Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? - Page 3

Bobby Zlatkin · 11-08-2008, 10:28 AM

Everyone goes to the first points meet of the year tied for first place. Everyone is a contender at that point.

Have a couple of bad races and you lose the incentive to travel to the points meets at the end of the year.

Adger Smith · 11-08-2008, 12:01 PM

After reading & thinking about this I'm of the opinion it will be a good thing for car counts. The former track owner in me sees That will translate into Money/ Profit for track owners & IHRA. They have to make money to keep our sport going. The economy/expenses are big factors in touring for a National Championship under the current points system. I do agree it is a large Change and Change can sometimes be hard to accept. There have been some good points made about the current points system, but I'm still not convinced it is fair to all participants. Money & Time off work play a big part in Sportsman racers & Championships. If you don't believe that statement just spend some time talking to Champions like Anthony, Kevin Helms & Beard.
Assuming that IHRA lets you run at "ALL" National events & "ALL" Divisional events to "win"your way Into the Chapionship race it keeps eveyone equal until the last race. "Racers thought", All I have to do is win one race! So you keep chasing races until you win or run out of time & money. Similar to what you do with the current points system, except you never get so far behind that you give up or there is "No Way to win" With the current system it comes down to: I'm 8 th in points. I can go to another race, but I could only move up in points to 7 th. Why spend the time off work & the $1,200 it takes to go?
Remember, Beard we had that discussion. It is human nature to resist change, but think about the other possibilites this change might bring.

dannyw · 11-08-2008, 01:24 PM

Adger, you are now seeing it almost the same way I do. I do not know if this format would increase car counts or not, but it gives a guy more reason to keep going if he hasn't won a race at the start of the season. You only have one winner, that leaves the door open for numerous others to try and win there way in.

I had a good year this season and finished 7th in the World and 3rd in the Division. Yet when I rolled into Rockingham for the last race, I had no chance of winning the World. The new format would give me that shot. Now, seeing the shoe on the other foot....I did win the World in 2007 and lost 4th round at the final race. Had it all played out the same using the said format, I wouldn't have won the Championship.

If you know this going in, then so be it. Lets do what we love doing and race! I know it would gain spots for some, and loose spots for others. There is no doubt that final race would be exciting! I hope for the best and as I said earlier, I am all in either way.

mcaruso · 11-08-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adger Smith

After reading & thinking about this I'm of the opinion it will be a good thing for car counts. The former track owner in me sees That will translate into Money/ Profit for track owners & IHRA. The economy/expenses are big factors in touring for a National Championship under the current points system. Money & Time off work play a big part in Sportsman racers & Championships.

Assuming that IHRA lets you run at "ALL" National events & "ALL" Divisional events to "win"your way Into the Chapionship race it keeps eveyone equal until the last race. "Racers thought", All I have to do is win one race! So you keep chasing races until you win or run out of time & money.

Right there is the bottum line! All there thinking about is how to line there bank accounts They're not thinking about the racers bank account! So now if you don't win a race in the first 5 nationals you'll keep going to the rest til you do or til you run out of $$$$$$$$$$$!

The purpose behind the 3 out 5 nationals or 6 out of 8 divisionals is so that you dont have to spend a gazillion dollars to chase a championship!

It's a shame because they made a couple of GREAT decisions the last couple of years that showed that they realized it was getting more expensive than most could afford......eg. Double points meets & the
sportsman national w/ a double points meet! Both were GREAT ideas!

Then they go & pull a stunt like this! Like Chip said, I don't like it & I certainly don't agree with it, but I'll be there!

mcaruso · 11-08-2008, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannyw

I had a good year this season and finished 7th in the World and 3rd in the Division. Yet when I rolled into Rockingham for the last race, I had no chance of winning the World. The new format would give me that shot. Now, seeing the shoe on the other foot....I did win the World in 2007 and lost 4th round at the final race. Had it all played out the same using the said format, I wouldn't have won the Championship.

DW- Don't you think based on what you said you DESERVED to win the world last year & not this year?

I changed my #s to be like Chip & be on the "Trophys & Checks 2009 Tour"

THE LEGEND · 11-08-2008, 01:48 PM

I think eveybody is missing the boat here. Do we go to races to win or just get points? I go to win.
One more scenario. If you win the first race you can stay home the rest of the year, or you can keep going try to win some money and Knock someone else out of the runoff.

I think Adger has it figured out.

If everyone thinks like me,Danny,and Marc the pits will be full.
Chip

Ed Wright · 11-08-2008, 04:58 PM

I hope it helps car counts. I don't understand why SS car counts are so low. Same rules, same cars, what's the problem? They do have some screwy SS classes I never heard of, but also have never seen a car in those classes show up. It's always regular NHRA cars around here. At the Tulsa national event there were (if I remember the exact numbers, I know I'm close) 13 SS cars until Satruday morning when two more showed up. After qualifying that morning, two broke so we were back to 13 for first round. Guys drive right past to run a div 5 points race at Topeka, fighting rain and (I'm told) once again poor track prep. IHRA national events pay more than NHRA points races, and you normally have to run fewer rounds to win one. Some went on to Indy, some did not. Track prep at Tulsa was as good as any I have seen (Weekly races here are often not.) and the weather was good. No rain at all. Tulsa should have not been held that same weekend at Topeka, that is for sure. A couple of good NHRA Div 5 cars came to Tulsa, then went to Indy. Some Texas cars drove right on by to Topeka. Hard for me to figure, but I'm old.

sst1988 · 11-08-2008, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adger Smith

After reading & thinking about this I'm of the opinion it will be a good thing for car counts. The former track owner in me sees That will translate into Money/ Profit for track owners & IHRA. They have to make money to keep our sport going. The economy/expenses are big factors in touring for a National Championship under the current points system. I do agree it is a large Change and Change can sometimes be hard to accept. There have been some good points made about the current points system, but I'm still not convinced it is fair to all participants. Money & Time off work play a big part in Sportsman racers & Championships. If you don't believe that statement just spend some time talking to Champions like Anthony, Kevin Helms & Beard.
Assuming that IHRA lets you run at "ALL" National events & "ALL" Divisional events to "win"your way Into the Chapionship race it keeps eveyone equal until the last race. "Racers thought", All I have to do is win one race! So you keep chasing races until you win or run out of time & money. Similar to what you do with the current points system, except you never get so far behind that you give up or there is "No Way to win" With the current system it comes down to: I'm 8 th in points. I can go to another race, but I could only move up in points to 7 th. Why spend the time off work & the $1,200 it takes to go?
Remember, Beard we had that discussion. It is human nature to resist change, but think about the other possibilites this change might bring.

I total agree with this, if you are to far out you will not go to anymore races, but with this change you have that chance.count me in!!!!

BAS Racing · 11-09-2008, 03:46 PM

As someone who has been in several finals at Nationals & Divisionals, but never won a race, I don't like this idea at all. I have run 15-20 IHRA races a year for the last few years but will not do it next year if this system is put in place. I can understand how some of you who win often don't have a problem with it but most racers are not in the same position as you.

With the new system IHRA will save over $50,000 a year by not paying the 3rd - 10th finishers in each of the sportsman catagories. Think they will add that money to event payouts?

Is the Summit All Star program going away? Without national points how would they decide who gets in that?

They already have the Summit All Star & Moser Axle Mainia Shootouts. The World Championships should not be determined by one race!

trmnatr · 11-09-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adger Smith

After reading & thinking about this I'm of the opinion it will be a good thing for car counts. The former track owner in me sees That will translate into Money/ Profit for track owners & IHRA. They have to make money to keep our sport going. The economy/expenses are big factors in touring for a National Championship under the current points system. I do agree it is a large Change and Change can sometimes be hard to accept. There have been some good points made about the current points system, but I'm still not convinced it is fair to all participants. Money & Time off work play a big part in Sportsman racers & Championships. If you don't believe that statement just spend some time talking to Champions like Anthony, Kevin Helms & Beard.
Assuming that IHRA lets you run at "ALL" National events & "ALL" Divisional events to "win"your way Into the Chapionship race it keeps eveyone equal until the last race. "Racers thought", All I have to do is win one race! So you keep chasing races until you win or run out of time & money. Similar to what you do with the current points system, except you never get so far behind that you give up or there is "No Way to win" With the current system it comes down to: I'm 8 th in points. I can go to another race, but I could only move up in points to 7 th. Why spend the time off work & the $1,200 it takes to go?
Remember, Beard we had that discussion. It is human nature to resist change, but think about the other possibilites this change might bring.

Few questions,,,,

Is this new system where you only win one race and your in the shoot out to be the champ? Or do you still have to attend all of the events?

Is this new system for these classes or just one of them or all classes:
-Stock?
-Super Stock?
-9.90 Index
-10.90 Index

11-08-2008, 10:28 AM	#21
Bobby Zlatkin Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mills River, NC Posts: 417 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? Everyone goes to the first points meet of the year tied for first place. Everyone is a contender at that point. Have a couple of bad races and you lose the incentive to travel to the points meets at the end of the year. __________________ Bobby & Norene Zlatkin L/SA

11-08-2008, 12:01 PM	#22
Adger Smith VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Texarkana Ark/TX Posts: 2,446 Likes: 575 Liked 880 Times in 311 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? After reading & thinking about this I'm of the opinion it will be a good thing for car counts. The former track owner in me sees That will translate into Money/ Profit for track owners & IHRA. They have to make money to keep our sport going. The economy/expenses are big factors in touring for a National Championship under the current points system. I do agree it is a large Change and Change can sometimes be hard to accept. There have been some good points made about the current points system, but I'm still not convinced it is fair to all participants. Money & Time off work play a big part in Sportsman racers & Championships. If you don't believe that statement just spend some time talking to Champions like Anthony, Kevin Helms & Beard. Assuming that IHRA lets you run at "ALL" National events & "ALL" Divisional events to "win"your way Into the Chapionship race it keeps eveyone equal until the last race. "Racers thought", All I have to do is win one race! So you keep chasing races until you win or run out of time & money. Similar to what you do with the current points system, except you never get so far behind that you give up or there is "No Way to win" With the current system it comes down to: I'm 8 th in points. I can go to another race, but I could only move up in points to 7 th. Why spend the time off work & the $1,200 it takes to go? Remember, Beard we had that discussion. It is human nature to resist change, but think about the other possibilites this change might bring. __________________ Adger Smith (Former SS)

11-08-2008, 01:24 PM	#23
dannyw Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: LaGrange,NC Posts: 124 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? Adger, you are now seeing it almost the same way I do. I do not know if this format would increase car counts or not, but it gives a guy more reason to keep going if he hasn't won a race at the start of the season. You only have one winner, that leaves the door open for numerous others to try and win there way in. I had a good year this season and finished 7th in the World and 3rd in the Division. Yet when I rolled into Rockingham for the last race, I had no chance of winning the World. The new format would give me that shot. Now, seeing the shoe on the other foot....I did win the World in 2007 and lost 4th round at the final race. Had it all played out the same using the said format, I wouldn't have won the Championship. If you know this going in, then so be it. Lets do what we love doing and race! I know it would gain spots for some, and loose spots for others. There is no doubt that final race would be exciting! I hope for the best and as I said earlier, I am all in either way. __________________ Danny Waters, Jr.

11-08-2008, 01:48 PM	#26
THE LEGEND VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Fayetteville, n.c. Posts: 1,411 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? I think eveybody is missing the boat here. Do we go to races to win or just get points? I go to win. One more scenario. If you win the first race you can stay home the rest of the year, or you can keep going try to win some money and Knock someone else out of the runoff. I think Adger has it figured out. If everyone thinks like me,Danny,and Marc the pits will be full. Chip Last edited by THE LEGEND; 11-08-2008 at 02:05 PM.

11-08-2008, 04:58 PM	#27
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 390 Times in 170 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? I hope it helps car counts. I don't understand why SS car counts are so low. Same rules, same cars, what's the problem? They do have some screwy SS classes I never heard of, but also have never seen a car in those classes show up. It's always regular NHRA cars around here. At the Tulsa national event there were (if I remember the exact numbers, I know I'm close) 13 SS cars until Satruday morning when two more showed up. After qualifying that morning, two broke so we were back to 13 for first round. Guys drive right past to run a div 5 points race at Topeka, fighting rain and (I'm told) once again poor track prep. IHRA national events pay more than NHRA points races, and you normally have to run fewer rounds to win one. Some went on to Indy, some did not. Track prep at Tulsa was as good as any I have seen (Weekly races here are often not.) and the weather was good. No rain at all. Tulsa should have not been held that same weekend at Topeka, that is for sure. A couple of good NHRA Div 5 cars came to Tulsa, then went to Indy. Some Texas cars drove right on by to Topeka. Hard for me to figure, but I'm old. __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

11-09-2008, 03:46 PM	#29
BAS Racing Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 15 Likes: 0 Liked 6 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? As someone who has been in several finals at Nationals & Divisionals, but never won a race, I don't like this idea at all. I have run 15-20 IHRA races a year for the last few years but will not do it next year if this system is put in place. I can understand how some of you who win often don't have a problem with it but most racers are not in the same position as you. With the new system IHRA will save over $50,000 a year by not paying the 3rd - 10th finishers in each of the sportsman catagories. Think they will add that money to event payouts? Is the Summit All Star program going away? Without national points how would they decide who gets in that? They already have the Summit All Star & Moser Axle Mainia Shootouts. The World Championships should not be determined by one race!