The New IHRA ???

[Mike Carr]

Jeff, I agree with most of what you said. The Divisional races near us are not that great. Pittsburgh is 85 miles for me. Every other race in Division 1 or 3 are 300+ miles away. In 2003, when I started racing IHRA, I had four (yes, 4) races within a hundred miles [two at Pitt, one at Quaker (25) and Dragway 42 (100)]. Since then, we have lost Quaker, 42, Beaver Springs, Hamilton, and other tracks that were as close, or closer, than almost all the current NHRA/IHRA tracks. And yet, we still have it better than many others. A Nostalgia-type Class for somewhat stock-appearing cars (period correct scoops, no Pro Stock style scoops, etc) might not be a bad idea, but make it 1975 and older, and allow pony cars (Camaro, Nova, Mustang, etc.). Maybe a Quick-8 shootout for Top classes (would have to be Friday night at Double races, or have a seperate 32 car dial-in field and Q-8 no breakout show. Maybe some money (even $100) and points again, for records in S/SS. Just some small things that may help.


An increased payout might help some (currently, other than Pitt, I have to win one day, or R/U both days, to break even or make a small sum). Yes, we don't do this for the money (most of us), but would be nice to know we could get SOME money if we do well. A runner-up at Maple Grove, with some sticker money, I *might* break even (R/U pays $400). Every NHRA/IHRA weekend will cost me close to a thousand dollars in entry, gas, tolls, motel, foods and any extras. The exceptions would be Pittsburgh, Norwalk and Columbus. For these reasons alone, one would THINK that more racers would support their local .90, S/SS, etc Associations. Alas, many do not see it that way.

I wish the new owners in IHRA well, and hope they can change/ improve upon a few things.

[Michael Beard]

An increased payout might help some

There are currently seven sportsman classes. Several more classes have been suggested here already. What increase in payout (multiplied by the number of classes) will yield a higher car count to the point that it will cover those increases? It's already been proven that there is not necessarily a direct correlation between payouts and car counts. Where does the money come from? "Well, just get some sponsors!" Sponsors must be able to identify a value and a return on their investment.

Maybe some money (even $100) and points again, for records in S/SS.

Points are inexpensive (administration only), but cash? Class Eliminations are similar to Records: Seems simple enough to do "just a little something" for class winners, right? Based upon projected car counts, the Northern Class Nationals trophy bill alone could approach $3,000.

Ironically enough, we've just started discussing "The Reality of Racing Math" on the new ET Drag Racing magazine. http://etdragracing.com/magazine/

[danny waters sr]

Originally Posted by Michael Beard

There are currently seven sportsman classes. Several more classes have been suggested here already. What increase in payout (multiplied by the number of classes) will yield a higher car count to the point that it will cover those increases? It's already been proven that there is not necessarily a direct correlation between payouts and car counts. Where does the money come from? "Well, just get some sponsors!" Sponsors must be able to identify a value and a return on their investment.



Points are inexpensive (administration only), but cash? Class Eliminations are similar to Records: Seems simple enough to do "just a little something" for class winners, right? Based upon projected car counts, the Northern Class Nationals trophy bill alone could approach $3,000.

Ironically enough, we've just started discussing "The Reality of Racing Math" on the new ET Drag Racing magazine. http://etdragracing.com/magazine/

Michael , I don't know if you remember it or not ,but when Stanback headache powders used to sponsor us in the 90's i came up with the idea to pay all record setters $25.00 when record was set at an event .The stipulation was put Stanback in the names mentioned on the record sheet which in turn was printed in every issue of Drag Review under records until record was broken or reset ....We paid at our race trailer at that event on the spot for setting record ...Wasn't much ,but was very appreciated from the racers as they were getting nothing but a certificate at that time......( it did help out on the gaskets ).......Stanback was in every record sheet every issue ,and that was cheap advertising .....