Readjustment letter to NHRA

Ron Ortiz · 12-19-2009, 11:17 AM

Dear NHRA and the individuals who make adjustments and horsepower determinations.

It appears to me that somehow you have been influenced by either corporations, friends, organizations, or people who can benefit your well being in unconventional ways. I would really appreciate it if you would return to the original concept of level playing fields. I believe it would be alot more fun and competitive to allow Stock Eliminator players to let their vehicles perform the way they should be, all out. Since there has been quite a few complaints and disagreements concerning proper factors and ratings, the soloutions that you have provided us appear inadequate. Realizing that there is some bias amongst competitors seeking an edge, there still is a sense of fairness amongst them. Each one wants the sports to thrive and progress, and each one will accept fair rulings.

In the interest of the sport, and its future, the following suggestions are being presented to you, by me, an average competitor with a limited budget, who has been the fastest and one of the slowest in his respected class during the past 20 years, a technical official, a vendor, and a spectator.

1) Utilize the data from all runs from the starting line to the finish line to determine overall performance of vehicles while calculating external factors ie weather, wind, altitude etc.

2) Recognize sand bagging from the calculations and factor in the corrected ET.

3) Eliminate the trigger.

4) Calculate the data from above and readjust the horsepower rating system totally.

5) Let tech perform their duties.

Thank you for your time and the opportunity to offer a possible soloution.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA #2102

Bob Pagano · 12-19-2009, 11:38 AM

While your letter is to the point I dont think they will get it. We all know the HP factors are a joke so you need to get a majority of the racers to sign on. One letter will not make a dent in their minds. We as a group must announce our dissatisfaction with the horsepower ratings and how the bogus ratings came about. Its not about the index, its the hp ratings. Well 2 cents aint worth much but somehow we as a group must get the point across.

Jeff Lee · 12-19-2009, 02:22 PM

Ron,

You might want to soften up your opening statement to the addressee that run's a large corporation....

"It appears to me that somehow you have been influenced by either corporations, friends, organizations, or people who can benefit your well being in unconventional ways".

Your first sentence has the reader of your letter saying "F-You" and then it hits the trash can!

SS Engine Guy · 12-19-2009, 03:49 PM

Jeff, I appreciate what you are saying and you are probably right, however, I think it was a well written letter that addressed valid points and concerns of a member of an "association".

Well put Ron! Not telling the truth is part of why this economy is in the shape it is right now. Sometimes the best way is to call it like you see it.

Jim Wahl · 12-19-2009, 05:13 PM

Good job Ron! I would sign it. Jim

Jeff Lee · 12-19-2009, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS Engine Guy

Jeff, I appreciate what you are saying and you are probably right, however, I think it was a well written letter that addressed valid points and concerns of a member of an "association".

Well put Ron! Not telling the truth is part of why this economy is in the shape it is right now. Sometimes the best way is to call it like you see it.

I've never been accused of being subtle but there is a way to approach things to get things done, not just piss a guy off. It may be "well said" for some but it will not affect any of the changes the author and many others may want.

SS Engine Guy · 12-19-2009, 07:32 PM

If an observation by a member of an "association" pi$$es someone off enough that he disgards the letter then that person does not belong in a position to even be reading the letter. Unprofessional to say the least but that is the way this whole deal has been handled.

7820 · 12-19-2009, 08:36 PM

You catch more flies with honey than vinegar and that first sentence is a whole lot of vinegar. I agree with Jeff....lighten it up.

Jim Wahl · 12-19-2009, 09:19 PM

Seems to me the "honey" method has been tried for years. So, how's that "honey" thing workin out for ya? Jim

Ron Ortiz · 12-20-2009, 11:36 AM

This is in response to those that think that the opening statement might be a bit harsh.

Normally I would send a letter with wording that would be understandable to the reader, direct, but yet tactful in its presentation, and most of all in a professional manner.

The time that I have written to NHRA was concerning HP ratings for my car and a couple of other cars in U/SA. I presented them with charts, graphs, and data clearly showing the disparities between them. Never heard a word from them, and those combos went on to be #1 qualifiers at numerous events.

I have always treated NHRA and it employees with respect. I have performed youth clinics at area high schools before the Youth & Education Services was created. I have worked with that service in its initial stages. If you look back at all the bashing post against NHRA you will notice that I have not done so.

If you would like you can ask Wesley, Travis, anyone who knows me in tech, the safety people, announcers, or anybody else, I do not bash NHRA.

I remember when Jeff Tueton started a committee, I recall the recent SRAC, I have heard of groups that have presented NHRA with possible solutions and communications.

How many times have you heard about the head that was legal next to a slightly modified one and a tech guy was overruled. Or other questionable components. What about the times that someone has posted about "Glendora" or "Danny" showing some possible favoritism.

How about a manufacturer showcasing their newest "production" car with desirable components. Or their disclosure of HP ratings or available parts.

Then the individuals who make adjustments and horsepower determinations come up with a solution that just buffers the problem by lowering the indexes. And I realize that alot of people wanted it, but it did not resolve the problem.

So, after witnessing so many things, reading about all the injustices, hearing all the nonsense, I felt compelled to write to NHRA. Understand when I started typing, the words just flowed out, as it appeared to me that somehow they have been influenced by either corporations, friends, organizations, or people who can benefit their well being in unconventional ways. It was the only possible answer. So I addressed it as so.

Looking back, maybe I should have done it in a professional manner, but in reality, it was necessary. For those who took offense, I apologize. I just want our sport to succeed and and let the racers run their cars out within a level playing field.

I am sending this response to NHRA also.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA #2102

12-19-2009, 02:22 PM	#3
Jeff Lee VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 2,766 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Readjustment letter to NHRA Ron, You might want to soften up your opening statement to the addressee that run's a large corporation.... *"It appears to me that somehow you have been influenced by either corporations, friends, organizations, or people who can benefit your well being in unconventional ways".* Your first sentence has the reader of your letter saying "F-You" and then it hits the trash can! __________________ Jeff Lee 7494 D/S '70 AMX

12-19-2009, 03:49 PM	#4
SS Engine Guy Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: usa Posts: 256 Likes: 1 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Readjustment letter to NHRA Jeff, I appreciate what you are saying and you are probably right, however, I think it was a well written letter that addressed valid points and concerns of a member of an "association". Well put Ron! Not telling the truth is part of why this economy is in the shape it is right now. Sometimes the best way is to call it like you see it.

12-19-2009, 05:13 PM	#5
Jim Wahl Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 5,843 Likes: 666 Liked 683 Times in 129 Posts	Re: Readjustment letter to NHRA Good job Ron! I would sign it. Jim __________________ Jim Wahl....NHRA #2239 S/SS - IHRA # 8 Stock, D2 Stock Champion (forever I guess) 2019 Baby Gators Stock Champion 2009 D2 National Open Stock Champion 1981 D2 West Palm Beach LDRS SS Runner Up Past President, Southern Stock / Super Stock Association.

12-19-2009, 07:32 PM	#7
SS Engine Guy Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: usa Posts: 256 Likes: 1 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Readjustment letter to NHRA If an observation by a member of an "association" pi$$es someone off enough that he disgards the letter then that person does not belong in a position to even be reading the letter. Unprofessional to say the least but that is the way this whole deal has been handled. Last edited by SS Engine Guy; 12-19-2009 at 07:42 PM.

12-19-2009, 08:36 PM	#8
7820 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 201 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Readjustment letter to NHRA You catch more flies with honey than vinegar and that first sentence is a whole lot of vinegar. I agree with Jeff....lighten it up.

12-19-2009, 11:17 AM	#1
Ron Ortiz Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Englewood, Florida Posts: 988 Likes: 33 Liked 315 Times in 102 Posts	Readjustment letter to NHRA Dear NHRA and the individuals who make adjustments and horsepower determinations. It appears to me that somehow you have been influenced by either corporations, friends, organizations, or people who can benefit your well being in unconventional ways. I would really appreciate it if you would return to the original concept of level playing fields. I believe it would be alot more fun and competitive to allow Stock Eliminator players to let their vehicles perform the way they should be, all out. Since there has been quite a few complaints and disagreements concerning proper factors and ratings, the soloutions that you have provided us appear inadequate. Realizing that there is some bias amongst competitors seeking an edge, there still is a sense of fairness amongst them. Each one wants the sports to thrive and progress, and each one will accept fair rulings. In the interest of the sport, and its future, the following suggestions are being presented to you, by me, an average competitor with a limited budget, who has been the fastest and one of the slowest in his respected class during the past 20 years, a technical official, a vendor, and a spectator. 1) Utilize the data from all runs from the starting line to the finish line to determine overall performance of vehicles while calculating external factors ie weather, wind, altitude etc. 2) Recognize sand bagging from the calculations and factor in the corrected ET. 3) Eliminate the trigger. 4) Calculate the data from above and readjust the horsepower rating system totally. 5) Let tech perform their duties. Thank you for your time and the opportunity to offer a possible soloution. Ron Ortiz U/SA #2102 __________________ Ron Ortiz 2102 STK

12-19-2009, 11:38 AM	#2
Bob Pagano VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New Holland, PA Mooresville,NC Posts: 1,163 Likes: 237 Liked 16 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Readjustment letter to NHRA While your letter is to the point I dont think they will get it. We all know the HP factors are a joke so you need to get a majority of the racers to sign on. One letter will not make a dent in their minds. We as a group must announce our dissatisfaction with the horsepower ratings and how the bogus ratings came about. Its not about the index, its the hp ratings. Well 2 cents aint worth much but somehow we as a group must get the point across. __________________ Bob Pagano A/SA

12-19-2009, 09:19 PM	#9
Jim Wahl Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 5,843 Likes: 666 Liked 683 Times in 129 Posts	Re: Readjustment letter to NHRA Seems to me the "honey" method has been tried for years. So, how's that "honey" thing workin out for ya? Jim __________________ Jim Wahl....NHRA #2239 S/SS - IHRA # 8 Stock, D2 Stock Champion (forever I guess) 2019 Baby Gators Stock Champion 2009 D2 National Open Stock Champion 1981 D2 West Palm Beach LDRS SS Runner Up Past President, Southern Stock / Super Stock Association.

12-20-2009, 11:36 AM	#10
Ron Ortiz Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Englewood, Florida Posts: 988 Likes: 33 Liked 315 Times in 102 Posts	Re: Readjustment letter to NHRA This is in response to those that think that the opening statement might be a bit harsh. Normally I would send a letter with wording that would be understandable to the reader, direct, but yet tactful in its presentation, and most of all in a professional manner. The time that I have written to NHRA was concerning HP ratings for my car and a couple of other cars in U/SA. I presented them with charts, graphs, and data clearly showing the disparities between them. Never heard a word from them, and those combos went on to be #1 qualifiers at numerous events. I have always treated NHRA and it employees with respect. I have performed youth clinics at area high schools before the Youth & Education Services was created. I have worked with that service in its initial stages. If you look back at all the bashing post against NHRA you will notice that I have not done so. If you would like you can ask Wesley, Travis, anyone who knows me in tech, the safety people, announcers, or anybody else, I do not bash NHRA. I remember when Jeff Tueton started a committee, I recall the recent SRAC, I have heard of groups that have presented NHRA with possible solutions and communications. How many times have you heard about the head that was legal next to a slightly modified one and a tech guy was overruled. Or other questionable components. What about the times that someone has posted about "Glendora" or "Danny" showing some possible favoritism. How about a manufacturer showcasing their newest "production" car with desirable components. Or their disclosure of HP ratings or available parts. Then the individuals who make adjustments and horsepower determinations come up with a solution that just buffers the problem by lowering the indexes. And I realize that alot of people wanted it, but it did not resolve the problem. So, after witnessing so many things, reading about all the injustices, hearing all the nonsense, I felt compelled to write to NHRA. Understand when I started typing, the words just flowed out, as it appeared to me that somehow they have been influenced by either corporations, friends, organizations, or people who can benefit their well being in unconventional ways. It was the only possible answer. So I addressed it as so. Looking back, maybe I should have done it in a professional manner, but in reality, it was necessary. For those who took offense, I apologize. I just want our sport to succeed and and let the racers run their cars out within a level playing field. I am sending this response to NHRA also. Ron Ortiz U/SA #2102 __________________ Ron Ortiz 2102 STK Last edited by Ron Ortiz; 12-20-2009 at 11:47 AM.