How do you get (N) racers over to the (I) side

[Myron Piatek]

Originally Posted by Wade Mahaffey

I may be wrong about this but, I thought IHRA brought in more entry level classes (pure stock, stock GT, Crate motor) to provide more car count....I saw this as an effort to keep racing alive by allowing a less cost approach to the sport. I don't think they would have bothered if there were 100 natural stockers in the lanes. If they had not done that there would be 10 cars instead of 30 cars. I'm sure they would consider reducing the stock classes with a little more support from the natural guys.

Wade Mahaffey

Exactly! More people are racing because it was more economical to get involved. Car counts in IHRA have to be brought up first with support from more NHRA racers before anyone should even considering any class reduction/consolidation in any form. IHRA has made it more economical for everyone, including regular Stockers, with double-headers, qualifying for a shot at a World Championship without traveling all over the country and no surprise enhancements. Sure, payouts are less across the board. But as Michael Beard pointed out, a business can't afford to put out more money or attract contingency sponsors if racers don't show up! Either way, for less entry, travel expenses and time off from work, one can get a weekend of racing that's as competitive as anywhere else without being "filler" for the Pros! Sportsman normally have all day uninterupted, barring weather and sportsman-only oildowns. Only semi's and finals are mixed in with the Pro show and that's in front of a crowd and on TV! Don't know how many times that's been mentioned.

Ed,
Thanks. Glad to have the opportunity.