who is Peter Clifford?
 

Does anyone know this guy? according to the nhra website he is the person that will be president of nhra after this deal is finalized. This could be a good deal for the sportsman racers. I for one have no interrest in the pros, don't ever watch them and have no interest in who wins or loses. If this means more sportsnational races, bigger payouts for divisionals, and more focus on sportsmen that would be great. I think we all have to see what shakes out of this beore we can see if it's good or bad. It also will be interesting to see where the sponsor money goes and I don't mean poweade. What's going to happen to the contingency money? A lot of questions and not many answers for right now.

Greg

Greg,

Peter Clifford has been with the NHRA for a number of years and has served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the NHRA.
He is a good guy and does care about NHRA Sportsman Drag Racing and its continuing growth as the largest sportsman racing sanctioning body in the world.
In my humble opinion, the new structure will greatly benefit NHRA Sportsman Drag racing overall.
NHRA Sportsman Racing will continue to be part of PowerAde national events as well as growing the sportsman national events in size and stature.
I am very excited about the new structure and as we move forward, there will be no limit to how big and how popular NHRA Sportsman Racing can become for NHRA racers, sponsors and fans.

Len Imbrogno
NHRA Director of Sportsman Racing

Len.........I hope so

He who dies last, must pay the bills....
Is that a 'Hemi'?

Thanks Len. My fingers are crossed and I'm heading into the future as already planned.

Let's go.













"The future isn't what it used to be."

From Len's mouth to Gods ear! Thanks Len, you continue to have our respect. Jim

Jim Wahl
6 Time National record Holder
2239 BF/S
I miss Buster Couch also! 'cause Div.2 will always be "Buster's Rebels"

Len,

Thanks for your post. Can you please be more specific about the National events and how the new NHRA will help grow the Sportsman ranks? We are the largest group of racers affected by this proposed sale and yet we have very little information. It's difficult to support something that we know so very little about.

Another interesting question might be what happens to the

$100 million ? I bet a lot of it goes to pay off debt. What about what's left over? Is it going in someones pocket or will it be used to make sportsman racing better? This deal is getting SEC scrutiny so that should be tansparent.

Greg

Len
Thanks for you post. You always try to keep us informed.

Gregg
$100M cash or $121M total seems like a lot of money (maybe not to a guy with your pockets, lol! ) but is it really a lot for what the buyers recieved? In todays market what can the real estate alone ( Indy, Gaineville Atlanta and Columbus ) be worth? Then add Pro series that NHRA has developed over the last 50 Plus years, plus other assets like the lease on Pomona. I'm a die hard sportsman racer like everyone else on this site, but I'm also a Drag Racing Fan especially of Pro Cars, Bikes and John Force. You have to give NHRA credit for building a hell of an organization. If they made some money more power to them, I believe it is the American way.

To others posting here and other threads:
We are members of NHRA not share holders. As I see it they owe us no monetary compensation. What happens to the money? I'm sure it goes to the owner/owners, again the American way.

I for one believe what Wally and Len have posted and feel good about it. Like many others everyday I walk in my shop I'm betting my making a living on NHRA sportsman racing. If I can,t stay positive I might as well pack up my **** and file for Social Security.

Dave Layer

This sounds encouraging...for those that like the national event atmosphere, anyhow...taken from nhra.com:
This new relationship ensures, through a long-term agreement, that all the unique attributes of the sport remain intact including Sportsman racing at NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series national events. The initial term of the agreement is 25 years.

Dam Dave you hit me with a Dart, i am getting out of the engine building buisness and i am already drawing social security, as long as you have your Health i guess you can keep on keeping on.

woodro josey
I miss Buster Couch and Lex Dudas.

Len Imbrogno: I share in your opinion and strongly feel we will benefit with the sale of N.H.R.A. Lets see what the future will bring...

John Duzac

Sportsman racing? In what size, shape or configuration? Big tent? Little tent with lots of conditions? Just alcohol or all of us?

What are you "encouraged" guys so encouraged about? They haven't said squat about us yet!

NHRA is not way out in front of us for no reason. I'll bet Wally & Co. are holding their breath right now. They have a lot of stowed baggage.

I think they should quickly come out with more information about how it impacts the class racers.

Len, thanks for the post and the information.

And Dave Layer, EXCELLENT POST !!!


As for some of the other people particularily on the other thread on the subject of NHRA being sold.... it never ceases to amaze me the negativity on this forum.... you have been screaming for change for the last 5 years on this board, now here is big change, but you still whine, complain, and convince yourselves that your own hobby is out to get you.... pessemistic, paranoid, negative, sarcastic, bitter, miserable, sad, PEOPLE... Some of you really need to go on PROZAC or ZOLOFT.


Oh, and I guess, I dont really get to comment as a racer since I havent raced in three years, so consider my above comments from 'an outsider'


Kevin P. Panzino
GT/FA 1202

NHRA could score a big bunch of support by recinding that $250 dollar oil down fine.





"The future isn't what it used to be."

Zino,

Yes, it is a really big change. But do you know what this change means for the class racers? I don't. How can you blindly come out and endorse something when you have no idea what it is that you are endorsing? These discussions aren't about whinning -- they are about what the hell comes next? Now even a non racer should be able to figure that out!

Hi all
Many have posted on this change, and most of us don't understand it at all. I thought when you sold something, you turned over the keys, title, power, and walked away with some compensation for that. NHRA must be rebuilding the rules of business in the world? It looks like everone is keeping their badges.

How often does something like this happen in the business world?

Is there an example of this new arrangement in pro sports? Compare someone like the NY Yankees organization. You have an owner, then managers that get canned if they don't produce. They pay salaries to the stars, but don't compensate the minor leagues? Maybe they own the parks, or lease them. They exist to reap profit from the entertainment dollar.

Maybe that would fit the sportsmen racer into a character like "dancing homer" if you can do something to enterrtain someone for brief minute, they would consider keeping you around!

I am just a machining guy and don't understand deals like this. Eventually the truth will pop up. Maybe someone who really understands it can explain it in a jargon free statement.

The problem with this new world is its no longer about driving to the US Nationals and seeing the greatest gearheads in the land. Thats what I thought when we drove over there in 1976. Now its just about making sure everyone knows which beer, sunglasses and oil, they should be buying. It isn't about local-yocal gearheads anymore. NHRA is not growing the sportsman side when they limit entries, don't contest the class, or offer a reason to travel to the event. I hope someone can bring back the old hot rodding again. It is time for a new sportsmen mecca.

Don, believe me, there are a lot of us wanting the same thing!

woodro josey
I miss Buster Couch and Lex Dudas.