NORWALK CANCELED - My $.02

[Lew Silverman]

Good article, John!


The discussion now seems to be that somehow, because of a problem with the physical layout at Norwalk, a decision was made to reduce the footprint for the upcoming race, and a timely decision at that. Your description of previous "horror shows" and the memory of some racers being "assisted" from their parking spots by chain and backhoe, seems to confirm that this was a smart move. I guess you could argue that with the situation he was given Mr. Bader made the only call he could, or that he had an ulterior motive - I choose to believe the former. I'm also very sure that he will do what ever he has to do to re-schedule the Sportsman racers in a fair and timely manner.



I personally feel that the NHRA has, for better or worse, become an entertainment company, while trying (with various degrees of success) to continue to be a "sanctioning body". Why? Because there's more money in the "show"! They've learned the first rule of salesmanship - "You Don't Sell the Steak, You Sell the Sizzle!" Corporate America, at least the part that gets involved with the NHRA, sees that magic 18-to-34 y.o.male demographic and dollar signs dance in eyes. That's why the show is so important - MONEY! It's whoever is gonna fill those bleacher seats that's going to get the priorities. It's a business. And coincidentally it's also the reason why you can't get a Pepsi-Cola sponsorship! Obviously there needs some structure and rules and safety regulations, and every sport has to have that, but the product is the "SHOW" and has been for a while!



And that "whirring" sound you hear? It's Wally spinning in his grave.

[Don Kennedy]

I remember that Dave Danish told me long time ago that the difference between NHRA and the Sportsman is that NHRA is a Business and makes a decision like a business and to most of the racers it is a hobby now we know I guess lol at me I think this just might be true on how we approach racing

[doglover44]

What's the new Schedule for Norwalk ?

[Shake & Bake]

doglover44,


The schedule for the upcoming weekend is:
http://www.nhra.net/2019/images/NHRA...e%20NO1_19.pdf


The Sportsman classes hasn't been rescheduled yet to my knowledge.

[Shake & Bake]

I did however notice on Norwalk's 2019 schedule it states that
Sept. 13-15 TBD (Fri-Sun)

[Jon Sarrett]

Originally Posted by Shake & Bake

I did however notice on Norwalk's 2019 schedule it states that
Sept. 13-15 TBD (Fri-Sun)

That's the autocross series.

[Shake & Bake]

Thought the Autocross series was Sun the 8th?

[Adger Smith]

Look at the trend to the 4 wide tracks.
IMHO that is not for more cars, but to get the package (Pro) done in time to get the show packaged for TV.
Look at Nascar. Mega stands they built are empty. Yet they are formatting the race for TV and making money. Nascar has gone wild with the in car shots, too..
They don't need or want more sportsman racers at a race.
There are way too many TV channels and there is money to be made putting anything out there... can you say Curling??
TV is where the money is and they know it.

[Mike Pearson]

Originally Posted by Adger Smith

Look at the trend to the 4 wide tracks.
IMHO that is not for more cars, but to get the package (Pro) done in time to get the show packaged for TV.
Look at Nascar. Mega stands they built are empty. Yet they are formatting the race for TV and making money. Nascar has gone wild with the in car shots, too..
They don't need or want more sportsman racers at a race.
There are way too many TV channels and there is money to be made putting anything out there... can you say Curling??
TV is where the money is and they know it.

I believe if they got rid of the sportsman they would loose their not for profit status. NHRA was founded as a sanctioning body to represent the members and provide a safe racing venue. The bulk of the membership today is still Sportsman racers more than ever. The pros make up a very small segment of the membership today.
NHRA has shown that they are not very good with their television coverage. The pro classes take a long time to get through the rounds and this in itself does not go well with live TV. NHRA racing will never be live except for possibly the final rounds. Even NASCAR is not on regular TV all of the time now. They are on pay per view channels and this is one of the reasons that their numbers are down.
Personally I don't think this is some sort of test to see if NHRA is better off with out sportsman racing. Its just and issue that the tracks do not have enough improved pit area to park the sportsman rigs.

[Billy Nees]

Originally Posted by Adger Smith

They don't need or want more sportsman racers at a race.
There are way too many TV channels and there is money to be made putting anything out there...
TV is where the money is and they know it.

Then I guess that we all need our own TV show?