U.S. Nationals schedule

[GTS340]

Originally Posted by Charley Downing

Mr Dyer its real easy for guys over 55 years old to say just don't go or boycott. You guys have been class racing for 35 plus years in some cases. Most still remember when class paid $1000 plus to win(pre 2000). For the rest of us younger racer its a tougher decision whether to attend or not. Its quite clear were all very disappointed in the schedule the last 2 years for the U.S. Nationals.

But what makes INDY, INDY is the friends/competitor's we have all made from different parts of the country that we only get to see and hang out with once or twice a year because of where everyone lives. Golfing Monday or Tuesday with friends you don't see on the regular, The Dinners, Lunch's, Bench racing, layer lane or Alvey boulevard parking with your friends and let's not forget late Thursday or Friday night after class eliminations down on Washington street at some of the finest Indianapolis entertainment.
This was/is the real part of what makes Indy, INDY. I don't know how many great people / racers from all around the country I would not have meet if it were not for the 7-8 days spent at the U.S. Nationals the past 25 years or so. This is what I think most of us struggle with when we talk about a U.S. Nationals boycott. Lets face it none of us are getting younger. But at the same time we all feel like an old abused dog. NHRA keeps kicking us and we keep coming back for more abuse. Only NHRA uses the word Enhancements not abuse. I mean with this new schedule if you have a issue on Q1 your done for the whole event more then likely. Indy was meet to be a marathon race not a 100 meter dash.

just a side note
I think I speak for 90% of us when I say INDY is not INDY with out racing on Monday. I mean look at the car count quota's as of today 150 total entry's for stk and SS with three weeks left before the race. 3 years ago both were full at a grade 4-5.

I'm turning 65 yrs in a month. After nearly 40 yrs of NHRA I'm still trying to win my first National event. Luckily I have some smaller divisional Wally trophies. I nearly throw up first round with excitement still. In 1982 Indy I believe we paid 15$ to pitch a tent in some farm field. I was with Stephen McGrath who was driving my car. Correct me if I'm wrong but outside of gate 17. The VW buses use to line up with signs telling the females" show your goods". It was a great pit area I recall for a young man at that time.
Stock alone would take nearly 2 hours to make one run there were so many. I still want to race Indy if I could buy a better tow vehicle. Takes everything I have to afford the car these days. Still have the 20 yr old heart and drive for the sport. Plus I want to win one more National event to make it an even 1. Enjoy what we have! Hope for better days to come.

Paul Haszlauer