Re: The New IHRA ???
 

I agree. Until they get a Series sponsor willing to put up the money, they will not be able to support a true Pro format. They cant pay them enough to make it worth their while.
The Nitro Jams they have now put people in the seats because they have 4 Nitro cars doing a round robin routine, throw in some fuel alterds, nostalgia FCs, and a Jet. They book these cars for alot less than it would cost to support a Pro point series for PM, TF and PS.
Unless someone comes along and blows them away with a sponsorsip proposal, I dont think they are changing anything.
I was also surprised to see only three Pro Ams in the northeast?.....no Skyview this year? I was going to make that trip......oh well.

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

I hate to admit this, but drag racing is dying. It's just the way it is. And we brought it all on ourselves. I don't think we will ever bring the crowd back.

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

Very interesting stuff posted here but I think I have the perfect solutions that will surely fill the lanes although I can't take credit for it because I am borrowing it from a proven model.
First and foremost, they must get a title sponsor back so that they can get the pros back in the game. You know the the oilers and guys driving the cars that we don't recognize from being from any particular manufacturer other than the symbol that's on the front. Yeah the ones everyone is always complaining about that caused you to get bumped till Monday, those guys.
Second, we must raise entry fees to todays standards and help pay for the insurance and ofcourse the pro purse. Hell we don't do this for money anyway what's another $75 or $100 out of our pocket.
Third thing I think needs to be done is chop about 3 tenths off the indexes. This should get rid of some of the older and obsolete combos and those guys can get one of the newer, underfactored cars. You know the ones that everyone hates, unless you got one ofcourse.
Last thing and this is my favorite, make the sportsman park across the highway from the track in a freshly picked corn field or a hay field will work as long as it hasn't been mowed. Those pros have got to have the pavement so you're going to have to move down.
Just a few random thoughts I had and it really seems to work elsewhere. Hmmm, just thought maybe if they change the Ironman trophy to a guy holding a tire.

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

Rich Christensen's group has begun filming a new reality program on MAV TV called "Won & Done", a somewhat hybrid between original PINKS and All Out format being filmed exclusively at Irwindale. And, although I do not like how it hurts the regular track program and track employees, he again has proven what I've said all along, the need for someone who understands marketing, presentation, and how to target viewer psychology to bring the lights and cameras our way. Rich, who some know is NOT a racer, or even a "car guy", but a "tenacious artist". He has personally explained to me how it works and that television is about selling, and not be the way we want it. In order to be marketable, we must conform to the masses, not the other way around. We tried assembling a similar program for class racers but the majority refused to conform. The Bible mentions "the quick and the dead" and class racers aren't exempt. There's nothing in between.

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

My suggestion is to meet with the ones that brought IHRA back to life before, the Bader family. Racers and fans were happy with IHRA those Bader days. And lastly, change the payout structure. Top heavy payouts are sending over half of racers home without anything. Lets bring back incentivaes to racers that love the competition and fellowship enough to invest lots of $$$ with a small chance of return. Rising prices vs looking at having to win 2 rounds or more to get $$$??? Well just my $.02

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

Where do you race where you can win one round and win $$$$

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

Super Stock at the US Nationals.second round losers get $350.

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

Just because there are new owners what makes anyone think that anything will change since the same 2 decision makers are still in charge :(

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

I think there was at least one race in IHRA Super Stock where the second round loser was the Runner Up!

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

After reading this thread about changing things. And why sportsman racing is almost dead.
It's easy to see why.
First. When sportsman racing was in it's hayday people drove the same style cars for their everyday drivers as those that raced.
Second, There were a lot of performance cars available. That could be raced. You can go buy a Drag Pac. And race it but you can't race a new Hemi Challenger. The imports are plentiful and powerful but aren't allowed to race.
Third Years ago you could go to a junkyard for race parts. Now if your name is not Billy Nees it aint happening.
Forth. Bracket racing wasn't invented yet.
Most of us involved in sportsman racing remember the good old days and hope we can recapture a moment or two. When we are gone it will die with us.