Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Every event I've attended this year, people have commented or asked about the Northern Class Nationals, not just days or weeks after, but months! Your enthusiasm and excitement about the Inaugural Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals has been matched by the sponsors as well.

My partner in Loose Rocker Promotions, Anthony Walton and I do expect to produce the event again in 2015. We have just waited longer this year as there has been a great deal of shuffling in the calendar of NHRA National events and/or holidays that will likely cause some changes in LODRS scheduling, so we plan to wait until those schedules are out to finalize ours.

The basis of the event will remain unchanged, with a little something for everyone, from heads-up Class Eliminations for the go-fast guys, to a big-money S/SS Combo Warmup, and of course the $5,000-to-win traditional eliminators for both Stock and Super Stock.

The Quick 32 program ended up with a much larger spread in the qualifying times than expected. In order to tighten things up to see some more competitive racing and to be able to raise the purse a little, I'd like to run a single Quick 32 CIC Shootout, featuring the Top 16 Stock and Top 16 Super Stock. We'll study and playtest last year's results to determine where the CIC trigger needs to be set.

Last year, we separated out the factory race cars into their own "FX" classes to negate any issues of heads-up runs with 'traditional' Stockers. We only had 9 such cars, and did not see a bump of 'old' cars coming out of retirement, so it may not make sense to continue that program. We could run Factory Stock (with some index adjustments), which would be a nice showcase in Class Eliminations, and still act to keep some of the 'new' and 'old' cars separate. It appears that NHRA has gotten their FS/A and FS/B program sorted out better than last year, making it viable for 2015. I'd like to do something with "Factory Pro Stock" (SS/AA & SS/AAA), but I'm not sure that there are enough cars are out there yet that will all show up at the same time.

As always, this is an independent event, so there is no AHFS.

For those of you who missed the inaugural event or would like to relive it, check out these links:
RESULTS: http://dragstory.com/forum/index.php/board,129.0.html
VIDEO: http://motormaniatv.com/?page_id=3105

ROBZNEED4SPEED Videos:
Gharrett Ghezzi's 250' Wheelstand: http://youtu.be/T6w1LM2XP6Y
Stock Qualifying: http://youtu.be/wjsd_9ZFKD8
Super Stock Qualifying: http://youtu.be/pjYEs710DhA
SS/K Shootout: http://youtu.be/qLWbOHvqtDw

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Micheal,

Looking forward to the date. Hopefully you'll allow me to take pictures for you.

Butch.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

yes I was asked again to handle chores of running the event, Thank you Michael & Anthony for the vote of confidence.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

My first question is where will it be? I'm hoping closer to D4 this time. Hey we need to spread the driving around a little ☺

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Mine and my parents health willing, we will be there.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

going to stay at Columbus, Ed, got to remember people, you go with tracks that are willing to work with you.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

My inclination is to try to keep the same date and location, but again, that's predicated on NHRA scheduling.

Just some tidbits of trivia from the inaugural event:
116 Stock
86 Super Stock
(not including several who broke)

We had drivers from 24 States plus Ontario, CAN
OH 59
KY 25
MI 22
IN 16
PA 14
IL 9
ONT 7
MD 5
MO 5
WV 5
MA 4
NY 4
AL 3
FL 3
MN 3
NC 3
KS 2
NE 2
SD 2
TN 2
TX 2
IA 1
LA 1
NH 1
NV 1

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

How about a stick-shift shootout...


Hammer

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

I'm still paying for the first one. I'll have to watch this one on the internet. I had awesome help financially but it still cost a ton to do it. Good luck it was great to be at the first one. I've had alot of people ask me about the K deal. I may work on it again but I won't be a participant in the race.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

That's completely understandable, and we can't thank you enough for your support. I've made the trip from OH or NC to San Antonio three times, so I know the drill! It'd be great if we could grow this event to the point where we could have a Southern Class Nationals to match the Northern, but that will take a lot of time to build, and commitment from a lot of racers. Maybe someday!

(Just thinking out loud follows...)
The SS/K was a great feature during Class Eliminations. Maybe it would make sense to share the love and feature a different class each year, or do an all-stick shootout as Hammer suggested -- something that I've thought about for quite some time. With anything separate from Class or the other regular programs, time management can become an issue. We've got a lot going on, and anticipate an additional 50+ cars next year, so we have to be careful not to overload things.

One simple thing we could do is run an all-Stick race concurrent with Saturday's S/SS Combo, and advance the winner into the next round of the S/SS Combo.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

BangShift.com showed the Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals some love, in particular Rob Jackson's video highlighting Garrett Ghezzi's beautiful, massive wheelstand that took place during Friday qualifying that weekend.

"Watch An AMX Super Stocker Rip Off A 300-Foot Wheelie – No Sissy Sticks For This Guy!"
http://bangshift.com/bangshift1320/w...sy-sticks-guy/

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

I plan to attend again; my wife and I had a great time at Columbus in May, and I expect the same in 2015!

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Could not make inaugural, 2015 is a sure bet

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

I really enjoyed my experience at the inaugural event, and I've been spreading the word to every Stock and Superstock racer I've talked to out here, hoping to get them to partake in the next one. I'm hoping some west coasters will make the trip. They'll definitely have a great time if they go. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Danny Durham

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Just waiting on the LODRS schedule before going to WOT on the 2nd Annual Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals, which hopefully will be released shortly. We've got our eye on a date or two... just depends on what goes on around us. It will be just a little later next year, putting us into some better weather, and no worries about people not having their engines ready in time.

Stay Tuned!

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

i'll be there beard...

but until NHRA gets all the bogus stuff out of U/SA i doubt if anyone would come to a shootout...

thanks for having us !

captain jack

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Would love to shoot some pics there again Michael. Keep me posted

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

The Russell Performance camp likes the idea of a stick combo... :)

Really looking forward to this event - the inaugural was probably our favorite race all year. We're spreading the word for 2015! Keep up the great work, Mike!

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Michael, me and George may make the long journey back up to The Class Nationals. We like the idea of being able to let it all hang out, without the AFIS B.S.!

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

By "a little later next year," are you still thinking in May, Michael? I'd hope you wouldn't have to get into June to pull it off,,, just thinking out loud. Thanks.
Danny Durham

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Can't wait to run at this event again. Really was a good time.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

2015 Mello Yellow schedule shows: Southern Nationals, Atlanta on May 15-17.
Kansas Nationals, Topeka on May 22- 24.
Don't know if these would affect participation, due to distance from Columbus, but perhaps some racers will "bundle" a couple race weekends in a row. Too bad LODRS schedule isn't out yet. Theres some pretty attractive flight packages going right now for those of us who would fly in to spectate as soon as we get a date.
Danny Durham

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Class Nationals needs it own National Records.
Then use the NR as the Index to runoff of.:eek:
D

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Hey Michael I'll be willing to help next year if possible and here's just a thought how about a Dave Layer memorial race or something in memory of Dave ?

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

I wanted to check with the family first, but yes, that's a great idea. With his contributions to the performance side of our sport, we felt it would be appropriate to both remember and honor him with the CIC race. Dave was one of the first ones to step up and support that program. Henceforth, it will be known as the Dave Layer Memorial Quick 32.

We should have our event date in the next week or two. Also, if you've followed the "2015 Rules" thread, you may have already seen that we will be using the new NHRA "Factory" class structures. We did our own "FX" classes in Stock last year, so we're happy to see NHRA take this step on their own in both Stock and Super Stock. We'll order more Lucas Oil Class Eliminations trophies!

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

It's on! Mark your calendars now for August 21-23, 2015!

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/...6a&oe=54DBC876

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Sad it's the weekend of BIR's Lucas Oil Nationals....

Maybe 2016 I can make it.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

That's going to be tough for those of us who are doing Bowling Green and Indy.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

I'll be there !

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

As we discussed two years ago, there is no date that does not have conflicts, and there is no date that won't have multiple races in a row for someone. The August date is a one-time deal, due to Labor Day falling late this year and a tremendous amount of shuffling of dates on the schedule. August goes back to a four-weekend month in 2016, so we'll have to go through the scheduling process all over again. I apologize that the date cannot be perfect for everyone, however we have chosen it with having the largest number of our customers in mind. Brainerd is the only conflict. This will be a great opportunity to test for Indy under race conditions without worrying about AHFS.

As with this year, we will give you a great, super-fun race put on by racers, dedicated solely to Stock and Super Stock, with everything that you want in a race, from Class to Quick 32 to a Combo to separate $5K Eliminators for both Stock and Super Stock. We can't wait to do it all again!

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Hi Michael,
Is that the same weekend as Bowling Green? That would loose the entire Louisville Gang. There has to be at least 35 of those guys that always come to the Columbus races, But they will go to Bowling Green as it is a long standing tradition to go there and then pull out Monday morning and run on over to Indy and get in line. Its a big deal. Actually, its a big deal for many, many division 3 racers . I don't think there are many racers that I run with that DONT do it.....

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

One aspect that we can all agree on is that it certainly won't be chilly like it was this year. I will definitely be there again!

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

No, Bowling Green is the weekend before Indy; this is 2 weekends before Indy which, as others have mentioned, is the same weekend as the Brainerd National Event.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Deleted....I see it...

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Again, August is a 5-weekend month next year due to Labor Day falling late, so there is a hole in the schedule between Cecil County and Bowling Green for us to jump in.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

I will do my best to make it again,had good time and look forward to it again
Mike Taylor 3601

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Michael,with all due respect..that date has two strikes against it. HOT,HOT,HOT, and the Bowling Green and Indy swing.I know you received very little support from the D 1 crowd but it wouldn't surprise me if they (D 1) schedule a points meet on top of your date . Three weeks in a row for many of the racers that you can draw from isn't going to happen, especially as Charley Bob so eloquently pointed out....The Old Farts. M.J.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

I conferred with multiple other sources prior to scheduling the event. I repeat, there is no Div. 1, Div. 2, Div. 3, or Div. 4 event on this date. The only conflict is Brainerd. We do not take decisions lightly, and we research everything to the nth degree.

Some people chose not to race in May. Some people will choose not to race in August. (and with all due respect, the temps for that weekend in August over the last 5 years have averaged in the mid-low 80's in Hebron, OH, as opposed to the regular mid-low 90's in Bowling Green) Other options would have also had multiple weekends in a row, PLUS multiple close conflicts in all directions. What we will do is provide the best race, the most track time, the most fun, and the best bang for your buck, period, which the over 200 cars that attended this year can attest to. Make the choice to be part of the solution.

Lee and Mike, thank you for your support. Looking forward to putting on another great race for you!

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

That will *have* to be my last year to race. I really am getting too old for this stuff.Thought this year would be my last. I really hope I can make this race.

Re: Auto Meter Northern Class Nationals II
 

Hey, are you aware that chocolate chips do not fare well in the sultry climate of late August......Mr. Beard?? ;)