Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

how about this. Instead of going after different racers, why not try to mend the relationships you have with existing racers who are sick and tired of the way Division 2 has been run for the last decade or so.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

That is what I've always said. It's the easy button for the guys that can't make one run.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

How about we fix the problems with the Division as it stands, first? More classes with the same problems is not the answer.

Sure, we'd like to see a couple more tracks. But I don't really think "Unleashed" is going to get Division 2 a couple of LODRS races at Charlotte and Bristol.

We need sustainable growth in car count and spectator attendance. That comes from solving the problems we already have, not adding 3 more classes from the latest "flash in the pan" fad.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

I'm not targeting anyone,didn't mean to do that-sorry............didn't everyone want a new guy in D2. Give him some time to make things happen.He's been at it for only 4 months.All i'm saying is give it all a chance to work. By the end of 2011.... maybe you'll feel differently.:D

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

If all he's going to bring is "new classes", and "thinking outside the box" :rolleyes: I'm going to feel a lot different about him. It won't be positive, either.

We need to fix the problems we've had for years, and we need to do it now, before we add classes, before we add tracks, before we add anything. "New additions" are simply window dressing to mask underlying problems. It's like putting a set of wheels and tires and a coat of paint and bondo on a rustbucket with a rod knocking. Fix the rust, and build the engine first, the new wheels and tires and fresh paint are a waste if you don't.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

I just hope people give him and any new ideas a chance. Give him a call or send him an e-mail an tell him your issues,ideas,etc One on One, instead of a internet forum is always best. Best of luck to all in 2011.;)

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Good one. I'm still laughing.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Ultimately I think this idea will be a flop. Typically the local bracket racer is not going to be willing to pony up $100 entry fee to race for only a $1,000 purse. Most tracks offer the the same or better purse on a weekly basis for much less entry fee. Plus I dont think there are enough cars locally that are hard core index racers to fill the fields to the level to make them profitable. The super series guys wont cross over because of the issue with the electronics. I f they do cross over it will just hurt the car counts for the SST and SG classes. This is most likely what will happen. I guess we will all have to wait and see.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Mike, I hope you are correct.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

The purse is a biggie. Most bracket races charge around $40-$45 for a purse of $1000 to win and you dont have to travel very far. . Ya cant spend the Wally. I guess NHRA expects to make some money off of the index racer and make them happy with the so called Wally.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

We pay $50 at Bowling Green, for a shot at $1500 in a Stock / Super Stock combo, with a field of 40 to 64 cars, as well as a little payoff at the end of the year. Both the track, and Comp Cams/TCI, generously support the class racers in the area, and we try to support them in return. That's the same purse you get from NHRA, and while we don't have a shot at contingencies, we do get treated like first class citizens, for a lot less money, and a lot less travel time.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Wish I was closer.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

It looks like the local stock and S/S circuits are the best deal going !

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

We are working on a stock / superstock combo deal for the 2011 season in eastern NC now . Looking for possible 8 race series at Kinston ,Dunn - Benson , Fayetteville , and a couple more and hopes of at least 2 1/4 mile races......stay tuned for more ......

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

The independent stock/Super Stock associations are a great thing. The problem we are having at the Southern Stock Super Stock Association in Fla and south GA is some of the racers will not support the program. They dont want to race 1/8 mile or a combo format. All they want to race are the NHRA points races. We are not getting any support from most of the tracks. Orlando, Lakeland, SGMP have been the most cooperative. I would like to thank them for the support. A few of the manufacturers have provided some minimal support in the past. Right now it looks like the SSSSA wont be running any races this year. Thats too bad we started out real strong.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

OMG ! That is a shame. I guess its just another nail in the coffin for class racers in florida. Why is it the racers think they are to above running the 1/8th or supporting a local combo ? It sure beats getting screwed over at the points races.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

having some in other parts of the south would help. Its a 6 hr drive to Valdosta, further to any of the others. Also a true qualifying sheet, scales and heads up runs would do a lot. Otherwise its just a bracket race limited to stockers and superstockers. Just my opinion

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

I used to drive to Atco NJ with my friend who races an IHRA crate motored stocker and it was 4 1/2 hours one way. Dave Ley"s races do VERY WELL and they dont have heads up runs, scales, and fuel check. Its just a "Mind Set" and something to do with the location. It sure beats not having anyplace to race with like minded class racers and friends instead of just a bracket race. Look at it as a fun day to be with friends and play with your toys as in a test session. Guys you need to come off of your hi horse and support the local races even if you might not agree with the foremat. Its not perfect but is sure beats sitting home watching your expensive toys rust. Each to their own.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

There are other associations that use the same format with success. the East Coast association led by Dave Ley uses a similar format with great success. The Bowing Green combo races enjoy a great car count.The SSSSA followed their formula but we did not get the support. Personnally I traveled to every race on the SSSSA schedule that I did not have a work or personal conflict with. The races were alot of fun and a friendly atmosphere. All of the members voted on the format. It was a whole lot better than just looking at the car in the garage all summer.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

The Bowling Green combo series has a full qualifying sheet, and heads up racing. It's part of the reason for the success of the series. It's what the racers wanted.

Of course, a lot of the guys running Bowling Green were combo racers "back in the day" at Music City, AKA Union Hill or just "The Hill". Back then, if you were anyone, and you were fast, you came to "The Hill" and tested yourself against the best the entire region had to offer. There were people who towed 200 miles and more to run the Saturday night "Combo 2" no breakout races.

The track, and some of the racers, went out and got a sponsor for the series. The track prep is excellent. And they treat racers like guests who were invited, instead of victims to be fleeced. The racing includes a qualifying sheet and heads up races.

And that's why the Bowling Green combo has 40-60+ car fields on a regular basis, and guys drive over 200 miles to race there.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

and why I will probably tow 500 miles to come run one this summer

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

I believe the price of traveling is the main reason for the lack of racer support. I myself had some mechanical problems last year and could not make the races that were the closest to me (200 miles).
The Nashville area has always had a lot of Stock Superstock cars. Much like the Elnglishtown/Atco/Maple Grove area. Most of the other areas are less populated by stk/ss cars.
As far as running the 1/8 mile goes I shift my car less than 100 feet short of the 1/8 mile. Making it very hard for me to turn around and guage the other car. If I put in an electric shifter that could help. But as it is now I don't think I can be competitive, unless I just used 1st and 2nd, but then the motor would be over 9000 at the finish (it revs quick in second gear).
Most of the cars in the association I'm in are from Florida. So I would not expect them to setup a race in South Carolina, Alabama, etc. The race in Reynolds Georgia had very little support.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

I may put my no-e bracket engine back in mine and run the un-leashed race here at Tulsa this year if I have time. Have to dial it back a tad to run ten flat.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

We came almost 400 miles south for the Reynolds race. We had a good time. I think it took 4 rounds to win.

There are people who make long trips to come to Bowling Green, it's not just the Nashville guys there. For no more publicity than it gets, the Bowling Green series draws a decent field from more than just the Nashville and Bowling Green areas.

It's a great deal for a class racer who wants to race, especially the two day races. We tow about 90 miles or so one way, a lot of people tow considerably further. You'll see tags from Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and even Missouri, not just Tennessee and Kentucky.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

no Ed, its 1/4 and a very nice facility

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

It was 1/4 mile when I last raced there, at the Sports Nationals in like '78 or so. Only place I've raced that had covered spectator bleachers, other than Tulsa. Tulsa's are no longer covered. Guess I missed what Art was refering to. LOL

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Ed, we run 1/4 mile at the Bowling Green combos. There is a regular qualifying sheet and ladder, as well as the chance to run heads up if the sheet works out that way. The racers pretty much police themselves, with help from the track. There are scales, and they are used. There are plenty of really fast cars, and racers who know if there's anything "hinky" about a run.

There's everything from a V/SA Chevy II to a SS/B Corvette. Plenty of Mopar and Ford racers, too, all with fast cars and good drivers. Record holders, as well as divisional and national champions are found in the pits regularly. Win a Bowling Green combo, and you're a serious contender anywhere.

The track is good, the entry fee is cheap, the staff and the racers are friendly, and the food is decent and fairly priced.

The Saturday races are run with qualifying in the afternoon and the eliminations evening, the Sunday races start earlier.

There is often a test and tune going on, as well as a bracket program. For 2011, a Super Gas program is almost certain to run with the combo as well.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Gezzzz Ed.....I raced there in SS/IA with a red 68 Camaro in 1978. I was runner up to Phil Hardee for class after 3 rounds I think. You should have said hello.....LOL.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

I lost the clutch in my C/SM Camaro first round. Should have stayed home. :-)

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Damn...you lost a clutch and I lost the class final. I still had fun and only class winners ran the eliminator on Sunday back then.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Perfect location for the 2nd US Class Nationals - probably should hold it the same weekend as Indy! LOL

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

That weekend would be finacial suicide. Maybe the weekend before the NHRA points race. The racers on the way to Indy could leave their rigs there then race the points race and go on to Indy ! Of course thats about a month off work for most. IF it happens.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Not likely.

But here's a good place for a real huge 3-4 day big money class race: Memphis.

Either in the spring, or the fall, when the weather is not miserable.

Decent centralized location, national event sized and capable facility.

Not an NHRA track, so NHRA can't pressure them.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

I heard Memphis, PaLm Beach, and Imokolee (sp?) all 3 have just been sold (rumor yet to be proven) to the Arab dragster and funny car bill payer. They will probably all 3 go back to NHRA now after the IHRA race this month and next. Anyone know if its true????.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Wow! Interesting!

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

That's correct: 10.5 has no break-out, nor do any of the other "outlaw classes. First one through the traps wins. Gotta love it. And yes, there were alot more cars and alot more spectators in the stands. And I have seen the stands clear out when the .90 racers come up at Division Races, I mean that does look like some pretty lame racin'.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Same thing here at the local IHRA track: $45.00 to run for a shot on some weekends for $2500.00. The pits and stands are full every weekend. Runnin' everything from stockers to outlaws.

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

The people who own PBIR purchased Memphis at auction.

http://competitionplus.com/drag-raci...torsports-park

Immokalee has apparently been sold. IHRA race is on.

http://drr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/t...495#9437065495

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Are there anyone else here that might consider running one of these index classes either at the "UnGlued" races or a Div. 2 points race?

Re: D2 races to include 3 Unleashed classes
 

Ive heard some more rummors and its not to good for the IHRA guys.