Class last year?

[buzzinhalfdozen]

I may be all wrong on this but I've never read any where that anybody owes us any thing for winning class. Yes there are a few companies that graciously do provide a financial incentive for anyone winning class. Some of you (art) seem to believe this to be some sort of birth rite. Some of you know me ,alot don't but I have one of those obscure class cars, it's not the fastest one but it's not the slowest either. I do the best I can with the money and ability that I have. Yes I've made single runs and gotten a trophy and some cash, however I don't believe it's OWED to me it's just money that people were kind enough to offer for winning your particular class period. By looking at Nitro Joes stats there were 8 SS/BX cars at the races this year I did not see a one of them. There seems to one bad dad on top of the small heap,hope he stays out west, but even if we were to meet I'd take my whoopen and go on cause I race for my own personal enjoyment. Hell if the truth were known most racers would still go even if there were NO chance of winning any money. Yeah we all dream of having the best, fastest, nicest this and that but bottom line someone is always gonna 1 up ya so be happy with what you got and go on. Thanks for reading my opinoin. Joe

[Ed Wright]

Your makin way too much sense Joe.

[Harry 6674]

Good post Joe. Thats the way I feel. If I had to worry about the money either going out or coming in involving drag racing I wouldn't race. I race because I enjoy it not because of any money I may or may not win. If I had to worry about the money it wouldn't be much fun anymore and I would choose to do something fun. Love to flyfish but will never make a dime at it but I still do it. It's all about making to most of my time away from work.

[art leong]

Originally Posted by Harry 6674

Good post Joe. Thats the way I feel. If I had to worry about the money either going out or coming in involving drag racing I wouldn't race. I race because I enjoy it not because of any money I may or may not win. If I had to worry about the money it wouldn't be much fun anymore and I would choose to do something fun. Love to flyfish but will never make a dime at it but I still do it. It's all about making to most of my time away from work.

I've fished for a living most of my life. You really don't know what you are missing.

[art leong]

Originally Posted by A56

I remember winning class last year and chuckling as Mopar sent me so much money. All I could think is these guys actually need it more than I do. I mean im appreciative, and dont get me wrong im not rich, but getting a check from a company thats not doing well gave me a chuckle. Im with a few guys on here, I race for fun and to be with my friends, the day I have to race for money ill be quitting.

Mark Lelchook
E/SA #704

Mark Different strokes for different folks.
In 1979 we left for the World Finals in Ontario California. Between the 3 of us we had $287 in cash, no credit cards or checks, or any other way of getting money.
Except the 1970 Dodge Challenger convertible. We stopped at some tracks on the way across the country. To make some money. Back then there were stock superstock races all over. And usually if you got past first round you broke even.
At the York US 30 National Invitational in about 1975 or 76. We won the quarter finals guaranteing a pay out . We had a total of 8.00 left (to use for gas and tolls to get home)
We had nothing to eat except a bag of chips that day so we bought a bunch of food at the concession stand. Late that night we won the race. But were paid by check. And the next day was Memorial Day and no banks were open. We had to spend the day at the track alone with nothing to eat till Tuesday morning.
That was the dedication we had to race. Very few racers went through what we did, Most of todays racers grew up with silverspoons in their mouths. I don't hold it against them. But please don't tell me how important money should be to me.

[borninamopar]

Originally Posted by art leong

Mark Different strokes for different folks.
In 1979 we left for the World Finals in Ontario California. Between the 3 of us we had $287 in cash, no credit cards or checks, or any other way of getting money.
Except the 1970 Dodge Challenger convertible. We stopped at some tracks on the way across the country. To make some money. Back then there were stock superstock races all over. And usually if you got past first round you broke even.
At the York US 30 National Invitational in about 1975 or 76. We won the quarter finals guaranteing a pay out . We had a total of 8.00 left (to use for gas and tolls to get home)
We had nothing to eat except a bag of chips that day so we bought a bunch of food at the concession stand. Late that night we won the race. But were paid by check. And the next day was Memorial Day and no banks were open. We had to spend the day at the track alone with nothing to eat till Tuesday morning.
That was the dedication we had to race. Very few racers went through what we did, Most of todays racers grew up with silverspoons in their mouths. I don't hold it against them. But please don't tell me how important money should be to me.

How did that Challenger do? Hope it put food and beer in the belly.
Racin' for fun and a little winning excitement is great. Sounds like politics and rules are ya'lls biggest gripe. That's why, even if we get this car built to run the stock class, I'll still be doing as much of the index and outlaw racing I can get in. It's just more fun and less stressful. Sunday grudge racin' is still funtimes. Money is decent too.

[art leong]

Originally Posted by borninamopar

How did that Challenger do? Hope it put food and beer in the belly.
Racin' for fun and a little winning excitement is great. Sounds like politics and rules are ya'lls biggest gripe. That's why, even if we get this car built to run the stock class, I'll still be doing as much of the index and outlaw racing I can get in. It's just more fun and less stressful. Sunday grudge racin' is still funtimes. Money is decent too.

World Champion and W.R. Grace Cup champion

[borninamopar]

Originally Posted by art leong

World Champion and W.R. Grace Cup champion

That's all I need to hear. Not many can say that.

[davidhuff]

Originally Posted by art leong

World Champion and W.R. Grace Cup champion

Congrats,that must have been a Bad *** race car!

[art leong]

Originally Posted by buzzinhalfdozen

I may be all wrong on this but I've never read any where that anybody owes us any thing for winning class. Yes there are a few companies that graciously do provide a financial incentive for anyone winning class. Some of you (art) seem to believe this to be some sort of birth rite. Some of you know me ,alot don't but I have one of those obscure class cars, it's not the fastest one but it's not the slowest either. I do the best I can with the money and ability that I have. Yes I've made single runs and gotten a trophy and some cash, however I don't believe it's OWED to me it's just money that people were kind enough to offer for winning your particular class period. By looking at Nitro Joes stats there were 8 SS/BX cars at the races this year I did not see a one of them. There seems to one bad dad on top of the small heap,hope he stays out west, but even if we were to meet I'd take my whoopen and go on cause I race for my own personal enjoyment. Hell if the truth were known most racers would still go even if there were NO chance of winning any money. Yeah we all dream of having the best, fastest, nicest this and that but bottom line someone is always gonna 1 up ya so be happy with what you got and go on. Thanks for reading my opinoin. Joe

I never said anything like it was a birthrite to win class. That is something that was though up by others. I was just stating that If you (SS/BX) go to the track the runs SS class you should not have to run ME (SS/GS) to get a class win. I do not believe for one second it's about sponsors. Last year I could make $750 for a class win according to them at Belle Rose I should be able to make $1,500 Right?
I fully believe this change was all about giving away less trophies. nhra seems to be grovelling for cash. Higher insurance fees, no rule book, oil down penalties, and now no single class trophies.
I can guarantee there will be less attendance at these events. I'll even take a bet now they will kiss your ***** with one grade point to get into Indy this year.
So all those who are applauding this enhancement. Wait till the next one comes, if it effects you, I hope you will enjoy it as much as me.