[Chad Rhodes]

Woodro, I think you're right, unfortunetly. NHRA has ignored class racers as a spectator draw for as long as I can remember (i'm 31). During that time, the 10.5 and street car guys have done a very good job of promoting themselves, they can carry their own show.

Divisionals need to be revamped completely. there is very little incentive for the racers (2 grade points would have got you in anywhere this year, and the payout is worse than a local bracket race), there is no perceived spectator draw, and the track owners take a bath. Its no small wonder that after shelling out $16k to NHRA and fronting the purse for the "mechanical rain delays" that most track owners don't do any TV, radio, or other local advertising.

The first thing that has to happen is it has to be a WIN for the track owner, without him having to rely on spectator gate fee. Secondly, there has to be something in it for the racer besides a grade point and the opportunity to set a record. Costs aren't getting any cheaper, and the purse is a joke. Third, the NHRA needs to give an advertising incentive to the racers and do some promotion for the track owner. After all they are getting paid to bring the race there.

Its really not that hard. Give Mike Fuqua and Pat Joffrion an evening and a cooler full of beer and you would have a plan that works, period.