Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

The last time I got it hit it was still a C/SA car, it wasn't me that made it an A/SA car.

How is it destroyed anyways? It can still easily run 1.20 under?

Sorry you feel that way. But that's your problem not mine.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Your right it is my problem I own a car you dont>>>You were the one to make it a C/sa from D/sa.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

And?

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Well since the racers are to busy fighting back and forth let the spectator comment. You don't have to play sportsmen verses pros, but you have to grow the sportsmen ranks to get better and more productive pros. Look how many of them came through the sportsmen ranks and some through the class ranks. Didn't it make you smile seeing jason line run in stock? First thing fuel has to be 1/4 mile that's what fans want who cares about the time at 1000 ft. Take fuel and power to slow them down do we care if they are only doing 310 instead of 330? Overhaul all class rules for cheaper ways which will pump up car counts which will make the purses bigger. In s/ss look for sponsors just for those classes, pay money for class records. Speed brings fans, personally I like shoe polish racing you have to have skill and can race just about anything. I was at the dutch and was just as impressed by the bender wagon and what it could do as I was by the numbers the new stockers put up. We need new blood in the stands I keep saying the friday night street racing at local tracks should be made into its own class. Run them at divisonals and opens purely street legal with registration and license. Has to be bracket so any car can enter you will have young and old at the divisional level. They get introduced to bracket racing at their pace and price. Some will move on to classracing buying more products which will give sponsors more customers and more money for everyone.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

One of the basic fundamentals of problem solving is to correctly identify the problem.

Is the lack of heads up racing the real problem in sportsman racing? There is evidence that heads up racing isn't alive and well. Consider the fact that one of the greatest heads up races in the country has died after about 17 years or so of thriving like mad. That's the Orlando World Street Finals (or similar).

The Orlando race was the 'heads up street car (I use that phrase ambiguously)' equivalent of NHRA's US Nationals. Competitiors from all over the country descended upon Orlando's hallowed grounds and spectators flocked to the place religiously year after year.

That race isn't being run this year. If heads up racing is what so many fans and racers desire why then did the greatest heads up 1/4 mile race in the country go down?

Another ugly fact that disproves the 'heads up is where it's at' hypothesis is the success of "Pinks".

Rich didn't seem like the biggest gear head on the planet to me. Matter of fact his lack of experience around serious drag cars was evident early on in his TV program when a pair of 7-8 second cars blasted by his arm drop. Looked like a deer in the head lights and his camera guy at the finish line dropped a Cleveland Steamer Bean in his drawers when the T/S style Corvette got loose on the big end and kept the hammer down.

Rich was/is a promotor extraordinaire, he made index style racing more popular than any other drag racing series in the country. Bigger than NHRA, bigger than ADRL, bigger than IHRA-and the cars were usually run of the mill bracket cars, or street/strip cars.
What other series fills up its qualifying fields in 15 minutes? No 32 car fields, 64 car fields, or 128 car fields either. This was 350 plus cars and the whole facility would be jammed with spectators. Granted he started out with some hokey heads up stuff that ultimately was manipulated by racers....the crowds still flocked to his events even when cars were spotted 'lengths' and then the gradual switch to index type racing. It thrived.

I think Dwight touched on something very appealing about Stock and SS racing....there are cars from every generation, a real live history of drag racing over many decades.

For what it's worth I spoke to a bracket race promoter in south eastern NC this past weekend. I asked him, during about one hour conversation, 'what will it take to get spectators to the aces again?'

His answer was to lower the spectator ticket to 5 bucks. 10-15-20 is too high in this economy when people have so many avenues for entertainment that are almost free-the web, NFL, WI, facebook, etc......

Rich C has, imo, laid down the blueprint for making drag racing popular. Hopefully someone within class racing that has the intestinal fortitude and the venture capital to risk will take a shot with it.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Back in the day all the local strips I attended were filled with racers and spectators and the only need for shoe polish was to mark your class and number, if your racecar wasn't a "real" racecar.

The index was the class record for the class you competed in and whoever could run closest to the number usually won that race.

Records were only set at divisional and national events.

The spectators all understood that and it was really cool if a local racer could run at or near (sometimes better than) the national record.

Top Stock was a big deal and the Super Stocks, Modified Production, Altereds and Gassers and anything else that showed up ran off until each group had a overall winner.

Pure/Stock allowed the local to become a participant. More fun than sitting in the bleachers!

A BIG race would then throw all the winners together for a Top Eliminator.

Great day of racing for all.

Lot's of local tracks.

Every radio station was running a "Sunday, Sunday, Sunday" ad.

That was then.

Would any of that work now?

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I may have gotten a little side-tracked... hehe, was just brainstorming...
IMO, Stock and Super Stock have gotten way outta hand, but thats what happens when aftermarket companies start lobbying NHRA/IHRA to make certain parts legal(for a fee, of course), and then everyone has to buy them to be competitive. Believe me, id like nothing more than to see STOCK/S-Stock flourish forever... and get the popularity it once had. WHat happened to SS&Drag Illustrated? Car Crap and Super Chevy and the likes could do more articles on S/SS cars, not just over-chromed new cars with 7 stage nitrous systems that never get used. If i ever get to the place that i can afford to run in CLass, i would be more than willing to go to the WalMart type parking lots for tech/show...anything to draw interest and talk about mine and
everyone else's cars... that is part of it... nothin better that someone wanting to know whats goin on under the hood, or whatever... TV/Mags/Internet/Car Shows/Contests are some good ways to promote(to answer the question at hand:) )

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Pure/Stock allowed the local to become a participant. More fun than sitting in the bleachers!


now, there's an idea!!! nhra still have that class? ihra did, but im not sure if they still do...

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I went to the Seattle race this year as a spectator with a friend. This is the first national event I have watched in about 18 years. My friend is a FUEL fan and was stunned that I wanted to stay in the stands and watch the Stock and Super Stock classes run. He normally ran to watch the circus thrash on the fuel cars between rounds. I actually got him interested in WATCHING the sportsman races. Seems as though the public has been trained by TV that the only classes that matter are the Pro,s , Really sad that some of the best competitors have empty stands. I personally think the .90 classes are very determental to the people in the stands. It is hard enough for the average person to figure out why the two cars dont leave the line at once, let alone why the throttle stop cars dont even have a REAL drag race at all. Maybe if there was betting allowed in the stands??:) We could have more spectators?? This is not going to be a easy thing to fix. IMHO

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I've been reading this post with great interest. First back in the day there where alot less entertainment options available (internet,tv,resturants, moves, malls, ect) Secondly the price to spectate has gottin out of hand even for the weekly races, and the price for a big show (nationals) are crazy. As the ecconomy continues to stay weak these prices need to be reduced. The weekly shows need to promoted better as someone said I can remember the (SUNDAY,SUNDAY,SUNDAY) ads on the radio you rarely hear a race promoted anymore. Next to blame the demise of drag race on any one competion class is narrow minded,its the diversity in classes that make it interesting this encludes (stk,ss,comp and the .90 class's) and Mr.Gonzo 1066 if you believe that .90 racing is NOT A REAL DRAG RACE please give if it a try. I think you'll find out differently, its some of the closest racing you'll find just watch it from the finish line. Granted the throttle stops may make it a bit confusing to the casual spectator, the real race is after the stops come off.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

From purely my spectator perspective, Stock and Super Stock are some of the most entertaining classes in drag racing. Diversity of body styles but still cars we recognize, classic cars, great paint jobs, wheelstands, etc. It's probably not as big a deal as you racers think regarding the rules and why guys are on the brakes at the finish and why the faster time sometimes loses. It's the visceral aspects that makes it great. I wouldn't pay to see headsup, street muffled cars because they wouldn't have the sensory assault factor. You just have to find a way to get people there in the first place. Maybe I'm an exception but I think the product sells itself. I agree that lowering ticket prices might help a little but an extra $5 or $10 isn't THAT big a deal. I think an angle of more of a "show" than a "race" would intrigue potential spectators more.

And since it's been mentioned, I'm not the biggest fan of the 0.90 classes. While I can appreciate the technical challenges, watching a 2 second throttle stop and only having the scoreboard tell me who won doesn't really do it. I can't really see the finish line from the starting line so any jockeying that's happening down there gets lost. I remember the first time I saw Super Comp without knowing about the stop, I was thinking how weird it was for the guys to let off the gas after they launch. That didn't seem like real racing to me.

As I mentioned in my first post earlier in this thread, after watching many hundreds of passes, I STILL don't know exactly how Stock and Super Stock works. Maybe someone can explain it to me. Maybe a handout at the track would be useful explaining all the classes. But having that last little piece of knowledge wouldn't change the enjoyment factor for me at all since I'm there for the sights and sounds and not really for the technical aspects. I'd imagine most casual fans would feel the same way.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Thats one of the great things about this forum. If you have a question about any of the classes on this site all you have to do is join up and start a thread on your subject. The vast majority of the racers on this site will be happy to answer any questions that you have about how the class races and the rules involved.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Here are some articles I wrote a few years back. Only the first page (or two) have the really important stuff. Take some time to read it, it should be a big help to any novice fans of NHRA/IHRA Sportsan racing.

http://forum.competitionplus.com/showthread.php?t=7224

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Boosted22fc and Lynch are doing what needs to be done to this new combos. Since NHRA refuses to take matters in their owns hands and fix the HP situation. Great job to Boosted22fc and Lynch and a few others to help make the older cars competitive again. Now if some of the other new combo owners/drivers (Ford) to do the same thing.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Sorry to ruffle feathers, I am sure that the throttle stoppers ALL take the races they run just as serious as the Pro Class racers do. I assume that driving skill is just as important as setting the computer. I was trying to point out that FROM THE STANDS (at least to this old timer) electronic racing is hard to watch.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

No ruffled feathers here (well maybe a little). I understand .90 and class racing in general can be confusing to spectators. I've explained how and why t-stops are used to spectators in the stands before. Try watching .90 or any class from the finish line there's alot going on down there.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Robbie, I have to say that I'm an old school 90's but have come to enjoy watching top end strategies people employ. I'm glad that Rock Haas told me to look at the big picture and stop looking at the past. Racing is racing. CR

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I vaguely remember having to tech at a shopping center at a race or two out
west (Salt Lake City?) when my dad was running stock in the late 70's. Never thought of it as a promotional tool, great idea Danny!

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Just an idea here. Instead of going to the track days ahead of time to "stack" at the track maybe local racers can arrange for racers (local and out of town) to park at the malls or big stores to show off their rides. I think this would creat an interest from the locals to come and see the person and car they met at the store.:)

Jeff

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

IHRA did that a few times years ago when Norwalk was under their sanction. Main street in Norwalk was blocked off, variety of race cars were on display, food vendors, music & much more....it was great! But I'm sure it wasn't easy to organize.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Not a bad idea to tech some cars in somewhere other than the track. The "Off Road, Desert Racers" do not tech in at the racing venue and it creates a lot of action. Big difference between Desert racing and our racing but it could be done. I would recommend that a class rotation for tech somewhere other than the track. In Las vegas, as example, work it out with the downtown casinos to tech there and cars be required to "fire them" to drive to the tech position. That would really be a blast. As example, stage Super Stock cars about a half block away from a tech area, then bring then up one or two at a time. Burn outs and wheel stands allowed? Naw. Too dangerous. The noise alone would draw the crowd. Take it a step further, Ford cheering section and same for GM and Mopar. Would the casinos go for it if you brought 80 cars and crews and another 3,000 spectators, I bet (pun intended) they would. Gary Hansen

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

I'm thinking of something relatively simple. The racers can spend a night or 2 parked in the big parking lot and get the car out to clean or just show it off to create interest from the locals. I know I've spent a night at a Walmart before while traveling. You'd be close to resturants and supplies before heading to the track for the weekend. Blocking off a city street would take alot of effort. Racers could "volunteer" using this website and stores or malls listed on here too.:)

Jeff

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Since Bales can only get a hp hit with an illegal engine, and he has doing it from thebeginning, do we get some of that HP removed now since that the illegal engine has been exposed????????? I am going to write the NHRA on that one. Fair is fair guys.....Illegal engines shouln't be able to penalize everyone else racing that combo.

How many times did he take a hit for this combo without getting torn down? And come on guys, that engine has been apart enough times since it was delivered that "somebody" had to know that it was illegal.

Irv, at least when we did get hp, we did so with a legal engine. We successfully passed teardown. So pease don't put us in the same category as someone who has no skin in the game, and only gets hp when running an illegal engine.

But Irv, it would appear that we are still running well enough with that combo. And actually, the 5.7 doesn't look too bad after the hit the 6.4 took last week.


David
The New Hemi Guy

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

Dang, I thought racing was supposed to be fun? The ONLY thing I'm guilty of is keeping my foot to the floor at a couple of races. Why so angry?

And stop already. You've made your point in your page long personal blog about me and your jabs in some threads here. Even though it's so far from reality. Do you actually think that we would of gone for the record knowing that we would be torn down and inspected if we knew we had illegal pistons in the motor? C'mon now. I might be some idiot kid with no skin in the game, that knows nothing about racing, and is a joke of a driver, according to you, but no one is that stupid.

I don't know why you are trying so hard to convince people that I'm a bad guy and am clueless?

One good thing is the people that matter know better, and that's reassuring at least.

Re: How do we promote sportsman type racing?
 

To the self proclaimed "Combo Hitter",

It is nice to know that you read my blog. But why would you think it was about you. It didn't even say Indianapolis.

As for everything else, actions speak louder than words. I only stated obvious facts and I never expected you to know absolutely anything about the motor. It isn't even your car.

But as you said, and the only thing with which I can agree, is that the people who really matter, really do know the truth.

Have a nice day.

David
The New Hemi Guy