New Era. We are wanting change

[Herbie Null]

I agree with you Matt, the problem is we had a chance this year to support 3 big money races and the turn out was not so great in my eyes. This was a time to send a message and support our class, all it showed is that 60 percent of the class racers are chasing the Wally and enjoy the camping out atmosphere. Bo's race couldn't draw the cars with the payouts he put up, so my take is people are happy. My Divisional races are the only thing that keep me in it. Time to enjoy being a camper or get a boat, I'm leaning towards the boat.

[Nmbr1GMfan]

Like they treat the pros any better! I would love to see a breakdown of what the NHRAs take is for a national event by class, if there's a thread with such info please post a link.

[Ronnie1858]

JMO - and I freely admit I am a newbie to all of this. But, I think Chip hit the nail on the head. At national events, we are time killers between the pro rounds, nothing more. I would love to win a national event Wally some day, just like everyone else here, but the chances of that happening are pretty slim for me. There are just too many good drivers out there. So, for me, the divisional and regional races are where I have my fun, along with the local bracket races and test and tunes. I just love running the car down the track and hanging out with all the great folks I've met along the way. If I go a few rounds, that is great. If not, there's always tomorrow. Everyone sees it differently. That said, I am willing to support a group effort to get a bit more respect from the NHRA folks, if enough of us think it is really necessary.

[RPM5595]

Wasn't this "representative" thing tried already a few years ago? I'd be all for it if I thought it would amount to something but unfortunately I don't. NHRA is just like big government, the elites at the top live in a bubble and expect the commoners to conform.
I personally would LOVE to see more big money S/SS races and even more "normal" payout races. It's all the same people and if I have learned one thing from not racing all these years it is that we miss the people more than a damn Wally. I'm very much looking forward to racing again next spring and I really hope we have a venue to do it. Good luck with your idea though, I hope it helps.

[Jim Caughlin]

Originally Posted by RPM5595

Wasn't this "representative" thing tried already a few years ago? I'd be all for it if I thought it would amount to something but unfortunately I don't. NHRA is just like big government, the elites at the top live in a bubble and expect the commoners to conform.
I personally would LOVE to see more big money S/SS races and even more "normal" payout races. It's all the same people and if I have learned one thing from not racing all these years it is that we miss the people more than a damn Wally. I'm very much looking forward to racing again next spring and I really hope we have a venue to do it. Good luck with your idea though, I hope it helps.

We had the SRA (Sportsman Racers Association) and we supposedly have reps appointed for each of the divisions that advise NHRA on issues, neither one of these groups have had any luck (and for the record, I'm sure they tried their hardest). If anyone thinks that we are going to successfully boycott sanctioned races, good luck with that. Even if you could coral all off the racers, I think it would give NHRA the wish that they have always been hoping for. There are unlimited ways that NHRA could fill in the time void that would be left behind, lots of circus acts available to entertain the hot dog eaters. Jim Caughlin SS6019

[Mike Jones]

I would think with the changes coming by auto manufacturers in switching to E power in the next 15 years or so, that racers, hot rodders etc would need sanctioning bodies as allies. Its hard to imagine support for this hobby/business/sport to continue without them. I don`t see empathy coming from elected officials, just the opposite. Racers are going to need all the friends they can get.

[GUMP]

Originally Posted by Mike Jones

I would think with the changes coming by auto manufacturers in switching to E power in the next 15 years or so, that racers, hot rodders etc would need sanctioning bodies as allies. Its hard to imagine support for this hobby/business/sport to continue without them. I don`t see empathy coming from elected officials, just the opposite. Racers are going to need all the friends they can get.

Our biggest issue right now is the EPA. They are steadily trying to make the modifications that we do illegal. A better move for us would be to get behind SEMA/PRI and the RPM Act.

As far as the NHRA goes, I think a lot of people have tunnel vision. There is a lot going on in this Great Country that makes it extremely hard to do "business as usual".

If there was ever a time to support the NHRA, it is NOW.

[GTS340]

It sure isn't NHRA's fault we have been dealing with covid restrictions for the last two years. We are still dealing with this terrible stuff. Either people can't or don't want to work. Money is short for most killing fan count. Gas prices, food, Hotels all costing more.
Then again Pros aren't coming to support their fields. Surely aren't any alcohol vehicles and competition Eliminator class cars anymore. Even Top Sportsman has lost its luster. You would think the folks in charge would adjust the category counts for national events for the classes that do support them.
I do enjoy divisional races. We have great weather in division 7. But yet we have had only 1 race so far. We have lost or are losing numerous tracks. Tough on the moral.
As far as big dollar S/SS races. They are all back east taking the place where IHRA was. Division 1,2 and 3. I guess racing and buying parts stops at the Mississippi.

Paul 7019 C/SA

[Jim Caughlin]

To be honest, I could care less about National event and for that matter, spectators. Divisional races to me are lot more enjoyable and less hassle. As sportsmen racers are the primary function of a Divisional, we get treated accordingly and not as an annoyance like we are at Nationals. How much fun is it to make your first run at zero dark thirty, and your second run at nine that evening (and then have that run cancelled at the last minute because a pro car oiled the track)? Doing the math, it seems like Divisional races are self supporting whether spectators turns up or not so hopefully, those races can continue for some time to come. I have no love for the way NHRA treats up but better the devil you know...

[SS/GSI]

Originally Posted by Herbie Null

I agree with you Matt, the problem is we had a chance this year to support 3 big money races and the turn out was not so great in my eyes. This was a time to send a message and support our class, all it showed is that 60 percent of the class racers are chasing the Wally and enjoy the camping out atmosphere. Bo's race couldn't draw the cars with the payouts he put up, so my take is people are happy. My Divisional races are the only thing that keep me in it. Time to enjoy being a camper or get a boat, I'm leaning towards the boat.

Herbie is correct...250 cars showed up to Baby Gators to chase the "little man" not the $1200 to win the race, meanwhile Mr. Freeman was giving $10,000.00 one hour away and couldn't get 2 dozen cars to show up! 250 cars showed up at Columbus a couple weeks ago to chase down the "little man" again and that was with a week of forecasted rain surrounding the race! LOL

More STK and SS cars have shown up to the 2 NHRA Class Runoff Races than Mr. Freeman's, Butner/Line, Bohannon and CR Numidia races put together....and those were for a total of $170,000.00+!!! I know there is a large amount of support for these races and perhaps they will grow over time; however it will take time and it will probably become a sink or swim situation for some.

Don't get me wrong, winning big money is great but I am sure that the majority of us do not race to subsidize and/or add onto our annual incomes...seeing as only a handful of sportsman racers have ever legitimately raced full time as a means of employment.

The racers have spoken and all the majority of us have shown, is that we want more class runoff racing like before...and we do not need JFR or DSR on the property to make it feel anymore special. With the low quotas at National Events, division races are a better venue for class so we can actually have cars to runoff against and not end up with a 23 car auto-combo race! Put all class runoffs to divisional events like the Baby Gators(1 per division) + the Sports Nationals in Columbus and Indy...that is all most of us would ask for. IMHO

PS: When Class at Indy is done Herbie, I will be boat shopping with you!!! LOL