NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

This was posted in the Lounge Area, but I think ALL NHRA members should know their rights are being taken away......

This regulates away from track behavior....

http://classracer.com/classforum/sho...294#post462294

Take a look and think about it........

Bob

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

I was asked to post this last night, but I declined,,...seeing that it was about a TV show that I know or care nothing (ZERO) about... but anyway, here it is:



http://www.dragzine.com/news/street-...se-suspension/

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Representing this as "their rights are being taken away" is a distortion. Nobody's rights are being threatened by NHRA's action. The racer in this incident can still carry on his life as he wishes even if it includes continuing to participate in illegal street racing. However, it is not a right to belong to NHRA, race at an NHRA event, or participate in the NHRA in any way. Private organizations do this kind of action all the time. Ask Michael Vick, Ray Rice, Pete Rose, Mike Tyson or any other of the many sports figures whose activities in their private life has affected their role in their respective sports organizations. I'm with NHRA on this one.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

I always thought the shows on TV that show so called illegal street racing were staged events with the local authorities having full knowledge as to what is going on. I can't believe you can bring in a production crew from the Discovery Channel, have all of those people and race cars gathered about without attracting law enforcement like flies on garbage. They do race on the street but the roads are secured so someone can't wander into the race area. Maybe it is the perception of being illegal is what the NHRA doesn't like.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

^^This is correct 100%

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

In the segment that had the Ok. guys racing the Chicago guys, it sure looked like they were racing on the street just north of the RT 66 track.Why doesnt NHRA get involved and offer the street guys some nice, safe track to race on.In my opinion it would be alot more entertaining if 75% of the races were not decided by someone going up in smoke,jumping the flashlight,(when is he going to get run over?),or getting real loose down track!!!Let the fastest car really win.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

NHRA screws up a lot, but this is not one of those times. I think that it's kind of refreshing to see an organization actually take a stand against something that is in total conflict with its founding principles.

Regardless that the whole thing is staged, or whatever, it's the idea of street racing and glorifying it that seems to be the issue.

I think the show is just stupid. I certainly can't watch it or any of other show like it. There's plenty of idiotic kids out there already racing on the street thinking that it's cool and trying to live some douchebag fantasy. I think that the last thing anybody needs is to encourage more of the same.

Kudos to NHRA.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

The first line of the paragraph in the letter where they are citing the rulebook clearly states " Participants at events...."

To me, the clear intent of that rule is when you are participating AT an "NHRA" event.
That is a big stretch to apply the rules in that paragraph to anything a member does when they aren't at an event. I agree that rights are being taken away here.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

It's not a right. It's a privilege. Just like a driver's license, which is also not a right, meaning it can be taken away from you at any time.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

I'm with NHRA on this one. Of course the show is staged and made for TV, but the average person, lounging on the sofa watching, may not know that. You want to participate in this "show"? Take the NHRA identification, numbers, etc. off the car. I don't want to be associated with this stupidity either.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Lyn: It was filmed right next to the track on Schweitzer Rd. I recognized it and saw a Gate sign for the track in the background. Kind of makes the show look like a joke when you see that.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

It's about money, CYA, and perception. Perception is more important than fact in this media driven world and money makes things happen. These guys are getting too much action of the pie. When an major sponsor pulls out of your program in favor of product placement on a different program. It would get my attention also. Why would any business play X amount of dollars to be an major sponsor the exposure it receives on TV and payout of contingencies when the same said company could provide the fraction cash layout and some clever product placement on another TV venue and get four times the amount of eye balls seeing their product. Which most of these eye balls will never compete in an National or Divisional event. The CYA part is obvious why they have to condemn it.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Perhaps what really upset NHRA was that the car had the NHRA number, etc. displayed on it.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

You know I have always had a problem with that wordage.

Driving is not a privilege, it is my right as a citizen of the USA to obtain a driver license.
Now if I miss use that right it can be taken away.

Just like walking down the street or going from state to state is not a privilege, It is my Right as a citizen of the USA.

Yes there are rules and laws to follow, and if I break them you can have these right also taken away. Put in jail, pay big fines ECT ECT ...

But these are our rights as citizen of this GREAT country.

OK I'm done running my mouth now, just had to get that off my chest

Cal
S/ST HR 1177

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Then all the Fast and Furious movies should not have been made by your thinking. Kids gravitate towards appearances towards the cars in the movies with there role racing, donuts, racing in traffic and swerving in and out of lanes. SO and what kids today do on the street is very different. Fast and Furious and what kids do today on the street are very much the same. I didn't see a letter written from NHRA to the producers.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

perhaps NHRA ought to buy some ad time during the 4 hour time slot (of "Motor Mondays" on Discovery) touting the advantages and benefits of being a member of the NHRA, they'd sure as hell be getting more looks at their prospective audience then they get on any given Saturday night at 2 am or Sunday night at 10. Got to look at it from the marketing side....it's all about the benjamins' and those guys are garning the most of it right now....it'll fade (as far as TV), but I believe the smart (and quiet) money is on them -- it's the automotive aftermarket "golden" demographics and if you're in the business you've got to be there one way, shape, form or another.....just keep this in perspective.....the same network brings you the Amish Mafia and Moonshiners' and they brought Jesse James and the American Chopper guys to a whole 'nother level.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

But driving is not a right; it's a privilege. As a citizen, you have the right to apply for a driver's license under equal protection of the law, but is is not a right that you can get in your car and operate it on public roads. It is a privilege you earn once you have shown that you know the laws, you agree to abide by the laws and you prove that you can operate a vehicle in a manner that does not endanger others or compromise the rights of others. Then you are given the privelege to operate a vehicle on public highways where the safety and rights of others will be observed. If you do not continue to operate your vehicle within the laws and guidelines that govern it, then the public authority (the government) will revoke your privileges. They do not take away your right to drive. You would still have the right to drive your vehicle somewhere beside publicly governed property, but you do not have the privilege to drive on public roads. In that manner, it is not a right. It is not even a right to walk down the street if you are going to do so in a manner that infringes on the rights or safety of others.


In like manner, NHRA is not "taking away rights" from these people. They are exercising their right to protect their image, reputation and standards that are explicitly stated in their membership material. Those standards are what you agree with to become a member. It's like unions restricting members from working on jobs or for others who do not observe union standards; you can go do the work if you want, but you won't be a union member if you do. An NHRA membership is not a "right" to race at NHRA's events. It is an extension to you of a privilege to participate. If you choose to not adhere to their membership standards, then they have the right to revoke that privilege.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

NHRA is upset because it is upstaging their own TV Nationals Program
The Funny Cars and AA Fueler and Pro Stockers are not getting top billing.

I seen a golden opportunity...!!

Another Pinks like Street Car Outlaw program.

There are a lot of shut down and active Tracks that could capitalize on this Street Racer fad..

It is huge but there is nobody upstairs with the Drag Racing Management and Marketing skill to capitalize on this.

Just like them ignoring COMP, Super Stock and Stock...

Street Outlaws maybe hanging five on legality.
I like the intrigue..
Yeah we know it is staged....grow it !!!

Dan

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Dwight is correct.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

if NHRA was smart they would figure out how to capitalize on the shows success and use it to steer fans to the racetrack. Their are already some no prep races going on now they should jump all over that. Advertise on the show and get them to come to the track instead of sending out stupid letters threatening people all that is going to do is drive people away. They are just creating more of a outlaw image for those guys. It just makes NHRA look like big brother trying to bully people.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

The rights vs. privilege debate is all semantics. I have the right to own a gun but if I break the law I can lose it, so is it a right or a privilege.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

x2. They chose the route they did, which has generated a firestorm, instead of turning it into a positive and using the existing show as a platform to promote legal drag racing. They could have created incentives to draw the participants and its fans to sanctioned dragstrips (which tracks have independently already been doing), and created fun and safe events at those tracks where people could legally participate in the loosely structured environment they crave.

I personally couldn't stand more than 15-20 minutes of the show the one time I stumbled across it, but their reach and fan base is undeniable. The sanctioning body had an opportunity to turn the messaging in their favor, but their choices ended up alienating a large swath of their potential audience instead.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Take that driving is a privilege statement and see how it holds up in a court with a real lawyer. Operating a motor vehicle in a licensed and legal manner is a right as a tax paying (which built the road) citizen. Know that a judge can not take or suspend your license? Only recommend to the transportation and licensing department that they be revoked for a certain length of time. And then as a US citizen you still have the right to have a review by that entity of whether the suspension, or length of suspension is warranted. Usually gets reduced or no suspension at all. Now back on topic. Maybe if the payouts were more for 6-7 rounds than what you can make in one pass on the street there would be less street racing. Don't take this as promoting street racing. Quit that back in my 20's when a guy rolled a nova on a country road one sat. nite. Luckily the guy wasn't hurt badly, but that crash, and the 45 min. wait for emergency crews ended my street racing days. Get off that wallet sanctioning bodies and pay real money if you want to do something about street racing. 2-3k including contingency is peanuts with what Sportsman racing has become today. We used to win 12-16k at a divisional before the for profit not for profit attitude prevailed and we just kept showing up. Some local tracks are offering grudge night with flashlight starts, no prep and timers turned off but still have to pass safety regs and have emergency crews on duty. Some are even free if you are running your car as a service to their communities. Maybe add some big money grudge racing to events instead of other bs filler. Might draw a crowd? But sanctioning bodies running your life? Not mine. Some very good suggestions have been posted here. Now somebody needs to get off their butt and implement them.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

This is NHRA's problem in a nutshell. They have a whole gang of people in suits, board of directors, marketing department, etc. and they're getting crushed by a bunch of guys who were posting videos on youtube. and the only response they can come up with is threatening letters. No wonder drag racing is in the shape it is in. Maybe instead of banning those guys they should hire them.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Well, there are probably a lot of movies that shouldn't have been made, and that series would likely be at the top of my list of examples, but not because it involves racing.

There's a huge difference between some action movie and a "reality" TV show where cars that race at the track are brought out to race on the street, or made to look like they are racing on the street. Regardless that it's staged, the message is that street racing is cool, and it's so cool, look who we have here doing it.

I'm not trying to sound like a prick, but NHRA is an organization with membership and member tracks. Just like a country club, a biker gang or the NRA. You don't like the rules, go somewhere else to play.

NHRA shouldn't want any part of that crap. They are living up to their credo, and have sent a clear message that if you have a car and race on the street, don't expect to be welcome in our club.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Could this be proof that the viewing audience is no longer interested in the NHRA pro categories? They seem to have gravitated towards the common guy and his personal ride......even though it's staged/produced. ;)

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Absolutely. And consider that the Street Outlaws show opens with a disclaimer: "Street racing is dangerous and highly illegal. Just because we're dumbazzes doesn't mean you should be."

Had NHRA bought some commercial time, the show would actually be supporting NHRA's position.

Who advises these guys on marketing strategy????

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

I suppose. If you're OJ Simpson, you can get the right lawyer to make it look like you didn't kill your wife and her boyfriend. But that's not the point.

Taxpayers own the statehouse, the Whitehouse, whatever. Doesn't mean you can move in or take a piss on the stairs.

You do not have a right to drive. It is a privilege. It can be taken away any time the states wants to. Whether they do or not is irrelevant.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

[quote=SSGT Mustang;462360][QUOTE=SS Engine Guy;462350]Take that driving is a privilege statement and see how it holds up in a court with a real lawyer. Operating a motor vehicle in a licensed and legal manner is a right as a tax paying (which built the road) citizen. [QUOTE]



Taxpayers own the statehouse, the Whitehouse, whatever. Doesn't mean you can move in or take a piss on the stairs.

You do not have a right to drive. It is a privilege. It can be taken away any time the states wants to. Whether they do or not is irrelevant.[Quote]

What the "state" takes away can be overturned by a higher court. All this "politically correct" BS is why we are even talking about this. And while studying up on the law keep in mind that you are only entitled to as much justice as you can afford.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

PETE ROSE BELONGS IN THE HALL!!! Sorry had to be random

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

When being in a TV show gets you banned from racing with Nhra there's something wrong.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

I agree. Sad but true.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

This is real simple. There were people appearing on the show with NHRA class designations and NHRA competition numbers prominently displayed on their cars, and using their real names. NHRA told them that it was unacceptable to do so. NHRA is well within their rights to do so.

The solution is real simple, too. If you want to appear on the show, simply remove all of your class designations and competition numbers, as well as your name on the car if it is there, and don't use your real name.

I don't often agree with a lot of things NHRA does, but this is well within their rights. They have a right to choose who and what their "brand" is associated with. Like it or not, the competition number and class designation is part of their "brand".

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Alan you hit it dead on.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

WOW...........................

I would take the numbers off of the car, but I happen to own my name......

How about this being the first step.......

Get a DUI, no racing.....

Get into a chargeable accident, no racing...........

People just don't get it.......

Celebrities’ are PAID to maintain a public image and have contracts that demand it....

Has NHRA paid you or have you signed a contract to allow them to regulate your conduct away from the track and withhold money if they wish?????????????/

As for NHRA numbers.....What do IHRA and other --RA numbers look like....

Maybe NHRA should have sent an announcement out that if you appear on a show that has national attention (good or bad) that any connection with NHRA should be eliminated???????????/

Spit in the street and turn in your NHRA license....

All I can say is that the ones who get it, get it and the ones that don't, don't………

WOW

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Not that I condone street racing but to the common joe watching tv how does he know that a number on a car in OK means he races NHRA, or whatever body, Last time I checked I had to give Nhra cash to have that number, if I have a Nhra sticker on my street car and rob a bank will the come after me? I think they are using this wrong and should be saying come out to drag strip where there is safety but Nhra continues to try and get more and more from the racers, seat belts helmets and what ever else, these guys just said we will go play in some other sand box. Here is a response from Nhra on Hot Rod online. Tom

www.hotrod.com|By Thom Taylor

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You have to have a valid driver's license to race so anything you do to lose that will keep you from racing.

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NHRA is an association that you join voluntarily, to participate in a hobby for your enjoyment. There are no "rights" associated with that, other than those you agree to when you sign up and pay your dues. Just like any other association of that type, they can tell you that they don't want you around based on your behavior. You do not have the "right" to make NHRA take your money, grant you membership, and allow you to compete.

If you think you have the "right" to force NHRA to accept you and your behavior regardless of their desires, you are the one who does not get it.

Again, if you think I'm a "fan boy" of NHRA, think again. I'm fairly well known for telling them exactly what I think, and where I think they are wrong, in person, on the phone, via email, and in public forums.

Oh, NHRA has nothing to gain from advertising on the show in question, and the last thing the show wants is to be "legitimized".

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

The show is all fake it is a scripted tv show! If you look they seem to be racing in a industrial park. Not on the street. They are drag cars not street cars. NHRA is pissed because more people watch that scripted show and not the one they try to script! If you watched fast and loud last year they sponsored top fuel car on the show! They talked about NHRA for 2 weeks. You think NHRA paid for that? I Bet they did! These show are advertising that how they make money. NHRA should work with this show then maybe people will think cars are cool again.

Re: NHRA regulates off track behavior.........
 

Well...the California Supreme Court has held that driving a motor vehicle on the public highways is a privilege, not a fundamental Constitutional right. I don't think you'll find too many lawyers that will argue with them about it. I don't know if other states are different, but I highly doubt it.

(Hernandez v. Department of Motor Vehicles (1981) 30 Cal.3d 70, 80–84, 177 Cal.Rptr. 566, 634 P.2d 917.)