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Chuck Porter · 01-19-2009, 05:48 PM

In response to this topic, I’ll chime in on a few points

If we as “participants” in this sport feel now is not the time for change, then ask yourself “when” is the right time for change?

What I find distasteful is that the sanctioning bodies are not accountable to the membership. The NHRA executive have found a way to insulate themselves and aren’t accountable to anyone. If I’m wrong then who are they accountable to? It has taken these guys over 50 years to develop and tune this well oiled money making machine and they aren’t going to give it up easily. They have raped and pillaged the sportsman racers to a point of revolt in order to keep this machine running. And we keep coming back for more.

The NHRA and IHRA know how racers think – at least in one respect. THEY KNOW WE WILL SHOW UP TO RACE. If you don’t believe me, just organize a boycott to a single race and watch it fall flat on its ***. Racers will show up. That’s guaranteed and NHRA & IHRA use that knowledge to prosper at our expense.

I’ve got nothing against making a profit, however I have a real problem with self appointed royalty hog troughing the profits in what is fundamentally a recreational based sport.

In regards to a new sportsman based association, I say “Hell Yes”. Count me in. However I also recommend that we learn from history and proceed cautiously. Take the good points from NHRA & IHRA and build on it.

Don’t be afraid to pay the guys who are working to build the new association. Their time is worth it. Isn’t yours? Don’t sit back and bitch about it. If you have nothing to offer, shut the hell up. If you do have something constructive to offer, roll up your sleeves and get in there and do something positive. However provide a good foundation to build on, which means be certain people are accountable for their actions. And be sure all decision makers are replaceable.

Can Corporate America be sold on this idea? They will want value for their money and want to see results. I think the Pros have priced themselves out of the market. Perhaps now is the time to go after those companies who have been involved with the Pro ranks and offer them an alternative program at an affordable price. At the very least they will learn there is an alternative. This much I know - It's easier said than done.

What’s the worst-case scenario? At the end of the day we may end up with more local Stk/SS races that are fun, affordable and maybe even profitable. NHRA & IHRA have their hooks firmly set in most of us and it will be a struggle to break away. I guess it’s up to you in the long run as to whether you want to be part of making a new program a reality or deal with another form of reality and that is more of the same from the existing sanctioning bodies.

Happy trails everybody.

Chuck

01-19-2009, 05:48 PM	#34
Chuck Porter Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 104 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Takin control of our own destiny. In response to this topic, I’ll chime in on a few points If we as “participants” in this sport feel now is not the time for change, then ask yourself “when” is the right time for change? What I find distasteful is that the sanctioning bodies are not accountable to the membership. The NHRA executive have found a way to insulate themselves and aren’t accountable to anyone. If I’m wrong then who are they accountable to? It has taken these guys over 50 years to develop and tune this well oiled money making machine and they aren’t going to give it up easily. They have raped and pillaged the sportsman racers to a point of revolt in order to keep this machine running. And we keep coming back for more. The NHRA and IHRA know how racers think – at least in one respect. THEY KNOW WE WILL SHOW UP TO RACE. If you don’t believe me, just organize a boycott to a single race and watch it fall flat on its **. Racers will show up. That’s guaranteed and NHRA & IHRA use that knowledge to prosper at our expense. I’ve got nothing against making a profit, however I have a real problem with self appointed royalty hog troughing the profits in what is fundamentally a recreational based sport. In regards to a new sportsman based association, I say “Hell Yes”. Count me in. However I also recommend that we learn from history and proceed cautiously. Take the good points from NHRA & IHRA and build on it. Don’t be afraid to pay the guys who are working to build the new association. Their time is worth it. Isn’t yours? Don’t sit back and bitch about it. If you have nothing to offer, shut the hell up. If you do have something constructive to offer, roll up your sleeves and get in there and do something positive. However provide a good foundation to build on, which means be certain people are accountable for their actions. And be sure all decision makers are replaceable. Can Corporate America be sold on this idea? They will want value for their money and want to see results. I think the Pros have priced themselves out of the market. Perhaps now is the time to go after those companies who have been involved with the Pro ranks and offer them an alternative program at an affordable price. At the very least they will learn there is an alternative. This much I know - It's easier said than done. What’s the worst-case scenario? At the end of the day we may end up with more local Stk/SS races that are fun, affordable and maybe even profitable. NHRA & IHRA have their hooks firmly set in most of us and it will be a struggle to break away. I guess it’s up to you in the long run as to whether you want to be part of making a new program a reality or deal with another form of reality and that is more of the same from the existing sanctioning bodies. Happy trails everybody. Chuck Last edited by Chuck Porter; 01-20-2009 at 04:06 AM.*