I have with your analogy comparing NHRA to Pro Sports is quite simply, when I go to an NHRA Event, I have to pay to be the entertainment! If they want to pay me like the Professional Athlete that I am, endangering my life in the highly-tuned, Professionally built piece of equipment that I'm driving, then we can talk. Otherwise, they exist to keep me from playing with my toys in the street.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Here's an idea for promoting sportsman racing.

Instead of stacking for days before the race to get that "great" pit spot have NHRA arrange with large parking lots ( shopping malls, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's etc.) to show off your cars. Have a sign up sheet so they would know who is available. NHRA would then reserve pit space near the pro's for those that participated. Also while showing off the cars the racers could hand out discount coupons. This would get the cars and racers in front off the public. And with their commercials promote these car shows.

Jeff :)

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Thats a great Idea Jeff
A few things though. What day leading up to the event would you be there? More time off from work? Is there enough room in the parking lot? What is in it for the shopping mall? The biggest problem is that this is all nostalgia stuff to most. Its all old news.
But its worth a try. I also think that social media works for a lot of things. Why not this?

Mike A114
P/SA

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Mike I believe he is talking about the same people doing it that would be sitting in stacking before the national event. they don't need to take more days off because they are already there.

I think it is a great idea. They would still get the good spot for being early while supporting the race.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

I'm referring to the racers instead of stacking at the track to do this. Only maybe 6 or so cars at each place and the mall would get more people in their lot. Nearly everyone likes a car show especially a free one. Any kind of media to promote the car shows and the race. Instead of getting stuck out in the "back forty" out of sight and out of mind from the average fan.

Jeff :)

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Is there going to be enough room at the mall for the rigs? 6 rigs can take up a lot of space. In the north east, parking is a premium, everywhere. Years ago they used to have tech at the mall near Englishtown. It was a different time. A lot less traffic. A lot of people
into these cars then. I suppose you could select certain people who are always early. They would have to unload and load their cars, of course, to let people see them. I`m not trying to rain on the parade. Just a few observations. I`m for anything that will help. We really need a marketing campaign, but who wants to pay for it? I don`t think NHRA is motivated enough to do anything like this. Most racers do this because they want to see how they measure up to the best.The matter of time and money is just part of what a racer is willing to deal with. I think social media will help. Most young people are glued to their phone. Need some savvy people to take the lead.


Mike A114
P/SA

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

This is a GREAT idea.
There are many including me who are retired and do not have a job to take days off to start showing cars the weekend before the race and promote the race.
The track or the NHRA could set this up fairly easy and at virtually no cost which is what NHRA is all about.
This would also be a draw for the businesses who host it.
Just a great idea and I would sign up for something like this however, I am not on Facebook.
My 2 Cents
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Something like this would give the average fan a connection to a sportsman racer, maybe keep them in their seats to watch them make a run. Then the fan would see the other cars in the class too.

Jeff :)

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

An idea that I had for getting interest in sportsman cars, especially kids. Have kids either pick their favorite driver or pull a driver number out of a hat. Put together goody bags to give them when they pull a number. Bonus something if the driver makes it past semi's, wins, etc. Once they 'get their driver' they can find them in the pits and meet. Root for them. Give the kid a ride to the lanes.

Might be tough at national events that spread over days. Just a thought.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

I started this thread because I was curious to see if anyone had the same feelings that I do - I am not against them trying to bring on some new blood however why not at a LODRS event or an open to see how it fit's - I am not sure what type of PR will come of a staging lane packed with guy's trying to make a wager on there hopeful winner but the other side is if they are invited to race is it a freebie for them where we pay $300 plus - as I stated in the beginning I don't have all the details but I feel like that could be a few more Stockers or SS car's that would like to be in the event - In regard to a show this is posted in the Top Sportsman Forum and the kids were walked through the pit's and talked to a lot of the Sportsman Car Owners and Drivers it was pretty cool and you could tell the kid's were having a great time just my $.02:


(Just got done speaking with the GM of New England Dragway.. They will be hosting our 3rd annual KARZ 4 KIDZ on Friday of the Lucas Oil Divisional Race. This event has grown each year and we look forward to bringing new kids and kids that have been before. The track will also have a presence at the Car Show Sponsored by ATI PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS on Thursday July 22nd on the State House grounds in Concord NH. Its going to be an action packed summer for WHEELZ UP RADIO and our whole team.. We hope you will support all of our events. We are still looking for a few more cars to have on display at the Show. You can contact me here on FB or shoot me an e mail wheelzupradio@outlook.com. )
Attached Thumbnails http://classracer.com/classforum/att...1&d=1489028012 http://classracer.com/classforum/att...1&d=1489028012

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

When we started this event 2 yrs ago.. We brought 74 kids. Last year we brought 184 kids. The main goal was to let the kids see something that many may have never, or will not get the chance to see it again. We brought many Companies along with us who donated give aways.. Hats, shirts, whatever. The division stepped with stuff also.. As we walked thru the pits.. Many teams, and drivers stepped out of there trailers and motor homes to check it out. Many people were throwing stuff like again hats and shirt to the kids.. I had a couple boxes of hats from Lucas Oil.. When ever a driver stopped and we talked to them.. I had them sign the hat and give it to one of the kids. Now some may think i got this together to promote myself and our radio show.. That isnt true at all.. I grew up in Drag Racing.. And with what i do as a hobby i worked really hard to put these events together. You as the racer need to be part of it. Its all simple stuff.. Something as simple as a sticker will light up a kids face. We had enough stuff that one of my goals was accomplished.. Everyone, including staff went home with something.

Jay Blake took time out of his busy day to stop and talk to the kids. Joe Lombardo made a point to come and speak with them... Dave Mohn did also. So i guess what im saying is. it doesnt take a whole hell of alot to reach out to people and let them know what is going on. One of the worse things i ever heard a racer say was.. Well its not my job to promote the race.. Thats the tracks job. Well sorry, but i call BS. And by doing what we did the past 2 years. Its proof that a little effort goes a long way. WHEELZ UP RADIO along with Lucas Oil Products. Strange Engineering, Brodix Heads and many more will be bringing the 3rd ANNUAL CARZ 4 KIDS at New England Dragway. And also dont forget about or Car Show at the State Capitol in Concord NH. I have also spoken with the Governor and if his schedule allows.. He will be making an appearance at the Car Show. SO i ask you.. Step up.. Be part. Show off your hard work.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

Would not mind donating to a cause like this.
Bringing kids with some Chaperons.
Have a Canopy there with some screens.
Someplace they can take a nap if they need one.
Food, walking through the pits, talking!
Get ear plugs to block the noise.

my 2 cents
d

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

NHRA had tech in store parking lots and malls at least throughout the 70's.Why they stopped, not sure.
More super tracks with more room, possibly?
Problem today is with the size of the rigs, and everybody wanting preferred parking.
First rig numbered at the mall would also have to be the first to leave for the track, in order to maintain that sequence.
Only guy that I know that could handle it another way, is Redman.
Unfortunately, we know the story there.

Re: Nhra strikes again - must read for stk/ss at ned nat eve
 

I'm sure they won't have quality paved pit spaces saved for them and will be parking in the dirt and grass with the rest of the "paying" sportsman racers!!! Oh, wait, I'm sure it will be the exact opposite! This is NHRA!