Division 4 IHRA support

[Brett C]

Like the 2 races in a weekend format.

[Michael Beard]

Originally Posted by Jeremy

I do not like having 2 races on 1 weekend (or paying for 2) and I do not like "no qualifying on Friday".
Thanks Jerry

If you only have one race and add Friday qualifying, then you have people traveling on Thursday, requiring extra staffing, insurance, and track operating expenses, which means entry fees would necessarily skyrocket. It really doesn't take 3-4 days to run 200 cars.

[Charley Downing]

Myself and other guys here in Div3 quit racing IHRA pts because the payouts went from around $2200 to win a race to $1200

$250 to enter two races
$300 in fuel
$100 in race fuel
$250 in hotels

You haft to win one of the to races two just to pay your expenses. The last time I ran a IHRA pts race I went 5 rounds to the semis and got $5 less then my entry fee.

[Larry Hill]

I'm not a big fan of the create motor classes of IHRA or NHRA. We thought we might make Memphis on the way back from Belle Rose but we had a granddaughter's birthday party to attend on Saturday. Maybe next time, we hope.

[Ed Wright]

Larry, I was going to say NHRA doesn't have crate motor classes, then I realized what you were referring to. LOL

[Kegracing]

I think a lot of people will say the payout and lack of contingency money now is a key. The economy is tougher for a lot of people, and we all have to make choices. I can stay at home, run a local bracket race ( I know, I just got black balled by some readers) and have about the same payout for a LOT less expense... entry, gas, lodging, etc. and TIME. IHRA wise, you have option with bracket series to race at World Finals, if you do well enough, and the prize for winning it all is better than championship in any class.

Don't get me wrong. I love the challenge of stock, and have not given up on it by any means. Still want to put my Pontiac stocker motor together. Just have to weigh this with other family choices.

Living in TX now, I too wonder why IHRA does not get more support from Stock and SS. The cars are here, just not at IHRA races. Maybe the travel distances make more people make same choices I have to make? In South east, lot of tracks close, and travel to chase points is MUCH easier. When I lived in NC, I ran entire div. 9 schedule, and some div. 1 and 2, and never had more than a 4 hour drive each way. Now the closest race is about that far...

While I have not made as many races as some, I have ran 2 to 4 points races a year the last 3 or 4 years. With Crandall closing, that really makes the travel time harder for me now to chase points. With my job, and two younger kids, travel is a lot harder now anytime... I do have my oldest racing a JR now, so maybe more racing is in the future. But, trying to teach him to race, going to local bracket race and letting him run as many runs as possible, is the best option for my family, right now.

Ken Graham
Stock 412
67 Firebird Convertible

[Darrin Christen]

Its tough trying to juggle family and work schedules while trying to make these races all over the country. So many races so close together also takes a toll on the wallet. I couldn't make Memphis because I'm working this weekend so that I could be off last weekend to attend the race NPR which is only 60 miles from the house. I attended the IHRA race at BR and really enjoyed it. For me, I have to pick and choose the races that fit my schedule and budget. I hope to make more IHRA events in the future, schedule permitting. Without the support of family and friends I would not be able to do this at all.

[Michael Beard]

Originally Posted by Charley Downing

Myself and other guys here in Div3 quit racing IHRA pts because the payouts went from around $2200 to win a race to $1200

Contingency has gotten very bad -- in both sanctioning bodies. I make less at NHRA Divisionals and Nationals now than what I did at IHRA races 10 years ago. NHRA had better put that in perspective and consider where *they* are going to be 10 years from now. They should be kissing the feet of every sponsor.

>> $250 to enter two races

It's $135/race, so it'd be $270. To be fair, you'd have to compare the costs to run two races across the board.

To run 2 races:
IHRA - 3 days, 1 round-trip in towing fuel, $270 in entry fees
NHRA - 8 days, 2 round-trips in towing fuel, $320 in entry fees

>> The last time I ran a IHRA pts race I went 5 rounds to the semis and got $5 less then my entry fee.

When was that? 5th round loser gets $160, which is $25 more than the entry fee.

[Chad Rhodes]

Cooter, after this weekend I'd say everyone is just scared of having to race you!!!! Congrats on your wins buddy!!!

[countrypuppy4865]

Very good point to look at you have two shots to win at ihra on one tank of fuel. The sponsors would support ihra more, but the racers have to support IHRA more for them to do so. I understand those that have to pick and choose races and work schedule. I am more concerned about the ones in the immediate range of a particular race say 5 hours or less.