Big Money Class Races-our thoughts

[GUMP]

I think that many of us are in this for fun memories, photos, trophies, and bragging rights.

My preference would be to have more heads-up racing. Class Eliminations, Top Stock, Mid Stock, Bottom Stock, Factory Stock, CIC, etc. One thing I really like about the NHRA is that you get a classy, high quality trophy.

[novassdude]

Originally Posted by Bob Sherwood

After 2 very impressive Sportsman races (Georgia & St Louis ) this spring, I have some questions concerning the low number of racers that attended. I know there are endless reasons for not attending , but what I am wondering is the format a factor in attendance ? By that , what I mean is, since we race at Nhra races for a fraction of the purse offered at these races, is the 20K plus to win with limited round payout needed to encourage attendance OR would a 10K to win with good round money to 2nd round get better attendance ?? I am only asking because I want these races to succeed and be there next year !!! I am afraid to ask for opinions because I dont want this to turn into a xxxx show. Thanks Bob

I am with Bob I personally would rather see 10K to win and good round money. The odds of a lot of us getting to the 20k is slim it is tough sledding out there. But the odds that a guy/gal can get a lucky round win or two and get a little some thing back is much more appealing to me. I also like the multiple races. one thought on doing two races would be to switch it up run one on a sportsman ladder and the second on a pro ladder. Just to help mix it up. With a combo or tough luck race for the people that didn't make it past the first couple rounds. It is also a built in filler to help with down time.

Location and timing is always going to be an issue. There are the hitters and retired people that are going to be willing to travel across the country for an event. The average working Joe just cant afford to travel 2000 miles one way for a prayer at big money.

Just some thoughts Best of luck to all that are putting these races on and the people making the trip.

[Randall Klein]

Gump: if you want a classy trophy, check out the ones I donated to the revival; of course they don't have the history of the Wally, on the other hand Wally's are very diluted right now*

Another random thought: how about asking Sportsman MFGs (those mainly targeting our group) to help in S SS races, as we are the main customers and because we tear things up, we are repeat customers

* as I stated in an earlier post, S SS are creative people, and although I like my design, there can be more attractive trophies designed

[Jim Bailey]

Lots of good ideas !!! I think the answer to your guys questions are ... #1 Norwalk is the track, and #2, with help and guidance from Bill Bader Jr., lots of fans in the stands! ... "Profit" for the promoter is not a Bad Word. Without it, these races won't survive.

[GUMP]

Originally Posted by Randall Klein

Gump: if you want a classy trophy, check out the ones I donated to the revival; of course they don't have the history of the Wally, on the other hand Wally's are very diluted right now*

Another random thought: how about asking Sportsman MFGs (those mainly targeting our group) to help in S SS races, as we are the main customers and because we tear things up, we are repeat customers

* as I stated in an earlier post, S SS are creative people, and although I like my design, there can be more attractive trophies designed

They look nice in the photos. That is exactly what I am talking about. Something that is a conversation piece for years to come.

I had seriously considered running a COPO in the CIC race, but ended up having to work all weekend. Did the winner of that race get a trophy?

[GTS340]

The term "Big Bucks" is still coming out of the racers wallets. Specially if the only races are 1500 miles or more away. The NHRA Sportsnational has the same problem. The state of Ohio isn't that close to division 2,4,5,6 or 7. Pump gas cost money too.
Wanting 200 racers to donate "big bucks" for 1 to win "big bucks" doesn't make the other 199 racer want to repeat and repeat. Spread the wealth out a little at least.

[Mike Pearson]

I personally thing the format at SGMP was the way to go. Friday, Saturday and Sunday race. 3 chances at 20K for a $300 entry for each race and the 50K race to boot. Its better to race on the weekend for most and take less days off of work. I checked the mileage for me to go to CRR race and it was 1250 one way. that adds 2 days of travel each way so I would have to take more than a week off of work for that event and travel time. The class racer nations put on by Ken is about the same distance tow for me. I have to pick and choose the events that I can go to based on the amount of time away from work. Luckily the SGMP race was a fairly close race for me and I was able to attend and support it. I have no problem pony'ing up my money and racing with out a consolation race. If I do good and win some rounds and money that's great. If I get beat I just lick my wounds and head home. I will try to support these type of events as best I can.

I think both races were awesome and hope the next one is just as good and the promoters can keep it going.

[Ernie Neal]

Originally Posted by GUMP

I had seriously considered running a COPO in the CIC race, but ended up having to work all weekend. Did the winner of that race get a trophy?

If you play this video use the slide bar at the bottom to fast forward to 9:33:45, at this point you can see a glimpse of the Superstock CIC trophy.

Ernie Neal
SS 354

[Bob Sherwood]

lots of good input . I would like to focus on the format of these races , the time and where, could be discussed at a later time. Jason& Bo and their group and Tyle and his group put on great events, THEY KNOW HOW TO DO IT RIGHT, with the only downside being poor attendance !! Looking ahead ,how do we change that?? how do we achive better turnout so these events can repeat ?? Nhra is never going to provide this !! The question is, do you favor a large payout to win with limited round money or smaller payout to win with round money to second round ?? Which would get you to attend these races ? I'm not saying that this is the fix,but these events need numbers or they WON"T be there !! Thanks Bob

[Michael K]

Originally Posted by Bob Sherwood

The question is, do you favor a large payout to win with limited round money or smaller payout to win with round money to second round ?

A poll could be put up to answer your question between a large payout to win and round money. After the Class Racer Revival in St. Louis maybe best wheel stand is a worthy category too!

My car is still about 24 months to completion, so hopefully these events are successful and become very popular. Looking forward to it.