NHRA At It Again

[GTS340]

Originally Posted by Lenny5160

Stock does seem to be the largest of the sportsman classes. I looked back from 2022 - 2017 to see how many Stockers ran a points-earning race of any kind, how many ran at least 5 Divisional races, and how many ran the full slate of 8+ Divisionals each year:

2022: 969 - 287 - 51
2021: 957 - 291 - 73
2020: 850 - 239 - 32
2019: 1077 - 282 - 61
2018: 1077 - 250 - 39
2017: 1088 - 260 - 42

It appears that the pandemic did affect the total number of racers to a decent degree.

The number of racers getting at least their 5 points races has been remarkably consistent.

It does look like the number of racers really maximizing their points potential and/or chasing grade points has been on the rise beginning in 2019, although I'd guess fuel prices put a slight damper on it in 2022.

Probably a few open races to many of those racers.

[Frank Castros]

Originally Posted by GTS340

Probably a few open races to many of those racers.

Especially for D1 racers. So many great opportunities within a reasonable tow to earn Grade Points and oh by the way, Real Points.

[Frank Castros]

Unfortunately D7 racers have only four (4) tracks participating within their LODRS schedule with three doubles. The Open schedule has two (2) tracks, three races with one double.
Long tows, big division. Expensive.

[Tom P]

Skewing those numbers somewhat would be the border shutting down and losing the Canadian racers and races for two of those years.

[jmcarter]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

Unfortunately D7 racers have only four (4) tracks participating within their LODRS schedule with three doubles. The Open schedule has two (2) tracks, three races with one double.
Long tows, big division. Expensive.

Same could be said for D6 and even others Frank. $5-7 diesel is with us for quite a while longer it appears so have to wonder if local associations and even bracket programs will benefit. I’m even beginning to wonder if there is a possibility that AZ will not fill at 70, which of course will prompt NHRA to say “See, you wanted higher quotas and then you didn’t support”. Good news for those with with fewer GP’s of course so obviously hope it does fill. Regardless, all the “big” events will continue to require GP8 to get in. The Quota deal is going to big a huge topic of discussion this year.

[Frank Castros]

Yes D6 and D5 racers also have challenges collecting Grade Points, D4 racers also have long tows but are among some the most loyal racers competing. Ron Ortiz stated in D2 if you live in south Florida it's a long tow to many races. D3 geographically is fairly tight with good opportunities.
The moral of the story is why has the N.H.R.A. lowered the quotas and placed a hardship on so many racers?

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

The moral of the story is why has the N.H.R.A. lowered the quotas and placed a hardship on so many racers?

Because in NHRA's opinion we're (Sportsmen Racers) not the show.

[Billy Hampton]

Originally Posted by Billy Nees

Because in NHRA's opinion we're (Sportsmen Racers) not the show.

Gentlemen, Let us not forget NHRA is in the entertainment business and not in racing. Its like F1- about the show and not the racing or competition. Their goal is to make money and sell TV adverting to the mASSES.

Revoke the non- profit and make them pull back the curtain and lets see what is really going on. Sorry, I just woke up from a dream (nightmare).

[Frank Castros]

Class Racing may not be the "Show" but a major source of revenue for the sanctioning body.
I believe it's the greatest car "show" in America.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Billy Hampton

Gentlemen, Let us not forget NHRA is in the entertainment business and not in racing. Its like F1- about the show and not the racing or competition. Their goal is to make money and sell TV adverting to the mASSES.

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^is not MY problem! As A member/associate/business partner/investor (pick whichever one you're comfortable with) I SHOULD BE entitled to the same privileges as any other dues paying person/Racer. Maybe it's time for them to stop hiding their dog-and-pony show behind the guise of a not-for-profit!