"Live From" 2023 Baby Gators / Gatornationals

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Ken Miele

The Baby Gators had 600 plus cars here, it still amazes me how much we support NHRA, but they treat us as liabilities instead of assets. The resources that racers have spent supporting NHRA for decades, yet NHRA takes a little bite from us every year, and we still come. Why do we keep coming back. If I did not have Class Racer I don't think I would be at another national event. The division races are much more enjoyable for me.

So what happed today... well I'll tell ya. The day was going smooth no long down time from oil downs or issues, yet they schedule changed. So instead of running the sportsman that support NHRA all year long, go to 8 plus division races to get into these events, spend time and money, lots of money... lets just run a tesla down the track against a Charger... WTF. Who gives a rats *** about a tesla. What the hell does that have to do with drag racing.

I understand the pros are the show, but its just getting worse for the sportsman.

I feel your pain Ken! I gave up Natl. Events YEARS ago for EXACTLY the same reasons that you've mentioned.

All of the "distractions" that you've mentioned are there because a prominent Sponsor/Benefactor WANTED them there and the NHRA or someone IN the NHRA stood to benefit from those "distractions" being there. I hate to say it but they pay better than you do.

The Pros aren't even the "show" anymore. The Sponsors are. Kinda like network TV.

Maybe it's time for me to try and find and dust off my old thread regarding Tom Compton's idea to "split" the Pros and Sportsmen!