Re: Ihra tucson!
 

Gary,
I wish you the best. We all need to be passionate about something. And my post was not meant to be argumentative. I simply asked questions to better understand. Just like you, I try to understand our sport.

So here is my take on a few things. Ive been wrong before so if I'm wrong now it won't be the first time, but:

1)A combo at that race will be track sponsored. Just like our combo's here, they are put on by local promoters. By attending the combo, you are supporting the promoter, not the sanctioning body. Likewise, NHRA or IHRA, it doesn't matter. SIR could have held a S/SS combo as an NHRA track.

2)You said:"Moreover, I'm sure that if the racers vote IHRA into SIR, then the indexes they use will be IHRA's, and not NHRA's...thus a significant similarity (like .30 worth added to all who compete's indexes). & Per answer #3 above, you may not have to pledge an allegiance to either sanctioning body to race in their combo races, but you must know that the indexes are .30 seconds different due to the sanctioning bodies involved."

Does it really matter? If your faster/slower than someone in your class, your still going to be faster/slower than that person wether you are on an NHRA or IHRA index. Your times are just going to be faster against the IHRA index. The only difference is the seperate classes for FI cars. Personally, I dont like the seperate class for FI cars. The whole point for having a class car is to have multiple people in your class to race.

Just so you know, as it relates to you, in the TVD combo race we had an issue with a FWD racer. I do not have all the details, but we had an issue that the class he ran in was not in the software the track was using. I believe the track was using older software configured to NHRA classes and his IHRA class was not in it. Like I said, I dont have all the details, but I know is slowed the program for about an hour.

3)You said:"When I read of the salaries that the big-wigs with NHRA are getting, and I see a continued increase in the cost of membership, competition needs, and entry fees, sorry but I'm not going to just take it and ask for more, of the screw job they've been giving those of us who don't have the luxury of finances to keep up with their increased charges, as opposed to those alcoholic and nitro blasted racers who get into races for FREE!!! You, Dean (of all people), should understand that, given your racing budget is closer to my level than it is to those fortunate enough to have cash sponsorships. Where you live now you have an option of racing two different sanctioning bodies (or are closer to other div.'s, even though your area lost its IHRA D5 involvement), and that's what I hope happens out here (starting with S.I.R.). Competition is good, and that's what NHRA hasn't had out west since the AHRA days of old...perhaps thats part of the reason that divisional & national open entry fees are higher here than there where you are...you have to love the $40 savings you get on national open charges (plus the $10-15 savings on divisional races), in D5 as opposed to D7? I know I would!!!"

I believe this is where I see things completely different than you. I was told that divisional and national open race prices are set by the track....not the sanctioning body. That is why (like you spoke of) they very from track to track. Only national event prices are controlled by NHRA. If that's true, then the high prices you speek of for divisonal and nation open events are fault of the track, not the sanctioning body. And blaming NHRA for high gate fees at divisional and national open races would be completely wrong. Moreover, if the take at the gate at SIR does not cover the operating costs, they will raise the gate price. This will happen irregardless of track affliation. It's just simple economics.

The bottom line is, for me, I dont care if it's NHRA or IHRA. And I do not look at it as "having a choice between NHRA and IHRA", as you put it. They have both treated me well. I simply race where my budget, time, health, and family allow.

Re: Ihra tucson!
 

Dean,

Do you think the sanctioning fee that NHRA charges the tracks has no bearing on entry fees? What if the NHRA raised their sanctioning fee by 50% or 100% (like they have done with just about everything else) forcing the tracks to raise their entry fees. Is it still the fault of the track for raising entry fees?

Should I blame the gas station down the road for the price of gas because they set the prices or should I blame the oil companies or OPEC? Should I blame the local grocery store for the price of milk or should I blame the dairy farmers? Etc...


-Toby

Re: Ihra tucson!
 

R.O.L.O.L....thanks Gary, I needed a good laugh today!!!

But I think they know who you are from me...after all, you have the super fast (wheelstanding) red Dart, while I have a not-very fast red Cavalier...I think they can tell us & our cars apart. They can look for me all they want to, because I'm trying to help racers who've been victimized by a monopoly out west here (not only by our racing costs, but by our index enhancement as well), be able to enjoy what you guys from your state east have enjoyed for decades....an option for your class racing (points chasing) dollars.

Re: Ihra tucson!
 

My post number "6" was modified today, due to a racer who wanted their name removed from the list, but still the numbers are hopeful, and Bernie is waiting to hear from all interested in this.... :)

Re: Ihra tucson!
 

Hey gary I noticed you have both me and Brad listed but we only have one class legal car. It will be there but who is driving is up for debate.
Matt Hawk

Re: Ihra tucson!
 

What happened with the vote?

Re: Ihra tucson!
 

This is what a few of were told by a D7 Track Operator a three months ago.

Divisionals:

$7,500.00 - Fee to NHRA for the event

$5,000.00 - Insurance Fee to NHRA.

$15,000.00 - Guarantee the T/S and T/D Purse

Notes:

We were told me that even tho the track has the same or better insurance coverage that the track MUST pay the $5,000.00 insurance fee.

We were also told that the T/S and T/D cars that did qualify DID NOT PAY ENTRY FEES!

Were were also told that NHRA gets 10% of the gate.

...again this was told to me and others by a D7 Track Operator.

Re: Ihra tucson!
 

This is just STUPID !

Re: Ihra tucson!
 

There's a test and tune this coming weekend, and any and all racers who competed last year (in any S.I.R. race), can vote this week. However, the test and tune is it for voting, so the decision will come next week....

Re: Ihra tucson!
 

Should I call WWE, and have you guys wrestle for it (lol)? Or, should you guys play your favorite card game, and the winner gets to drive??? Again lol....

Well I'm happy, but now that means there will be two names (more) that I'll have to take off of the earlier count, because Chris's car won't be ready in time for that race. :(

I'm glad that you guy's car will be able to go there, but now we still need at least 10 more racers to get up to 24...any of you D4 racers out there that can come out here???