Dump the gradepoints, go back to class eliminators with each class finalist running the shoe polish eliminator on Sunday. I seem to recall the stands being filled in the late 70s - early 80s during class runoffs at the Winters and Gators, spectators even standing up as each pair went down the track. Seems NHRA screwed up royally dumping Modified. Wasn't a guy named Dallas Gardner, a well known bean counter involved with that decision?
I'll never forget the sell "dwindling carcounts, this new eliminator will breathe life back into the sportsman ranks while the spectators will enjoy it just as much". Hmmmmm.....does imaginary or invisible people count as spectators? I bet they love to come out and watch sportsmen at 0'dark hundred too, unlike the midday during those old days.. Oh well, what's the difference anyway, all sportsman racing is the same.