Is it the economy?
 

"It’s actually pretty invigorating when I see events such as the above-mentioned ones. It’s sort of like when I drive past a house and see kids outside playing. What is wrong with them?"

https://dragracingedge.com/the-blog/is-it-the-economy/

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Not sure what the entry fees for all of these events are but probably similar to an NHRA National event and pay out pretty much the same as winning a national event haha..also you don't have to get there on Monday or Tuesday to park to race on Friday
And you get more runs and can buy back at most if you so desire.
10 passes at one of those events, nhra national or divisional lose 1st rd and might have been down track twice.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Johnny DeBart , (Tony Feil lingo)
Of course you realize you're walking the tightrope here...LOL
I would says the present economy has a lot to do with this..
But there's always a few incorrigible and miserable types who can't admit it..purely for political reasons.
In any case , this seems like it might be a two part question..Later for part two.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

I for one am leaning more and more towards just bracket racing instead of the 'Big Shows'. Can build what u want, make it reliable so less cost and maintenance, no worries about tech, weight, fuel. (although who worries about tech these days!). Like you said, the bracket racers sure seem to have a lot of fun, kinda like the old days when you could run stock/SS at the local tracks every weekend. Stock/SS don't have much choice but to run the big shows.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Adam Davis bought my G/SA '68 Camaro at the end of last year, sold the motor and trans, put a bracket motor in it and has won over $20,000 this year. Makes you wonder. I know the most I ever won at one race was $5000, it was a bracket race and I won it in a SS/BA Corvette?

Re: Is it the economy?
 

I can understand the attraction to big bucks bracket races.

I, as well as many others on this forum, enter both types of races.
Class racing and bracket racing.

2 different mind sets.
When I bracket race my Stocker I have curious people asking questions about class racing.
After I tell them about the rules, tech, weight and fuel check procedures we have to go thru, the response most of the time is: "Screw that...sounds like a lot of hassle and expense"

Then, when I tell them what our class racing entry fees are and payout possibilities, plus that there are zero chances to buy back in, they really shake their heads.

....LOL

Re: Is it the economy?
 

You hit the nail right on the head !

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Alan, very well put. The racing that Stock and Super/Stock guys and gals do is not for everyone. It is often not understood, but is a passion for most of the racers.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Is this am opportunity to host a few index races with the divisionals. Pay the big fee for class racing and add an additional $25.00 and run somewhere within a 10.0/11.50/12,50 index. Should be at least 3 qualifying passes between the classes and an extra bite of the apple.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Bracket racing does not bring in spectators.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

And if the house had to depend on spectators at a divisional to carry the financial tab...If you look at the original post, those bracket cars come out in number with a large of cars to race and an entourage of spectators. Case closed!

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Yes it does and lot more than Stock and SuperStock !
Because there are 10 times more bracket racers !
Ten times more followers, friends, their support and the Racers!

And every weekend !

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Bracket racing is being ruined by endless numbers of boring big block Chevy dragsters. I have been a bracket racer for nearly 30 years. Always campaigned door cars, slowly watched the influx of dragsters, hated it. There are virtually no spectators at our local tracks.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Please go back to ranting about your beloved Crate Motor Stock. It's more your expertise.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

IHRA found a way to make money off Bracket Racing. They also found a sponsor that recognizes the business value of bracket racing.
Some of us just like the twists that Stock and Super stock adds to bracket racing. Some things in life are not done solely for the financial gain.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

What the matter Ed don’t like facts?
All said an done...local tracks do not have weekly races for S/SS.
They cannot make money.

If it were not for dedicated leadership organizing association races there would be no S/SS Racing.
Then they have to run both S/SS together to get a decent showing.

Does not help when we have ‘shoot your feet off’ guys like you who advocated for killing off viable S/SS classes.
There are formulas to actively market our brand of racing.
But when someone does offer a suggestion you beat it into the ground.
We are our worst enemy.

Your snobby stick in the mud response is typical.

The world has moved on and left S/SS in its own dust...!

And time is going to change again without your permission.

Mr Pure Stock !

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Ya know Dan..... AND Ed, neither one of you actively compete in Stock or SS Racing anymore so why don't you both lighten up a little bit. You can use your 1ST amendment rights to your little hearts content but you don't have to keep trying to convince the rest of us that we're all doomed! Maybe you both need a new hobby? How about politics? We (the S/SS racers that DO race) are doing just fine in spite of ourselves.
Now, on to the subject, I was at a rather well known engine shop yesterday and it sure looked awfully busy in there. It seemed to me that the number of new cars and engines (the place is packed) spoke very loudly and clearly as to the (near term) future of S/SS racing.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Hello Bill;
How are you doing?
Yes Ed and I have a right to discuss our differences. He is friendly like a bear !
Just like you...and hereby give you my permission to speak your 1st Amendment Rights..:).

Fwiw do compete in the S/SS and Club association races when I can.
Never said S/SS was dead. Ran a CCRA race at VMP this year.
Great guys just wish more were out my way.

As for other activities!, Ref Soccer, maintain fitness for it.
Own a business with a lot of employees.
Got 40 years Business Development know and what works.

Then there is care for my mom which takes time.
Yet still building a new Stocker.
My Family is first and if I cannot make a race, so damn what!
Life is short and we are now on the short end of a long rope.

It is just strange to me who is passionate about Stock Eliminator.
Yet part of the community fights to stop conversation how to make it more fun and thrive better.
Trashing other racers with dirges to get them to stop communicating!

Ever wonder why Bracket Racing is so popular?

Dan

Re: Is it the economy?
 

There is a tremendous amount of money being spent now a days on making horsepower and building drag racing machines.

Some of that money has shifted to no prep racing, grudge racing, index racing, and quick street cars.

It's not 1967 anymore when the _HRA's were the only game in town. There are many more choices now.

Drag racing is alive and well....maybe not what some of us older guys are used to, but lots of money is still being spent on drag machines.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Well said.
This is where Class Racing can benefit.
Need changes to allow this new generation of thinkers into the S/SS game..

Including foreign makes

D

Re: Is it the economy?
 

I'm sure the economy is a factor but it's obvious that Stock and Super Stock are alive and well in 2019. There were 130 Stockers at the Indy LODRS and 95 Stockers at the Joliet LODRS in just the last two weekends. Super Stock had health fields as well. From what I've seen, only the Bader's know how to put "butts in the seats" at a Sportsman-only race. Promote...promote...promote.

Re: Is it the economy?
 

Bill I still love you , now take the knife out of my back. It was the decision of track managers (mu opinion). Raceway Pk ran combo eliminators for s/ss and modified back in the day. That and the fact that there weren't as many races or that guys didn't travel as much back then. They had, jeez I hate to use the phrase "real jobs" prohibiting them from traveling like todays band of gypsies. (I'm not saying that in a bad way).Changing times.
NHRA is far from blameless. I guess TV put pressure on them to highlight the pros at the expense of the lowly sportsman racers. And Dan, NHRA did run pure stock, you see how that turned out. And finally Bill, I'm sorry if I offended you sticking my snoot into something I no longer fit into.-