Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Michael,

Thanks for stopping by our booth at the IMIS. I think you are "in process" for a great event.
As we discussed, Trailer Toad.com and TrailerJax.com will support the event. Class winner contingency, event winner contingency and definitely some "prizes/awards" for special awards during the event.
(Anyone got a golfcart I can borrow...surely there will be a HUGE golfCart Challenge, right?)

I got this race on the Planner....and usually I only plan 3 days out.

Good Luck, you have your work cut out for yourself.

Jok

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Im in for another $100 to the winner and $50 for the runner up if you want some of my money. I dont think any of the new combos will make "U" so it should be a fair race.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Michael,

You have always been a loyal supporter of the Canadian events at Grand Bend and Cayuga and we would like to support your venue. Canadian Drag Racer Magazine will commit to coverage of the event as I am sure several Canadians will be in attendance at this historical event.

I live way West in the foothills of the Rockies in Calgary, Alberta but I will commit to being there for this great event.

Tell me what I need to do to make it happen?

Mike Ferstl
Canadian Drag Racer Magazine
canadiandragracer.ca

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Terry -- Thanks!

Mike -- That would be great. As we get things finalized for the event, we'll get into press credentials, etc. We would love to have you!

Who knows? Given some of the conversations I've had this week and the interest being shown, there's a chance the event could become a standalone S/SS event, and maybe even expand to 3 days if it looks like we're going to blow the lid off the place anything like y'all did at Byron. One step at a time, though... as soon as we get confirmation on the date, things could go wide-open. Ultimately, it is you the racers that will drive this event, and that's what it's all about. I greatly appreciate your support.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I am IN. Hopefully with a stocker (ordered last parts today) and a NO Box car.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I will be there!!!

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I might come back from the dead for this.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I remember the smiley face parking. It stayed in the window if my truck for years.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Michael,
I'll be happy to take care of the Awards for the Best Appearing Stock and Super Stock (one for each eliminator). I spoke to Pat Kronenbitter from PK Race-n-Rods and he said he would provide the awards for the Best Engineered Stock as well as the best engineered Super Stock entries.
Jeff Ross

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Micheal you know I will travel dont matter which track.. I plus a few other footbrakers with stockers will be there.;)

On the location If National trail falls thru consider Edgewater I am sure Weinle is affordable and H20 is a nice place.

Jake magee,Kenny Friedman,I am sure Dennis will bring atleast 3 of his cars, David Magee just a few said they would support that dont get on class racer

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I was at the last one was a HOTT great time cant wait for this one!

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

That's great, Jeff, thanks! And please pass along my thanks to Pat as well.

Something to consider... I know they've had a LODRS in the past. Haven't been there myself yet. Hopefully we can get our first pick for date & facility. The date is the best available on the schedule for the entire year (one that I've actually looked at for several years now). Historical weather data shows it to typically be a wet weekend for Edgewater or Bowling Green, so if we can't get NTR on that date, I'll have to do some additional research.

Awesome, thanks! Yah, I've discovered that there's a *lot* of people that read but don't post. I appreciate the words of support, both publicly and privately. Looking forward to making this a reality.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Michael,
Thank's for the effort it takes to put a race like that together. We will do our best to be there we,I think we can round up 2-6 stockers.
If has footbrake also I will run it too. May 2014 correct?
Mike Taylor 3601

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Ladies and gentlemen, barring any unforeseen schedule changes in the local region, we have approval for National Trail Raceway in Hebron, OH to host the Class Nationals on May 2-4, 2014!

Now things can get serious. Before I can put together marketing proposals, we'll need to firm up the overall format for the event. If the 2014 schedule follows suit with 2013, we're likely to have the Charlotte 4-Wide Nats two weeks before, and both the Div. 3 Indy and Div. 1 Open at Atco the week before our event. We would be followed by an open weekend (Mother's Day) and then Div. 3 Norwalk, Div. 1 Open Epping, and Topkea National. Looking at this from a financial aspect and time off work, do *you* want the extra time and expense of going to a 3-day format, with additional racing on Friday, or are we good with the 2-day format (SAT: Qualifying, Class, & $5K No-Box, SUN: $5K Stock, $5K Super Stock, $5K No-Box)?

Stream of consciousness thought that just hit me... if we can get some sponsors for it, what do you think about doing a Quick 16 CIC race for Stock and Super Stock each, qualified from just the final round performances of Class Eliminations winners? King of the Hill, with a little throwback to the traditional 'gotta win class to get in the big show!'

These details aren't set in stone... looking for feedback on what you the customer wants.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

2 day format looks good. That would give Friday to get there.

I would skip the Charlotte race to be able to attend this one.

I know everyone wants to race Natl events, but they aren't what they were at one time.

You're not old enough to remember those days,lol

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

This race sounds awesome!

Would you consider the idea of putting the 2008 and later cars in their own classes like IHRA?

Absolutely!

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Yes. Still in discussion with some people to see what makes the most sense, but I can see anywhere from using the IHRA class format for the new cars, up to making a simple "FX" addition to the class designation for all such cars, as there is an ever-growing number of engine combinations out there that spans back to many of the lower classes. There's already been some discussion about doing a Shootout to showcase these cars, perhaps similar to how they did it at the Dutch. Are the details of that format still floating around on the 'net somewhere? Need to study it.

While on the subject of classes, I have no problem with the 'old' fuel injected combinations and trucks being mixed in with regular Stock, as NHRA has done for several years now. Outside of the 'new' cars, I would expect to use NHRA classes whenever possible. I'll study up on Crate Motor Stock and Super Stock Production and see how they can be included fairly. Been a couple of years since I've looked at it, but if I recall, the typical top-tier NHRA cars outqualify them.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Andrew only 2008 and newer blower cars are in there own class in IHRA. Lower class cars fit regular FI classes.
I think it's a good idea have FI classes at the race, that way Greg and Andrew can have the fastest D and E cars at the race.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I wrote out a response to this, but I don't want to muddy up Michael's thread. Go start working on your next letter to get HP off your combo Charley.

Thanks for the response Michael, I like that idea, and I'm sure many others do, too. I think a CIC shootout and some type of Supercar Showdown after class that evening would be really cool. I agree with putting all trucks and FI cars into NHRA classes, and I bet no one would object to Crate Motor and SS Production cars if the indexes were equal (IHRA indexes for all, not the .3 quicker ones used in NHRA).

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...73313881_n.jpg

Whenever they start making 2014 calendars, you can mark the date... ;)

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Sounds great, Mike! Count me in!

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I want a t-shirt! I would even look into having them made up. Great job Mr. Beard!

Dennis Breeden

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

How about all class winners get to play in the "Shoot Out". Sorry Jeff but above the Ohio River 'shoot' is spelled with a S, south the river both the C and the S may be used.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Based on the SportsNationals stats, if you're around 100 cars per category, you've got almost 50 class winners each (given the additional classes we'll be handling, and no 'Combo' classes... That's about $3K in trophies right there!) :eek: We have to run qualifying and Class for some potentially large fields. Including all winners in the King of the Hill CIC would mean an *additional* 6 round race for each class, adding 4 hours of run time to the event. Plus, having 100 people involved in the shootout, a lot of people would be running their cars for no additional money. My hope is that with 8-16 car fields, we can muster up the sponsorship to reward some folks. The racing is likely to be closer, and having to qualify on your Class-winning run will mean some all-out racing. :cool:

Based on this year's Northern SportsNationals at Columbus, the Stock Quick 16 would look like this: (I left in their original qualifying positions, took into account having the new classes, old indexes, and not having Combo class)


1 8 3610 B/SA Leonard Mattingly, Cox Creek KY, '00 Fire 10.046 11.55 -1.504
2 2 8 A/FXA Bo Butner, Floyds Knobs IN, '12 Mustang 9.814 11.30 -1.486
3 1 24 R/SA Jim Marshall, Indian Land SC, '81 Corvette 12.886 14.35 -1.464
4 20 3578 C/SA Chris Mattingly, Shepherdsville KY, '01 F 10.253 11.70 -1.447
5 17 3540 I/FX Charles Downing, Britton MI, '10 Cobra Jet 11.061 12.50 -1.439
6 16 18 I/SA Steve Szupka, Willow Grove PA, '85 Camaro 11.254 12.60 -1.346
7 29 3340 G/SA Chuck Beach, Delaware OH, '68 Barracuda 10.959 12.30 -1.341
8 4 1707 CC/FXA Jim Boburka, Corapolis PA, '12 Camaro 9.571 10.90 -1.329
9 5 1574 AA/SA Frank Maiolo, Mt Vernon NY, '69 Camaro 8.974 10.30 -1.326
10 15 3608 K/S Bill Sempsrott, Franklin OH, '66 Nova 11.585 12.85 -1.265
11 12 353 A/S Caleb McFarland, Manchester OH, '01 Fireb 9.999 11.25 -1.251
12 31 1504 H/SA George Yago Jr., Jefferson Hills PA, '87 11.201 12.45 -1.249
13 13 3240 O/SA Bob Michael, Lebanon OH, '62 Grand Prix 12.202 13.45 -1.248
14 22 3360 N/SA Steve Sullivan, West Chester OH, '88 Must 12.058 13.30 -1.242
15 41 3040 J/SA Rob Holmes, Dayton OH, '77 Firebird 11.520 12.75 -1.230
16 18 3492 G/S Donnie Beeler, Elizabethtown KY, '91 Corv 10.981 12.20 -1.219

I think a 16-car field gives you a variety of cars, a guy qualified as low as 41st getting in the show (The USCN Quick 32 winning car I believe, it's worth noting!), a 4 round race so the CIC has a little bit of time to work, and some decent racing. I haven't looked at SS yet, but based on this, I'm thinking -1.25 under would make sense for the CIC trigger?

Just my opinions. Keep those ideas coming, as talking through all the scenarios helps bring everything into focus, identify issues before they can occur, and figure out what's going to make the most sense.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

IHRA Crate Motor Stock
Permitted. Crate Motor indexes will be adjusted down one-tenth of a second (.10) to bring them generally in line with traditional Stocker indexes of the same weight break. (exception: A-B-C/FCM indexes will remain the same, as they are already .25 lower than the regular CM index of the same weight break)

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Michael;
Would IHRA Pure Stock and Stock GT run the normal IHRA indexes ?

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I'll have to study them a little deeper and do some consulting, but at first glance, they look ok to me. It should go without saying that Pure Stock means Pure Stock rules, by the book. A Stocker showing up with mufflers ain't gonna fly. Any Pure Stock, Stock GT, Crate Motor or SS/Production car that is not a regular on the IHRA circuit should expect a closer look in tech.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Here's what the Super Stock Quick 16 would've looked like from the Northern SportsNationals...

1 10 3573 GT/MA John Stock, Sandusky OH, '92 Cutlass 10.550 12.05 -1.500
2 7 3032 SS/GS Tim Kish, Kalamazoo MI, '99 Neon 12.661 14.15 -1.489
3 35 3388 GT/DA Mark Nowicki, Gaylord MI, '98 Avenger 9.361 10.80 -1.439
4 1 107 SS/AS Wes Leopold, Bridgeville PA, '93 Daytona 8.481 9.90 -1.419
5 2 1108 SS/EA Gary Richard, Bay Shore NY, '10 Mustang 9.235 10.65 -1.415
6 3 3176 GT/FA Dave Layer, Dayton OH, '08 Cobalt 9.695 11.10 -1.405
7 4 315 SS/B Ray Paquet, Holt MI, '64 Fairlane 8.817 10.20 -1.383
8 8 1197 GT/A James Evanuik, N. Versailles PA, '98 Esco 8.929 10.30 -1.371
9 12 39 GT/AA Rock Haas, White Lake MI, '08 Mustang 9.040 10.40 -1.360
10 23 327 GT/IA Chad Taylor, Sellersburg IN, '88 Camaro 10.143 11.50 -1.357
11 5 5035 SS/JA Keith Lynch, Greenville OH, '09 Challenger 9.949 11.30 -1.351
12 6 3530 SS/KA Dave Dupps Jr., Germantown OH, '85 Camaro 10.203 11.55 -1.347
13 13 3122 SS/IA Joey Wilkes, Zanesville OH, '09 Cobalt 9.658 11.00 -1.342
14 9 3858 SS/F Dan Jacobs, Elizabeth IN, '67 Chevy II 9.367 10.65 -1.283
15 36 3614 GT/CA Matt Alvey, Mt. Washington KY, '05 Sunfire 9.422 10.70 -1.278
16 14 391 GT/BA Irvin Johns, Charlestown IN, '08 Cobalt 9.294 10.55 -1.256

Again, my idea is to use Class Winners only, qualified based off of their Class Final Round E.T. only. Not going to take the time to double-check this one... just used as an example of what it would potentially look like. The idea is to get people to run it out in Class to try to get in the CIC shootout. Quick 16 here is a little closer than the Stock example, less than .25.

A -1.25 trigger looked like it made some semblance of sense for Stock, whereas in SS, everybody's likely to get tagged the first round. Should the trigger be higher, lower, or based on either the #8's or #16's qualifying run? What's going to create the most competitive racing? Need some input.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I found the rules for the "American Muscle" or "Factory Stock" deal they did at the Dutch Classic this year. How did this work out, and does it make more sense than doing an "FX" designation for all 'new' cars? What new combos have or will come in since that race, and/or what adjustments would need made?

http://www.nhradiv1.com/content/divnews.asp?articleid=52429&zoneid=12

As for any topic, you're certainly welcome to post here, send me a PM, Facebook message, call, text, etc., but if e-mailing beard@staginglight.com with comments, questions, or suggestions, please put "Class Nationals" in the subject line, as that account receives a lot of junk mail, and I don't want to miss your note.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I look forward to this event, and already have it marked on my calendar as a probable for 2014. I was not old enough to drive when the first Class Nationals took place, but I have heard tons of positives from that race.

Hopefully I can be there with a stocker and my bracket car...looks like a packed weekend! Thanks for taking on the challenge Michael, and I hope to see this event be successful for you and all involved!

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Thanks Ellis! I hope you and the rest of our ClassRacer family had a great holiday. One more to go! Don't y'all overdo it on New Year's! ;)

Each year, the floodgates open up Jan. 1 in the design & printing biz. Adding in planning and promotion of four events (Northern Class Nationals, plus we have three big money bracket races on the schedule for 2013) will make things busier than ever, but we're excited.

When I say "we", I'm referring to my partner in Loose Rocker Promotions, LLC, Anthony Walton. Anthony is a long-time bracket racer from Jacksonville, NC, and a big fan of S/SS racing. Years ago, he once won 11 races in a row, which included different tracks, cars and classes! Pretty crazy. In recent years, he's primarily been racing his street GMC Sonoma in Footbrake. He hopped in his dad's Malibu this season, and finished second in Top ET points at Coastal Plains. He's currently working on plans to refurbish his long-dormant '68 Camaro into Stocker trim.

Here's a shot of Anthony running his truck in the 1000' Shootout at the World Footbrake Challenge a couple years ago. Seriously?! How's he do that? LOL



All the Class Nationals planning and information is right here on ClassRacer.com, but if you'd like to see some of the event coverage we've done for our other events, check out www.looserocker.com As noted earlier, one very important component in our events is making sure you get the ink you deserve! National Trail Raceway is already on 1320go, so you'll have Live Timing, and I've already been researching fully-produced live video feeds as well. While we'll need sponsorship to get that done, it provides remarkable value in itself, opening up the event to a much larger audience, and we can run both banner ads and commercials. Lots of great opportunities possible for racers and advertisers alike!

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

"Here's a shot of Anthony running his truck in the 1000' Shootout at the World Footbrake Challenge a couple years ago. Seriously?! How's he do that? LOL"
I wonder if he had his pink shoes on for that race.:D

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Not sure what color they were, but I'm pretty sure the left one was heavier than the right! :rolleyes:

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Hey Michael you can add me to the flood gates. I've got a new car in the works, a stocker no less and I'll be in the market for some of them purdy letters. I'll be in contact soon and you can probably count me in for your event

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

I think we should have it at Bradenton. You guys kill me. Bowling Green is the center of the universe period and will draw 200 cars from that division alone. I think BG can hold 400 stockers easy.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

We extensively discussed locations and the reasons for it earlier in this thread. The schedule is jam packed, and there are limited dates available. The best date on the schedule is the first weekend in May. That is historically a rainy weekend at Bowling Green, plus it is likely to be on top of the Southern Nationals at Atlanta, something that would be far more of a conflict with Bowling Green than Columbus. With Atlanta in mind, our primary draw will be from Div. 1, 3, and parts of 5 -- that's where the bulk of the cars are. There are numerous other factors involved as well, including logistics, contacts, costs, weather, host track's schedule, etc. This wasn't a quick decision. I've been researching and planning this literally for years.

No one has attempted such an event in more than a decade. I'm going to do the best that I can for my customers. After the event, we'll study everything and determine how to improve it.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

Hey Ron, I think I had my blue/fluorescent yellow shoes on during that run. Thanks to Michael for including me in this awesome event. My 68 Camaro should be making its return early this year running in Stock at a few Div.9 events. I'm very excited to part of this huge event and will do all I can to make it a great experience for all. Also looking forward to my "rookie" year in Stock learning the ropes and knocking heads with some of the best class racers in the country.

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

O high O from Flora dah is alot of food stamps but I'll start saving :)

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

You're a lot closer than I am. Tacoma to Columbus is plausible,, Tacoma to Bradenton, I wouldn't even consider it. We've got a year to think about it,,, a lot of things can change by then. Thanks Michael, for giving us something to shoot for.
Danny Durham

Re: Class Nationals event planning
 

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...73313881_n.jpg

We continue to work on the finer details of the event. I had the opportunity to talk to a number of the people at the Ohio Valley S/SS banquet this weekend. Great crowd, great people!

The last major post on the topic, I had discussed running a 'King of the Hill' Quick 16 CIC race involving Class winners on Saturday. Racers and sponsors have both expressed an interest in making that a Quick 32. The more I've studied the format, it becomes apparent that it's a lot to get done in two days. That's fine, unless you have issues with weather, oildowns, etc. Adding Friday track rental to the mix will be a financial burden, but it will also give us some wiggle room on the schedule if needed. We will still have qualifying runs on Saturday, so people are not forced to be there earlier if they can't make it.

Friday - Qualifying, Quick 32 Stock, Quick 32 Super Stock, $5K No-Box
Saturday - Qualifying, Class Eliminations, $5K No-Box
Sunday - $5K Stock, $5K Super Stock, $5K No-Box

The Quick 32 CIC races on Friday will be free entry, with the purses sponsor-supported. Any money donated specifically to the Quick 32 programs will go 100% to the racers. To kick things off, Sloan Racing Engines has committed $500. Any business or individual that would like to add to the pot, you can post or PM me here, or e-mail beard@staginglight.com. Please write "Class Nationals" in the subject line. Title Rights position on each Quick 32 as well as Class Eliminations will also be available.