ATTN Sportsman Council Members and Racers

[fredjohnston]

I heard some news today that our Sportsman Council members voted to lower the indexes 2 tenths and change the automatic horsepower from 1.40 under to 1.30 under. I'm curious to know if anybody outside of the council had any say or input into this decision. I certainly wasn't asked my opinion about it...nor were about 30 others racers that I've spoken to either. I guess our votes don't count. Are all future decisions now in the hands of these few individuals?? Are they voting without reaching out to their fellow racers for thoughts? Sure seems like it.

[Alan Roehrich]

In case you missed it, Woodro Josey posted here the day BEFORE the meeting and specifically requested that those interested contact him or their council member with their list of concerns. See this thread: http://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=11091

I don't think they will have the time to write and post polls on multiple bulletin boards for every issue, nor will they have time to email everyone and ask them their opinion on every issue.

It was pretty obvious over the last few months that the indexes and the AHFS were a concern, and the names of those elected to the council were announced, so everyone concerned about the issue had plenty of time to find their council member and give their opinion.

The ONLY way the SRAC is going to work is if the RACERS take their concerns to the council members/representatives. Those people have a life, and they are VOLUNTEERING their time. The RACERS cannot reasonably expect the council members to seek out the RACERS as INDIVIDUALS and get their opinions on EVERY ISSUE.

[Don Himes]

Alan, everything you said is true............BUT.....what's the difference if NHRA changes rules without consulting those affected, or the Council does it? I agree these guys and girls have other things to do, but they volunteered. If they can't apply do-dilegence to the job they should resign. It seems like we just got more enhancements without any say-so. Feels the same to my butt..........................

[gofastorgohome]

Amen! Should lower the indexes 3 tenths. IMO. The reps shouldn't vote based on polls. They are elected to use their good judgement. All indexes should be has hard as the AA/S & AA/SA indexes. Let 'em run...

[SS Engine Guy]

No they most certainly weren't elected to use their "good judgement". They were elected to be a united voice to carry the view of the racers to the sanctioning body. These racer reps were elected based on knowledge of the sport, integrity and honesty. Not as a rule making board in any shape, form or fashion.

[hadtobethere]

Great start....my hat is off to the council members....lowering the index -.20 is a start...I would have voted for -.50

NOW...lets get back to 'real' racing - class style

[james schaechter]

Maybe NHRA could set up a link or e mail link fo reach rep that could be accessed on their page by all to help with the communication?

[Joe DeMarzo]

I spoke to Evan Smith the D-1 rep at Maple Grove. We had a nice discussion, he listened, asked questions and was very open to racer concerns. Be proactive and talk to your rep in person, let them know what you think not what you want. They were were elected to represent everyone's points of view not be a lacky or berated because they do not vote as we wish. Great start with lowering the indexes, most racers are holding 1-3 tenths, this is suppose to be a performance class.

[Alan Roehrich]

First off, we're going on hearsay that something actually happened, AND that whatever happened is final and binding. We don't know anything, and nothing has been announced.

Second, I think if you look on the NHRA site, you'll find NHRA not only announced the members, but also posted their email addresses, or some other method of contact. I'll go look and see if I can find it, and post it here.

I found it, posted plainly on the Lucas Oil section of the NHRA site: http://www.nhra.com/content/news/26601.htm
http://www.nhra.com/content/news/27403.htm

Third, it is YOUR job to tell them what you want, it is not their job to contact you as an individual and ask you. Even your paid GOVERNMENT representatives that make thousands of dollars don't do that.

Fourth, several of those elected have posted here, and not only stated their opinion, but asked for yours. They have participated in threads you posted about your concerns.

Fifth, everyone has their own definition of "due diligence". I doubt anyone could satisfy some people's definition of "due diligence".

Sixth, this is a relatively new and untested concept, it will take some refining, and some work, both by the council members and especially by the racers. If you don't work at it, you can't expect others to make up the difference. Start calling it a failure right now, and see if NHRA doesn't either abolish it, or ignore it, and it'll be right back to some nameless faceless entity making decisions for you, and they'll be doing it without any input, and without any responsibility to you.

Seventh, if you're assuming that every decision is going to go your way simply because a group of racers makes it, you're going to be sadly disappointed.

Eighth, finally, I don't think you really WANT people who have nothing to do but post polls and try to find you personally to ask you what you want, because they don't exist, and because even if they did, I doubt anyone like that would see things the way the average racer would any way.

In any event, now I posted links to the announcements and the lists of your SRAC members and their contact information, so if you have issues or concerns and you don't contact them, it is your fault they don't know what you think, want, or don't want. Take the time to let them know how you feel, they'll listen, if you give them a chance.

[Kenny Wigington]

Now hold on , lets find out what the reps have to say here, before we all get up in arms . I know I voted for the rep in my div., based on my own feelings that they would do the best for us all. Lets get some word from them, before lighting any fires. We all have an interest in this, not just a few .