NHRA Decisions

[GarysZ24]

Originally Posted by NHRA1926

Two years ago, I made it down to the last 5 cars at the last Atlanta GA National event in Super Street. I got $250. The entry fee was $320. How does NHRA justify this kind of pay out? I made it down to the last 5 cars at a National event, and I can't even get my entry fee back with the winnings? Am I wrong, or is there is something really wrong with that picture? With all the money a national event brings in, why can't a racer even win enough to cover their entry fees with the earnings of getting down to the last 5 cars. Oh, and when I sent them an email with my concerns about this, they responded with how LUCRATIVE their contingency program is. They don't even understand that the only racers who receive contingency money are the winner and runner up! I was so infuriated with their response to this. It was like they were telling me, "Well, we do pay out if you get to the final, but if you don't, oh well, thanks for coming and spending your hard earned money to pay all of our executive vise presidents salaries." Pros don't pay entry fees, and get paid just to make qualifying passes, but we cant even get our entry fees covered by making it to the quarter finals? But, we all keep going back don't we!

Here's my Top Five reasons for still going, by order of significance:

1. IHRA was rejected out west, so this is my only drag racing option.

2. I still love the competition. I'm not nearly ready to hang up my helmet.

3. The camaraderie and racing family I get to enjoy in this sport.

4. I love the travel to and from the races.

5. This is a sport that I've been blessed to be fairly good at.

[Carguy49]

You make some very valid points Gary.

Even though I haven't had a race car of any form for many years, I still feel very much a part of the sport thanks to the many friends that I have met along the way. I drive into an event and am greeted like a family member. Whether it is a Divisional, National event or local bracket racing or a NHRA Open I feel like I belong. So a BIG thank you to all the friends/family that make me feel welcome. Looking forward to each and every event that I am able to attend this coming year. God Bless ALL of you and good luck at each race this year.

P.S. Can't wait to see the schedule for the North West Class Racer Association this coming year.