Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comments

[Bobby Fazio]

When we had Lonnie on the podcast he expressed that he wished we would just run all out and go as fast as we can so AHFS can do its job. I told him we won't do that unless there is incentive. I propose:

1. Points for qualifying. Minimum 17 qualified cars; same amount for Nationals and Divisionals.
17-32 cars --> Top 3 qualifiers get 3 points, 2 points, and 1 point.
33-64 cars --> Top 4 qualifiers get 4 points, 3 points, 2 points, and 1 point.
65-128 cars --> Top 5 qualifiers get 5 points, 4, 3, 2, and 1 point.

2. Points for setting a record. Maximum 2 records per year.
1st record --> 10 points
2nd record --> 5 points

3. Points for Class Eliminations
2 cars in Class --> 10 points
3-4 cars in Class --> 20 points, 10 RU
5-8 cars in Class --> 30 points, 20 RU, 10 Semi
9-16 cars in Class --> 40 points, 30 RU, 20 Semi, 10 C2
17-32 cars in Class--> 50 points, 40 RU, 30 Semi, 20 C3, 10 C2

4. Higher qualified cars get lane choice. No more coins.

Payout calcutta I will address in another post because people don't read long posts haha.

Originally Posted by Ken Miele

Alright guys,

I sat down with Lonnie Grim, and I have to say it was a very enlighten and pleasant conversation. One of the first things he said to me after I introduced myself was "CUSTOMER" He really does get it. He told me of the importance of making the customer happy. Even if its just a polite hello as we roll through the gate getting parked.

So here we go... the first idea from Lonnie. How would you all feel about a purse increase. The entry fee for national events is 340, how would you feel about paying another $100 with all of the 100 going back to the racer. 64 cars = 6400, They start paying back in 4 round. Double round money in 4th rd, 5th and runner up. The winner would get the rest. If I did my math right it would be another 3000 for the winner on top of what NHRA pays now. I maybe off a little, but you get the idea.

Second... one period for the AFHS. Instant horsepower at 1.30, but you can go fast at a few races but still bring your average down by the end of the season if needed. We did not talk numbers for what the trigger is, but he would love to here ideas from us. He knows Stk/SS is a performance based class and he knows we would like to run fast and not get hammered every time.

Third... All class race winners where class is held would qualify. Say there was a 64 car field at the Gators. All class winners are in and whats ever left would be the fastest under the index, just like years back. Also opening quotas to say 80 cars, but you have to qualify to make the 64 car field. These numbers could be different, I just want give you an idea on qualifying to race.

Fourth... Shipping weights. We all know the guide is full of combos that don't reflect real world shipping weights. But we also know that people have been using the guide to build there combs. Its not our fault that wrong weights were submitted. One idea is to correct all the shipping weights but let everyone move up or down 2 classes. Another idea would be to run the class they wanted as long as the weight is correct for horsepower claimed. These are just Ideas guys... How would you fix the shipping weight issue? leave it alone or try to fix it?

The one thing I got from the time I spent with Lonnie is... he knows we are customers and we should be treated with respect. He is definitely an advocate for the racer. He wants us to have a great experience when we are here. He wants the racer to feel they can say NHRA is a great place to race. He knows it will take time, but he is willing to listen and make changes for the future.

I know we can not make everyone happy, but we need to come together on things we agree on to improve NHRA for the sportsman racer.

Lets talk ideas and please be respectful... I don't want to here NHRA bashing, its a waste of time and does not help improve our sport.

Chime in guys, if you want changes... now is the time, what do you think of the ideas above?