Re: What if ?
 

Damn....I thought Myron said "GIRLS" instead of "GRITS"....lol. He had me going there for a bit.

Re: What if ?
 

My "BAD" Myron about the GRIT thing.. Keep the ideas coming. Nothing is "set in stone" as far as classes or the inclusion or not of anything. Remember this would be an association for the "little guys" and CLASS RACERS but one that has rules and enforcement for tech. We dont want to try and reinvent the wheel with this. Any suggestions from some of the "old timers" that are hiding back and just reading this thread?

Re: What if ?
 

Say it aint so, this makes too much sense to work. I wasn't around when the N or I started but I sometimes wonder How did they get going? Seems like it would take offering people something that they want, kinda like "build it and they will come". I've said this before I could care less who the "sanctioning body" is I like the racing and the other racers. I would support such a proposal if it were viable for me given my geographic location. Joe

Re: What if ?
 

I would be willing to support such a organization. As long as it was for SS Stock and Comp. If it is left to just these classes we could acually get 3-4 qualifying passes and have class elims. I am affraid if you bring in to many other classes it would have to get drug out as it is today.

Re: What if ?
 

I don't know how many of you are old enough to remember the original Eastern Drag News "Top Dog" events but, it's very similar to what Terry is suggesting. They were fun events without "Big Brother" pissing you off every step of the way. There was even national records for the Drag News events. Mr. Bishop's "Eastern Drag News Magazine" is very close in flavor to what the old EDN association used to be. I guess this is a long winded version of saying to Terry: Go with it, because this is a GREAT idea, and I believe it's time has come.......again!!!!!!!

Re: What if ?
 

That is the general idea of this if we can make it happen and get the support. The idea is to make it a 2 day event Friday and Saturday with Sunday used as a back up in case of a rain out or a head start to get back home for us working people. Thursdays would be for set up, entrys and tech IF you wanted to come early so you wouldnt have to miss any time trials class runs, or qualifying, and record runs on Fridays. That would cut down on long lines on Friday mornings. Inspections would happen on Friday afternoons and evenings. These are all ideas to be decided later as (and if) the ball gets rolling.

Re: What if ?
 

I am slowly building a car as money and health allow. It will not be done for a while but I would join such an association and let my money help now. I support the idea of including Super gas without electronics. It's not my cup of tea but I think a lot of cars would race it. Remember back before the pros became pros they were just more racers at the track and we all got along just fine. Having an eliminator for the guys who do not want to build a class car would let more people race without causing too much delay.

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Sign us up! I've been racing long enough to have run all three sanctioning bodies from the late 60's until now. We have been waiting for someone to offer us a viable option. No pros - no '90 cars, no dog and pony shows, and real tech that is enforced with the same rules for everyone - that's what racing should be all about. If you build it - we will come!!!!!! and we'll bring friends. If you need any help let us know. Heck, we might even build another car!

Larry Buckingham SS3820
Lisa Buckingham SS3821

Re: What if ?
 

Smartass! lol

I thought of it afterwards but didn't have time to post: "GRITS - Good Racers In Trying Situation" could describe the current state of affairs with NHRA and the economy.

I really enjoyed the U.S. Class Nationals also. It may help to consider consolidating some of the series that are put on by regional promotors, like Dave Ley, Jim Woods, McCandless(?)/NC, etc. There is a following in-place and cooperation could minimize competition and conflicting schedules.

Re: What if ?
 

Recently, "Pinks All Out" advertised an event to be held at Charlotte, NC the weekend of 24 April, 09, with a maximum of 460 participants...it sold out in 30 minutes. Obviously, there is a great amount of interest and enthusiasm to participate in these events...why? Some of the racers I have spoken with like the way the money is paid directly to the winner "in cash" on the return road, which adds greatly to the excitement and thrill of winning. Also, the opportunity of actually increasing your winnings by "sweetening" the pot prior to each run in the final 16, may be a contributing factor.
Terry, I offer these observations just to enhance the general thought process in formulating the structure of the events. Location and timing will also be critical to ensuring success of the inaugural race. All NHRA and IHRA schedules would have to be throughly reviewed and strongly considered to avoid alienating possible participants who are involved in those bodies' points programs. Also, the facility must be sufficient in stature and respect to cause racers to want to be a part and be associated with any recall of the event. Additionally, entry fee would have to be equitable and reasonable with a chance to reap an attractive purse for winning the event, with consideration of fair payout per round won based on number of competitors.
I'm in and I like "Beardo's" suggested "CLASSCAR" logo for starters. Happy New Year.