Takin control of our own destiny.
 

I think the time is right for sportsman racers to take control of our own destiny. Yesterday I spoke with someone who works for NHRA and according to him the condition of the organization is similar to the big 3 automakers. It's possible NHRA could not survive. What happens to us if this happens? Years of taking all the profit out of the company in huge salaries for top management and members of the board of directors leaves no cushion when times get tough.

The beginnings of local and regional groups are popping up as NHRA becomes less relevant and more arrogant toward sportsman racers. Some of us are lucky enough to have places to race outside NHRA, but others aren't. What I think might work is a group of local and regional groups to put on and promote sportsman racing loosely banded together Nationally by the same rules and with the possibility of having a couple of National races. In Kentucky we are fortunate to have combo races at Ohio Valley and Bowling Green on a regular basis, usually about 10 a year combined. This could be the start of a regional group consisting of KY, IN, OH, and TN. Other groups are already out there including the one in GA and FL and the one proposed for the Carolinas. And don't forget Dave Ley's group in the north east.

There would be a lot of things to iron out including rules, tech, what type cars get to race, i.e. .90 cars, comp, top sportsman, top dragster etc. We would have to get track operators involved and probably try and find sponsors. I don't have all the answers, I just wanted to start the thread to see what everyone thought.

Greg

Re: Takin control of our own destiny.
 

I personally LIKE the idea.

Re: Takin control of our own destiny.
 

why don't you try they ?



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Re: Takin control of our own destiny.
 

I like it. Getting some key track owners involved would be important. We can race without NHRA, it gets more difficult if we don't have a track to run on. Most local track owners are looking for opportunity as well.

Re: Takin control of our own destiny.
 

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or them !

Re: Takin control of our own destiny.
 

Greg,
There is no doubt the idea has a lot of merit. I know a lot of people were already planning to stay close to home more this year when fuel prices got out of control last year. While fuel prices have come down, the economy isn't doing all that well, and it may have much the same effect.

Re: Takin control of our own destiny.
 

Greg,
I agree. Matter of fact, I was really thinking about running only the combo races and maybe traveling down south for a vacation and race with them once or twice.
Might race a few of the Super Chevy meets also.
I'm really tired of NHRA's bs and they don't have the only playground.

Re: Takin control of our own destiny.
 

I know it's not "NHRA " but why don't you guys try a little IHRA. We would be glad to have you. There may be classes you don't like . So be it ,you don't have to run that class. If you don't like something ,all you have to do is e-mail or call someone. I personally cannot change the rules , but i will listen and forward any suggestions or complaints.We are not NHRA, But we are not trying to be. Heck , it is a place to race the classes you like to race and then some.With the cut back on some of the pro classes this coming season , you may even get to make a few more passes or not have as much down time.Try it you may like it . If not give a reason why so we would at least know what turned you away . It may be something we can do to make it better. If you are or not a newby to IHRA,please come by tech and say hello and meet some of the other tech guys. Most of them have been or still are racers.I love class racing and hate to see it going in this direction. We need to support it any way we can to keep it alive. You did not see IHRA cut any sportsman classes for the 09 season. This is how it all got started in the first place . Just another comment from a racer/tech person who does care.!!!! Hope to see you at a few races this year.. PS- thanks for reading this post.

Re: Takin control of our own destiny.
 

Greg:

Call me. 501-767-4777

Re: Takin control of our own destiny.
 

Danny, as a racer who races both IHRA and NHRA I think one thing IHRA needs to do is pay more attention to the racing surface at their events! By this, I mean at both points races and national events! My car never spins the tires, anywhere, but every year I blow them off at least once at Rockingham...at the national event!!

Another is they have way too many eliminators running at national events. I know we've covered that topic before, but it's a fact. You go to a national event and make 2 runs your first day, then won't make another run until possibly the next evening or go into Sunday not even running 1st round!!! Imagine if they got 80-100 cars per eliminator???? They'd be racing till Tuesday!!

That is why a lot of racers don't go to these races......I'm sure their are more! Now their points races are a well-kept secret. 15-20 cars running for about $5 grand......u can't beat that!