IHRA vs NHRA

[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!