The Demise Of Class Eliminations

Originally Posted by 1347

Sounds like a great idea, but the piston and rod probably isn't gonna happen except for a protest.
I was torn down last year at the Keystones, alomg.with 3 other super stockers, at 4 in the afternoon. With 2 tech officials pouring heads, I wasn't able to put my stuff together till after 8pm. Lonnie came over and gave me my wally at 10pm after all the other tech officials left and went to dinner. If you have 4 cars pulling engines to show cranks and pistons and rods, with a 8am first round, it would have given the tech officials maybe 4 hours of sleep. I know you said 1 car, but if you go fast enough for auto hp, it could turn into 2 or 3. The schedule doesn't really permit a teardown like that anymore. Believe me, if I was asked for those itmes, I would have and lived on 3 hours sleep to make 1st round. It happened at Indy with the corvette that got protested. He worked all night to make 1st round the next am. Those times are over, but I think most of us would be happy with at least pulling heads for teardown.

I dont even know where to start when you start pulling coyote engines apart like Robin did last year. You are basically putting that car out of the race the next day. I know I know, the statement from someone will be " Thats their choice for picking that combo " It is, but you have to at least give them enough time to put it back together.

I feel sorry for the FS cars. Boy is it busy under the hoods. Labor.challenge!

[NHRA1926]

Craig Curdie comes to the role from Feld Entertainment. For the past decade, he worked in production with touring groups such as Monster Jam and Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey and was most recently a tour manager for Monster Jam.

And this is why things are changing. He literally came from a circus show. Explains exactly why things are going in the toilet with NHRA. He has ZERO technical knowledge of Stock and Super Stock specifications. I'm sure he really understands specs on cam lift, duration, carburetor, intake manifold, head casting numbers specs or production numbers. The division director should be the person with the most knowledge or understanding of these issues or questions. WHY did NHRA pick these people for division directors that have no knowledge or experience in these important areas? This make absolutely no sense. Pretty sad that these "Directors" refer questions to OTHER division directors because they don't have any answers or knowledge in the field that they were hired to deal with. Again, WHY is this happening?

[Frank Castros]

Originally Posted by NHRA1926

Craig Curdie comes to the role from Feld Entertainment. For the past decade, he worked in production with touring groups such as Monster Jam and Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey and was most recently a tour manager for Monster Jam.

And this is why things are changing. He literally came from a circus show. Explains exactly why things are going in the toilet with NHRA. He has ZERO technical knowledge of Stock and Super Stock specifications. I'm sure he really understands specs on cam lift, duration, carburetor, intake manifold, head casting numbers specs or production numbers. The division director should be the person with the most knowledge or understanding of these issues or questions. WHY did NHRA pick these people for division directors that have no knowledge or experience in these important areas? This make absolutely no sense. Pretty sad that these "Directors" refer questions to OTHER division directors because they don't have any answers or knowledge in the field that they were hired to deal with. Again, WHY is this happening?

I don't know Mr. Curdie and I don't mean to bash him but when he was appointed and his bio was published I thought to myself "are they effing kidding me?"

[Jack Matyas]

Originally Posted by NHRA1926

Craig Curdie comes to the role from Feld Entertainment. For the past decade, he worked in production with touring groups such as Monster Jam and Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey and was most recently a tour manager for Monster Jam.

And this is why things are changing. He literally came from a circus show. Explains exactly why things are going in the toilet with NHRA. He has ZERO technical knowledge of Stock and Super Stock specifications. I'm sure he really understands specs on cam lift, duration, carburetor, intake manifold, head casting numbers specs or production numbers. The division director should be the person with the most knowledge or understanding of these issues or questions. WHY did NHRA pick these people for division directors that have no knowledge or experience in these important areas? This make absolutely no sense. Pretty sad that these "Directors" refer questions to OTHER division directors because they don't have any answers or knowledge in the field that they were hired to deal with. Again, WHY is this happening?

Normally the Division Director is a Tech Director first and then promoted .

[Charles Stewart]

Before blaming Mr. Curdie we must look at what NHRA requires for a Division Director position.
Click the link below:
https://www.teamworkonline.com/motor...vision-2066392

[1320racer]

Originally Posted by NHRA1926

WHY did NHRA pick these people for division directors that have no knowledge or experience in these important areas? This make absolutely no sense.

because they pay division directors under $100k and nobody that knows, will take this job for that money, not to mention the travel and having to deal with 100s of crybabies that will bitch about every decision you make that they don't agree with at everyone of the divisional you are responsible for.

GENERAL:
The Division Director is responsible for managing all operational aspects of regional and divisional sportsman racing events. This includes working closely with our member tracks and racers to develop marketing programs that enhance the racing experience, coordination with track operators and staff, handling media for the events, negotiation of event/sponsor contracts, staff supervision, implementation of racing safety and technical standards, and office management. The Division office is located in the Dallas, TX area, and requires travel throughout NHRA's south-central division.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Manage division Member Track network.
Explore opportunities to increase the Member Track network.
Support all national events within the division.
Manage all divisional events.
Assist member tracks with marketing activities.
Promote divisional programs.
Public/Media Relations.
Training (tech, emergency, certification crew, etc..).
Maintain and manage a network of chassis inspectors.
Develop new programs to grow activity within the division.
Secure sponsorship for various programs offered within the division and service clients.
Agreements, expense reports, invoices, etc.
Setup and run division track operator meetings and banquet.
Budget monitoring.
Maintain all divisional equipment.
Support various Rule Committees and Advisory Councils.

MINIMUM SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
BA or BS preferably in sports marketing, sports administration or facility management is required.
A minimum of 5 years related experience with an emphasis on event marketing.
Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience.
Must be proficient in MS Office Suite.
Experience with budgets, P&L, sales forecasting, event management, and accounting basics required.
Must be detail oriented, organized, and able to work independently and efficiently to meet deadlines.
Excellent ability to communicate effectively with clients and all levels of management both in writing and verbally.
A background in sports or motorsports racing is a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Able to work at a computer all day.
Ability to talk on the phone as needed.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, push, run or lift as needed.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Ability to travel via air or car as needed to races.
Must be able to work in an outdoor environment in variable weather conditions.

[Jim Hawkins]

I agree not happening pulling a rod and piston with limited time just not practical.
As a alternative to keep people honest why not do some simple checks.

1) Pump the motor to check cubic inches. Had this done when I ran modified many times.

2) Use a inspection camera and check piston for dish, flat top or dome to match spec.

3) Quick look at the carb or throttle body.

4) Check valve lift on stockers.

This would take about a hour or so and easy.
Far from perfect but better than what we have now which is nothing.
I would think any funny business would not be the top qualifiers but further down the qualifying sheet. Joe racer hurts his 327 and has a 383 short block sitting there from the bracket car and thinks why not just to finish the year. Nobody checks anyway.
Do a few cars at every div. race.
May help maintain the integrity of the classes.

[JP1738]

Originally Posted by Jim Hawkins

I agree not happening pulling a rod and piston with limited time just not practical.
As a alternative to keep people honest why not do some simple checks.

1) Pump the motor to check cubic inches. Had this done when I ran modified many times.

2) Use a inspection camera and check piston for dish, flat top or dome to match spec.

3) Quick look at the carb or throttle body.

4) Check valve lift on stockers.

This would take about a hour or so and easy.
Far from perfect but better than what we have now which is nothing.
I would think any funny business would not be the top qualifiers but further down the qualifying sheet. Joe racer hurts his 327 and has a 383 short block sitting there from the bracket car and thinks why not just to finish the year. Nobody checks anyway.
Do a few cars at every div. race.
May help maintain the integrity of the classes.

I like this way better. I'll be honest: I do not bring the tools, parts, or expertise to get torn down and race the next day. If I ever get protested or torn down, I'm just going home. I understand it's part of the class, but I genuinely want to avoid it altogether.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by JP1738

I like this way better. I'll be honest: I do not bring the tools, parts, or expertise to get torn down and race the next day. If I ever get protested or torn down, I'm just going home. I understand it's part of the class, but I genuinely want to avoid it altogether.

Maybe not the place and fit for you.

Funny, but 30-40 years ago, ALL class winners had to load up and tow over to the Ford dealer in town, for a minimum head off teardown. Most ,if not all passed and were ready the next morning. Next day, they started all over again with Super Stock
At that time , you had to win class to guarantee a spot in the eliminator

Today, Class run off is optional. Don't want to tear down? Have a seat in the bleachers.

[Bill Ringer]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Maybe not the place and fit for you.

Funny, but 30-40 years ago, ALL class winners had to load up and tow over to the Ford dealer in town, for a minimum head off teardown. Most ,if not all passed and were ready the next morning. Next day, they started all over again with Super Stock
At that time , you had to win class to guarantee a spot in the eliminator

Today, Class run off is optional. Don't want to tear down? Have a seat in the bleachers.

I remember how efficient the tear downs went at Paul Harvey Ford. When I went through they did two groups each day. Cars in the morning shift had to be out before the next group showed up in the afternoon. Great place for tech inspections. They got a lot of cars through tech quickly. Lots of skilled tech inspectors was why it went so well.