Random thought about the *HRA

[HR9121]

Originally Posted by Myron Piatek

But how many races would we have to go to if the tracks that don't have the property or budget for 1/4 mile insurance stopped having any?

No doubt Myron, didn't say I don't race the 1/8 just prefer the full 1320. All the tracks around me were all built years ago before the cars got so fast. I just couldn't never understand going somewhere like Rockingham and having to run it 1/8 mile.

[Myron Piatek]

Got your point. Guess it's an insurance thing.

[gumbalaya]

I basically grew up at the Orlando dragstrip, and like going there for races because it's easy to get to & it's fast, but I'm surprised that they are putting on a Nitro Jam event at Orlando, AND running the full 1/4 mile.

One of the reasons NHRA went to the "Regional" format with the TAF & TAFC guys is that they hated running at tracks like Orlando that have short shut-off areas, citing safety concerns.

A lot of Sportsman guys have ended up in the woods at the end of the track, not to mention guys going 250mph+, an insurance company underwriting an event would definitely take that into consideration.

Did OSW acquire some adjacent property and extend the shut-off area?

[Ron Ortiz]

This is kind of what I was talking about. Some tracks run 1/8 and some 1/4. Some tracks are 1/4 mile but run 1/8 instead. Like Bradenton.

Insurance is a key factor, that is why I was wondering why don't they run 1,000 ft. Would insurance be less? It would accommodate cars that run either 1/8 or 1/4.

I definitely prefer 1/4, but my car parts like 1/8.

novassdude, I asked drag racers because most of them are nuts for even being in this sport, but they all believe that they are logical.

Ron Ortiz
U/SA logical, Ha Ha Ha

[HR9121]

I understand some are not capable of running 1/4 for safety reasons, like most in my area. I would think if they are capable, they would be money ahead to get the insurance and run it 1/4. Could be wrong on this but I would think the extra cars you would draw would offset the insurance. I could be way off, Michael Beard would probably have more input on numbers like that.

[Mike Pearson]

IHRA has run 1/4 mile at Bradenton in the past at pro am events. There were about the same number of cars no matter what the length track we were running on. I don't understand why some don't want to run 1/8th mile. Personally I like it. its easier on your equipment and it actually will make you better at driving the stripe because you have to make your decisions much faster as to lift of leg it out the back door. We all have 1/8 mile numbers for data.
It will be interesting to see if Bradenton goes NHRA and if they give them a points race. it is a nice facility but short on pit space for a big points race turn out.

[Ed Wright]

I personally won't go to an 1/8th mile race. I don't see the "makes you a better driver" part. Easier to "drive the stripe" at 105 than 135. I find it boring. Bad enough we are bracket racing now anyway.