IHRA vs NHRA

[Mark Callanan]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

To elaborate a bit:

Like-classed cars in eliminations as well as the few events that have specified class eliminations are heads-up.

The World Fianals for the championship as well as the Summit All-Stars and Moser Axle Mania Shootouts are dial-in only. I believe that IHRA feels that after working all year (including possible heads-up runs), to qualify for them, the opportunity to win in those programs shouldn't be cut short by the bad luck of another like-classed car or possible last minute "class adjustment" by a competitor, which puts most emphasis on driving ability rather than resources. Sponsors may have also had an opinion on the matter.

Tear-downs for heads-up runs they do run appear to be considered only under protest or special circumstances. But they have weighed and checked fuel in most, if not all instances that I've seen with occasional "surprise" checks for different things other times. Record runs are certified only if the engine has been torn down and sealed. Usually just the top comes off.

Myron

I understand IHRA is doing what they can to keep their deal going
But their format takes away from what Class racing is about
You need to have heads up runs as that is part of class racing
If not what is the point...

[Brandon Peterson]

I think you mis-understood Myron....IHRA always has heads up runs in eleminations for div and natl events....they do not run heads up if 2 competitors are in the same class in any of the special program races...like the moser axle mania shootout which is run with stock all the way to poss having to run a top dragster or quick rod....also no head s up runs in the allstar shootout as that is a bonus race for 5k for the top 8 in the world the previous year....and also the new champions race at the world finals ..will also not be heads up for class cars as they see its not fair for some reason in a tournament style race.....but any other races if your h/sa and he is h/sa or whatever..then its off the index first to the stripe....plus weight and fuel checks.....

[Mark Callanan]

Originally Posted by Brandon Peterson

I think you mis-understood Myron....IHRA always has heads up runs in eleminations for div and natl events....they do not run heads up if 2 competitors are in the same class in any of the special program races...like the moser axle mania shootout which is run with stock all the way to poss having to run a top dragster or quick rod....also no head s up runs in the allstar shootout as that is a bonus race for 5k for the top 8 in the world the previous year....and also the new champions race at the world finals ..will also not be heads up for class cars as they see its not fair for some reason in a tournament style race.....but any other races if your h/sa and he is h/sa or whatever..then its off the index first to the stripe....plus weight and fuel checks.....

Myron has always been the Ihra guy here
And thats ok
I run the Ihra and Nhra
I like what the NHRA has to offer better for my money
But neither IHRA or NHRA should water down what we do as class racers
Heads up has to be part of what we do or what is any of this worth

[Brandon Peterson]

i see your point mark....but IHRA thinks otherwise for SPECIAL programs....the moser shootout i can deff see why not....22.5k for the winner you could lose first round by a heads up run in class....where would the point be for the travel to that race...then if you win 2 rounds of your class and go right into running a super rod car or top sportsman car...so i can see there reasonings for making it even for every one on that level....

[Brandon Peterson]

i do agree with Larry on the new mopars being crate like....i work at a chrysler dealer and those motors do not resemble what you buy in one of those cars

[Myron Piatek]

Mark,

I understand your thinking. But the dial-in deal only applies to the 3 "invitational" races mentioned and one has to deal with heads-up runs throughout the rest of the year to get to them. Being that they try to make it easier for the "little guy" for the sake of car counts and competiveness, they compromised a bit. This is encouraging for the slower racers who do make it through the "mine field" of faster, like-classed cars for a shot at the championship. But on the other hand, with the variety of classes available, there are not that many classes that have more than a few cars in them. If their plan attracts more crossovers and new racers, there will be more heads-up runs during the season.

While I have picked up some ET with my current engine builder, Larry Whitley, I can't afford to get into a money/HP battle with anyone. My continued racing depends on doing well and getting most of my spending back through winning, sponsors or selling parts. It's a matter of survival so I can't put much emphasis on being a top qualifier or guaranteed class winner. I like going faster within the rules and make improvements when I can, but I have to win rounds first. A lot of other racers also have to set their priorities. The championship format is not my favorite, but I understand that the compromise can help bring out more racers and hopefully help IHRA grow as a viable option for class racers. The less options there are for class racing, the more leverage NHRA will have.

At IHRA, you have the opportunity to dial-in, or run heads-up if the ladder falls that way, at all national events. In NHRA, you may not have the grading points, not make the qualifying cut despite running under or not even be able to have a chance to race, dial-in or heads-up, because they leave out your class alltogether at a particular event!

Although I may go a couple times a year, weekly bracket racing lost it's appeal a long time ago. Same higher fees, small, stagnant payouts, late night/early AM finishes, less exposure and sponsor opportunities, trans-brakes allowed, some tracks I won't go to because of track prep and too many street tires, etc......



Damn, I got carried away and gotta go shopping!

[Mark Callanan]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

Mark,

I understand your thinking. But the dial-in deal only applies to the 3 "invitational" races mentioned and one has to deal with heads-up runs throughout the rest of the year to get to them. Being that they try to make it easier for the "little guy" for the sake of car counts and competiveness, they compromised a bit. This is encouraging for the slower racers who do make it through the "mine field" of faster, like-classed cars for a shot at the championship. But on the other hand, with the variety of classes available, there are not that many classes that have more than a few cars in them. If their plan attracts more crossovers and new racers, there will be more heads-up runs during the season.

While I have picked up some ET with my current engine builder, Larry Whitley, I




can't afford to get into a money/HP battle with anyone. My continued racing depends on doing well and getting most of my spending back through winning, sponsors or selling parts. It's a matter of survival so I can't put much emphasis on being a top qualifier or guaranteed class winner. I like going faster within the rules and make improvements when I can, but I have to win rounds first. A lot of other racers also have to set their priorities. The championship format is not my favorite, but I understand that the compromise can help bring out more racers and hopefully help IHRA grow as a viable option for class racers. The less options there are for class racing, the more leverage NHRA will have.

At IHRA, you have the opportunity to dial-in, or run heads-up if the ladder falls that way, at all national events. In NHRA, you may not have the grading points, not make the qualifying cut despite running under or not even be able to have a chance to race, dial-in or heads-up, because they leave out your class alltogether at a particular event!

Although I may go a couple times a year, weekly bracket racing lost it's appeal a long time ago. Same higher fees, small, stagnant payouts, late night/early AM finishes, less exposure and sponsor opportunities, trans-brakes allowed, some tracks I won't go to because of track prep and too many street tires, etc......



Damn, I got carried away and gotta go shopping!

Myron
And there lies the difference between bracket racing and class racing
You can bracket race any weekend at several tracks in many parts of this country
We spend $$ to go class racing and I for one dont want it messed with

If so and it gets any worse there will be 2 stockers being sold by me

You know it is simple it costs money to do what we do and not every one can afford it
So do we water down what we do so everyone can afford it?
And I am not the fastest guy out there
Many would beat me in a heads up
But I want that chance at every race
Not just a high end bracket race....

[Paul Precht]

Hi Mark, how's it going. You missed a great cookout party at the Dutch. Say Hi to the gang, Paul.

[Jason]

Originally Posted by mark callanan

And I am not the fastest guy out there
Many would beat me in a heads up
But I want that chance at every race
Not just a high end bracket race....

Out of 14 H/SA cars at Lebanon Valley, Mark was the quickest. Sure he wants heads up runs. He has probably worked hard to be the quickest. That being said, looks like IHRA sees it differently when it comes to a special championship race. There its about how good the driver is, not about how much quicker a car is in a heads up race.

[mannymen]

I think those that want to stick with the NHRA feel it's a prestigious sanctioning body over the IHRA. People say the NHRA has more to offer. I question that. I think those diehard Sportsman racers in NHRA want to run at the same events that Larry Dixon, John Force or BG DADDY Don Garlits run at (It makes them feel important). They say more exposure, more exposure to what TV? Just so they can say to someone that I run at the same events that John Force does (BIG F-IN deal). I guess that makes some people feel good. I thought all of us Sportsman racers hated the BIG BOYS. I guess not.