IHRA vs NHRA

[Crew Chief]

This is a touchy subject but now is the time for racers to get it out in the open.

There has to be a reason NHRA racers do not attend IHRA events. It has been stated enough times by enough people that IHRA races have a friendly atmosphere. Probably very few would dispute that fact. Still NHRA racers stay away.

Some in the past have stated that they do not trust IHRA tech. Could that be the reason NHRA racers stay away? A few IHRA top guns have been tossed when they attend NHRA events. Why? Does NHRA pick on IHRA cars when they show up or had the cars been wrong all along in IHRA and just not caught?

How does IHRA tech compare with NHRA tech?

[RJ]

I don't think too many care for all the IHRA 1/8th mile races, I know I prefer the 1/4. As far as tech, I know IHRA have pulled heads on stockers before. I wouldn't say IHRA or NHRA are looking as close at stockers as they should, heck, some of NHRA guys have motors they run most of the year with, and then they have an "Indy" or legal motor. And there are some NHRA top qualifiers that travel to a lot of races and rack up the grade points, but manage to skip Indy? - Hmmmm

[greg fulk]

@ a div. race the tec is about the same...I run both...I would run IHRA more but most of the tracks around here have either quit having Div. races or went to NHRA. That being said quite a few guys in NHRA don't like the "crate motor" cars! Me I think the rules should be change some mainly the carb & intake rule but most all "crate motor" cars are fine high quality cars.

[Robert Swartz]

Originally Posted by greg fulk

@ a div. race the tec is about the same...I run both...I would run IHRA more but most of the tracks around here have either quit having Div. races or went to NHRA. That being said quite a few guys in NHRA don't like the "crate motor" cars! Me I think the rules should be change some mainly the carb & intake rule but most all "crate motor" cars are fine high quality cars.

I really don't understand "why" there's such a problem with the crate motor class. The allowed motors all have technical specifications, just like any other engine. Due to the vortec heads, you are somewhat limited in the intake department. That leaves the 750-850 cfm carburetor, typically a double pumper Holley, that seems to be a rub.

The chassis, interior, fuel system, all have to be built like any stocker combination. Big difference I see with IHRA, they allow roller rockers, 10.5 inch tires, aluminum driveshafts and deep sump oil pans. that is pretty much all stockers, unless you're building a crossover car.

I guess to pose a question. What, today, really defines a car as "stock"? Is it compression ratio, because you're allowed aftermarket replacement pistons. Is it cam specs, you're allowed to manipulate all but the lift. Is it intake and carburetor, you're allowed replacement carbs for some that are no longer available. Many cars are running transmissions that were never offered for those cars, ie; metric transmissions in older GM's.

I'll freely admit. I wasn't real enthusiastic about the class initially myself. My partner convinced me to sit down and read the rules regarding the class. The concept suddenly became very clear, these motors very much resembled the same kind of street motors we were building 30 some years ago. A motor, the SBC, that I understand, with a Holley carburetor. The car stilll has to be built, tuned, sorted out and run below it's index.

I know another argument I've heard, too many classes. A class of this nature, might allow people to get their feet wet.

Just a few late nite rambling thoughts,

Robert Swartz

[treessavoy]

There are a large number of NHRA racers that have, by osmosis I guess, have adopted the purist attitude of the mother association and therefore look down on the IHRA as the "redneck racing association" and beneath their consideration.

This was told to me by an NHRA racer who sneered when I told him I raced in the IHRA......wonder how he feels now?

[Paul Precht]

Running IHRA was less of a challenge for me. My first IHRA Nat was at Epping and there were about 32 cars. I lost fourth round. My first NHRA Nat was the Keystones and I qualified 130 out of about 155 cars. I never got to run the show. They took one alternate and I sat there knowing I had to put up a much bigger fight to play this game.. Bigger challenge = more satisfaction, Paul.

[herbjr]

NHRA has only one divisional within 400 miles of where I live. I prefer IHRA, the races run smooth tech guys are always nice, and they at least give you that warm and fuzzy feeling feeling that they want you back.

Think about this.....Lets say 30% of you guys dont get a number or cancel your membership. NHRA is still ahead money wise in the end. We have 1000's of dollars in our cars we arent going to quit over this. Yes I think its a piss poor decision especially since my stuff is here for renewal as I plan on running Petersburg next month, but I'm still going to do it. YES ITS SUCKS but thats they way it goes.

[Ed Wright]

Anybody that thinks it is easier needs to show up for an IHRA race. If you can't win an NHRA race, you aren't likely to win an IHRA race. Same cars, just normally not as many of them. If you find the Folks, Emmons and Cummings guys easy I want to shake your hand. Last couple of years (can't say about before that) IHRA track prep has been equal, some of the best startng lines I have been on. Many know I don't have big tires and a four link, my low-dollar stock suspension and 10.5" tire car won't always hook just anywhere. Tech seems about the same to me, biggest difference is I have to have a fire extinguisher in the car for IHRA, NHRA asks me to take it out when I run with them. Big deal. Oh, and IHRA didn't give the last 4 hp to the SS LT1, so I get to pull 40 lbs, that doesn't make racing the shoe polish bottle any easier.

Still can't outrun Sonny's red Dodge at 40 lbs lighter. I see than thing in my sleep.

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by Paul Precht

Running IHRA was less of a challenge for me. My first IHRA Nat was at Epping and there were about 32 cars. I lost fourth round. My first NHRA Nat was the Keystones and I qualified 130 out of about 155 cars. I never got to run the show. They took one alternate and I sat there knowing I had to put up a much bigger fight to play this game.. Bigger challenge = more satisfaction, Paul.

So you're saying you'd rather pay $200 plus dollars to not qualify and say hey I didn't qualify at an NHRA race than pay $150 and have a chance at getting paid. Yeah that makes alot of sense to me. If you are such a good racer why don't you try some of those also rans down in the Carolina's see what happens. Better yet, how about you line up beside Anthony Bertozzi, seems to me he has multiple championships in IHRA and has championship in NHRA. I think this dispproves your rationale about the IHRA but then everyone is entitled to an opinion.

[joe176]

Originally Posted by boster58

I like IHRA and all of the people involved . They treated all racers fairly and the rules were the same for everyone. With IHRA over the last few years the amount of races available has decreased to the point were it's hard to race a full schedule. I live in the Washington DC area and last year we attend ,both MIR races , Rockingham and Pittsburgh (4) . I also like 1/4 mile racing just a personal choice. With NHRA from where I live you have , Maple Grove (3), Atco (3) , Englishtown (2), Cecil County (1) all within 3 hours. Then you have Bristol (2), Norwalk (2) and Charlotte (1) all within 7hrs. then within 12 hours with NHRA you add another 10 racetrack to race at .

IHRA runs a good show and you can talk to the people running the show at the races , you cant do that at NHRA Tom Compton nor Danny Gracia will speak to you . Arron , Skooter and Mike Baker are in the pits talking to racer and anyone can speak to them and voice any concern they have . To me this is the big difference with IHRA s NHRA . IHRA just need more race to attend on the east coast and the racer will come and support them .

Bo Kenney

Bo your 100% right....If IHRA had more races in the northeast I know I would attend.