[Dwight Southerland]

Billy -
I wholeheartedly agree with what you bring up as another major issue. In fact, I could easily argue that it is THE issue that is molding the future of Stock/SS racing. It is encouraging that regional associations are making progress in making other options for the existing racer population. IHRA is doing some good stuff, too. I do not beleive that the answer is not going to come from NHRA, however. What may be happening is the planets aligning for a good chance for a national level sportsman association/organization/racing venue. It might possibly be a coalition of several regional associations with some of the characteristics that existed for the separate divisions when NHRA first formed - identity, inter-regional competition, few but significant national races. Such an arrangement is easier to fund and likely easier to promote. What is key is a national level governing body for the assurance of consistent competition (national rules management and enforcement agency). When you think about it, NHRA could provide that sanctioning role and rules management, but not be the race company. That would look more like what SEMA does for equipment sanctioning.

Also, it seems that part of an answer lies in getting some program going that could be implemented at the local or semi-local level that would be foundational for supporting broader geographic competition. March Madness would not be as big a deal without the SEC, the Big Ten, etc. and their contests.

Thinking out loud.