Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Couldn?t disagree with the two of you more. Stk/SS racers that still care about the performance aspect of these classes very much look forward to the Opens. I will also add that the more D1 continues to jack around with the schedules to suit their own needs, not their customers, the less enticing these Opens are to run.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Maple grove divisional should have an open race
Did it like 20 years ago stock was full qualified field
Like a Sports National schedule would work

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

I think that each division should have a Sportsnational. Jegs Speedweek at Columbus is one of my favorite events all year. Class eliminations that are run to completion, and it?s a double header with both races earning a grade point. They almost always get a full field in stock. And well over 100 cars in Super stock.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Dave, I'm not saying to totally get rid of all the opens but make them more feasible for the working men & women and worth the tow, we only have 6 D1 races now and if you want to chase the National Event tour you basically need 8 to 7 grade points to get in unless it's a light filled event like Epping but we know Gainesville, Norwalk you need 8. Make it that it's an Open and D1 race like Numidia was but the open first, then D1 race. I get it these tracks don't want them, nor make any money on them, and some of them have tried like Leb Valley & Epping and it failed horribly, I think the Dutch had 242 cars last year and mostly Stock / SS, the Dutch used to be a 400+ car event.

I RUP at the last Atco Open race in SG in 2023 and got $400 for 5 rounds. We used to have a great points series that was a part of the open series that paid to go and chase those points if you wanted too, now Glen and team have done a great job getting that going in Canada but, you do have to travel a lot if you want to chase. I get it opens are the way for stock, super stock, comp racers to basically let it all hang out and show your muscle but, the Dutch used to be a 4-day event with class on Friday, then is slowly made its way to a 3-day event and now it's almost a 2 day race with a rain day but now we added 8.50, 10.00 & 11.50 index classes to the mix because racers aren't supporting the event. We all know when the sun goes down at MG around that time of the year it gets pretty sketchy and now it's almost November for this event, I would hate to see someone wad up a car going into the winter break, you can put a barrel of glue down but without heat in the track it makes it quite dangerous for the throttle stop cars and even high HP Stockers & SS. I can say Mark is a great person and very knowledgeable from his time as MG GM and out West, so hopefully he can apply that all for next season and come up with something that is good for all.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Any word on how late we can pull in on Wednesday eve/ when the gates will close?

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Kevin, the flyer is up on the Maple Grove website. Parking concludes 6PM sharp, Stacking starts at 6PM until 7AM Thursday.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

What the hell makes D1 so special that you guys deserve extra divisionals to make it easier to run for national points? D2 gets 6 races too but nobodies complaining down here. I like the fact that I have to hit some outs to run for national points. Makes me go places I otherwise wouldn't, race against people I otherwise wouldn't, and makes you earn the top 10 finish, or God forbid a world championship.

Yes D2 has a national open series, but they aren't exactly in most D2 racers backyard either. Florida guys are driving 8+ hours to run at dinky 1/8th mile tracks for that coveted extra grade point you're talking about.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

The flyer for the Dutch Classic is now up on the Maple Grove website; and, unless I am reading it wrong, Class Eliminations are not mentioned. If that is true, it is very disappointing.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

A number of things on that schedule need to be redone. Class on Friday ? Index cars get a time shot on Saturday ? Whose out first on Saturday ?

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Well the Dutch just become the VMP Final Regional. Not sure if they will do a double header, open race and Divisional/Regional?

https://www.nhra.com/news/2024/virgi...-grove-raceway

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

I wonder if the Virginia divisional move had anything to do with that.
I guess we won't know until the "schedule and other important information are released soon."

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

The flyer for the Dutch is no longer on the Maple Grove website; so I guess it is being changed. The only thing that we can do is wait.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Well here's the answer to the question. This flyer was just released by Maple Grove. The caption underneath states "What was originally scheduled for the Dutch has developed into a second Lucas Oil Divisional for us this season." In other words, no Dutch Classic this year.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

From NHRADiv1.com. Bill, we can breathe easily now!

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Well, while I'm very happy to hear we can still run class, I guess I don't understand why this couldn't have been turned into a double. I doubt the last 8 or so cars in each class would have minded still being at the Grove on a Monday morning if it drug on. I suppose we probably could have pulled that off, but we now have all the other non-NHRA core classes, 8.50, 10.00, 11.50 and ET motorcycle, so it would be tough to do a double. Good news is, the stands will be packed because those classes are part of the action....

One other thing I have mentioned before, as hard as it is for people with full time jobs to get to a race this early in the week in the first place, the situation is really like salt in the wounds when the gate closes for parking at 6 PM on a Wednesday, when quals start first thing Thursday morning.

And in this case, there will now be way more people coming to this race than originally planned, and a bunch from much further away, and we can't keep the gate open until say 9 or 10 PM? Anyone that has been to the Grove before knows exactly where they can/will park, we don't need help.
Please, leave the fricken gate open a little later !!!!

Kp

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Waiting on the more detailed schedule - hopefully soon - that one is still pretty vague

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

With Stock and Super Stock Class being run as scheduled, I am assuming the Hemi Challenge will run as scheduled.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

The class eliminations were supposed to be part of the Dutch Classic (a national open) and have no AHFS in place, now that it is a divisional will there be AHFS in place for the first 2 qualifying runs and class eliminations?

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

You mean the people that need a hp hit are gonna get a hp hit? The horror.

Sounds to me like the price of winning a wally.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

While it would be nice for that to be true, I foresee class eliminations at this race becoming -.99 under eliminator if AHFS is in play. To some people, "protecting" their combo is an "at all costs" practice. Not to sound like a cloud of negativity, but, if or when NHRA decides to "do away" with our class in the probably not so distant future, I wonder how many will say "I may have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars to make my car fast, but at least I didn't get that extra 10hp on my combo."

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

You truly believe the most widely supported class in NHRA is on the verge of getting sh!t-canned in the next decade? My money would be on SST if they were lopping off a class that doesn't get support. Why would they go after the only class that makes them money at divisionals and national opens?

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Ya know, seeing as "someone" (either the track owners or the Div. office) decided that the Dutch should be a 5 day race anyway (ya can't give up that T&T on Wednesday), why can't the powers-that-be (track, Div.1, I don't care) run the Divisional on Thursday and Friday and go right into the Open on Saturday (or visa-versa) with one Q run/time trial for newcomers only?
Now, I don't know what the "politics" are from track-to-track nor do I know how the $$$s are made and divvied up but a Div. with a $225 entry and an Open at $180 with the potential for 400 ++ cars can't be too hard to swallow!

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

It's a tough call. It may be the most widely supported class as far as number of participants is concerned, but the NHRA seems to care less and less as time goes on. At the national event level, why limit sportsman entries if all they do is put extra money in NHRA's pockets? Tech has pretty much become non-existent for most races except for Indy. Entry fees have gone up with little increase in the purse. I don't think we will ever be "sh!t-canned." That didn't go so well with Pro-stock truck. I think what may eventually happen, is they are hoping that we will just sort of "go-away" if they slowly stop supporting our class. Not to mention the elephant in the room being the fact that probably at least 50% of the participants are going to be "aged out" of racing sooner than we would like to admit.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Over the next 10 years, lots will change in drag racing. stock and super stock participation will be hit hard. Many current racers in those 2 classes will be dead or retired from racing for various reasons. Further more tracks will close and I believe Maple Grove will be one of them and it will be even more difficult than it is now for the NHRA to find a keep a Pro Championship title sponsor especially with John Force, Jim Dunn and other long time big name racers/teams gone. That said, I don’t see super street going away anytime soon as it attracts bracket racers, same as super comp.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

"Dutch Classic" Time runs Thursday, one more time run Friday morning and class eliminations with no ahfs. Divisional starts on Saturday with one qualifying session Saturday morning and then go into eliminations. Finish Sunday if you have to.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Hey Bobby is this for sure i don't see it posted anywhere. I sure hope it is

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

No it is just my suggestion. What does everyone else think?

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

I would like one hit Friday morning then go into class since I don't think you can be put into class showing up Thursday night. Or at least a clean up Friday after class for anyone who hasn't had a hit yet.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

How is it at Numidia we ran three separate races in 5 days and we can only have one race in 5 days at Maplegrove ? Nhra do you have an answer ?

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Does it really matter if it?s a divisional or national open? Other than class (which they said they are having) it?s a grade point and divisional points compared to a national open which is grade point only, the opens mean NOTHING other than a grade point, I myself prefer a divisional. And you don?t need 4 time shots in one weekend. Do like what rockingham does, national open on Sunday and done deal. You guys are forgetting they still have to finish the Epping race which has logistics attached to it and people are fighting for national/divisional positions.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Because there were/are people that want to set records and run class without setting triggers. I know for some this doesn't matter, but there were racers coming from D2 and D3 for this. Yes, I understand that they have to finish the Epping race, but if the AFHS is in place, it will change everything for some. I really don't know how we can not have an AFHS in place with a divisional.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

I have a feeling your combo is no where near the ?hit list?so set the record! What?s your average at? If someone wants to set a record and has an average at or above .85 then I guess yes you should be careful?..

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

I already have the record, It wasn't about me, but there are others that will be affected. I can see some not coming if AFHS is in effect

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Unfortunately that?s their decision I guess, there have been other events they could have set the record, napierville Canada double open was a couple weeks ago, great weather great track, rockingham the weekend before the Dutch had an open, usually great weather and a fast track, there are other options. I agree with you they should let records happen without AHFS, I have always said they if they have class eliminations people should not be penalized for running their cars all out, but NHRA has their own rules and it?s up to them what they decide, fact of the matter is, other than this event is the prestigious ?Dutch classic? divisionals are more valuable to the racers, I would love to see anyone respond to this post saying they were planning on setting a record at the Dutch! My guess would be 2-4 people

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Yupp running class and trying to set a record at the Dutch was in my plans. Rockingham is a division race on Friday and Saturday. Open on Sunday on 1/8 mile, no records can be set.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

The only reason we were attending the Dutch Classic was for Class. With that being said, I also understand that the NHRA has a points series that needs to be completed and with lots of people still in the hunt for the titles. To try and do class runoffs, Hemi shootout, full divisional schedule(including Alcohol cars) and run a weekend bracket program is simply unattainable. Kyle has already committed to the bracket program as a means to substitute for the low car count at the Dutch(which is ok); however with morning fog, evening dew setting in between 6-7pm, that leaves maybe 40hrs of track time to complete the entire program. This doesn't take into consideration should the weather not be conducive or any major on track breakage. God forbid we get a week of beautiful forecast, that will add another 100 cars to the already 400-500 coming to begin with. I know the NHRA and Kyle want to try and give us everything promised, but at this point, I believe starting Thursday with the division race and using Sunday as the rain date would make most sense for all parties involved. Class could be doubled up perhaps next year in D1? IMHO

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Numidia is in the middle of July when it?s 80-90 degrees with track temps in the 120-130, even when the sun goes down the surface is still in good shape to run till 11-12pm (heck 2am if Bob had his choice) as long as the dew doesn?t come in off the mountains. MG is going to be hit or miss, we could have a freak 80 degree weekend or have a 40 degree weekend, the problem is you can slap 20 barrels of glue down on a racing surface, if there is no temp in the track it?s not going to be pretty plus you have additional classes that were already apart of the Dutch and are finishing out their points season there (8.50, 10.00, 11.50 & Bike). Like Kevin said you have about 40 hours over 4 days to get things completed, not like 5 days that you can run from 9am till midnight.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

When you put it that way, it makes sense.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Just throwing a suggestion due to the nature of this complicated race. Perhaps Dutch Classic Open rules for Records/Class from Wednesday-Friday. To address lots of issues for late arriving working racers, how about one time run on Friday morning to get on the class ladder and then class Friday as scheduled? A good amount of classes have 2 cars and do not come back after first round so it normally runs quicker than the actual eliminator. Also, class has no bearing on points, so the AHFS is not necessary.

Divisional rules start on Saturday, One qualifying session in the morning to set the ladder and then run eliminations to completion. AHFS is in effect. Stock & Super Stock racers have historically come from far & wide to run the Dutch and I believe this could appeal to both the performance-based racers and the points-oriented racers.

Re: Dutch Classic Tentative shedule
 

Bobby, they won't waive the AHFS for 1 Division when the other Divisions
had it in effect. I wish there no AHFS for all class runoffs, regardless of when they are held. However, that would slow down the purpose of the AHFS, which I am in no way saying is the answer to factor combinations that need to be brought into line.

J.R.