4 Wide for 2011
 

ESPN ran a poll on this and the majority of their voters did not like the 4 wide format.

NHRA to Race Four-Wide in Charlotte in 2011
Courtesy of NHRA Communications

2011 NHRA Four Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway to Once Again Feature Four-wide Racing




LAS VEGAS -- NHRA announced today that the 2011 NHRA Four Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway will once again feature four-wide racing in all four professional categories. The spring event in Charlotte will be the only race on the 2011 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series schedule that will showcase four-wide racing.

"Few would argue the amount of attention the four-wide race received leading up to and even following the event from our fans, racers and the media," said Tom Compton, president, NHRA. "The spectacle of four-wide racing is nothing short of breathtaking and we want to build on that and share the four-wide experience with our fans once again in 2011."

Based on feedback from the fans, the racing community and sponsors, NHRA is planning to improve upon the format and make adjustments to enhance the experience for everyone. Areas under review include the experience on-site for the fans, improving television for fans watching at home, maximizing sponsor value, and working with the race teams on operational functions including the staging process.

"I want to thank Bruton and Marcus Smith and everyone at SMI for believing in NHRA and having the vision to build a facility that is truly one of the crown jewels of the sport," said Compton.

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

This should just go to show why we don't want Bruton to buy NHRA. Bruton obviously was the only one who like 4 wide and since his ego was on the line he held the race of his races hostage. Now that his tracks have 1/4 of the NHRA national events NHRA has no choice but to kiss his butt. I actually was kind of surprised when I saw that Bruton was still so much behind the 4 wide concept after polls showed that 75% of fans didn't like it. I thought that he was smarter than that and he wanted to make the fans happy. I was wrong he is just another rich ego driven fool. I for one am sick of hearing his bullying and circus style concepts and I have no plans to ever run at Charlotte. I will just continue to race the way that it was supposed to be. Just my 2 cents.
Brian

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

i seldom watch the tv show, but i give espn credit for asking many racers what they thought about the announcement.

Morgan Lucas certainly let them know that his opinion had not changed. Many others said that they were in agreement because of the fans and Brunton. I think that Brunton has been good for the sport, but i can't see that he has done anything more than any other track owner, did i miss something ?

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

What a circus this going to be! Seem like the NHRA is only concerned with rating and nothing else. 4 wide is going to be a joke like Paul Page is!:mad:

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

Morgan Lucas is the only one that stuck to his guns and called it "a gimmick" on the Vegas qualifying show.

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

Doesnt this only effect the pro's why would you even care? This is brutons toy let him play with it. Who has built the most recent tracks for you crowd pleasing Stockers to race at. Im sure Bruton will miss you.
Dale

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

Again I don't believe that NHRA really wants 4 wide. In one article on Competition Plus, NHRA didn't even want to do it. This is Bruton's baby and HE wants it. Bruton is the type of guy who, if he doesn't get what he wants, will just pull the plug, just ask the Concord city council when they weren't going to let him build a dragstrip. The ratings weren't any better for the inaugural 4 wide race than any other race. Do you really think they are going to get any better for the second? At this point NHRA is just doing damage control and with Bruton having 6 of 23 races, can you blame them? Bruton already owns the NHRA and it didn't cost him anything.

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

Dale I know that Bruton doesn't really care about whether or not I go to his race and that is fine with me. My ego is in check. It matters to me because it affects our sport that I race in. If a band of racers don't like racing a certain way I would think that others who have embattled the same obstacles might support them. Remember, PRO wasn't even asked if it would be ok to do this the first time. Bruton and NHRA forced it on them. Kind of sounds familiar doesn't it. 61 of 63 Owners/drivers voted against it. 75 percent of the fans voted against it. Maybe Bruton should just stick to building nice tracks rather than becoming Ringling Brothers. And by the way, I race Super Stock.

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

Well one more comment from me on this, because I think this should be in the lounge. I don't think Bruton or NHRA is going to put a gun to any of the pros head to come to Charlotte. Brutons BIG TOP thinking is why he has built so many nice tracks. Ah Super Stock I know he will miss you now...
Dale

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

I couldn't have said it better !!!!!

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

I think if they didn't come Bruton and NHRA might put a gun to there own head. 4 wide with no cars equals 0 spectators and zero $. And again I still know Bruton doesn't need me, remember I ended that conversation when I said he doesn't need me, my ego is in check. I just don't want to go to a circus. That is why I am not going to Charlotte.

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

The interesting part of all of this is that the Pro's voted NOT to race 4 wide next year. It's going to be hard for them to put on the race without the Pro's....providing they stick to their guns.

JimR

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

I had blast at Charlotte, its by far the best track I have ever been to. The four wide was cool to watch, I am not sure I would want to be a pro and race a 4 wide. I can tell you the weather was on the cool side, but the stands were packed. The TV audience may have not liked it, but the locals looked like they enjoyed it. Its a beautiful track, you can say what you want about Bruton, but he sure knows how to build a drag strip.

The only complaint I would have is that lanes 3 and 4 were not as good as 1 and 2. The .90 cars were having a rough time when they came off the throttle stop. I think its because 3 and 4 are not used as much.

Brain, I can respect your decision not wanting to support that race, but for me its on my list, and I can't wait to get there in the Fall. As far as the pro's not showing up, I doubt it very much. Remember they have sponsor obligations. They just can't stay home like they were one of us.

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

Waht I read was the didn't want to run 4 wide for "points". Not that they would not run 4 wide.

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

It's hard enough to catch all the action with just two vehicles on the track at once. My opinion would be to use the 4 wide for test shots to attract more fans prior to sunday's elim's. Once the money rounds hit ditch that 4 wide crap.

David

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

I personally would rather see them 4 wide. It takes less time for them to qualify and to run eliminations. This gives the sportsman racers a better chance at leaving on Sunday to get home in time for work Monday. It doesn't have any effect on the sportsman categories so I say let em race. I will even vote for 6 no TEN wide if it gives us more track time. As far as the Pro's showing up I can promise you they will be there. It is a points race and I haven't seen any of them that are that stupid yet.

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

I just though of something. Here is a way the NHRA can take advantage of this 4 wide saga. Let's say the NHRA runs the sportsmen bracket race on saturday in and around the PRO Q shots, of course they will have more time with 4 PRO's going down the track at once, Now to the grand idea, Have Stock and Superstock run heads up on Sunday and be a part of the TV coverage. See my point, Sportsmen Qualify on Friday with the Pro's hitting 2 Q shots. Sat Pro's 2 more Q shots and the complete Bracket race for sportsmen. Sunday all Heads up. Is this possible?

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

#1 has anybody else
built a new track lately and saved a few (bristol, sonoma ect.) Do you think Lucas's comments could be sponsor related do to the fact that Smith owns Z-max both have oil and engine treatments.
Dale

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

Ken I'am with you on this one. I commend bruton on this track. It is a great Facility I dont see a lot of people running out to build new tracks these days and he tryed something different. Its like a resturant I always say you have to give it a second try If you dont like it the first time because you never know . He put a lot of money into the facility and he should have a say in what goes. My guess is the pros will be there

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

I'm glad they're doing it in spite of the PRO resistance/protest. It's about time the Professional ranks had something forced on them that they don't want like the Sportsman racers have done to them all the time. Bunch of prima donnas whining. You don't hear the NASCAR teams complaining about going to Watkins Glen or Infineon to run the road courses. It's a change in format. They'll adapt. They don't have a choice.

Re: 4 Wide for 2011
 

management!!!!!!management!!!!!!!!management!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!