2 NHRA LODRS Events in 1 Weekend

[Another Friendly Racer]

Why are there not more two races in one big four day weekend events in the NHRA sportsman series? Do individual tracks make so much money hosting LODRS events that they don't want to give them up? I would think the racers would like the 2 for 1 deal, much less traveling, but maybe I am wrong? I'm well aware IHRA does this, but I'm talking strictly NHRA. I know car counts are big but you also have 4 days. What are the thoughts out there?

[FireSale]

Long weekend events are expensive with lodging and time off work if the racers can get it. Sportsman guys and gals actually work for their gas money. Even the North West Nationals didn't pull that many out of State cars.

There's a Divisional/Regional three day coming up at Pacific Raceways. We'll see how many D7 cars show for the points beyond the alky classes.

Dale

[Rich67stang]

It can be done, And every excuse has an answer/solution. Lets use Atco as an example, most racers entered Thursday ( even Wednesday afternoon!). So the lodging cost is a wash. 3 Time trials is not necessary, if you need to test, support your local association races to test. If you cannot get off work, just enter the second day race only. I like the next excuse...TOO MANY CARS!...if Big $ bracket races can run 4 races in 1 weekend with 300-400 cars, I think NHRA can finish 2, and I know the NHRA DIV 1 officials can move an event along. If NHRA set a course for the weekend schedule, I would not have to here the announcer call "Stock (or any other class) to the lanes please" for 20 minutes.

[Rollins_2241]

Division 2 does exactly this at least once each year at Commerce. In fact, I'd like to see three-day doubles - there is actually some down time at a four-day race.

Also, Rich allows member tracks to do Sportsman Shootouts and track-operated races that give the racer two chances to win in one weekend, even if only one is a Lucas event. These are very popular at SGMP the week before the Gatornationals, for example. Of course, in all these cases, weather has to reasonably cooperate - without any down time in the schedule, qualifying or the local track's race must be cut short if it rains much.

[James Perrone]

They did it about 5 years ago at Maple Grove..Had over 128 cars in STOCK..Cant figure out why they never did it again.Makes too much sense to have a 2 for 1 race weekend..

[Bill Grubbs]

I would love to see more double divisional events...just not in the division we claim.

If it is an in division double and you have a problem in race one are out both claims for points (division and Jeg's). If you are well enough off, have an extra engine, transmission, ignition, rear end, axle, etc...plus the time to diagnose and fix the problem you are out only one claim. However, most people do not have that luxury.

Like I said, I do like it for out of division claims.

[Rich67stang]

Bill,

The solution would be to have each event separate entry/qualifying. If you break during the first race, and do not make the one and only qualifying pass for race 2,
get a 1 event refund and no points claimed.

[Another Friendly Racer]

I believe Bill's concern lies with the fact that every division race counts towards Jeg's points and in-division races are vital to winning a division championship. Breakage in qualifying of the 1st event could be twice as damaging, points wise, to a racer. A valid concern.

[Kevin Panzino]

Would love to see more two races in one weekend. Fuel costs for towing have really increased lately. A considerable portion of the cost of racing is sunk just to get to the track. Why not race more once there. For those who are nervous or skeptical regarding two points races in one weekend with regards to breakage and potential points losses, even if there is a separate non points combo Stock and SS race for a trophy or a few bucks in addition to the actual points race that would be nice. I know for me, and I am sure plenty of other sportsman racers, its difficult to schedule time off and then get everything ready to head to a race. Once that is done and your committed and already there, why not have a bit more fun once at the track?

[Lynn A McCarty]

To go and practice for 3 days and run one race is silly. Have one practice, a heads up deal, race SAT Night, then normal race on Sunday. If it were heads up on SAT night watch the fans come in like NMCA draws.