Live from Maple Grove Raceway - NHRA Auto Plus Nationals

[Dan Bennett]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Bryan, let's talk up making the Dutch Classic a Sportsnationals! I'm pretty sure that the tracks owners wouldn't want to turn it loose but it seems like a perfect fit to me.

I remember working a race and telling the track owner that the place would be perfect for a Sportsnational due to the quality of the track and treatment of the racers.

He and and the Divisional Director just laughed as apparently they'd already had that conversation. As it was briefly explained to me, a Sportsnational is not a good deal for the track operator. It's got something to do with the NHRA fees and payments, but I have the impression that it's the worst of both worlds as it uses the worst financial aspects of both Points Races and National Events.

I'm thinking it was a case that money had to be paid to the NHRA, which would not contribute anything to the expenses. The track got 100% of the gate, but I think it's a rare non-national event (Norwalk Night of Fire, come to think of it maybe the Dutch) that puts very many spectators in the bleachers.