The New IHRA ???

[69Cobra]

What about an Open Comp .500 pro tree format? That seemed to be the most popular in the NMRA and NMCA.

[CycloneFE]

"Being that the sanctioning body has just gotten bought up,if you were the new owners would you leave things as they are or make changes?"[/QUOTE]

I would do only minor change for the moment, so as to keep the racer and fan base you now have. I would then tweak the rules and such to lure the other racers from the other HRA's etc, and add to my racer and fan base. Trying to stablilize the organization and achieve some credibility, and add some more tracks, for increased coverage.


And hope for the weather to cooperate.

[ALMACK]

Originally Posted by treessavoy

I like the idea of adding NSS to the program but again money is an issue, but perhaps the NMCA rules could be added to the IHRA allowing them to compete.
NSS is very popular in the heart of IHRA country and people like to see the old cars compete plus it might give retired racers a new outlet for their need for speed just like the old days.....but perhaps the NMCA will allow use of it's funds for the NSS cars and consider it a part of one of it's races.

JimR

Would be cool to see the new IHRA owners work together with the NMCA/NMRA guys on some sort of special event together.

I raced my Pure Stocker at both the NMCA event and NMRA event @ Bowling Green last year and had a few people ask me about Pure Stock and the IHRA rules.

Maybe have a special Stock/SS exhibition/combo class at those NMRA/NMCA events to expose their fans to class racing.

[cambria]

Why all the complicated speculation about returning IHRA to its former glory? Do you reall think boutique micro classes or a few dollars here or there is what is really needed? Just close your eyes for a minute and remember the packed track with cars and sectators at Cayuga,131,the Rock let alone Norwalk and ask your self what was the secret ingredient----------THE PROS! Yes folks the PROS which bring people to the seats who spend money,the speed channel which broadcasts the PROS! Kids who want the autographs of the PROS!.Whats the magic here you need the PROS just like that other sanctioning body you know the NHRA they have THE PROS!I can remember parking so far away from the starting line at MIR that I had to refuel to make a run.Now you can park by the well attended porta potties there are so few cars.
NEW OWNERS LISTEN UP the magic words are THE PROS! And yes also heads up classes for these new factory cars which have created the first real buzz in years.No rocket science here folks.

[Carl Juliano]

In order to have a Pro point series Pro Mod, Pro Stock, Nitro, even Top Alcohol, they need to find a title sponsor who is willing to invest enough money so that the Pros will be paid enough. It will take millions to ensure a fully paid Pro point series and all that comes with it. I dont think IHRA can find that kind of investor, maybe they just arent interested in doing it? Does IHRA even have enough first rate 1/4 mile tracks to hold National type events for Pro cars?
I hope they do change for the better, Im just bringing up a couple of points.

[Michael Beard]

Does IHRA even have enough first rate 1/4 mile tracks to hold National type events for Pro cars?

Yes. I've personally competed at most of the national event hosting facilities since 2003, and been to over 70 tracks, so there's a basis for comparison.

[Jim Wahl]

Palm Beach for one is first class and can handle anything you want to throw at it! The track hooks and it is smooth as glass. Plenty of stopping room. I'm sure there are many more around the country. Jim


.

[BRIAN SEATE]

Bingo....Pro Mod started here with Charles Carpenter. In the Southeast we like door cars. Rockingham with no Pro Mod/ Pro Stock is a crime. Nitro makes noise, the fans like it although I could live without it,IMO.

[HR9121]

Originally Posted by Michael Beard

Yes. I've personally competed at most of the national event hosting facilities since 2003, and been to over 70 tracks, so there's a basis for comparison.

Palm Beach
Budds Creek
Pittsburgh
Rockingham
Memphis
San Antonio
State Capitol
US 131
Possibly the new Old Dominion.
Did I leave any out Michael?

[House of Darts]

Now is the time to think about" PINKS". It is not about the types of cars that came out, but how they got the seats filled, the racers excited, TV coverage and a payout that makes sportsman classes look like freebies.How many divisionals fill the seat to 25%? How many divisionals get 350+ cars? Look at the number of cars that come out to race on Mopar Ford and GM events.Mopar nostalgia SS events. It is all hard racing.It is all exciting . Lots of factory loyalty. And it is not about the $. It's on the wall that NHRA is having $ problems. Their business plan does not work. There are plenty of new Mopar GM and Ford factory hot rods that can race and continue this tradition. You just need the get higher car counts and fans in the stands. I can't answer these questions but the new owner have the resources to do it.