Houston only 17 stockers with 1 week to go?

[Myron Piatek]

Originally Posted by art leong

It's the super secret commitee composed of racers?, manufacturers (I know of one the comp group), and nhra officials (they are always a big help anyway).
That got together and decided to enhance (their word not mine) stock and superstock racers. With trophies only, no contingency at 8 of the 12 events that run class. Supposedly doubling the contingency payout at the other 4 (another untruth). Getting rid of class singles. Now all the singles have to run each other index to index, first one there wins (I'm sure Michael Beard really built that car so he could run DP's and CJ's without the benefit of a breakout.)
They supposedly offer a national class performer award for the most wins in the stick and auto classes in each eliminator. With the best 3 out of the first 5 events counted.
Since it's inception there hasn't been a thing posted or printed about it except that they changed the rules (a week before the race) that 1 of the sportsnationals could be used for the points total.

I think I covered it. Anything I missed?

Maybe because it's tax season, but I can't help but compare NHRA to the IRS. They try to get as much money as they can from you, then make things so complicated that it's hard to figure out if or how you'll get any of it back! They just can't keep it simple and consistent.

[Ed Fernandez]

Quote Andy's dad:
Think it could be the economics (gas prices)?

Think it could be people wanting to keep their money in their hands instead of NHRA's for as long as they can?

The count will certainly be down but I think it will double by the end of this week.

I think taking time off from work can be a factor - may not want them thinking racing is more important than work - LOL.

Not every down side thing going on is related to NHRA



Maybe the fact that NHRA let the factories dictate to them the competitiveness of their cars has something to do with the car counts?



Quote Toby:
Art, in my humble opinion, you need to get over it. No amount of complaining is going to change things. The sponsors don't want to pay for class anymore -- especially singles -- and it sounds like you're lucky to get the program they have now.

Toby,the sponsors sure like the fact that we advertise for them for free every time the car comes out of the box.And how about the hoops you have to jump through just to get paid,in some cases if you get paid?

Another thing is that admit it or not,there are a lot of sportsman racers out there who really are loaded or are up to their collective a$$e$ in debt,to be running around the country in their land barges.Just look around the pits at the rigs and carsin just S/SS.Before anybody get their nuts twisted I'm not one bit jealous of anyone's financial situation.I race within my budget.Would I like to travel more,you bet your tookus.Until then I'll stay within my means.In the end it is a combination of the economy,travel costs and the way we are treated at the races.I think the economy and fuel will get better than reason #3.Just my $2 (inflation you know).