Solution for our sport

[Dragsinger]

I have noticed that Pat makes no mention of changing rules nor reorganizing the sanctioning bodies nor creating a new Union.

What he does talk about is returning to a program that creates good will. In addition, returning to a program that both racers and race fans will enjoy, a program that folks can look forward to being a part of.

To me, one of the key pieces missing from today's world is stability. All parts of our lives are changing rapidly. Most of this dynamic change is out of our control, most of it on a Global scale is driven by politics and money, there is very little that an individual can do about it.

However, even as individuals, we have areas of power. One areas is how we spend our personal income. This is the key to local and regional race programs. A program that attracts the personal income will thrive.

Larry Woodfin

[Dick Butler]

Don Kennedy, A union in a factory has the advantage of wanting a more common agenda. Do we think S and SS and Comp racers could elect a person/group/committee that would be accepted to "do whats best" for the overall Drag Racing? So many factions, brands, agendas surface when our sport is discussed.
We dont all want a higher salary for our work and benefits. More money to win yes!
The common desires of the vast numbers of racers would be tough to negotiate under one "Flag".
Who would be allowed to make decisions BEST for the vast numbers of racers? When someone can no longer race a turbo 3 cylinder Aveo in stock with no boost rules will the Lawyer card be played to topple the whole idea of doing whats BEST for the sport?( Tried to be non- biased using non existent car)
Within our common sport, desire for advantage of rules and level playing field (when it affects others) and limited cost winners are issues of verbal concern.When would the Democracy of Stock and SS be allowed to be governed down to a managable,profitable , attractive package, for National meets. All racers are equally important but in every current form? At the expense of the whole?

[63corvette]

Just a note on FUN.
I attended the Tucson AZ Division race a few years ago after going to the Chandler event a couple of weeks before. I am not sure whether it was at the Division race or the ET race the weekend before but the track put on a Big Wheel race for the kids between the early regular race rounds.
It was more of a show than anything else but it was FUN to watch and the kids had a blast.
The track furnished the Big Wheels and anyone under a certain age could compete.
They used the regular tree usually with parents or track personnel holding the kids on the starting like until the tree came down then it was a race for 60 ft. with win lights and all. It was a real hoot for the kids and I enjoyed it as much as the kids did and the bigger race was back to the starting line after the finish to do it again.
It drew fans from the pits of racers, friends, and even grandma and grandpa. I can't say for sure but the stands were as full for the kids racing as any other class it looked like to me.
It was FUN for the kids and me and I did not know a one of the kids competing. That is the only place I have seen it run but I would go to watch it again.
It JUST WAS FUN to watch those small kids having so much FUN.
My 2 Cents

[Jack McCarthy]

nobody does it better than No Problem...

and it confirms my committment to attend the march race, and reminds me how pissed i was last year when $4 gas kept me from attending my 5th CAJUNsportsnats...
i have never attended the columbus event.

unless you come in march, you will not experience the FUN.. make your plans now !
even if it is the only event you can afford to attend... im trading in INDY for it in my budget !!

jack mccarthy

[chlngr73]

Thats a smart move Jack the Sports Nationals is hands down the FUNnest race! Especially if you race stock or s/s, because of the index FUN race for class winners, free crawfish, live music, and beer provided by none other than Ross Laris and a few others. I plan to take my 09' challenger SRT8 there in february for the Pinks All Out race. I probabaly won't make it in but the atmosphere and FUN is whats it's all about. I think Pat is and I have told him a million times over the best track owner/manager I've met. He works his tail off at the sports nationals, and still finds time to come hang out with the racers. Can't wait till March, I would trade the Sport Nationals for Indy any day!!!
See y'all there

David Buckner AA/SA 4772

[John Lang]

Two things I wish for ! I wish that No Problem were a little closer to where I live, Wi, and I wish I were 10 years younger ! 1100 mi is quite a hike, hope all have a Happy New Year,,,,,,,,, John & Ginny Lang

[art leong]

Originally Posted by 63corvette

Just a note on FUN.
I attended the Tucson AZ Division race a few years ago after going to the Chandler event a couple of weeks before. I am not sure whether it was at the Division race or the ET race the weekend before but the track put on a Big Wheel race for the kids between the early regular race rounds.
It was more of a show than anything else but it was FUN to watch and the kids had a blast.
The track furnished the Big Wheels and anyone under a certain age could compete.
They used the regular tree usually with parents or track personnel holding the kids on the starting like until the tree came down then it was a race for 60 ft. with win lights and all. It was a real hoot for the kids and I enjoyed it as much as the kids did and the bigger race was back to the starting line after the finish to do it again.
It drew fans from the pits of racers, friends, and even grandma and grandpa. I can't say for sure but the stands were as full for the kids racing as any other class it looked like to me.
It was FUN for the kids and me and I did not know a one of the kids competing. That is the only place I have seen it run but I would go to watch it again.
It JUST WAS FUN to watch those small kids having so much FUN.
My 2 Cents

Great post but in my opinion nhra dosen't care about fun unless they can line thier pockets with it.

Vinny Knapp Sr. at Englishtown N.J. started doing that back in the late 1970's It was a lot of fun for the kids and their families.
Then Vinny invented the JR Dragster. It took off big time locally. Then big "brother" nhra got involved.
Vinny wanted to keep it simple and cheap to have claiming rights much like the circle cars have.
Well "big brother" wanted no part of keeping it simple (cheap) They wanted modifications super lightweight parts, trick this and trick that.
Now you pull in with your huge lq trailer towed by your toter home. unload your $10,000 JR dragster. And the big problem is there are many out their that do exactly that.
After seeing the butchery of JR dragster Vinny was disgusted.

AND BOYS AND GIRLS the people that bring you the present JR dragster races are the same people making the rules and regulations for our racing.

[art leong]

Originally Posted by Dick Butler

Don Kennedy, A union in a factory has the advantage of wanting a more common agenda. Do we think S and SS and Comp racers could elect a person/group/committee that would be accepted to "do whats best" for the overall Drag Racing? So many factions, brands, agendas surface when our sport is discussed.
We dont all want a higher salary for our work and benefits. More money to win yes!
The common desires of the vast numbers of racers would be tough to negotiate under one "Flag".
Who would be allowed to make decisions BEST for the vast numbers of racers? When someone can no longer race a turbo 3 cylinder Aveo in stock with no boost rules will the Lawyer card be played to topple the whole idea of doing whats BEST for the sport?( Tried to be non- biased using non existent car)
Within our common sport, desire for advantage of rules and level playing field (when it affects others) and limited cost winners are issues of verbal concern.When would the Democracy of Stock and SS be allowed to be governed down to a managable,profitable , attractive package, for National meets. All racers are equally important but in every current form? At the expense of the whole?

There you go again Dick knocking the oddball combos
Well quess what in 1974 I ran a very oddball combo (a street hemi) everybody knew (even Chrysler) it could never be competitive because you had to run street tires and you could never get it to hook with the tires available at the time. To bad they didn't ban the darn things then? What seems odd to you now might be common place in the future.
If in your book whats best for the sport is telling someone their car can no longer be raced. PLEASE go have a discussion with some of the Pro Stock truck racres and tell them you thought it was okay to obsolete their cars (trucks).
I don't need anyone to represent me I can do it myself.

[Larry Hill]

Dave put the weight in and run A/SA in March. It should be a great race "New School Vs. Old School" Mo Pars. And please dont forget the blender.

[randy wilson]

i still say nascar is big because every weekend warrior at the local roundyround feels like dale ernhardt because if he wins he is the fastest car out there.drag racing lost that . i remember going to eddeville in the late seventies when there was standing room only for class racing. now on a regular weekend their will be 100 cars and 2 spectators.