PINKS vs Class Racing

[Floyd Gomez]

Originally Posted by Gary Smith

Floyd, IHRA isn't a problem. But their class racing program isn't as challenged as NHRA. NHRA has the resources to put together a spectacular package but will not take away from their pro program to make it happen. Why? again...lack of fan appeal. OR, they could do it like PINKS, having a final 8 and running them "out the back door". And it still isn't heads up racing. Look at the present landscape in drag racing: here in South Florida bracket racing is dying. Why? because electronics over complicated things and chased away frustrated racers. The growth of heads-up index and outlaw racing has taken over because the tracks can now fill the stands unlike bracket racing ever could.

Don't get me wrong, I prefer class runoffs, but it would take the caliber of Indy at every race to even start to get something decent. Runoffs at other races have lost appeal from the casual fan. Not to mention the hosting costs have become too prohibitive to keep it at that level. The PINKS format has potential to attract support that our categories haven't seen in quite some time.

Gary,
I still dont see the support mechanism. sponsors will not spend advertising dollars on cars that may or may not make the field. they want a car and driver that has a chance of winning as much as possible to give their product as much exposure as possible. Sponsors know that losing or not qualifying doesn't help the general public rush out to buy their product. They also know what it cost for advertisement and they are not willing to waste one penny on a program that their investment has less than a ten percent chance of getting in the show much less winning. As far as attracting support for our categories It is NOT possible under the current PINKS format. The fans don't care what class your car is neither is it advertised. You also mention electronics but a ton of cars on pinks use them. Most of the cars in the actual race atleast have a trans brake. Here in the Carolinas and back in Louisiana the bracket racing is getting bigger and bigger. I think some areas just have suffered more over the economy. Anyway my point is PINKS is a heads up competition run what you brung. Way to many class racers will be left out in the cold and have paid 60 bucks for 2 time trials unless you can figure out how to handicap it. Otherwise build a 10 second street car with nitorous and go have fun.