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-   -   Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comments (https://classracer.com/classforum/showthread.php?t=82013)

Charles Stewart 04-30-2022 09:36 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
I greatly salute this initiative from Mr. Miele and Mr. Grimm. This is moving in the right direction.
Regarding the purse $$$ situation, If we can’t find a BIG sponsor…how about keeping the amount of purse like they are now and accepting a lot more racers in S/SS category in order to first: lower the inscription cost and second: return the TOTAL AMOUNT of “those inscriptions dollars over the 64/128 field”, right back in the total purse for more $$ to winner, runner up, and paying further down in the eliminator field.
Yes, I understand the parking problem down the road and the impact on the schedule, but... it’s just one more suggestion.

442OLDS 04-30-2022 10:16 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Well,as long as we are giving suggestions, how about this?

Why can't the National event entry include ONE crew pass? Is that too much to ask?

SSDiv6 04-30-2022 11:15 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by james schaechter (Post 660772)
I will say this. If Lonnie is a true internal advocate that wants to make improvements, I would say he needs to consider what change or changes might be feasible from all sides. Then we should be considering how we can help. If we all draw hard lines on whatever pet idea we have, nothing will change and we could chase away a person thst could help our sport.

We need to find ways to help him help us. He may not be able to do a lot, but let’s support whatever change he can get pushed through that improves our experience and prove that he was right to listen and act on our behalf.

The NHRA execs have absolutely no clue what motivates racers that are into performance. They just know it costs them more to support us. If they really knew that each time they take the performance incentives away from class racing, they pull away the part that motivates us and sets them apart from every other bracket race in the country. They don’t understand that performance motivated racers don’t see pure bracket racing as an option. Maybe Lonnie can help learn and educate the non racer leadership at NHRA.

In my view, Lonnie may have some interest in keeping the class racer in play. Let’s support any positive efforts he puts forward and show appreciation for his effort. The NHRA execs don’t typically reward anyone that takes initiative to support class racers. He could use our support.

Well stated!

This is a great start and hope for the best.
Lots of ideas on how to fix the category and classes, however, there will be compromises and cannot please everyone.

James Perrone 04-30-2022 12:31 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
More $. Both divisional and national events
And how about normal tech it’s part of the experience
We pay too much $ for very little reward
Can be based on car count
$200 per class $1500 to win sucks a race.
$2500 minimum on an event win national or divisional is not a lot of$

Bobby DiDomenico 04-30-2022 02:24 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 442OLDS (Post 660780)
Well,as long as we are giving suggestions, how about this?

Why can't the National event entry include ONE crew pass? Is that too much to ask?

Ever hear the BS about "Every Ticket Is A Pit Pass"? A few years back I took 8 people from 3 states who happend to be in town for an event to Dallas for the national event and bought their tickets. Got a panicked phone call they couldn't get into the pits because the tickets didn't allow them pit side. WHAT??? Had to scramble and get over to them and spend more money for more tickets. They have never attended another NHRA event since and I don't think they ever will, plus that is the experience they pass on to their friends.

Mr B,
They should have been offering the free crew pass since mid last century. Remember when they only allowed 1 restricted area pass? I'm sure some races were lost due to the person given it not having a clue what to do when something happened yet Pro cars had more "crew" on the line than an NFL team has on the field.😄

442OLDS 04-30-2022 03:38 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby DiDomenico (Post 660794)
Ever hear the BS about "Every Ticket Is A Pit Pass"? A few years back I took 8 people from 3 states who happend to be in town for an event to Dallas for the national event and bought their tickets. Got a panicked phone call they couldn't get into the pits because the tickets didn't allow them pit side. WHAT??? Had to scramble and get over to them and spend more money for more tickets. They have never attended another NHRA event since and I don't think they ever will, plus that is the experience they pass on to their friends.

Mr B,
They should have been offering the free crew pass since mid last century. Remember when they only allowed 1 restricted area pass? I'm sure some races were lost due to the person given it not having a clue what to do when something happened yet Pro cars had more "crew" on the line than an NFL team has on the field.😄

Everyone talks about the entry fee of $340.But the majority of people have at least one person with them.Now they are $95 for a pit pass. That is a $435 entry fee.Lose first round and I usually leave anyways. They wouldn't be losing any money on the deal.

Terry Cain 04-30-2022 04:38 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by GUMP (Post 660749)
This could also be fixed by getting rid of all the outdated slow cars that nobody but old people can relate to....

Where's the dislike button. lol

Billy Nees 04-30-2022 05:20 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Way back in "the Good-old-days", every National Event Entry CAME with 2 (two!!!) crew passes....... for free WITH the Event Entry!

Jim Caughlin 04-30-2022 05:58 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
And... Why do we have to pay an insurance surcharge for a Natl Event when we have the same risk of an accident regardless of whether we are at a Nat or a Div race? Kinda seems like we are paying the insurance for the Pro cars?

Jim Hanig 04-30-2022 07:33 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Rory McNeil (Post 660765)
64 cars times $340. entry fee equals $21760. Surely they could bump up the pitiful round money and finalist payout without digging even deeper into the "customers" pockets. If they can`t sharpen their pencils enough to find where all the remaining entry money disappeared to, open up the quotas.
As mentioned, if you want to run solid roller lifters in an engine that left the factory with a hydraulic flat tappet cam, add a second "S" to the class designation on the windows.
As for "getting rid of all the outdated slow cars that nobody but old people can relate to", you mean eliminate the very cars that Stock and Super Stock were based upon? Like cars that were available new to the general public, with a production VIN number, and the same engines, transmissions and rearends as those cars that anybody to drive of the lot? Also, when I look at the typical Stock -S/S racer in the pits, I have to say, the vast majority are "old enough" to relate to traditional Class cars. I can certainly relate more to a 69 Mustang with a 428 Cobra Jet , like I used to drive to work, or my old neighbors SS396 Chevelle, that a 2022 "modern race car", that can basically race in Stock with a Competition Eliminator engine, a 2 speed automatic, and a solid 9" Ford rearend!

With all the changes nhra has made i dont know why they would not allow rollers if you can run flat tappets then run them. I dont think theres a big hp gain with rollers.

Ken Miele 04-30-2022 07:33 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Miele (Post 660652)
I know we can not make everyone happy, but we need to come together on things we agree on to improve NHRA for the sportsman racer.

Lets talk ideas and please be respectful... I don't want to here NHRA bashing, its a waste of time and does not help improve our sport.

Chime in guys, if you want changes... now is the time, what do you think of the ideas above?

I guess some of you did not care to read this part of my post. Oh well, I knew I was asking the impossible... trying to get racers to agree any anything in Stk/SS is a waste of time. So guys, lets just make it a bash NHRA thread, its looks like that's what some of you really want.

At least I tried, you couldn't pay me enough to Lonnie's job. I can't imagine what he thinks of us now. James Schaechter's post was well thought out, and gave me hope, but some of you guys.... well I just don't get.

God help Stock and Super Stock.

Lyn Smith 04-30-2022 08:07 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Darren you are wrong about most people not being able to relate with the old cars. Some of the most exciting racing going on in Stock eliminator is a race between a Pinto, or front wheel drive car, and a 8 or 9 second Factory Stock car. The announcers usually give it a big build up. And guess who most of the people in the stands are rooting for. LOL

Frank Castros 05-01-2022 08:42 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
I have always respected posts by Daren, this one not so much.

Also Ken is correct, he afforded a rare opportunity to voice constructive feedback and guess what, the typical crap.
When was the last time the N.H.R.A. Technical Director sat down for an interview before Lonnie?

Billy Nees 05-01-2022 09:02 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Castros (Post 660827)
Also Ken is correct, he afforded a rare opportunity to voice constructive feedback and guess what, the typical crap.
When was the last time the N.H.R.A. Technical Director sat down for an interview before Lonnie?

I don't personally feel that there has been all that much "NHRA bashing" on here. At least no more than would be expected. Maybe a bit more in the way of personal grievances than need be.
I believe that Lonnie should try and understand though that there is years if not decades of some Racers feeling neglected, taken advantage of and maybe somewhat abused by some in positions of power in this Sport.

dean ribeiro 05-01-2022 09:24 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Ken-
I would be happy to share my "customer experience" from this past weekend's Lebanon Valley National Open with Lonnie. Have him give me a call!

Dean

Larry Hill 05-01-2022 09:30 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Yes Ken I spoke of the starting line first, it's an easy correctable item and will give the racer value for the moneys spent.

Keith 944 05-01-2022 09:59 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
I have one issue that could easily be corrected but this is also for every class I am by myself at almost all national events when I pull into the water box it seems like everybody turns their back on me
I have no idea where I’m at in the water. I cannot just open my door and look down. Please I’m not bashing but if someone in that group of officials could just keep an eye out for such a thing would be greatly appreciated

rboyle 05-01-2022 10:35 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Miele (Post 660819)
I guess some of you did not care to read this part of my post. Oh well, I knew I was asking the impossible... trying to get racers to agree any anything in Stk/SS is a waste of time. So guys, lets just make it a bash NHRA thread, its looks like that's what some of you really want.

At least I tried, you couldn't pay me enough to Lonnie's job. I can't imagine what he thinks of us now. James Schaechter's post was well thought out, and gave me hope, but some of you guys.... well I just don't get.

God help Stock and Super Stock.

I really appreciate your efforts Ken. Speaking on Stock I do think more emphasis On Qualifying would be helpful. Weather in terms of a point structure, sponsorship money or something else beyond my pay scale in experience and expertise. I feel if AHFS is to be effective then having some importance on the Q ladder needs to be established. I know the Bye round can be an incentive but it's also unpredictable if there will even be a Bye when trying to factor for 80 plus cars. That is why so many try to land in the bottom of the top half, better odds your opponent may have had problems or be broke and no AHFS trigger or raising of the average.

442OLDS 05-01-2022 10:50 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
I think a 64 car qualified would be interesting. Even if there wasn't a quota,I'm thinking there would be some races where they don't even get 64.Then what? A 32 car qualified field?

Bobby Fazio 05-01-2022 11:08 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
When we had Lonnie on the podcast he expressed that he wished we would just run all out and go as fast as we can so AHFS can do its job. I told him we won't do that unless there is incentive. I propose:

1. Points for qualifying. Minimum 17 qualified cars; same amount for Nationals and Divisionals.
17-32 cars --> Top 3 qualifiers get 3 points, 2 points, and 1 point.
33-64 cars --> Top 4 qualifiers get 4 points, 3 points, 2 points, and 1 point.
65-128 cars --> Top 5 qualifiers get 5 points, 4, 3, 2, and 1 point.

2. Points for setting a record. Maximum 2 records per year.
1st record --> 10 points
2nd record --> 5 points

3. Points for Class Eliminations
2 cars in Class --> 10 points
3-4 cars in Class --> 20 points, 10 RU
5-8 cars in Class --> 30 points, 20 RU, 10 Semi
9-16 cars in Class --> 40 points, 30 RU, 20 Semi, 10 C2
17-32 cars in Class--> 50 points, 40 RU, 30 Semi, 20 C3, 10 C2

4. Higher qualified cars get lane choice. No more coins.

Payout calcutta I will address in another post because people don't read long posts haha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Miele (Post 660652)
Alright guys,

I sat down with Lonnie Grim, and I have to say it was a very enlighten and pleasant conversation. One of the first things he said to me after I introduced myself was "CUSTOMER" He really does get it. He told me of the importance of making the customer happy. Even if its just a polite hello as we roll through the gate getting parked.

So here we go... the first idea from Lonnie. How would you all feel about a purse increase. The entry fee for national events is 340, how would you feel about paying another $100 with all of the 100 going back to the racer. 64 cars = 6400, They start paying back in 4 round. Double round money in 4th rd, 5th and runner up. The winner would get the rest. If I did my math right it would be another 3000 for the winner on top of what NHRA pays now. I maybe off a little, but you get the idea.

Second... one period for the AFHS. Instant horsepower at 1.30, but you can go fast at a few races but still bring your average down by the end of the season if needed. We did not talk numbers for what the trigger is, but he would love to here ideas from us. He knows Stk/SS is a performance based class and he knows we would like to run fast and not get hammered every time.

Third... All class race winners where class is held would qualify. Say there was a 64 car field at the Gators. All class winners are in and whats ever left would be the fastest under the index, just like years back. Also opening quotas to say 80 cars, but you have to qualify to make the 64 car field. These numbers could be different, I just want give you an idea on qualifying to race.

Fourth... Shipping weights. We all know the guide is full of combos that don't reflect real world shipping weights. But we also know that people have been using the guide to build there combs. Its not our fault that wrong weights were submitted. One idea is to correct all the shipping weights but let everyone move up or down 2 classes. Another idea would be to run the class they wanted as long as the weight is correct for horsepower claimed. These are just Ideas guys... How would you fix the shipping weight issue? leave it alone or try to fix it?

The one thing I got from the time I spent with Lonnie is... he knows we are customers and we should be treated with respect. He is definitely an advocate for the racer. He wants us to have a great experience when we are here. He wants the racer to feel they can say NHRA is a great place to race. He knows it will take time, but he is willing to listen and make changes for the future.

I know we can not make everyone happy, but we need to come together on things we agree on to improve NHRA for the sportsman racer.

Lets talk ideas and please be respectful... I don't want to here NHRA bashing, its a waste of time and does not help improve our sport.

Chime in guys, if you want changes... now is the time, what do you think of the ideas above?


Casey Miles 05-01-2022 11:17 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
I don't get the idea of raising the entry fee when it's too much already. Back when I started racing, there were 20 cars just in my class, so here again I don't get the quotas of 60 cars or less in Stock.
I think that the home division hosting the national event, that that division racer gets 24 hour preference to enter, then the rest of divisions can enter.
NHRA say that they will pay the S/SS the extra money with the higher entry, I don't believe it, NHRA will find a way to divert to everything but the racer.

Casey Miles
248H Stock

ken robinson 05-01-2022 11:33 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
I think a good place to start is to bump up the quotes for all the nationals , fields make it a 64 car field or more ( I mean would a few more car over a 50 or 60 cars make that much difference ) and take as many enteries as you can could be tried at a few races as a test ? . If they are running class go to a 128 car field , I think we all know some races that would run a national event or two but just don't have the grade points in all of the classes / categories . I never got the quota thing your just turning racers/members / customers a way . Thanks Ken & Lonnie .

L.Fite 05-01-2022 12:30 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Miele (Post 660819)
I guess some of you did not care to read this part of my post. Oh well, I knew I was asking the impossible... trying to get racers to agree any anything in Stk/SS is a waste of time. So guys, lets just make it a bash NHRA thread, its looks like that's what some of you really want.

At least I tried, you couldn't pay me enough to Lonnie's job. I can't imagine what he thinks of us now. James Schaechter's post was well thought out, and gave me hope, but some of you guys.... well I just don't get.

God help Stock and Super Stock.

Personal opinion: I don't think there has been a lot of NHRA bashing in this thread, and I understand the racers frustration...
I've been doing this off and on for nearly 45 years, I've street raced, bracket raced, super comp raced, and for the last two years have been working on a project to possibly begin racing again...

In that time I have watched the price of racing continue to climb, in the last year alone prices on most of the parts I'm buying have gone up a minimum of 20%...
Some parts reaching the realm of unobtainium...

And yet as entry fees have increased, and what you get for that is gone down in value, the payouts have remained the same for the last what, 30 years?...
As this has happened, the NHRA has become more and more "Top Heavy" in management.
We as members should not be considered "Customers", but rather stockholders...

This is not peculiar to S/SS, but applies to all the sportsman racers...

I hope Mr. Grimm is serious about making things better for the racers, I also don't think he has the power to do anything about the stuff at the top of the organization that is the source of all the anguish of the way many perceive they are being treated.

He's going to have to have a thick skin to deal with this crowd, and understand where everyone is coming from.

I wish him the best in this endeavor, and hope he can help the Class Racing be more enjoyable to everyone and not let it become just another bracket race.

I will weigh in on the original topic of what can be done to make S/SS better, (at least what I think I would like to see) in another post as this one has gotten long and somewhat off topic of original post.

Ken Miele 05-01-2022 12:31 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Thanks guys for getting us back on tack. Maybe there is hope after all. Lets try to keep the discussion to the points made in the opening post. We can work on the others issues, but its one step at time folks. I think one of the major steps forward... is having a Tech Director that is willing to listen to us, its not going to change over night.

my69396 05-01-2022 12:34 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Given the mode of two races for one tow why not make the first day of the National event a division race and use the qualifying from that race to fill the reduced field for the National event. I don't think the model of Brainerd last year worked at all. That way you get a grade point and a chance to race the National event. It doesn't effect the racers that travel to the "big show" as a semi-pro sportsman but it lets the local a chance to get into the race. Years ago there was a single pit pass with any National event entry the way I remember it. I think that there use to be points for both qualifying and setting a record. The biggest problem I have seen in the years I have raced is the disconnect that the powers that be have to the "members" that are interested in making the "big show" but can't for different reasons, personal, business, logistical.

Ken Miele 05-01-2022 12:35 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by L.Fite (Post 660851)

And yet as entry fees have increased, and what you get for that is gone down in value, the payouts have remained the same for the last what, 30 years?...
As this has happened, the NHRA has become more and more "Top Heavy" in management.
We as members should not be considered "Customers", but rather stockholders...

You were saying something about bashing? I'm trying stay on topic. We can never agree I anything can we. Remember I said some... not all.

L.Fite 05-01-2022 02:20 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Miele (Post 660855)
You were saying something about bashing? I'm trying stay on topic. We can never agree I anything can we. Remember I said some... not all.

Not trying to bash anyone, just stating what has happened over the years, and explain where some of the hard feelings are coming from.
It is not the topic of your original post, so I'll say no more on that subject.

Ken, feel free to PM me if you want to hear more of my thoughts on this subject.

L.Fite 05-01-2022 03:31 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
So...
Back to original topic...

1) Yes purse needs an increase. No to increase in entry fees.
Increase quotas? (Never liked the quota thing, but I understand about parking, but sportsman seem to always be parked in the mud anyway, so...)

2) AHFS will never work without letting this be a performance based system.
What I see to fix... Qualified fields, qualifying points/payout, points/payout for setting records. (What ever happened to setting records?)
Any or all of the above.

3)Yes Class winners should be in, (Their class win ET used to place on ladder?)
Quotas should be raised (at least 80) and qualified fields at least 64 cars.
Some races should be possibly more?

4)Shipping weights, probably just leave well enough alone.
Some weird stuff is in there but how far off, really?
What sort of can of worms would that be after all these years?
A/C cars weigh different than no A/C, power vs non power whatever...
Shipping weight is different from title weight and actual weight is neither, so...

RACERS are not the customer...
This is an ASSOCIATION, racers are dues paying members...
(IMO: more like shareholders)
We should all be working to the original goal of making racing a safe enjoyable sport...
AND making NHRA the best place to be doing what we do.

The CUSTOMER is the spectators in the stands, or on the couch watching ESPN...
So... how do we get more folks in the stands?
(subject for another thread possibly)

You are very correct, there will always be disagreement, someone will always go away unhappy...
Have you seen the news lately?...
Hard to get anyone to agree what's for dinner!
But there has to be communication and discussion (sometimes heated!) to make things better.

Again I support Mr. Grimm in his endeavor to make things better, and do hope he has a thick skin, as he will need it to deal with this issue.
Racers live this stuff, and many take it personal.

These are just my opinions and people can agree or disagree.
We still have that choice.

Thanks for giving us a place we can rant and rave about what we love to do, and maybe make racing better most if not all...

Mark Yacavone 05-01-2022 07:54 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey Miles (Post 660847)
I think that the home division hosting the national event, that that division racer gets 24 hour preference to enter, then the rest of divisions can enter.


Casey Miles
248H Stock

Yes, but first let me say, this isn't about ME. I'm not a player here.
This is about Joe Lunchpail that supported NHRA Nat's, Divs. and paid his dues for 50 years. Now retired, and didn't inherit the golden wallet. He now finds himself unable to play the g.p. game.

Maybe so many years or back history required, ONE g.p., this year or last, then he gets 3 days early entry window for the closest National meet .

In other words...NHRA } Dance with the one who brung ya.
(hope that didn't sound critical )

rboyle 05-01-2022 08:44 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
As far as increasing entry fees and payouts, I'd be in favor of larger payouts at the 3rd round on up. Even if it's not significant. I mean for some classes 3rd round is either a Final or Semi Final. They pay the same entry as us 7 rounders.

Ed Carpenter 05-01-2022 08:49 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
I can tell you this much. Money 💰 talks. In D4 a few years ago we had 6-8 Comp cars show up. Now we have 25-30 and Ennis is coming up and we probably will have 35-40. A qualifying bonus program was installed and there’s a pot of cash 💰 waiting the top-10 at the end of the season. It’s all about the money. More money more racers!

Jim Whitehead 05-01-2022 09:09 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
(1) Let’s start with increasing the car Quota at Nationals.
(2) Let’s go back to Tech and Looking at cars.
(3) We need to work with NHRA to help improve sportsman racing.

1347 05-02-2022 08:03 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
I have mixed feelings on raising entry fee. I know class racing isn't for the budget minded, but an extra 100 on top of 6+ dollars a gallon for fuel is a hard hit at this time. I also oppose dropping 3rd round money.

I would rather increase the quota where you have to qualify to get in, that would bring more money in, and would bring the performance back into a performance based class if you have to step it up to get in.

I would also like to see points or money awarded to #1 qualifiers and setting the record. Also I still can't understand why no one has asked why we can't get records published in ND even if its only twice a year. I did send a couple emails last year but they never got answered.

Larry Hill 05-02-2022 12:27 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
What "Rights" do we have as members of NHRA? Not trying to stir the pot but if we have any kind of "Rights" as members it would be good to know what they are, and how we may use them to help direct NHRA in a positive direction from the racers viewpoint. It would be good if Linda Louie, VP and general counsel of NHRA, could give us members a list of "Rights" as members of NHRA 501(C)(6) tax status. If we as members know the rules it will make it so much more easy to work within that framework.

We all want a successful, fair, and transparent sanctioning body.

MRE 7171 05-02-2022 06:20 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Please Do Not raise entry fees and start paying more for all rounds and start at 2nd round like it use to be, we don't all get to the final round, but would sure like to know that if I get to the 3rd round I could pay "some" of my expenses

Paul Wong 05-02-2022 07:08 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by GUMP (Post 660749)
This could also be fixed by getting rid of all the outdated slow cars that nobody but old people can relate to....

I actually think the fans love huge handicaps for the record. If we make a class with all the same cars we will look more like Super Comp.

I am a well know abuser of working hard on slow cars but class sure gained a lot of fun when parity was shown when a good slow car was brought to the table. I'm not referring to my under factored truck or any of the other vehicles that have received major gifts, but cars that have had serious effort put into them.

The system will work if there was more INCENTIVE.
Points for records
Points for qualifying position
Even the defunct national performer award. I took horsepower to win that more than once.
Make a 64 car qualified field and leave Indy 128.

MikeMoller 05-02-2022 08:13 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
1. If you are torn down for a 1.20+ pass, and everything checks, and the run is also under the National record NHRA should give you the National record.
2.Split the qualifying into two calls, one for slower cars and one for faster cars..Handicap qualifying runs using the index, little better show for the fans.
3. Entry fee should include at least one crew pass, or at least a discount since when most of us get eliminated we go home-don't stay for the whole event yet crew fee pass assumes we stay.

BILL TAYLOR 05-02-2022 08:41 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 1347 (Post 660919)
I have mixed feelings on raising entry fee. I know class racing isn't for the budget minded, but an extra 100 on top of 6+ dollars a gallon for fuel is a hard hit at this time. I also oppose dropping 3rd round money.

I would rather increase the quota where you have to qualify to get in, that would bring more money in, and would bring the performance back into a performance based class if you have to step it up to get in.

I would also like to see points or money awarded to #1 qualifiers and setting the record. Also I still can't understand why no one has asked why we can't get records published in ND even if its only twice a year. I did send a couple emails last year but they never got answered.

There are several things that keep me from running Nationals. The wasted week, the price, being treated like fill-in, and the "combos". Would it really hurt their budget to give out a few more Wallys? Bill Taylor B/S 1005.

countrypuppy4865 05-02-2022 11:30 PM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
1. I think it’s going to be tough to increase entries. I think the idea of making it 64 qualified field and accepting 80 for quota then use additional money to go to purse. However, any idea here will have its drawback. You have qualified field people will complain they can’t qualify. You increase entry it will be too expensive. We may need to start some polls that require name car number and membership to vote on some of these topics.
2. -1.30 is fine and one review is fine. By giving points for records and qualifying, that would give incentive and help the ahfs work. How about green hat like the pros get for #1 to go with points? Of course $$ would be nice too but would almost need a sponsor to do that which has been done at divisionals.
3. Indifferent on all class winners getting in I can see both arguments. Fwd car comes in wins class going -.50 and qualifies but #129 is a competitive C/SA that’s -.90 but doesn’t get to race. On the other hand the fwd car did win class.
4. Shipping weights. This has a major effect on a lot of people. There are plenty of shipping weights incorrect for a variety of reasons (paper cars, wrong info submitted, or just errors) NHRA accepted the weights so it’s not racers faults for following the guide. Making changes to weight would force some out of their current classes. To me if you do away with it there’s no more arguing what weight is correct and what weight isn’t. I would be willing to bet not many cars would move a significant amount. Ones that have shipping weights that are close to correct probably can’t get light enough to move two classes from their current class. Let’s take a popular car for example 69 Camaro 350 255hp combo. Minimum in F is 3110. I’m not very familiar with the weights of these cars personally, but just from talking with others most can’t get near that minimum. Another argument is a heavy driver may only be able to fit the heaviest class and he may want to run a little another class up. Or vice versa, a very light driver may not want to add a bunch of weight.

Regardless of the outcome of any of this at the end of the day you have to play by their rules, but if changes are made it should be because the vast majority wants the changes.

B Parker 05-03-2022 10:32 AM

Re: Lets talk NHRA Stk/SS with Lonnie Grim - Ideas - Comment
 
Most class eliminations are being done at Divisional's this year. And if it's at a National with a small quota you would get to run in the eliminator anyway. Indy may be the only race that this could affect those solo combo's. But the last 2 years at Indy every class winner qualified. Don't see the need to change this.

I know several will not be in favor of raising the instant hit to 1.30 under. How about it stay's at 1.20 unless it's a mine shaft race and then it goes to 1.30 under.

The index's are soft and have been for several years now. I know we don't want to discourage any new racers and those that for whatever reason can't get their car to go faster. The index's should really get lowered by 2 or 3 tenths. But to not discourage those that can't get their car to go that fast at least look at 1 tenth lowering. It would also help bring the AHFS up to date with all the enhancements NHRA has given most of us the last 15 years. BP


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