Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

For those of you who are unaware Gainsville Super Stock is FULL! I am petitioning NHRA to open it back up and allow at least another 20 entries. This is the first time in three years there is class for SS in Gainsville and with a few of us with plans to vacation during this event I find it somewhat disconcerting that with another year of low car counts forecasted, NHRA wouldn't open the class back up. Not to pick on index classes but S/C has less than 20 entries for 110 spots! Reduce them to 90 and give us 20 more. The last race that needed 5 Grades to get in, guaranteed, was Indy 2007! I just don't want mid March to come along and be watching half fields going down the track and knowing that NHRA could have done something to help out a class which had a waiting list.

1123
SS/GA

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Hope stock doesn't fill up in the next week and a half.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Saves me a boatload of money and time off work. Guess it's not a big deal if I miss some of the early Div. 2 races then either, since I won't need the grade points yet....

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Several of us division 2 super stock racers have asked Rick Shaffer to step in and do just what you are asking for. He has only been the Div 2 director for one season and is a little out of touch with the history of the gatornats and when class was a regular part of the program. Mike Crutchfield our SRAC rep thought that maybe they might open up some spots. I sent Rich an e mail and his response was the quota was low because of the low car count at last years gators plus Atlanta and Charlotte last year were also short car counts. I think they would have had 100 cars. As it stands right now with the guys that are entered there will only be 9 class runs. The rest will be in the combos. Not a very good show seeing how we need the sponsors to get back behind the class competition. Maybe they will do the right thing.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

I got in with 4 grade points on Wednesday morning. It filled up fast after that. I was very surprised that NHRA had only 55 spots for a class that is going to run "class". I hope the weather is good, it has to be better than Minnesota. How is the drive from there to Belle Rose? See everyone in March. Dyno

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Uh, if they're worried about low car counts, why have quotas?

"We didn't have many cars last year, so let's lower the quota this year." THERE'S a business model for growth! :confused: "Next step, if we lower the quotas low enough, supply and demand will dictate that we can charge a $400 entry, and with less cars we can eliminate one day off the schedule, which saves us track, insurance, staff, and other related costs! That's an enhancement that's a win-win!"

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Dan, it is 598 miles from Gainesville to Belle Rose. We plan on making that trip, too! And a stop in Georgia for the points race and Combo race on the way to Gainesville. 3 races in 3 weekends!

Hope to see you there!

Patsy

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Michael
You are looking at it backwards....
I believe they should (for their own good)... lower the quotas on ALL nationals (38-48 cars maybe).
What do you think that would do?
It would force everyone to attend more $180 entry fee points meets to get more grade points. (and they pay 1/3rd of what a national pays!!!).
It would make the grade point system work.

Now... Is that what I want....NO!
I'm just stating that it would force everyone to support the points meets.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

I plan on going to the SGMP points race also. Hope we get a string of nice weather. See you there. Dan

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

The idea of a quota of less than 64 cars, whether or not class is contested, is just ludicrous. There's just no valid reason for it. Especially not when there are races elsewhere that usually have smaller car counts, but have larger quotas. You really have to wonder at some point what the logic is behind the decisions.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

X2. It's called "The Big Squeeze" (as in squeeze us out of racing) Jim

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Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Well, we can't get in to Super Stock. It's really difficult to justify just entering Stock Eliminator. The truth is, without being able to enter both cars, we're better off economically to not go at all, and instead go to another race where we can enter both cars. The only reason to go to Gainesville now is to make an appearance for one of our sponsors. In this economy, you really have to watch the racing budget carefully if you want to race, there's not a lot of money available to race on, you really can't afford to waste a dime. There's a limited amount of time you can be away from work, whether you own the place or just work there. So it does not make sense from that standpoint either. Why take a week off to go to Gainesville to race one car, when you can take a different time period off and go race two?

It is really a sad way to run a business, they're telling us they don't want our money. Then they justify it by claiming the car count was low last year. Ever had a restaurant stop you at the door and say "you didn't eat here last week, so we don't want or need your business this week"? Because that is exactly what NHRA is doing.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

So far,there seems to be little interest in Super Comp or Comp.I would be surprised if the quota isn't raised back up for Super Stock from 55 to at least 70.

However,as said earlier,they may be trying to increase the importance of grade points.Only time will tell I guess.

Fortunately,with my grade 6,I shouldn't have to worry about quotas this year.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Keep checking back. Heard it was going up to 80.

Patsy

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Thanks Patsy, we'll do that.

Hope to see you and Larry more this year. Keep in touch, we have some things in the works for Stock and Super Stock racers in our area.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

According to Rich Schaefer he has gotten NHRA to raise the amount to 80. Watch the web site he said it could be up by as early as today. Jim

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Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Just received an e-mail from Kent Hanley the D1 Sportsman rep and he has indicated the field will be raised to 80 thanks to the efforts of Rick Schaffer the D2 Division Director ................

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

NHRA Southeast Division 2

SUPER STOCK UPDATE FOR GATORS. Quota will be increased to 80 entries at noon, California time on Monday, January 30th. Will remain at 4 grade points to enter, as that is the level it was at when it hit the original quota.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Make sure to thank Rich for doing this and Mike Crutchfield for his efforts too.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

When they raised the quota in the past have they always kept it at the current grade point? I know if a race is full and a few competitors drop out it stays at the grade point it was at when it was filled. In this situation it would not have filled up at a grade 4 if the quota had been at 80 from the start. I guess only time will tell. We were hoping to run more NHRA this year and I figured grade points would not be a big deal this year. Guess i was wrong.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Thank you to all involved in getting this problem resolved.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

I'm trying to think of another business that says, "PLEASE don't spend your money with us." ("please" added for effect.)

(except for Kraft French Onion Dip, which recently changed their recipe to something white, runny, and generally horrid without even saying "New and Improved!" on their packaging. But I digress.)

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Mike, don't know you and I've never met you, maybe your a nice person; however I don't think you will be missed @ this event. We started a petition and by the sounds of it NHRA has reviewed it and answered the call. If you want the grade point needed for entry lowered, why don't you petition NHRA or call someone instead of just bitching and constantly posting negative posts and/or comments. I doubt you will since it looks that you would rather complain instead of doing something about it One requires a lot less commitment, kinda like your presence at the track! I would like to send out my appreciation to all involved. C u in G-Ville! Class racing in March, can't beat it.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

that makes no sense when there is still 4 weeks left to enter. It should continue to step down just like every other class, I would think.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

We all play on their court, so that means they make the rules. Every one has gotten used to being able to get into national events with as little as one grade point, so they don't support the divisionals, now when a class fills up and it takes more than one or two grade points, everyone calls foul. I agree, that times are tough, but we still have to play by the rules. NHRA at least raised the quota, so others will be able to enter. Do I think that it will fill up at 80 with needing a 4 or higher grade point, No.
Chuck

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

I've only been in the game for a few years Mr. Zaskowski.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Now that we got that out in the open.....:rolleyes:

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Then you should know Beard's total body of work. A true class racer.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

I don't think you will find anyone else here that thinks Micheal Beard adds on negative posts or comments. He makes his living centered around the sport of drag racing. He is a very accomplished racer. I am sure he has won more races that just about anyone that posts on here. What you construe as negative comments from him are just his way of saying what the majority of people are thinking.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Thats funny, never seem to see any of todays "accomplished" racers commenting in such ways. If Mike is as accomplished as you say he is, you think he would have learned about composure and respect along the way. If people have a thought, post it properly, with conviction and facts, not in a uneducated rage like a five year old. Everyone who reads these posts and doesn't know peoples personalities off the website might construe some individuals as simple minded and just passing time, without real motives to inform, help or learn.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Put down the shovel and stop digging yourself a hole.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Hey Kevin, Beardie calls "em the way he sees "em. Kinda like me but cleaned up.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Mr. Beard is indeed a "body of work". He will jab NHRA at every chance he can and promote IHRA his former employer.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

if gaffney and beard meet they will get along fine they are both nice people just dont add fuel to the fire.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

SS/GA 1123, who are you?



EXACTLY!!!!!

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Tnx Mick, hope the Chevy II project is coming along well, call me if you have any other questions, c u in Gainsville. Fred, come by the rig anytime to talk, your more than welcome in our pit area.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

While I appreciate those coming to my defense, my on-track accomplishments do not have any bearing on the discussion. I don't think people should have to post a resume to determine the weight of their argument -- a point should stand on its own merits, independent of the source.

I've posted here and elsewhere for many, many years, and I'll have to admit, that's the first time I've been accused of being simple-minded. I'm sorry my posts on this thread haven't been of my typical long-winded and overanalyzing nature... been slam busy with work (even just finished up a draft of an event flyer a little after midnight Sunday night), so I don't spend as much time here as normal. Those who have read my posts for years have apparently read these new ones in context.

Were my posts "negative"? Technically, yes. And after re-reading them, yes they came out more biting and sarcastic than was probably necessary, so I apologize. The underlying point was constructive criticism. It came out a bit short due to 1) again, my workload and 2) the context of NHRA's long-running history of policy decisions, without which the reaction would likely have been far more tempered.

The points still stand:
- "The car count was low last year, so we lowered the quota" In my opinion, this does not make sense, if the goal of a business is to increase profit. Is this a reasonable point?

- "Racers petitioned to have quota increased, which NHRA did." That *is* a good thing, and appreciated. That being said, from a business perspective, looking at all of the numbers, it would seem reasonable that the business would figure that out on their own. This also seems akin to raising gas prices from $3.10 to $3.45, and then when customers complain they lower the price to $3.30 and tell you they did you a favor. It's conditioning. I think it's reasonable that some people see it this way and don't like it, just as much as some people take it at face value and simply appreciate the higher quota -- doesn't make either side "wrong".

- "Grade point level maintained at where original quota was met." To me, this begs the question of whether or not they actually want more cars to show up. Is it a step toward "forcing" racers to attend more LODRS events to obtain grade points? I don't know. It's just my opinion, but I personally am more supportive of a business model that is set up to make people *want* to attend an event as opposed to doing something to make people "have" to attend. Vinegar vs honey.

- "It's their playground and they make the rules." True, no question. While I still express my opinion from time to time, primarily I'm one that typically votes with my feet/wallet. I don't expect a business to change its business model because of my opinions alone. It's not about me. If no one shares my opinions, then there's certainly no impetus to change. If a large group of customers *do* share a particular opinion, is it reasonable for a business to give them consideration? (as they have done in the instance of raising the quota)

If you disagree with my opinions, I respect that, and have no problem with that. I would just hope that you don't confuse my passion for the sport as ranting. If it came across as such, I apologize. I get frustrated at times with things I see because I feel there's a better way, sometimes with ideas that I think could provide a better value and experience for the customer *and* help a business's bottom line at the same time. I am *not* demanding that, "I'm right and that's the way you have to do it." They're just opinions, and as such, I could be most certainly be wrong.

I have put many of my ideas to the test, not only through consulting with promoters, tracks, and sanctioning bodies (yes, plural... not just IHRA. A mostly forgotten tidbit: I made the pitch to, and worked with, Phil Burgess to create the "ND Web" concept, which became NHRA Online, now known simply as nhra.com, and also created NHRA Div. 1's first website.) There are a lot of other things out there that nobody knows about. I've dedicated my life to this sport, since I was in high school.

Last year, I ventured into race promotion, and we had an extremely successful big money Footbrake race over Thanksgiving weekend. I feel that it was successful specifically because of those customer-driven ideals that we put behind it... more round money than similar events, purse incentives (more cars = increased payout), round prizes, free racer appreciation BBQ, a live band, homemade cookies (yes, baked them myself), free coffee and biscuits in the morning, and the list goes on and on. Many would argue that it wouldn't make sense to spend money on all of these "extras". However, because of everything we offered to our customers, we drew increased support, so the bottom line *did* make sense!

(Now that's more like the kind of post most Classracer regulars are used to seeing from me! LOL I've gotta get back to work!)

I'd be more than happy to meet Mr. Gaffney at the race track, shake hands, race, benchrace, and the whole nine yards. (Heck, I even like Charley Bob at the race track! LOL) :D

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Anyone who says Mr. Michael Beard is not committed to this sport is an idiot. There I said it. Jim

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Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Mr. Beard, come by anytime, I'm sure we could discuss "policy" indepth, lol! Love the sport and all the people it has allowed me and my family to become great friends with. Nowhere else is passion more evident than in the sport of drag racing, case in point.

Re: Petitioning NHRA to Open SS @ Gainsville
 

Sounds good, thanks!

Is that black Chevy II yours? Phenomenal!