What would U change @ IHRA

Bob Pagano · 10-20-2008, 06:14 PM

One solution to the money problem for Nitro cars & Too many sportsman classes(sportsmen not getting enough runs) would be take all the sponsor money that is gathered & used to clutter the track with all these Shootouts & pay for the Nitro class. The spectators don't understand the shootouts & they only help the touring or Pro/Semi Pro Sportsman racers. Let's face it they just get in the way & take up time. Why not Give the money these sponsors spend on shootouts back to the little guy in the form of expanded purses. Get back to the grassroots that supported IHRA. Oh yea, Didn't they do away with Modified because of too many classes? Now they don't have time for the other classes with all the "Special "races inside a race. Go figure.

Myron Piatek · 10-20-2008, 07:14 PM

Bob,

I understand that your idea could be an option. But these shootouts are a method of marketing for the companies that step-up and sponsor them. Basically, they get a whole season of special attention at the races, decals, ads, headers in the points standings charts, etc. It also encourages racers to buy their products to be able to participate in them. (i.e.: Moser) . After Summit stepped up for the Sportsman All-Stars, they did not require any special product purchases and opened it up for more racers to qualify. So basically, their title-rights get them a lot more exposure than they would get otherwise. They already spread some of their money around through their contingency program. Of course, they could have title-rights to the classes when they are announced, like Mr. Gasket did, i.e.: Accell Super Stock, Hays Stock, etc. But it's up to their marketing department to determine what will give them the most "bang-for-the-buc".

Personally, I think the attention the Moser Shootout gets from its huge purse is quite significant, from racers as well as spectators. It may work the same way as "Deal or No Deal". The huge audience seems to be attracted to the show to see an average person win a huge amount of money, with some drama thrown in. Same with the Moser Shootout. $22,500 is a lot in anybodies book and there is an interest to see what "little guy" sportsman will win it. Their market would seem to be more with the participants rather than the spectators. But, again, it's their marketing department that determines what to do and where. They went to using divisional points ONLY this year so more racers outside of the "touring pros" could qualify.

The Summit Shootout puts the qualified racers in front of spectators which appear to be a much bigger market than Moser would get. $5k isn't anything to sneeze at either. Just signing up and displaying decals gives you a chance to qualify. This and the Moser deal also helps educate spectators to the sportsman classes and handicap racing. It's a perfect opportunity because the shootouts are normally mixed in with the Pro's. This is one way sportsman racers can get some attention and credibility.

The Summit ET Super Series puts local racers on a national event stage and more exposure for Summit. Remember your roots. Wouldn't it have been cool to be able to qualify for something like that by just racing at your local track back in the '60's or '70's? Not sure about IHRA, but NHRA offered the ET racer their first shot at a World Champioship in 1980. I was fortunate enough to win my division in Pro ET and traveled to Ontario, CA with 2 other winners representing Orlando Speed World also. We didn't get much money, didn't get anywhere near the exposure and I got hassled in tech after passing everywhere else. I redlighted in the first round, but it was an unforgetful experience. Opportunities like that sell parts, which is why Summit sponsors it.

It's all boils down to marketing. Despite racing at all my possible claim races, I certainly don't consider myself a pro/semi-pro sportsman racer. But I'm grateful for the shootouts because it can help racers, including me, by just qualifying. If I can't win back at least 50% of what I spend, I won't be able to race, and I'm very budget-minded. So I hope that Moser and Summit (presented by Mr. Gasket) find it feasible to continue their programs. I'm sure there are other ways to get the race in more efficiently, weather permitting.

Ed Fernandez · 10-20-2008, 07:26 PM

You can howl atr the moon till your nuts fall off and nothing will change for the good for us sportsmen racers.Just read the article in DRM with Feld and it seems he's wetting his pants over the monster truck series.He said there's international interest(as in eorope,asia)in a series like that.Then he says he doesn't know how much international
interest drag racing would have.I guess he doesn't know about the racing in many european countries,the caribean and the near east.The guy is totally clueless about our sport.But he said he would form an opinion after being at the Rock this past weekend.I wonder what effect the rain had on him.All the other events are pretty much unaffected by rain.Just a dumb old drag racers thoughts.

Ed F.

Real Racer · 10-20-2008, 08:07 PM

STOTT LEAVING IHRA
Written by Bobby Bennett; Photo by Roger Richards
Monday, 20 October 2008
Quain Stott has come a long way in IHRA competition. From his humble beginnings of racing on a shoestring budget to making the most of a modest one, the Inman, S.C.-based driver scored a world championship in 2006 and picked up nine national event victories in 14 finals.

After entering his 144th consecutive event at Rockingham, N.C., Stott says he's made a tough decision regarding his future. He’s walking away from the series in 2009, at least in terms of chasing a championship.

Stott says the troubled U.S. economy didn’t make the decision. He’s adamant that customer service or lack thereof from the sanctioning body did. He’s under the impression his comments won’t be taken seriously.

Ed Fernandez · 10-20-2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Real Racer

STOTT LEAVING IHRA
Written by Bobby Bennett; Photo by Roger Richards
Monday, 20 October 2008
Quain Stott has come a long way in IHRA competition. From his humble beginnings of racing on a shoestring budget to making the most of a modest one, the Inman, S.C.-based driver scored a world championship in 2006 and picked up nine national event victories in 14 finals.

After entering his 144th consecutive event at Rockingham, N.C., Stott says he's made a tough decision regarding his future. He’s walking away from the series in 2009, at least in terms of chasing a championship.

Stott says the troubled U.S. economy didn’t make the decision. He’s adamant that customer service or lack thereof from the sanctioning body did. He’s under the impression his comments won’t be taken seriously.

You left out a very important sentence.He complained that the pros have to actually PAY an entry fee to race.My heart bleeds for them.I guess that must cut into their beer money.

Ed F.

herbjr · 10-21-2008, 09:06 AM

If every racer quits racing that has said he was going to NEVER go back really does our sport would have been gone long ago. Ive had over 15 racers tell me int he past 18 month they will never be back to Piedmont. guess what,,,,,,,,,all have been back. We all lash out when we are pissed off. I just wish some of these racers who make these comments would really quit.

Herb jr

Dan Fahey · 10-21-2008, 04:46 PM

Here is an Idea.
There are several Eliminators
Market one Eliminator to ONE Track.
Spread them out.
One Eliminator Meet at ONE track.
ON the same Weekend
Spread out over several tracks.
Maybe have two Eliminator at one track.
But you get my idea.

Have One Big
Stock
Super Stock
Modified
Competition
ET, .x90 races.
Pro Classes at another.
More time for each class
Each class has a different unique draw and inspection routine.
Make and market each Eliminiator as special as the Pro Categories.

Each Class can be Marketed for that Track.
Make it a big deal rolling the Divisional and Points meets from one track to another.
If more business is brought to a smaller track they can afford upgrades the following year.

Being a ole' Stockers guy myself.
Advertise the old Jr Stock mysteries...Increase incentives.
Turnout would be large enough that Class Run Offs could be a major thing again.
Each class would being in a different set of fans.
Instead of a grinding hurry up and wait 3 -4 day Meet.
Now it is a better paced 2 day Meet.

The advantages would be a in National in scope but more manageable.
Make them each Eliminator special to the fans.
More runs, more bragging, more run offs, Class Records.
Make a big Deal out of it.

Think BIG.

Have the IHRA Media post the races results in the NYT, WPost, Sun, USA Today
With a small blurb to describe the event.
Build the volume of fans and attendee's

If you can reduce the time, costs and increase the fun factor.
You can suck the business away from NHRA.
AND get home for work Monday morning..

Dan Fahey
(my old nick name was "Mr. Flat Tow". Because that is how I got to the track with my car.)

10-20-2008, 06:14 PM	#1
Bob Pagano VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New Holland, PA Mooresville,NC Posts: 1,163 Likes: 238 Liked 16 Times in 11 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA One solution to the money problem for Nitro cars & Too many sportsman classes(sportsmen not getting enough runs) would be take all the sponsor money that is gathered & used to clutter the track with all these Shootouts & pay for the Nitro class. The spectators don't understand the shootouts & they only help the touring or Pro/Semi Pro Sportsman racers. Let's face it they just get in the way & take up time. Why not Give the money these sponsors spend on shootouts back to the little guy in the form of expanded purses. Get back to the grassroots that supported IHRA. Oh yea, Didn't they do away with Modified because of too many classes? Now they don't have time for the other classes with all the "Special "races inside a race. Go figure. __________________ Bob Pagano A/SA

10-20-2008, 07:14 PM	#2
Myron Piatek VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 1,542 Likes: 34 Liked 138 Times in 51 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA Bob, I understand that your idea could be an option. But these shootouts are a method of marketing for the companies that step-up and sponsor them. Basically, they get a whole season of special attention at the races, decals, ads, headers in the points standings charts, etc. It also encourages racers to buy their products to be able to participate in them. (i.e.: Moser) . After Summit stepped up for the Sportsman All-Stars, they did not require any special product purchases and opened it up for more racers to qualify. So basically, their title-rights get them a lot more exposure than they would get otherwise. They already spread some of their money around through their contingency program. Of course, they could have title-rights to the classes when they are announced, like Mr. Gasket did, i.e.: Accell Super Stock, Hays Stock, etc. But it's up to their marketing department to determine what will give them the most "bang-for-the-buc". Personally, I think the attention the Moser Shootout gets from its huge purse is quite significant, from racers as well as spectators. It may work the same way as "Deal or No Deal". The huge audience seems to be attracted to the show to see an average person win a huge amount of money, with some drama thrown in. Same with the Moser Shootout. $22,500 is a lot in anybodies book and there is an interest to see what "little guy" sportsman will win it. Their market would seem to be more with the participants rather than the spectators. But, again, it's their marketing department that determines what to do and where. They went to using divisional points ONLY this year so more racers outside of the "touring pros" could qualify. The Summit Shootout puts the qualified racers in front of spectators which appear to be a much bigger market than Moser would get. $5k isn't anything to sneeze at either. Just signing up and displaying decals gives you a chance to qualify. This and the Moser deal also helps educate spectators to the sportsman classes and handicap racing. It's a perfect opportunity because the shootouts are normally mixed in with the Pro's. This is one way sportsman racers can get some attention and credibility. The Summit ET Super Series puts local racers on a national event stage and more exposure for Summit. Remember your roots. Wouldn't it have been cool to be able to qualify for something like that by just racing at your local track back in the '60's or '70's? Not sure about IHRA, but NHRA offered the ET racer their first shot at a World Champioship in 1980. I was fortunate enough to win my division in Pro ET and traveled to Ontario, CA with 2 other winners representing Orlando Speed World also. We didn't get much money, didn't get anywhere near the exposure and I got hassled in tech after passing everywhere else. I redlighted in the first round, but it was an unforgetful experience. Opportunities like that sell parts, which is why Summit sponsors it. It's all boils down to marketing. Despite racing at all my possible claim races, I certainly don't consider myself a pro/semi-pro sportsman racer. But I'm grateful for the shootouts because it can help racers, including me, by just qualifying. If I can't win back at least 50% of what I spend, I won't be able to race, and I'm very budget-minded. So I hope that Moser and Summit (presented by Mr. Gasket) find it feasible to continue their programs. I'm sure there are other ways to get the race in more efficiently, weather permitting. __________________ LOCOMOTION Racing

10-20-2008, 07:26 PM	#3
Ed Fernandez Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: NOO JOISEY nexta NOO YAWK Posts: 5,879 Likes: 38 Liked 100 Times in 45 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA You can howl atr the moon till your nuts fall off and nothing will change for the good for us sportsmen racers.Just read the article in DRM with Feld and it seems he's wetting his pants over the monster truck series.He said there's international interest(as in eorope,asia)in a series like that.Then he says he doesn't know how much international interest drag racing would have.I guess he doesn't know about the racing in many european countries,the caribean and the near east.The guy is totally clueless about our sport.But he said he would form an opinion after being at the Rock this past weekend.I wonder what effect the rain had on him.All the other events are pretty much unaffected by rain.Just a dumb old drag racers thoughts. Ed F. __________________ Former NHRA #1945 Former IHRA #1945 T/SA Last edited by Ed Fernandez; 10-20-2008 at 07:30 PM. Reason: bathroom break

10-20-2008, 08:07 PM	#4
Real Racer Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 99 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA STOTT LEAVING IHRA Written by Bobby Bennett; Photo by Roger Richards Monday, 20 October 2008 Quain Stott has come a long way in IHRA competition. From his humble beginnings of racing on a shoestring budget to making the most of a modest one, the Inman, S.C.-based driver scored a world championship in 2006 and picked up nine national event victories in 14 finals. After entering his 144th consecutive event at Rockingham, N.C., Stott says he's made a tough decision regarding his future. He’s walking away from the series in 2009, at least in terms of chasing a championship. Stott says the troubled U.S. economy didn’t make the decision. He’s adamant that customer service or lack thereof from the sanctioning body did. He’s under the impression his comments won’t be taken seriously.

10-21-2008, 09:06 AM	#6
herbjr VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greensboro NC Posts: 1,027 Likes: 1 Liked 83 Times in 32 Posts	Re: What would U change @ IHRA If every racer quits racing that has said he was going to NEVER go back really does our sport would have been gone long ago. Ive had over 15 racers tell me int he past 18 month they will never be back to Piedmont. guess what,,,,,,,,,all have been back. We all lash out when we are pissed off. I just wish some of these racers who make these comments would really quit. Herb jr

10-21-2008, 04:46 PM	#7
Dan Fahey VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,128 Likes: 1,084 Liked 184 Times in 113 Posts	What would U change @ IHRA Here is an Idea. There are several Eliminators Market one Eliminator to ONE Track. Spread them out. One Eliminator Meet at ONE track. ON the same Weekend Spread out over several tracks. Maybe have two Eliminator at one track. But you get my idea. Have One Big Stock Super Stock Modified Competition ET, .x90 races. Pro Classes at another. More time for each class Each class has a different unique draw and inspection routine. Make and market each Eliminiator as special as the Pro Categories. Each Class can be Marketed for that Track. Make it a big deal rolling the Divisional and Points meets from one track to another. If more business is brought to a smaller track they can afford upgrades the following year. Being a ole' Stockers guy myself. Advertise the old Jr Stock mysteries...Increase incentives. Turnout would be large enough that Class Run Offs could be a major thing again. Each class would being in a different set of fans. Instead of a grinding hurry up and wait 3 -4 day Meet. Now it is a better paced 2 day Meet. The advantages would be a in National in scope but more manageable. Make them each Eliminator special to the fans. More runs, more bragging, more run offs, Class Records. Make a big Deal out of it. Think BIG. Have the IHRA Media post the races results in the NYT, WPost, Sun, USA Today With a small blurb to describe the event. Build the volume of fans and attendee's If you can reduce the time, costs and increase the fun factor. You can suck the business away from NHRA. AND get home for work Monday morning.. Dan Fahey (my old nick name was "Mr. Flat Tow". Because that is how I got to the track with my car.)