What if ?
 

Hi boys and girls. Are your tired of getting kicked in the teeth at the association races that you currently attend? What would you think about a "REAL" S/S and stock (and maybe Comp eliminator) association in the future? Would you support it ? An association for legal class cars and for class racers? Remember the "stuff" Woodro and Greg just went thru ! Input from a few good racers that would accually be listen to and voted on. No '90 classes, no Pros, no circus acts (sound familiar?) and a few varied eliminators for the spectators such as Top Stock (run as it should be like Dave Leys east coast program) , Jr, stock. and a fast S/S eliminator run such as Comp. with a CIC to help equal out some obsure car advantage. Maybe a "HEMI SHOOT OUT" (if Chrysler didnt go broke and wanted to support it). Final eliminator decisions to be decided later if this association was to happen. One that had class run offs at EVERY race with class win money and each eliminator at EVERY race. No rotation. One with honest tear down inspections that would not be over ridden from someone out of touch with the real world. One that you didnt have to pre enter your money months in advance. One that carried its own record list, a World Championship, an in house news paper, one that paid good money to win($5000) and runner up ($2500) plus contingency moneys from companies that accually PAID you and would HAVE to pay directly to the racers within 90 days or be dropped, AND good round money paying back a lot farther than you currently get. One that used current up to date HP ratings (?), NO AHFS if you flew in good air and current classes from "the other" associations so you wouldnt have to change your car to race at different vinues. One run with heads up runs during the eliminator with same class cars just as your used to. How about one race to stat with (2009) and moving to 4 the following year (2010). One in the west, one in the east, one in the south, and one in the north mid west area. Cheaper entry fees, less expensive membership (Its a real association....remember) and a friendly association with people who really wanted you to be there and said thanks for coming when you leave. Lots of time for time trials, qualifying (we cant control the weather though), and a ladder sheet. Well......It could happen and I wonder what we could call the association. Maybe a contest to come up with an approiate name with a free enty to the winner at the first race. Just food for thought right now but it could be closer than you think. Does this sound interesting to all of the legal class racers in the U.S.A. and Canada? Comments and suggestions??? Good and bad as we always have the negative whinners on here....lol. Good or bad your comments will be taken in a constructive manner. If intersted lets see the response. Does anyone remember how myself and Mike Keener got the ball rolling for Top Stock several years ago on this site. Remeber how Alex Dnysenko made the U.S. Class Nationals happen about 8 years ago by starting a thread on this very site. You have to walk before you can fly. Terry Bell (aka X-Tech Man)

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where do I sign up?

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You bet I would support that idea. its about time someone came up with something better than we have now. Kip Martin

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This sounds GREAT!!! I'm in for sure.

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In a perfect world, yes.

For your feasibility study, you may find my Race Purse Calculator spreadsheet useful - http://www.staginglight.com/resources/race_purse07.xls (if it asked for a password, just hit cancel. It should load.) When you factor in track rentals, things might get tight. You can probably count on $6K-$8K/day on renting a decent facility, or I've heard rumors all the way up to $43K/day for Concord. LOL I ran the numbers for this type of deal last year, and it's very hard to do everything as a promoter that you would like to be able to do as a racer.

I don't think you can pay back further than IHRA, since round 1 winners get paid at Nationals. I'm okay with round money starting 3rd round loser.

Pre-entries may be a necessary evil due to the track rental policy at some facilities - but that's something that I would support for a worthy cause.

That being said, if the ball gets rolling, I will step up to help along the lines of graphic design and printing. I can also help with website work and race reporting -- with a smattering of photography and announcing between rounds. ;)

"CLASSCAR" - CLASSracer's Club of Auto Racing :D

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As John Belushi said in Animal House: " Let's Do It"

Great Idea....

Let's Roll



Pistol Pete 1374 Stock

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you forgot to invite crate motor racers...........(the red headed stepchild of class racing)...........sounds like a fun race

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UCRA - United Class Racers Association

"United" would be the key word.

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Ever tried fried UCRA? I think it's a southern dish. :eek:

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I'd be happy to see the .90 classes gone!!!

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You forget, I'm from Ohio. I don't even like grits! :p

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cars in process,how about an old style modified eliminator to fuel the fire for the fans.

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Let me know when & where on the West Coast!

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I'm sure we could do something at Speedworld in Phx.
Traction 's alot better than Firebird.

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Would this only be four national event style races a year? Or will this also tie into the local class combo races like ECSSA, SSSSA, etc?

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I'm in. After thinking about this for several years I'm not so sure that the super classes shouldn't be included also. However, minus all the electrical start/stop stuff. Someone with lots more knowledge than me about this type racing will know more. Might as well pack the place at the bigger facilities. More entry dollars means more payout and more profit if management does their job. I also would be in favor of starting from scratch as far as index/hp/tech infractions etc.

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How about letting in Nostalgia PRO GAS 9.90, foot brake and no electronics. It was fun back then.

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Myron, Gritts are great with Grape Jelly and a little milk.

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If you allow the .90 classes or a bracket class you would up the car counts and that would encourage the track owner to have the event. Unless you have deep enough pockets to rent a track for the weekend.
Chip

p.s. You could still be "THE SHOW" even with the other classes

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Myron,

I think you live a little too far south for grits don't you? I'd say Georgia/Alabama is the southern cut-off for them.
I live south of the Mason Dixon line, but grits haven't caught on too much here. -unless you count Cracker Barrell. They serve them.

no offense to anyone I hope.

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

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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?

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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

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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.

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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!!!!!!!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Just wanted to say that this is not all my idea. There is one other person involved and he will let himself be known when he is ready as there is much to be considered in this undertaking. Believe it or not.....we were NOT drinking when we started to talk about this.....lol.

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Personally, I'd rather have a Fri (setup) Sat-Sun schedule. Yes, you'd have a Sunday travel day, and the rain date *is* a good idea, but you've got 100% of the people that have to miss work on Fri, and most will miss Thurs. If you race Sat-Sun, only a % of people will miss Fri, and a much smaller % may have to miss Mon. Most guys would be eliminated from competition Sunday afternoon and have plenty of travel time. In either case, you're looking at a third day at the track, which means more money... although you could negotiate with the track that they could have a test'n'tune the night of the 'setup' day, and have that be their 'take' for the first day.

On the up-side, Fri-Sat are better spectator days. But, in either case, do we have the guts to pull an ADRL and offer free tickets to pack the joint? It's more likely to draw a major sponsor for the series if we can promise a packed house. Charge for parking, sell t-shirts, and the track is happy with concession sales -- could the potential of outrageous concession sales be used in negotiating the track rental contract? Could always go the route of free general admission, and then sell upgrades for reserved seating.

This might even play into an idea I have. I'd like to do a limited-edition set of trading cards for Stock and Super Stock. One of the toughest obstacles would be obtaining photos (or the rights thereof). With a stand-alone series, we'd own the rights to the photography, and could market packs of trading cards with real heroes on them. :cool:

Re: Pinks.... it's all about the TV. Whether or not people like Rich, you have to hand it to their production crew. They do a pretty good job of capturing the action. I nominate Larry Pfister for videographer! (Horsepower Heaven, of "4 Days in May" fame)

Announcing staff is going to be key.

More later....

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Talk about an idea who's time has come. I have been doing this since the early 60's so have seen all the enhancement's we have been saddled with. Count me in. Atco or Englishtown would probably a good venue for the east coast race. Thanks again for a great idea.

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And the 10.90 class the same way, although I would allow trans brakes but NO other electronics or air operated stuff. It help with car counts.

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X-TECH MAN -

Did you get my email?

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No....It never made the trip. Try me again. Terry

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What about Ihra and nhra having a lock on all the tracks?

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Just look at the development of "Pinks"...... Go no further.
They pack every track they go to.

I agreee remove the electronics from the .90 racers, let them race.

Pay on the return road, and get TV time!
Sign me up!

Guaranty fans will flock to the stands!
Use Bill Baders system: treat fans like family & they'll return time & time again!
(plus who wouldnt want a pound of Ice Cream for a buck)

I'm with "Bell-Bouy"

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IHRA is pretty friendly with their tracks. This idea might run into issues with NHRA's "Approved Alternative Sanction Organizations" if they decide it poses any kind of threat.
http://www.nhra.com/content/general....7495&zoneid=60

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Sounds like a great idea,and I certainly hope it comes to be........As a Stock and .90 racer it would be great to race both,and I agree it would be a great time for a clean start on the heads up/no breakout format. .....I like the VRA model, no electronics except for shifters ,maby even quicker breaks than the 7.60,8.60,9.60,they run.....With a qualified field,you wouldn't be over run with entries, only serious participants........Tom