Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? - Page 5

mcaruso · 11-10-2008, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbjr

DID YOU KNOW?

That only 23 Racers IHRA WIDE went to 5 Nationals ans 8 Divisionals. Its not about money, its about giving a racer a shot that only goes to 3 or 4 nationals a year. I have a stocke and a super stocker to race next year as my brother and I are still out on a decision on this but why have you guys not been claiming out? Just curious.

"It's not about the money"?! You're joking, right? Everything is about the money! If people didn't claim out it's because they problay couldn't afford to.

& you can bet the one & only purpose IHRA is considering a change has to do with money. Don't kid yourself, everything is about the money!

just my $.02 (see even opinions have to do with money!)

herbjr · 11-10-2008, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaruso

"It's not about the money"?! You're joking, right? Everything is about the money! If people didn't claim out it's because they problay couldn't afford to.

& you can bet the one & only purpose IHRA is considering a change has to do with money. Don't kid yourself, everything is about the money!

just my $.02 (see even opinions have to do with money!)

How many races did you run last year Marc?

I operate a track and have 2 class cars and will be racing next year so I'm on both sides of the fence. If IHRA goes out of business I guess it would be better for you? Car counts are dropping, I have had 2 phone conversations with IHRA for probably 90 minutes to get the correct INFO on this and their thinking. The bottom line is over 90% of IHRA National event racers will never have a chance to run enough races to win a championship, this way they can. I also have a PRO AM at my track so it can pay me off or hit me hard. Last year my car count was down and if it doesnt get any better this year this will be my LAST YEAR having a Division 9 race. When I can run a Sunday TNT for 4 hours and make more money than a 3 day event working your *** off it is all about the dollars.

As a matter of fact I know of several track operators and I dont mean one or two that lose money on their IHRA Pro Am race every year and keep doing it for some reason. I will not do that as this is my living and I wont lose money on something year after year. So your right it is all about the money but you really have no clue about our side of the fence.

Herb Jr

Tracy Robbins · 11-10-2008, 10:59 AM

In div. 9 most racers seem to go to all the "in division" races and car count may be down at tracks like Piedmont and Kinston due to some opting for the double events in division 1 and 2. I went to nine divisional races this year because I like to race and they were close by, I can tell you unless they add more national events w/in 4 or 5 hours drive I won't go to anymore than 3 nationals because it just costs too much for such a small payout along w/ all the time away from work.

herbjr · 11-10-2008, 11:21 AM

Tracy your right, the cost of going to what is killing this deal, the cost of everything. Doubles are good for the racer as I will be running 3 of them this year with 2 cars. But we cant go racing as much as we have to pick our dates. Entry fees are the cheapest part of racing with engines costing what they do, gas at 500.00 per weekend in some cases alot more. We will just see how all this play out. Also the number of racers that went to only 3 events Ill bet 75% of them went to 2-Rockinghams and an MIR.

mcaruso · 11-10-2008, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbjr

How many races did you run last year Marc?

I operate a track and have 2 class cars and will be racing next year so I'm on both sides of the fence. If IHRA goes out of business I guess it would be better for you? Car counts are dropping, I have had 2 phone conversations with IHRA for probably 90 minutes to get the correct INFO on this and their thinking. The bottom line is over 90% of IHRA National event racers will never have a chance to run enough races to win a championship, this way they can. I also have a PRO AM at my track so it can pay me off or hit me hard. Last year my car count was down and if it doesnt get any better this year this will be my LAST YEAR having a Division 9 race. When I can run a Sunday TNT for 4 hours and make more money than a 3 day event working your *** off it is all about the dollars.

As a matter of fact I know of several track operators and I dont mean one or two that lose money on their IHRA Pro Am race every year and keep doing it for some reason. I will not do that as this is my living and I wont lose money on something year after year. So your right it is all about the money but you really have no clue about our side of the fence.

Herb Jr

Herb- I ran 8 IHRA Divisionals (4 doubles), 5 IHRA Nationals & 8 NHRA Divisionals & I can tell you this, my schedule was all about the biggest bang for my buck.

2 of the nationals were sportsman (Immokkalee & Pittsburgh). Financially they were no brainers because they also included Double points meets. My other points meets were also doubles (Quaker & Milan). Quakers about a 4 1/2 hour tow for me & I also ran the Milan National so I was able to leave my rig there for the points meet the following week, also a no brainer.

No Herb I don't want IHRA to go out of business, & I do I have a clue about business as I am also in business. Most importantly I'm not looking to get into a pissing match about how to run IHRA or your track for that matter. I was simply stating after your comment, "its not about the money" that it certaintly is about the money for all sides IHRA, Tracks, & Racers!

Obviously if you can't make money with a product in your business then why sell it. But on the other hand if racers can't afford to got to 5 nationals & 4 (double) points meets what makes you think they're gonna go to every race on the schedule?

THE LEGEND · 11-10-2008, 11:32 AM

Herb,
If you really want to help the racers, get IHRA to do something about the schedule. Instead of running our first 3 races in March they need to be spread out. It's too cold that time of year and schedule is to packed in.

Chip

Angela Macy · 11-10-2008, 12:49 PM

It seems like IHRA is really out of touch with their races and what they want or care about - maybe they need to form a committee of several racers, one representative from each class atleast to arrange to get feedback from - to run these major change making decisions by racers before they commit to anything. That is if they actually care what the racers think or would like to see. It's hard to set here and say they only care about their bottom line, because without us there is no them, so it seems that this whole idea is more out of lack of knowing any better than selfishness.

Scott would be one of the 23 who maxed out on National and Divisional claims - he also had a gold card to use. We were in contention to win the World Championship early on, which motivated us to go to Pittsburgh for their SN, to get that extra claim. We already had to go to Martin for the Moser deal. We're not eligible for that race next year, we also have no gold card. So the trip to Martin is not happening next year (thank God). We might not even go to Maryland's National Event or the Pittsburgh Sportsman National event - especially under this new format, and depending on what the weather is. Its apparent that if there is the slightest amount of rain the whole race is thrown off schedule and we race on Monday. Both of those events would require us leave on Thursday to get there, if there is rain and you race on Monday, that means Tuesday we might end up having to travel home. With us owning our own business, its difficult to shut down shop for 2 days as it is, 4 days potentially is not good. And so what if he wins, that's not business income, that $$$ doesn't pay the shop's bills. It's one thing to feel obligated to chase it, when you're in contention and the gold card thing, but if Scott snags a win at a Divisional close to home, there isn't much incentive for us to travel much further from home.

j gardiner · 11-10-2008, 04:58 PM

I don't see how this new points system is going to bring anymore cars to these events. The reasons car counts were so off this year wasthe economy and the price of gas. The price of gas might be better next year but the economy will probably be worse. They can come up with all kinds of different points systems, heck they could pull a card out of hat and the guys who are going to race are going to race and the ones who aren't won't.

tpoh815 · 11-10-2008, 05:50 PM

im with jeff g on this one. also my main reason for not going to all of my claims was the cost of fuel, add that to the fact that the economy has alot of racers (myself included) worried about not racing well enough to offset the tipping point of when to go and what to go to! it is about the money and i especially applaud ihra for the double events and the sportsmans nationals. if i was wealthy enough to forgo an $800 loss i would go to all of the races and then some. my 1st year i chased points, i went to 11 total events this was in 05. look at everything that went up to double and triple the cost! my point is keep the system the way it is. the guys that want to chase points can certainly afford it and the guys that cant and follow it . well thanks for racing beyond your means as the economy may have been affected by this very thing. i am sorry if i offend anyone im just stating my beliefs. i will however campaign my car in 09 when i can and feel like it. just not sure that if i won a world championship in 8 hrs makes me truly feel like the champ! im andy rooney and good night!

jdfpam · 11-10-2008, 10:36 PM

Of course it is about making money. Who cares, IHRA is a business and like any other business has to make money to survive. I am sure that their profit isn't quite that of Exxon. However, I would like to see them race the payout some. They are currently paying the same to win as any local Saturday night bracket race. That is sad, as lot of class cars cost many times what a bracket cars needs to, and that isn't even considering the cost to travel. Also, the contigency keeps getting worse for sportsman, even though they keep saying that it is better.
Can't wait to see what news the banquet will bring.

Jeff Day
#3731

11-10-2008, 10:59 AM	#43
Tracy Robbins Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Youngsville, NC Posts: 846 Likes: 3 Liked 25 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? In div. 9 most racers seem to go to all the "in division" races and car count may be down at tracks like Piedmont and Kinston due to some opting for the double events in division 1 and 2. I went to nine divisional races this year because I like to race and they were close by, I can tell you unless they add more national events w/in 4 or 5 hours drive I won't go to anymore than 3 nationals because it just costs too much for such a small payout along w/ all the time away from work. __________________ Tracy Robbins SS 9766

11-10-2008, 11:21 AM	#44
herbjr VIP Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Greensboro NC Posts: 1,027 Likes: 1 Liked 83 Times in 32 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? Tracy your right, the cost of going to what is killing this deal, the cost of everything. Doubles are good for the racer as I will be running 3 of them this year with 2 cars. But we cant go racing as much as we have to pick our dates. Entry fees are the cheapest part of racing with engines costing what they do, gas at 500.00 per weekend in some cases alot more. We will just see how all this play out. Also the number of racers that went to only 3 events Ill bet 75% of them went to 2-Rockinghams and an MIR.

11-10-2008, 11:32 AM	#46
THE LEGEND VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Fayetteville, n.c. Posts: 1,411 Likes: 0 Liked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? Herb, If you really want to help the racers, get IHRA to do something about the schedule. Instead of running our first 3 races in March they need to be spread out. It's too cold that time of year and schedule is to packed in. Chip

11-10-2008, 12:49 PM	#47
Angela Macy Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Randleman, NC Posts: 301 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? It seems like IHRA is really out of touch with their races and what they want or care about - maybe they need to form a committee of several racers, one representative from each class atleast to arrange to get feedback from - to run these major change making decisions by racers before they commit to anything. That is if they actually care what the racers think or would like to see. It's hard to set here and say they only care about their bottom line, because without us there is no them, so it seems that this whole idea is more out of lack of knowing any better than selfishness. Scott would be one of the 23 who maxed out on National and Divisional claims - he also had a gold card to use. We were in contention to win the World Championship early on, which motivated us to go to Pittsburgh for their SN, to get that extra claim. We already had to go to Martin for the Moser deal. We're not eligible for that race next year, we also have no gold card. So the trip to Martin is not happening next year (thank God). We might not even go to Maryland's National Event or the Pittsburgh Sportsman National event - especially under this new format, and depending on what the weather is. Its apparent that if there is the slightest amount of rain the whole race is thrown off schedule and we race on Monday. Both of those events would require us leave on Thursday to get there, if there is rain and you race on Monday, that means Tuesday we might end up having to travel home. With us owning our own business, its difficult to shut down shop for 2 days as it is, 4 days potentially is not good. And so what if he wins, that's not business income, that $$$ doesn't pay the shop's bills. It's one thing to feel obligated to chase it, when you're in contention and the gold card thing, but if Scott snags a win at a Divisional close to home, there isn't much incentive for us to travel much further from home. Last edited by Angela Macy; 11-10-2008 at 01:40 PM. Reason: typo

11-10-2008, 04:58 PM	#48
j gardiner Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: waldorf Posts: 221 Likes: 14 Liked 55 Times in 29 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? I don't see how this new points system is going to bring anymore cars to these events. The reasons car counts were so off this year wasthe economy and the price of gas. The price of gas might be better next year but the economy will probably be worse. They can come up with all kinds of different points systems, heck they could pull a card out of hat and the guys who are going to race are going to race and the ones who aren't won't.

11-10-2008, 05:50 PM	#49
tpoh815 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: West Seneca Posts: 537 Likes: 62 Liked 28 Times in 11 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? im with jeff g on this one. also my main reason for not going to all of my claims was the cost of fuel, add that to the fact that the economy has alot of racers (myself included) worried about not racing well enough to offset the tipping point of when to go and what to go to! it is about the money and i especially applaud ihra for the double events and the sportsmans nationals. if i was wealthy enough to forgo an $800 loss i would go to all of the races and then some. my 1st year i chased points, i went to 11 total events this was in 05. look at everything that went up to double and triple the cost! my point is keep the system the way it is. the guys that want to chase points can certainly afford it and the guys that cant and follow it . well thanks for racing beyond your means as the economy may have been affected by this very thing. i am sorry if i offend anyone im just stating my beliefs. i will however campaign my car in 09 when i can and feel like it. just not sure that if i won a world championship in 8 hrs makes me truly feel like the champ! im andy rooney and good night! __________________ EX 5-Doorstocker

11-10-2008, 10:36 PM	#50
jdfpam Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 186 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Have you heard what IHRA is thinking of doing with the points? Of course it is about making money. Who cares, IHRA is a business and like any other business has to make money to survive. I am sure that their profit isn't quite that of Exxon. However, I would like to see them race the payout some. They are currently paying the same to win as any local Saturday night bracket race. That is sad, as lot of class cars cost many times what a bracket cars needs to, and that isn't even considering the cost to travel. Also, the contigency keeps getting worse for sportsman, even though they keep saying that it is better. Can't wait to see what news the banquet will bring. Jeff Day #3731