Support your local Combo/Association races!!

[Gary Smith]

Originally Posted by Jeff Niceswanger

Hi guys. I want to thank you both for the continued effort giving us good races and a option to race somewhere other than Divisional /National events. I have talked to Mike a little on this subject, and this is only mine ( and my brothers) opinion.But, I think MANY Class racers are not interested in Bracket racing. Traditionally,the only fast guys that will come are ones that have something to test. So they come to use your race as a "test session". And it makes sense really....If I have a REALLY fast car, I'm not interested in getting my butt kicked buy someone in my own class with shoe polish.Or for that matter, not being allowed to show up and deliberately put their car in MY class trying to get me in a heads up. All that strategy is gone. Even if it is only remotely possible,class racers want to race heads-up, given the opportunity.. And be feared for their accomplishments.Shoe polish eliminates all that......All you have to do is have scales, you could skip the fuel check. Let people run any fuel they want. I do not think anyone is going to go buy ultra expensive fuel for a Stock/Superstock Combo.If they do, cross that bridge when you get to it. We would probably SMELL any funny gas,so everybody would know what their up to.For that matter, just weight for heads up runs only. As far as tech,we are pretty good at policing ourselves on the bolt on stuff that is visible to the eye without teardown. Nobody wants to be toredown at a combo race, as they are suppose to be fun and kind of a kicked back type of deal. But alot of people think heads- up is Very fun..........Like I said, just my opinion

I brought heads-up eliminators as an added bonus for Southern Stock S/S Association...first as "gentleman" racing, or gamblers style. 2 or more cars in the same class go head to head & a racer can decide to teardown to prove his point. Sort of old school. Then let the shoe polish racing begin for those into it. Bottom line to every class racer out there....the writing is DEFINITELY on the wall. I've stepped away and returned various times to witness NHRA S/SS racing over the last 34 years. Although it's progressively gone down hill during those years, it's taken a major nosedive in the last 7. Pomona was always a thrill, even as a spectator, to walk through the gates & see the sportsman pits with everyone warming up, making last minute changes before the first run. However this last Winters I was appalled almost to depression to see what is now the "15 minute scramble" for the first run just so the pros can take their time & run during premium slots, while the sportsman racers get brushed aside until the day is over. FOR WHAT?????? WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO PAY A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY TO BE PRACTICALLY OUTCASTED FROM THE EVENT?????? At Association races YOU ARE THE SHOW. You get treated with respect and your fees are greatly appreciated, not to mention an actual return on expenses. And Hell, is the damned wally trophy patented? A win is a win!!!!!! I surrender my soapbox.

[Jim Woods]

Mike, I know exactly what you are saying, Even when assured a certain payout , some just will not come out and play. Everyone has their reasons . It seems the ones who complain the most rarely attend the races in the first place. I thinkif all the associations would get together and compare notes we may be able to help each other succeed. I agree with you , I have been saying the same thing for a while, soon there will be no place to hold a race because tracks will not see enough support from the racers to consider having a race.I commend all the associations and participants for keeping class racing alive at the local levels.

[442OLDS]

Originally Posted by Gary Smith

WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO PAY A RIDICULOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY TO BE PRACTICALLY OUTCASTED FROM THE EVENT?????? At Association races YOU ARE THE SHOW. You get treated with respect and your fees are greatly appreciated, not to mention an actual return on expenses. And Hell, is the damned wally trophy patented? A win is a win!!!!!! I surrender my soapbox.

Well,I have nothing against these association races,but I'll give a few reasons:

1) The track prep at National events is usually pretty good.Its not always perfect,but the NHRA Safety Safari generally does a great job.

2) The Contingency Sponsors pay pretty well for a National Event Win (Thanks to ALL of them!)

3) The Wally (especially the Pewter 60th anniversary Wally is pretty cool!)

4) The finals were broadcast on ESPN 2

5) Got lucky and made the cover of National Dragster!