[Ron Ortiz]

Sounds like I need to clarify a couple of things on here. I was not complaining about not getting into the Gators this year, I was complaining about the quotas. According to my first post on Page 1, post #5.
Tried to get into the Gators this year with only 1 grade point. Could not as grade 2 filled it up on Saturday, before the Wednesday deadline for grade 1's. called NHRA and was informed that if someone was to drop out, only grade 2 could get in as that's when it was filled. They had an 80 car field, while Super Comp was at 100, I don't get it. Now in Stock, it is down to 77, but I can't get in.

I was pointing out the quotas, the fact that I did not get in was explained to me by NHRA. Then Stock had withdrawals, it was like a joke, here is withdrawals and it didn't matter as I only had 1 grade point. I further explained myself on page 4, post #34 about the quotas.

Then I went on about the pitting at Gville, as some individuals on here so proudly defend as an excuse for lower quotas. Then I followed up with the lowering of entries as years progressed. Then I really complained about racing at 8:00 AM. And Yes I did whine and complain about how we are treated, and you know what, if you don't like it, I don't really care. I've been racing long enough to know about how we have been treated in the past and present, I know from on the scene "live" experiences. And don't give your crap about if you don't like go play else where. I race because of all the people that are there and the fun we have, I just don't like the upper brass taking away what I love. I also pointed out that fuel qualifying should be at night, can you disagree with that too.

Last year The Imperial Palace broke down on the way to the Gainesville Divisional so I could get my coveted grade point. I know that I need grade points to enter a national event, but sometimes thing happen. Couldn't get to SGMP the following 2 weeks, so I ended up with 1 GP.

I busted my butt to get there this year. Left Thursday AM and as fate would have it, noticed over heating 35 miles down the road, turned around for repairs. Left Friday AM, same thing only 10 miles up the road. Begged for a ride up there and Steve Hunt came to the rescue. Left Saturday 4:00 AM, got there, made 1 time trial, got beat in Rd 1, went home with tail between legs. At least I got 2 GP's for next year. Can't go to SGMP, getting repairs done. It's going to be fun getting in again next year.

So, as you can see I run NHRA divisionals for GP's. Must be tough on you D1 guys with having to have so many GP's to get into ETown, but your divisionals are alot closer distance wise. Gees, imagine the racers in the D6 on where their divisionals are.

I race NHRA & IHRA & SSSSA races, I race Stock Eliminator.

I also like IHRA's format of entry. Lets take a vote, how may racers out there want to send your money in a month early instead of at the gate. Guess you don't mind someone else getting interest holding your money. Lets take another vote, how many racers like racing at 8:00 AM instead of say 10:00 AM or even 9:00 AM.

Jack, you say staffing is an issue. If you have past data & statistics on a certain race from years of experience, then it should not be a problem. It is always better to be over staffed than under. I mean it's not like the employees are getting our entry fee as their hourly wage.

RacingRicki, NHRA said that only grade 2 can enter, period. There were no other options. So there are no other questions, that's your answer

We all understand why grade points are needed, it is the quotas that need to be addressed. Sorry I get a little excited now and then, no, no I'm not.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA you can't even buy a grade point