Dragway 42

[Charley Downing]

Ok I will stick my neck out and post on why only 32 cars showed up for this race $5000 to win s/ss combo. It’s not just one factor, it is many different issues all rolled up into one ball.

first is the age issue,
70%-80% of stk/ss racers are 50 and older. Most of these guys are not into the big money bracket style of events where its bigger entry and the payout is loaded heavy for the finalist. Also some are at the point now they want single day races with lower cost entry or 2 shots at eliminations in one weekend. Most in this age group feel there at a disadvantage racing younger guys in their 20s-to early 40s. Yes the entry for NHRA national events is $300 and some odd dollars but that come with a chance for a Wally (LOL)

Second is Time
There are a lot of good combo series races (Buckeye and Great lakes series) within 250 miles of dragway 42. With both series having a pretty good following with multiple race's scheduled throughout May, June and July. This leaves racers only so many free weekends that are not filled with NHRA points meets, National events and weekend family events/commitments. Also do not forget most guys in this area will run both the Norwalk Nats and Norwalk points meet on back-to-back weekends later this month. Most racers (myself included) only have so much time and money they can spend racing per month. let’s face it most class racers still value a NHRA pts or national event win higher than a $5000 to win combo.

Weakly promoted
I only saw this event with a few Facebook posts about this event back in May and almost nothing the week before. Now it could have been posted better somewhere I did not see it. Truth is I live 120 miles away and forgot all about the event until I saw something on Facebook about it last Saturday night.

But at the end of the day lets face it. We have now seen 4 of these Big dollar stk/ss races that were all well planned out, promoted well and ran with min issues.
2014 and 2015 Northern Class nationals, 2021 Southern sportsman showdown and the 2021 Class racer revival. All have had their own added twist from class eliminations, CIC race, combo race or a 64 car $50,000 shootout. But what stays the same? In the end they are very poorly attended for the payout and the time invested by the promoters.

Maybe the majority of class racers are just satisfied hanging out with friends for 3-4 days and racing for $1000 at NHRA point meets with $200 entry or single day $2000 win S/SS combos with $135 entry fees.

I wish I knew what the magic sauce was for the 2001 Class Nationals in Byron IL. Still to this day the Woodstock for Stock and Superstock racers.

[russellauto1]

Those are all good points Charley. We talked to the owner of the track a good bit and he Said he is not throwing in the towel and will have more of these races. He also made the comment that the word "invitational" in the advertisement may have thrown people off. From what I saw it was only advertised on facebook . Next time I here of a race like this I will Post it everywhere I can. Maybe that would help. When someone has info on a race , Plaster it on every website and social media. Thanks

[Brett C]

Why not post about all races here on this site?
Maybe Ken could create a place just for races/schedules?