IHRA the good ol days
 

I was at John Montecalvo's birthday party Saturday and several pro stockers were there and others from the racing world and we were recounting the good ol days about 5 years ago when IHRA had the pros, Top Stock and tons of racers.What a great time you could race,party at night drive your golf cart have a bon fire.The track officials were the best you were treated wonderfully one big family.Good racing but still lots of fun.Not a bunch of self important A-holes like a lot of places. What went wrong? The officials are still nice you can still have the fire and drive the cart but no pros? You have to have pros.And how many times do i have to hear racers and fans alike say they miss Top Stock.What a shame-what a shame.

Re: IHRA the good ol days
 

AGREE! Worst thing missing from IHRA are the prostocks how in the world could they allow this to happen? Maybe it's just me but I would much rather watch them and topstock than these retro smetro crap that's running now. Start the petition to bring them back, they can even keep the other crap if they want.

Re: IHRA the good ol days
 

i would love to see p/s and p/m back . they can ditch the the nitro track oilers and then we could finish the races even earlier.

Re: IHRA the good ol days
 

Its called mis-management ! Larry Carrier and Bill Bader knew how to run a drag racing association. There is a lot I could mention about the current management and what has happened behind the sene but I wont. Most wouldnt believe me anyway. The tech guys left really care but even some of them are throwing in the towel. The only way to save IHRA is for someone with the $$$$$ to buy it and put long time racers/workers/car people who are not currently involved with a team or car run it without interference. Even Top Stock turned into a freak show towards the end.

Re: IHRA the good ol days
 

In my opinion when Larry Carrier sold to Billy Meyer is when the trouble began it never has been back to what it was when Larry Carrier had it,I think it was probaly pretty close with Bader.
Have you read article on Carrier in new drag review,it said Carrier thought selling to Meyer would take IHRA to the next level not realizing he( Carrier ) had already took it there
I agree with that comment.
I love racing IHRA always have and hope to get to into the future.
Mike Taylor 3601

Re: IHRA the good ol days
 

Man good times, hanging out with the pro stock racers was the best. We could literally ride into almst any pro pits, start a conversation, next thing you know we're having drinks and dinner. Those most definitely were the good old days. IHRA has changed as has many things, still think there's alot of good people involed in the organization. Hope to run a few races with them this year. Joe

Re: IHRA the good ol days
 

I wholeheartedly agree with Paul Cambria about the Pro Stockers and Top Stock. This to me is akin to eliminating "Baseball,hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet" and introducing "Soccer, sushi, crem 'd le crem, and Lexus. If IHRA wants to increase their fan base and participant base, it would seem to me to be a "slam dunk" to bring back these two catagories, and park the "Grave Digger" and other "circus acts" for real performance oriented pursuits. Bring on the petition for my signature.

Re: IHRA the good ol days
 

I agree...Its to bad that the same guy who owns the Grave Digger also owns IHRA now. He dosent have a clue.

Re: IHRA the good ol days
 

I think Pro Stock left because of the lack of payout for,for the investment made in these cars.Correct me if I'm wrong.
Dennis Anderson owns IHRA?
Which brings up a question in my mind.Is IHRA a for profit organization as opposed to NHRA being a so called not for profit?

Re: IHRA the good ol days
 

I think you're right Ed, they MMPS didnt agree with the new format, no qualifying, no traditional points chase, lack of sponsorship and payout. Its like an invite only Chicago style runoff, a one night show with the winner getting an Ironman.
The MMPSA has their own race series now. Those cars are cool.