What if ?

[buzzinhalfdozen]

Say it aint so, this makes too much sense to work. I wasn't around when the N or I started but I sometimes wonder How did they get going? Seems like it would take offering people something that they want, kinda like "build it and they will come". I've said this before I could care less who the "sanctioning body" is I like the racing and the other racers. I would support such a proposal if it were viable for me given my geographic location. Joe

[novassdude]

I would be willing to support such a organization. As long as it was for SS Stock and Comp. If it is left to just these classes we could acually get 3-4 qualifying passes and have class elims. I am affraid if you bring in to many other classes it would have to get drug out as it is today.

[Don Himes]

I don't know how many of you are old enough to remember the original Eastern Drag News "Top Dog" events but, it's very similar to what Terry is suggesting. They were fun events without "Big Brother" pissing you off every step of the way. There was even national records for the Drag News events. Mr. Bishop's "Eastern Drag News Magazine" is very close in flavor to what the old EDN association used to be. I guess this is a long winded version of saying to Terry: Go with it, because this is a GREAT idea, and I believe it's time has come.......again!!!!!!!

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Don Himes

I guess this is a long winded version of saying to Terry: Go with it, because this is a GREAT idea, and I believe it's time has come.......again!!!!!!!

Just wanted to say that this is not all my idea. There is one other person involved and he will let himself be known when he is ready as there is much to be considered in this undertaking. Believe it or not.....we were NOT drinking when we started to talk about this.....lol.

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by novassdude

I would be willing to support such a organization. As long as it was for SS Stock and Comp. If it is left to just these classes we could acually get 3-4 qualifying passes and have class elims. I am affraid if you bring in to many other classes it would have to get drug out as it is today.

That is the general idea of this if we can make it happen and get the support. The idea is to make it a 2 day event Friday and Saturday with Sunday used as a back up in case of a rain out or a head start to get back home for us working people. Thursdays would be for set up, entrys and tech IF you wanted to come early so you wouldnt have to miss any time trials class runs, or qualifying, and record runs on Fridays. That would cut down on long lines on Friday mornings. Inspections would happen on Friday afternoons and evenings. These are all ideas to be decided later as (and if) the ball gets rolling.

[John Quinn]

I am slowly building a car as money and health allow. It will not be done for a while but I would join such an association and let my money help now. I support the idea of including Super gas without electronics. It's not my cup of tea but I think a lot of cars would race it. Remember back before the pros became pros they were just more racers at the track and we all got along just fine. Having an eliminator for the guys who do not want to build a class car would let more people race without causing too much delay.

[ssracer3821]

Sign us up! I've been racing long enough to have run all three sanctioning bodies from the late 60's until now. We have been waiting for someone to offer us a viable option. No pros - no '90 cars, no dog and pony shows, and real tech that is enforced with the same rules for everyone - that's what racing should be all about. If you build it - we will come!!!!!! and we'll bring friends. If you need any help let us know. Heck, we might even build another car!

Larry Buckingham SS3820
Lisa Buckingham SS3821

[Roger K Fain]

Recently, "Pinks All Out" advertised an event to be held at Charlotte, NC the weekend of 24 April, 09, with a maximum of 460 participants...it sold out in 30 minutes. Obviously, there is a great amount of interest and enthusiasm to participate in these events...why? Some of the racers I have spoken with like the way the money is paid directly to the winner "in cash" on the return road, which adds greatly to the excitement and thrill of winning. Also, the opportunity of actually increasing your winnings by "sweetening" the pot prior to each run in the final 16, may be a contributing factor.
Terry, I offer these observations just to enhance the general thought process in formulating the structure of the events. Location and timing will also be critical to ensuring success of the inaugural race. All NHRA and IHRA schedules would have to be throughly reviewed and strongly considered to avoid alienating possible participants who are involved in those bodies' points programs. Also, the facility must be sufficient in stature and respect to cause racers to want to be a part and be associated with any recall of the event. Additionally, entry fee would have to be equitable and reasonable with a chance to reap an attractive purse for winning the event, with consideration of fair payout per round won based on number of competitors.
I'm in and I like "Beardo's" suggested "CLASSCAR" logo for starters. Happy New Year.

[Michael Beard]

Originally Posted by X-TECH MAN

The idea is to make it a 2 day event Friday and Saturday with Sunday used as a back up in case of a rain out or a head start to get back home for us working people. Thursdays would be for set up, ....

Personally, I'd rather have a Fri (setup) Sat-Sun schedule. Yes, you'd have a Sunday travel day, and the rain date *is* a good idea, but you've got 100% of the people that have to miss work on Fri, and most will miss Thurs. If you race Sat-Sun, only a % of people will miss Fri, and a much smaller % may have to miss Mon. Most guys would be eliminated from competition Sunday afternoon and have plenty of travel time. In either case, you're looking at a third day at the track, which means more money... although you could negotiate with the track that they could have a test'n'tune the night of the 'setup' day, and have that be their 'take' for the first day.

On the up-side, Fri-Sat are better spectator days. But, in either case, do we have the guts to pull an ADRL and offer free tickets to pack the joint? It's more likely to draw a major sponsor for the series if we can promise a packed house. Charge for parking, sell t-shirts, and the track is happy with concession sales -- could the potential of outrageous concession sales be used in negotiating the track rental contract? Could always go the route of free general admission, and then sell upgrades for reserved seating.

This might even play into an idea I have. I'd like to do a limited-edition set of trading cards for Stock and Super Stock. One of the toughest obstacles would be obtaining photos (or the rights thereof). With a stand-alone series, we'd own the rights to the photography, and could market packs of trading cards with real heroes on them.

Re: Pinks.... it's all about the TV. Whether or not people like Rich, you have to hand it to their production crew. They do a pretty good job of capturing the action. I nominate Larry Pfister for videographer! (Horsepower Heaven, of "4 Days in May" fame)

Announcing staff is going to be key.

More later....

[Clayton Wright]

Talk about an idea who's time has come. I have been doing this since the early 60's so have seen all the enhancement's we have been saddled with. Count me in. Atco or Englishtown would probably a good venue for the east coast race. Thanks again for a great idea.