Send Letters to NHRA

[Chad Rhodes]

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

I am naturally not happy about paying more to race, and I feel it is wrong to drop such a huge increase on us in one hit. But while it is unjust, no one really knows the financial state of NHRA. It is so easy to criticize, but this may be a necessary move for NHRA to survive. I'd rather pay an extra $200 bucks, if the alternative is to have two drag cars, a trailer and truck that is totally worthless because I have no place to race.

In my industry, which is magazine publishing, my company has had to absorb astronomical operating cost increases, well into the millions, over the last few years (well over a million in paper cost alone) and make some drastic moves similar to this one by NHRA. To survive we've had to trim staff, cut print runs, work smarter, travel less, relocate people, raise advertising rates, etc. The fact is, these are times that no one was prepared for.

All Kenny is saying is that there is probably a reason for the increase, other than for executives to pad their pockets. He does a great job with this website and I, for one, see his point. On that note, I will be writing a letter to express my displeasure with the huge increase.

You make an excellent point Evan. If NHRA had said "guys, we're hurting. we are two national event rainouts away from bankruptcy. We unfortunately have to raise fees for xyz, on xx/xx date. We are working within the organization to adjust to the current economic situation, we appreciate your understanding and continued support." they may have got a much different reaction. however they decided to piss down our leg and tell us its raining, that is the big issue to me

[stefan callender]

How about the NHRA charging all the Pro's?? Do they pay anything??? Three trailers, two motorhomes?? Twenty crew guys??

[X-TECH MAN]

Originally Posted by Evan Smith

I am naturally not happy about paying more to race, and I feel it is wrong to drop such a huge increase on us in one hit. But while it is unjust, no one really knows the financial state of NHRA. It is so easy to criticize, but this may be a necessary move for NHRA to survive. I'd rather pay an extra $200 bucks, if the alternative is to have two drag cars, a trailer and truck that is totally worthless because I have no place to race.

In my industry, which is magazine publishing, my company has had to absorb astronomical operating cost increases, well into the millions, over the last few years (well over a million in paper cost alone) and make some drastic moves similar to this one by NHRA. To survive we've had to trim staff, cut print runs, work smarter, travel less, relocate people, raise advertising rates, etc. The fact is, these are times that no one was prepared for.

All Kenny is saying is that there is probably a reason for the increase, other than for executives to pad their pockets. He does a great job with this website and I, for one, see his point. On that note, I will be writing a letter to express my displeasure with the huge increase.

There are other venues to race in but most choose to ignore them and continue on with what they were doing. I also feel that the so called higher ups do not deserve the salary that they recieve for doing such a lousy job. Are they really worth $700,000 + a year. Why dont they take a cut like the auto CEO's and recieve $1 a year until they are out of the hole if in fact they really are.

[Rich67stang]

I do not like how NHRA does things, and I do not support them on the national or divisional level.
I also do not complain on forums and do nothing about it. I stand by my principles and enjoy racing IHRA.
I work in NYC corporate america...CEO's will keep on taking as long as they can.





SS/EM 161
Quickrod 161

[Gary Smith]

Originally Posted by Dan Fletcher

But I look at it like this:

If had a long time employer and did not like the way I was being treated, I would speak to someone in an attempt to remedy the situation. I would not just quit and get a new job.

If I lived in a given township and did not like the way things were being handled, I would voice my opinion. I would not just sell my house and move to a new town.

If my wife and I were arguing and I thought she was treating me unfairly, I would work on the relationship to improve it. I would not just get a divorce and find a new spouse.

If the local store, during a time of enonomic crisis, chose to raise prices on their loyal customers, I would shop at a different store. Obviously, IHRA isn't a big enough store for me to shop at full time, so I've chosen to speak to the manager of my primary store.

As is your right, you can just quit or leave if you don't like a situation. Some of us would prefer to have a voice and be heard in an attempt to right a wrong. Some would like to just bitch. I guess thats why there are forums and bar stools.

Dan you couldn't have said it any better. The only thing I could add are the choices we have as to were to race...and WE DO have choices. Look at it like this - compare the NHRA to Home Depot - except with higher prices and bad service vs. IHRA being like True Value - less selection but with lower prices and better service. As long as people prefer the bigger selection, they're voting with emotion instead of their pocket book. What doesn't make sense is when voting with emotion you know you're about being victimized. So why bitch when you already know it's going to happen? A lousy store will either go out of business or make drastic, positive change when customers stop buying, not because of the complaints.

While I've chosen to complain about NHRA, I've also elected to take action by not opening my wallet to them.

[Gary Smith]

Oh, except for NPR races, from what I hear, has got the best selection, best service, best prices, and they throw in a good time for free!!!

(Pat, does that sound about right??)

[treessavoy]

Originally Posted by JDG71

Ken,

Here's an opinion "you"Re a rich A$$hole!"

if NHRA is doing so good why has sportsman committee turned into joke.

NHRA has done nothing this year for the racer or the past. raise rates & not listen to the racers.

I am die hard NHRA racing but as far as I am concerned NHRA is dead. outlaw racing is getting more & more intrigueing.

Resorting to name calling is the last refuge of the ignorant!

Tree

[bill dedman]

I think they call it "intellectual bankruptcy."

[A100]

Don't forget many years ago, a track owner, Larry Carrier, was unhappy with the way NHRA and AHRA were run. The result was IHRA was born.

[trmnatr]

NHRA doesnt care about you guys, the sportsman racer.

Simply put the sportsman racers are there for time to go by. You are just a number and thats it. Why should Pro Stock, Pro Stock Bike, Top Fuel and Funny Car be on TV BUT not the sportsman racers ? We work hard to acheive what we do at every race

For Example, Want proof ? Read below,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

What can NHRA do about the Economy? Well, many people go to NHRA events but don't buy nothing,, Now if NHRA was smart enough to lower the cost for an affordable ticket they would be much better because then fans would buy stuff,, Sometimes its better to give a little and recieve than to just take the money like they are,, at what NHRA is getting for a ticket its over double the cost of an IHRA ticket. Until NHRA tickets are affordable NHRA is doomed for ever

Now, what about in 2001 when the fans loved Pro Stock Truck ? Why did NHRA take them away? Because the fans liked Pro Stock Truck and they were taking sponsorship dollars from the pro levels is the real reason, Who in the pro levels did fight for an entry level pro class called Pro Stock Truck? The answer is none because the pro classes got more sponsorship with them gone, sounds kind of like modified in 1981, huh? They all were quiet because they knew if NHRA eliminated Pro Stock Truck the sponsorship dollars would go up for the other Pro Teams ,,,,, Like a good friend of mine said,, be carefull what you ask for, you just may get it !!!!!

What about 1981 when NHRA did away with modified eliminator, who stood up for the modified racer ?? No pro racer did, none.

If they really want to minimize costs in this economy they need to look at what IHRA is doing for divisional racers,, I wouldn't race NHRA if they let me race for free as its crazy, want proof ?

Scott got killed in a Funny Car crash last year, very sad times in Funny Car the past few years with Scott, Eric, that young man in Top Alcohol Funny Car and John Force being hurt in a crash. Their family is always in my prayers,,,,

There are only THREE options to make them safer,
1) Make the tracks longer in the shut down and cut the bull crap of staying with a track because you have been with them for years,, move on to a safer track that's newer and updated to handle the top end speeds

2) Make the cars slower, Although NHRA can't seem to figure out how to do this,, well I can tell you my friend it is easier to slow them down then make them faster,, We all know that AND if you slow them down you will kill three birds with one stone
- slower times = safer car
- slower times = less maintance on cars = cheaper in this fallen economy
- less fuel used = less money spent on fuel = cheaper fuel costs over all

3) Save money by putting a throttle stop on fuel cars

Until NHRA steps up to the plate and takes action we are all doomed as it will impact the sportsman racer which is us

Question for NHRA, Why do you think Pinks All Out is as popular if not more popular than NHRA ?

QUOTE FROM A FRIEND
The P.R.O. and drag racing magazines have had years to investigate and report on the dictators in Glendora. They sat on their rears and did nothing because it didn't impact them.

Now that the pro ranks are being impacted by the NHRA, it's a big deal??? Not for me, they got want they wanted. Multi-million, multi-car race teams that dominate the sport and prevent the growth of the smaller, independent teams. That's very near-sighted as the sport will die when the John Forces, Schumacher's retire.

The final straw for me was when they abolished the Pro-Stock trucks which were picking up a big fan base. I suspect the pros, especially in Pro Stock, did not want the trucks as they were starting to cut into their sponsor base.

Originally Posted by Ken Miele

Pat,

With all do respect and by the way you have done a fantastic job with your track. I can not see you losing business over these increased fees. I will attended 6 national event, have my car certified, pay my membership and license fees and it will cost me an extra $210.00 for one year. I can understand why NHRA members are upset, but $210.00 is not going to make me stop racing. I know I am in the minority, but I do not know what NHRA's financial position is and do not know what it takes to run an origination of this size.

The economy is not doing well, but racing is not a god giving right. It is a luxury and not everyone can do it. If the NHRA members feel such contempt for Tom Compton and they way NHRA is run, why do they support it? I would not support something I felt was unfair to me. To say you pay money and have a right to complain is fine, but if things do not change, why do they continue to support them? Many have said NHRA has been screwing us for years, if this is so why are they still a member.

Alan, comparing the US government to NHRA is way off base. We all are forced to pay taxes, no one is forcing you to go NHRA Drag Racing. Some of you have some great ideas. You all should get together and try to run your own sanctioning body. If you can deliver everything you want NHRA to deliver, you will have the most successful drag racing organization ever.