CLASS RACER FORUM - Is IHRA Going Under?

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane Eiskant II (Post 509791)

Here ya go. Got this email from Ihra division director Jon oneal so I'm sharing. Since jims post I've had people tell me they won't go to any Ihra events this year because since there folding up they don't want to lose there membership money.(?) come on your gonna take a $20,000 car and NOT race over $80 bucks? My brother in-law passed away Thursday and for this weekends pro am at capital in Maryland im gonna miss the first Q run sat but will be there to support this event. (the service is sat for my brother in-law) I, like a lot of racers have been sitting at home and they only to better which ever (the I or the N) you chose to run with, you need to support it. Travel safe see the ones who want to race Friday afternoon.

"Mr. Wahl didn't call me. He didn't call Josh or Frank, our other dds. He didn't call Skooter or Baker. He called the generic office line and got our graphic designer (turned receptionist after the mag went away). I won't pretend that I know what was said but here's what I do know and I'll gladly tell or share with anyone:

The powers that be have a plan for the whole of the IHRA that includes the home office living in Florida. That's no big secret and it's been the plan for a long time. It did mean that some of the staff had to make a tough decision. The most important part of the plan to our sportsman racers is that Baker, Skooter and I (because I live in the area I work) will be staying in Norwalk in a small satellite office just like our other Division Directors. I'm not sure how important it is to a message board theorist that we won't be near where we store a years worth of glue, oil dry or park the National Event semis, but it is what it is. Maybe it matters what zip code you call to renew your membership.

The great news in my eyes and what I'm genuinely excited about is that it leaves us without the burden of spending too much time in the D1 (moniker for the new top fuel and professional program) series. It lets us go back to spending a majority of our time on the Summit ProAm Tour and Summit SuperSeries. Know that everyone above my paygrade that I've dealt with in the organization, personally in one-on-one conversations and in meetings, including Mike Dunn and even the CEO that hired Mike understand that we're doing good things with sportsman and don't want to mess with it. They see the value in the hard work and the history. They want to see it grow as much as we do.

As far as next year, we're in the same exact place we would be in any other season at this time. We have every intention of not only continuing but growing the series just like every year. Do we have commitments from tracks and sponsors... some. I'd bet we have approximately the same numbers we did in July last year. We plan to release the schedule around the same time as last year after careful deliberation of placement and format. More importantly, right now, we're invested in the races we are currently operating and doing everything we can to make those smooth, fun and successful for the racers and track operators. If someone doesn't want to partake in that due to a forum post it will break my heart.

We are invested in this as individuals. You know better than most that we have to love this industry to commit our lives to it. We will do everything in our power to grow this thing. The sportsman racers are our customers and every decision we make revolves around them. Could someone say "enough is enough" and turn the lights off... sure. But that possibility has always been there. Through the 5 owners I've seen it's always been in the back of racers minds. But know than I'm genuinely excited to simply be an asset to the pro program with Baker and Skooter as opposed to being heavily involved in it. We'll have the ability to spend a larger majority of our time on the programs that will carry class racing into a better light. It's honestly heartbreaking that someone would consider airing their unconfirmed theory in such a derogatory manner and labeling it a call to action for support. That's exactly the maneuver that's caused the fear in the minds of racers. Those racers decide the babble has backing and don't show and it's a self fulfilling prophecy. I appreciate your ability to contact someone who may have some actual knowledge on the matter at hand.

Please feel free to let people know your new "inside info" and let them know they can always call us and ask anything they'd like. Just ask them to try and use a little forethought as to which questions they direct to which people. That's what your Division Director is for.

As always, feel free to let me know if there's anything I can do. "

Let me start by saying that I DID talk to Scooter for an hour and a half, maybe two hours last Wednesday. Call him and ask him!!!! I called Fran Kohutec, Josh Peake, Jim Woods, Mike Dunn and KIm Parsons (Graphic Artist and Scooter's Secretary who claimed to be the "Administrator" for IHRA). I did NOT call Jon O 'Neal (I don't know him) or Mike Baker. I got voice mail and left messages on the phones of Josh, Frank and Mike Dunn. I personally spoke to Kim Parsons, Scooter Peako, Josh Peake, and Jim Woods. My conversation with Kim is the one that started this whole thing. She is the one that told me she didn't believe there would be Sportsman racing next year. That's when I started calling all the others. I spoke with Scooter Peaco last Wednesday and posted my last post on here after that. Scooter is he one who told me Kim was NOT the Administrator but a Graphic Artist and his Secretary. I told him if he looked at the IHRA website it listed her as Administrator. (I'm thinking she did that herself possibly, who knows.)

To Jon O'Neal and Duane:
1.) I NEVER said Duane, that racers shouldn't race with the IHRA!!! In fact I said exactly the opposite! Most of what you said in your email Jon, is correct with the big exception of who I called and who I talked to! All YOU have to do is make a phone call to your boss, Scooter Peaco to confirm that. One fact you left out is the downsizing of the IHRA staff and the Drag Review Magazine. There IS NO Drag Review Magazine and over half of the staff IS gone! Both facts in my book and everyone else I've spoken to is a big red flag. What are YOU doing to combat rumors since there is no longer any official communications with your racers? Apparently the "word of mouth" method isn't working so well! I do know that the reason some of the staff were retired or let go was that they did not want to move to West Palm Beach. I also know that you, Jon, will be staying in Norwalk.
2.) I find it particularly offensive that you, Jon, would call me a liar with out calling or speaking to Scooter Peaco, Mike Dunn, Frank Kohutek, Josh Peake, Kim OR ME and finding out the real facts! Also your insinuations Duane, that I am trying to persuade racers NOT to race with the IHRA are completely and utterly false. Apparently you never read my posts. Perhaps Duane should have relayed the facts a little more precisely to you Jon, or you should have done a little more investigation yourself before you knee jerked an email with a list of things you say I DID NOT do! If either of you, Jon or Duane had been paying attention to what I have been writing about you would know that mine (and Scooter's) opinion as to why things are not going so well with IHRA, NHRA, and the other smaller Associations is CAR COUNT, and that I've been telling racers for years to get out and support those Associations or there will be nowhere to race! Perhaps Ken ( the admin here) would give the IHRA a forum in this website with which to communicate news and report results since there is no more official communication device within the IHRA. All you have to do is ask him.

I will email this response to Johnny O so I know he will receive it rather than assume Duane will get it to him. Jim

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

So me where I said you told racers not to race with Ihra? I'll save you the time YOU CANT. I said since your post I've had people tell me they weren't going to race OVER WHAT YOU SAID. So since they all and you (yes you decided to start this after talking to a secretary) like rumors I'll share this. I've already been awarded the world championship and I don't even need to show up. Btw how's that stock super stock thing going down there?

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane Eiskant II (Post 509845)

Your quote inferred that Duane. Maybe you should have written it differently. And yes, I started this after talking to Kim, who passed herself off as something other than a secretary. I started asking about the Drag Review Magazine and SHE brought the rest up. She is STILL listed as being "Administration" on the official IHRA website. I hadn't spoken to her or even had knowledge of her ever before. I have always delt with Donna Harper who is retiring. Good for you on your World Championship (not even sure you were invited to show up).
You are the ONLY negative comment I have had about this and sort of proves you might have an agenda here.
Your comment about the SSSSA is very unnecessary and a cheap shot. We have had low car counts just like all the other Associations. At least I am trying to do something about it. What are YOU doing big mouth? Jim

BTW. I see you're #28 in IHRA D1 Stock with two races run and no rounds won! Not exactly a stellar showing ya think? Way to support the Association! Have you bothered to call Scooter to get any of the real facts?

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Lattimore (Post 509667)

Jim-----People don't believe me when I tell them that . When they had those races there you were treated like royalty. Rosining the track like Ronny Sox was booked in. The amount of spectators was unbelievable and knowledgeable about what was going on. I remember Sonny Shipmon paying me in cash fives tens and twenties from a wad that would choke a horse. Said he had a great turnout thanked me for coming and then had a big black dude that barely fit in my truck escort me out. Can't believe it's come to this.

I know you're right Dan! BTW...anyone notice how empty the stands were at Indy today for the Nascar race??? It's bad everywhere, not just us!

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Hey jackass I like a lot of people have been vacationing from racing for a bit BUT I kept ALL my memberships up to date and still support the event that's close to me. Learn who people are before you talk smack cause before my vacation from racing (which is over now)- I went to more Ihra races in one year then you attended in 3. As for the ssssasa or whatever it is, well I talked to manny who called joe who talked to Pete who said it's folded up. (How's it feel?) get the point now?

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Does anyone know how late the gates are open Friday night for this race at Capital? Their flyer doesn't say.

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane Eiskant II (Post 509859)

Wow! I'm impressed now. Go to Memphis this year, they might let you spectate. Oh, and it feels great to be informed. As for you, maybe you should just stay out of things you have no clue about. Have a great vacation. Jim

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane Eiskant II (Post 509845)

So me where I said you told racers not to race with Ihra? I'll save you the time YOU CANT. I said since your post I've had people tell me they weren't going to race OVER WHAT YOU SAID.

Wow! I feel so powerful now! Anybody that would say that can't be too dedicated to the sport now can they? Please provide me with names and number so I can give them the straight scoop instead of the BS you are spreading. If you can't do that we must assume you are fibbing. You must be a Democrat. You've resorted to name calling when the facts come out. See you in Memphis, oh wait, no I won't. You can always watch on the internet I guess. Jim

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

LLS bring your junk up to capital. Talk to johnnie o in person not a secretary then retract your bull**** post about what you don't know. Again you start **** and can't take it when called out. Your brother ed obrian must be proud......

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane Eiskant II (Post 509867)

I believe you just made my point! All of them! Thanks. Jim

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duane Eiskant II (Post 509859)

Perhaps you would do better getting your point across if you had a better grasp on English and punctuation.

JimR

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

IHRA is a business for Profit, If the company is not making money, The share holders, CEO, etc. must change things to make the business profitable.

Unfortunately, change is not a good thing when it comes to drag Racers, most racers complain about everything even without change. Once a racer starts complaining and spreads the negative vibe throughout the community, it will grow and racers loose enthusiasm. This, in my opinion is happening too much. If every racer convinced 1 other racer to try an IHRA event, Car counts would double, IHRA would make a profit, and the series would survive.

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich67stang (Post 509970)

Great idea Rich! Lets all try and bring one additional racer with us to our next race!! Jim

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

FWIW, Kim has been at IHRA for over 15 years. She was working there since before I did. She was always the lead designer of Drag Review. A lot of people had multiple titles and multiple responsibilities, even in the Bader era.

Despite the intent, this thread has made numerous racers consider giving up on IHRA. I was hearing it this weekend. Due to the rumor mill, a track operator even addressed the over 400 entries in attendance where I was this weekend over the PA that they will be racing next year.

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Beard (Post 510098)

Thanks for that post. Admittedly I wasn't keeping up with this subject and felt a bit disappointed about my current crate motor project. I feel better now. Not sure when I'll show up again, but nonetheless I feel better.

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Beard (Post 510098)

The intent of the thread was to warn IHRA racers that all was not well. I stand by my first post here. What I posted Kim told me IS what she told me. I realize she has been with IHRA for 17 years (her statement to me) and she IS listed as being in "Administration" which was why I called her initially. I am not really sure now what her position is currently. She spoke as if she was "in the loop" and knew the big story. After my long conversation With Scooter, as I post in my second post, some things Kim told me were confirmed and some were denied. Two big undeniable facts are
1.) The Drag Review Magazine which was the primary communication device for IHRA is gone! There is NO digital version. IRG eliminated it as an unnecessary expense. Fact!
2.) Half of the IHRA staff have either quit, retired or been let go. Fact!
Both of these facts were a huge red flag for me and many others I had spoken to previously.
I got tired of hearing the rumors and decided to do some investigation. What I was told and who I contacted has been accurately reported in my first two posts here.
I also made it very clear that both mine and Scooter's thoughts are that low car counts have brought most of the problems. Bottom line.... racers are not supporting ANY of the associations the way they have in the past. For what ever reason! Without the racers support and better car counts the Class Racing as we know it can not survive! Period! there is no rebuttal to this statement. You personally Mike can understand this, as can I.
And this is my ultimate statement on this, if you as a racer want somewhere to race, you must support the associations that are offering you a place to race! This is the key! You can't just sit back, sit at home and moan "woe is me"! I have run 9 races and set one record so far this year. I'm not finished yet! I challenge all of you racers out there to support whatever HRA or independent Association suites you, and bring at least one racer who hasn't been racing for a while with you! We hold our own destiny in our hands. What do YOU want your Class Racing future to be? Jim

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Boys this is not something that happened over night. Car counts have been going down ever sense TOC thing started. The last IHRA race I attended was Martin in 2011 and it was a joke for a national event race. What once had 125 plus Stockers and SuperStocker had maybe 50 and the pro show was terrible. There were more monster trucks then T/F cars there.

It's real simple go back to the model IHRA had in the early 2000's. If its not broke don't **$k with it. 80% of sportsman racers don't like a one race world champion. Its that simple.

Maybe IHRA should be asking where are the guys that ran with us 5 years ago? and why did they leave?

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLIND MULE (Post 510103)

http://www.competitionplus.com/drag-...lian-expansion

All is not rosy here in Australia , there is some nice exaggeration and padding in that report . Thunder400/IHRA has created a major schism in the sport , and drag racing here is quite a minor sport . With only a small , compared to USA , number of racers and tracks . Simply we do not have enough racers to support 2 series . Too many chiefs and not enough Indians .

Tex

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

What happened to IHRA that made it change to its current form?
Was business doing well when IHRA changed its format in early 2000's?
Fwiw when Super Stock Magazine die, a lot died with it!
I loved that magazine better than HR, CC, MT et al!

D

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

SUPER STOCK DRAG ILLUSTRATED was the best magazine.i have so many,i cant throw them out, The T.O.C was the worst thing,,you could be a world champ with 1 win,unheard of.

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Fahey (Post 510144)

Right on Dan! Why was it changed?! It's like the old saying "If if ain't broke, don't fix it!" Jim

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

They put all their eggs in Evan knoll's basket that and the economy took a crap at the same time and some ill advised decisions.

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Oh and I forgot to say . After 12 months IHRA/Thunder400 has no rule book , and has been running without one since starting . And all their promises of sponsors and improvements/change have essentially been undelivered .
IHRA/Thiunder400 was essentially a track and some Grp1 driven agenda . The sportsman racers were given little to no choice . If your local track changed you had to like it or lump it whoever you preferred . A bit like NHRA/IHRA , you need 2 licences etc to be able to compete both series .

Tex

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Wahl (Post 510154)

Right on Dan! Why was it changed?! It's like the old saying "If if ain't broke, don't fix it!" Jim

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I wish IHRA would hire me.
Need a lot of passion and determination to move a good organization.
IHRA is floundering and can make an impact the little things that compromises a persons experience.
Life has moved on what keeps a person attracted to a sport or other community event.
Same principles just done differently today.
About having fun and translating it into a repeat experience.

Fwiw I think Galot in NC features a lot of useful innovations.
They need to do more but made a huge step in right direction.
One idea is to keep some event, business or service where the public is visiting everyday.

D

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Personally, I think this thread needs to disappear as it really doesn't help anything out to promote drag racing. If someone who was thinking about racing or going to a race were to read or hear about this, it would most certainly turn them off.
It has also done damage to the IHRA which is unfair to them.

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris1529 (Post 510171)

Ok Chris, lets just bury our heads in the sand, ignore the facts and mumble "everything is going to be all right". and ignore any problems or trends in our sport! I have had 22 positive emails, 0 negative and 98% of the posts here are positive and have some great ideas to promote and grow the sport. Sorry if you don't think that's a good thing. Jim

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris1529 (Post 510171)

X2, I agree with Chris

just my ..02

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris1529 (Post 510171)

IHRA leadership made the decisions they thought had to be made.
I cannot see what they saw to make those decisions.
We can only express what we see.
What is cool are all the people who want IHRA to succeed!

So put some skin in the game!
What ideas do you have for IHRA to help them become a great Community Organization!??

Dan

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Kenny please delete this thread, like I've deleted ihra from my schedule for past five years. I guess some people just like racing the same 10-15 people all the time. But if I had all my eggs in one basket (create motor cars) I would be kiss there ***** to. Seeing how that's the only place for me to race.

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Wahl (Post 510174)

I just think a new thread with a more positive title would work better than "Is IHRA Going Under".

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

IHRA has been going under for 30 years now! Maybe the reason they only have 3 people in the Ohio office is they are currently moving their headquarters to Florida!

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Chris I hate to say this but there isn't anyone out there reading this thinking about getting into racing. At this point I think your either in or out of it, but by chance if there is a couple I don't think this will stop them.
Its obvious to me that apparently there is some merit to what this lady told Jim in the first place. I'm pretty sure he didn't just dream up this stuff, you can bet that there have been some discussions around IHRA about what next year will hold or she wouldn't have just started talking to Jim about it when he started asking questions. Maybe she just didn't get the memo to keep it quiet.

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Ben and Yank just purchased it may get big again?

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey Whaley (Post 510213)

Ben and Yank just purchased it may get big again?

What does this mean Mickey? Jim

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Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

^^^^ come on Jim think deeeeeeeeep
Still having troubles, ask Richard Head, he knows

Re: Is IHRA Going Under?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith 944 (Post 510234)

^^^^ come on Jim think deeeeeeeeep
Still having troubles, ask Richard Head, he knows

Oh, OK. I thought he might have meant Ben and Jerry. Free ice cream at the track?! Jim

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