Earlier in this thread someone hit what I believe is the answer as to why T/D and T/S are included at Divisionals.
Consider this:
Why do we and the fans dislike the .90 classes? Bog and go, hit the throttle stop - wheel race for 1200 feet - all 400 cars trying to run 9.90 or 8.90 - it's not drag racing as we know it. 8.90 @ 180 MPH ?
But - T/D & T/S - low 7's or high 6's, dial in handicap racing, real launches and run it out the back door. Sounds like S/C and S/G without throttle stops.
I think S/C and S/G are gone soon, replaced with T/D and T/S, and all the other Sportsman catagories stay. I think it's a great idea. I'd even watch it.

Mike

Don't know you or even heard of you, but as a Division Director at least you are making a post to the racers and asking for some imput.

I am a Div 4 racer, but have raced at the LV Divisional in Oct 04 and 06, that was after the National Event the previous weekend. I was amazed at the number of the T/D, S/P and T/E cars, and was a little disappointed in the single time runs for S/SS on Friday @ 7:30 am again on Saturday and then a scheduled 1st rd on Sunday, at you guessed it 7:30 am.

This last year at your last race there, Steven Hall was driving my car and he went to the third round where he lost. He goes to the tower to get his check and they tell him they will mail out the$50.00 check to him or who ever was listed on the info card for Payee which was RJS Enterprises. It was the same for the National Event and we got the check then and it was made out to RJS Enterprises.

I guess they were just kidding about sending out the check, because now, 6 months later we have still not been paid. Now I know you will tell me its the Tracks fault, but you are the Division Director and the buck should stop with you. So whats the deal? I bet that if we would have written them a bogus check for the entry fee you would be all over us. So why the double standard?

RJ Sledge

just like to thank mike rice for asking our opinions on this instead of just bruching us off and making a decision. hopefully this is the beginning of asking the racers opinions on matters that affect us.

I am not sure Div 7 pay 3rd round, one use to have to go to the 4 th round to get any money.

Gecko,
Having someone else drive the car seems like the obvious knee jerk response, but I think over the long run most guys won't want to pay to maintain a separate car for someone else to drive. There are a few guys that do this currently, but I would say they are the exception not the rule.
If people really want more than 1 time run on Friday and 2 on Saturday, car counts must be reduced. Eliminating classes is not a fair option. This seems like the most fair long term solution where everyone still gets to race.

You are correct Tony - no 3rd round pay out in this division.



You can always make more money but you can never make more time - spend your time wisely

I'm all for running cars past 8:00!!! Anybody think that might be betterthan eliminating classes, cars, drivers, etc.?

NHRA #7494 SS/H
1970 AMC AMX 390
"Best Appearing" @ NHRA '06 Pacific Sports Nationals
Arizona's BEST Realtor supports racers!
Now celebrating 14 years as a Realtor,
Call me @ 602-418-9797 or JeffLeeAzRealty@Qwest.net

I got a check for fifty bucks for third round at firebird points meet. Maybe new this year or somebody made a mistake! Oh, I went right to the local gas station and put it in my tank. Almost filled it up half way!!!!!!!!!!

I guess we better call - Andy can use the money.

They told us no when I stopped and asked on the way out.

Any way good for you Chad.

See you this weekend.



You can always make more money but you can never make more time - spend your time wisely

Chad

Steven was told in the tower that they would mail out a check for $50.00, so I assumed that they meant to pay us. I know that $50.00 is chump change, but it kind of like why tell us one thing and then do nothing.

I was paid $50.00 at the 04 div race after the National Event on the spot, maybe they just forgot about it.

There were over 128 cars at the 04 and 06 race and they can only pay $50.00 to a 3d round loser......Yeah that makes perfect sense!!

Here in Division 4 we get $100.00 for 3d round loser, I really feel sorry for you guys out West. But like I and others have always said, NHRA could not beat us away with a stick, we just keep coming back for more of the same.

I will never run a Division7 race again, that is sad becasue I always had alot of fun in Vegas. I use to live there years ago and still have friends out there. Too bad the Divisional sucks so much.

The real reason for all the T/D, S/P, S/E is that its all about the money, they could care less about ther S/SS racers. They know that you will all come back for another F**king, twice a year. One time trail on Friday and Saturday and first round on Sunday, 300 Non Championship points racers and they laugh all the way to the bank.

Glad I don't live in Vegas anymore and have to run Div 7, you guys are really getting hosed.

America....ain't it great!!

R J Sledge

Thanks RJ, I appreciate the kind words.

About the check from '06, I will talk to Chris Blair this week and find out an answer for you.

Isn't it amazing how you can ask a question and get opinions on OTHER topics???

BTW, those NON classes that you speak of will account for about 100 - 120 entries, not 300.

And to answer Jeff's question...I will gladly run past 8PM if the CONDITIONS allow...oh, and having lights helps. But then again, it does cut into the cocktail hour...because that's what really matters.

Hey Mike

Thanks ...You know with an atitude like you have I may just have to make another trip out your way. Not only is it refreshing, its unbelieveable coming from a Division Director. Hope you never change.

Good Luck
RJ Sledge

Hey Mike : Are you buying next weekend ?

Thompson Family Motorsports
#7823 GT/AA

Concerning payouts, since this thread has brought up the subject. I lost in the 5th rd at Phoenix Div 7 race recently and since I forgot to p/u my check the track graciously mailed a whopping $125 to me within a reasonable time. But, that is not the point of my first post in 7+ years and most likely my last for another 7+ years. While admiring the check, I noticed that the written amount was for only $100 while the numerical amount was $125. Since the written amount takes precedence over the numerical amount I sent the check back with a note that it needed to be corrected since I didn't want to deposit it and have it bounce thus ending up paying a bank fee which would eat into my huge award for getting past guys like Passerby, T. Mandella (Phil's boy) plus Kadar!....getting rather difficult for a 60yr old to do. Well, as you might expect, since I am writing this post ....I'VE NEVER GOT MY CHECK!!!! Got bills to pay, mortgage to pay, need lunch table money with Clark, F&J Grossi, Bales etc. Come on Charlie get with it!

Stock, 5th rd 7002.........live close to John Force, maybe that would help!

Thank you......See you in 7 years, hopefully!

JM

JM

wow just how does one get a invite to the lunch table to the stars

Sorry John, my hands were starting to cramp from all this typing and I had to leave (reluctantly I might add) out some of the dignitaries that come to the Centro Wed "Roast". That is why I ended with an etc. You of course are one of the mainstays that keep the "Roast" what it is!!

JM

Jim, we had 4 checks that came back to us with wrong addresses, etc. I just verified that your check was incorrect on Monday, and a new one is being sent to you. Sorry for the delay. If you have any problems or questions, feel free to call me at anytime.

Chuck Sundstrom
Firebird International Raceway
480-363-7583
csundstrom@firebirdraceway.com