Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Is it me or has anyone else noticed that alot of cars,especially new ones are runnin naked with no decals.Is it because of lack of contingency applications,or too nice of paint, or some kind of silent protest I was not aware of? I think its cool seeing these almost right off the street or straight out of the car show cars running down the track. Whadda you guys think???

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

I think it's probably a combination of lack of contingency posting and a protest against manufacturer's that do not pay.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

It's all about personal preference IMO. I would be very happy to cash-in on a win or r/u, even though the offering is lean - especially with my combination. I wish to support the manufacturers by displaying their logos, simple as that. Being a relative new comer to Stock, I have very few disappointments behind me to affect my decision.

Either way, I love the landscape.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Sounds dead on to me!

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

i run my car 'naked' because it looks better that way,and helps maintain an 'in cognito' image lol (ive been told my car looks just like a grandma's car)

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

in my cse i took decals off of my car that don't pay. i even took the white pheonix off my drive tires . support those who support you i guess

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

i have been racing for 20 years,,,just as a hobbie,,this is my first year in stock eliminator,,i choose not to run any decals for a few reasons ,1 if i have to chase winnings down from manufactures that i spend money with its not worth it to me showing there decal on my car and besides some of the products on my car are used and dont have proof of purchase ,,,all though the product is clearly being used on the car,,2 i do not do this for a living and in the event i end up going to the finals or close in a divisional and get some exposure i would like the public to see that the guy that does this for a hobbie can go rounds with out looking like a sponserd backed racer,,if this was my way of making a living yes i would have as much as i could on the car and mite even run a different combo to better my odds of winning,,,
what i would consider is in the event of landing a sponser that would partner with my operation,i would certainly run a decal or logo from that company,,for now big bad blue is bare

gmonde

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Hi folks! New member from Sweden here. I'm not a racer but I wish to be in the future, lol.

Anyway, about these decals. I thought pretty much everything was "stock" in Stock Eliminator, then how come so many after market decals are put on the cars in the first place? Have I got things completely wrong about the class? :confused:

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Simply put. More stickers = MORE PAY!

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Stocker by name only, far from being stock, like stock from a car lot.Highly refined and finessed machines.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Ok then, so a Holley decal on a stocker doesn't mean it uses a Holley carb? :rolleyes:

Yeah I know the performance is far from stock, but they use stock components right? Which of course are refined as you said.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Its like the yellow pages, if they want you to advertize their product, they will pay you, If your car looks bad because of bad paint, they will cover it up very nicely. Why trash a nice paint job for a few hundred bucks, thats if you can win or ru, unless your Dan F. and you make your living doing it.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

We dont run any on our Belvedere. We tried placing "temporary" stickers @ the Dallas national last year, however the stickers seem to cover up all the hard work we have put into the car the past years.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

I think some people who are true hobby racers or just chasing time slips don't want to deal with the BS. I hear more guys complaining about the contingency program than appluading it, so maybe it's just not worth it.

Some of the requirements are just stupid. Example: the part is clearly visable on the car, been on the entire event along with a "properly placed not-stacked" decal and they won't pay because the owner doesn't have an original proof of purchase. Please...

Seems like the Manufacters and NHRA has done everything in their power to actually discourage racers participating.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

I just pulled up my pal Steve Hagbergs A/SA '64 Savoy on "Auto Imagery's" website. You said it right with the "too nice of paint", and "straight out of the car show" comments---especially where Steve's car is concerned!!!

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

I thought I read something about a guy at a national event said he would have gotten like $10,000 more if he'd had a couple certain manufacturer decals on his car. I know back in the day it paid more if you won and displayed certain decals.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Welcome to our merry little band, it's always great to hear from other racers.

The NHRA allows certain changes to "Stock" cars, some for safety and some to replace items for performance sake. These pieces are made by manufacturer's who will pay some dollar amounts to display their names on winning race cars. If you put the sticker on your car AND run the product in your car you may collect money if you win.

But with the economy as it is a lot of companies are no longer paying so many of us either run less stickers or none at all.

I hope this makes things a little clearer for you. We are all here to help each other so feel free to ask questions.

Jim

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Race cars have STICKERS. Show cars look pretty. Make your choice. I personally think that people without stickers probably have never one a race. If they ever do then they will realize how stupid they were for not getting sticker money.
I had my 10.90 car painted last year buy Kenny Koonce. He did a great job as usual. I had around 5 grand in the paint job and other work he did. Since I got over 15 grand in "STICKER MONEY"
I will sticker one up in a heartbeat.
Chip

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Chip, Well said.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Before I clutter up my car with decals, who isn't paying?

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

RJ,
I don't know about NHRA but IHRA has it on the web site.
I'm sure NHRA does too.
Chip

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Rj,

Unfortunately my car is starting to show more paint and less decals because companies like; Clevite 77, Speedpro, Felpro, M/T, Moroso (wires), and Autometer (tachometers), don't pay anymore. My car had a bunch more decals on it back in the early 2000's than it does now, and if you want to see the difference, visit "Auto Imagery", and pull up my name and you'll see real quickly the difference. Heck, I can remember back in 1999 when class paid me $550 at the Chandler, Az. national event. However, last year a class win was only worth $150 to me, and this year (with the loss of Team M/T), it's just $100!!! :(

Wow, what a bummer this is....

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Chip,

With all due respect to your thoughts on sticker less race cars, your opinion may have merit. However, as for my bud Steve's Savoy, he's not wearing the number 54 on his car because he's a fly by night racer, and if you think so then tell him how you feel about his car not having decals on it prior to an elimination round against him (I'd pay an entry fee just to watch that race)! The last time some people belittled me with my dented/paint chipped '73 Pontiac Ventura, and my race team "Bandimere Speedway" tipped me off to that it did nothing but give me the extra mojo to win the 1981 Division V Street Eliminator Championship!!! Furthermore, I won't forget the racer who back at the '98 Mile High Nationals felt that he could so easily beat my Cavalier (because it was a bit off of the index), that he clicked his motor while still on the race course, and felt that he could coast to the win against me??? What he wasn't counting on was by doing that I was able to real him in, and I nipped him at the stripe by .003!!! Furthermore, what made it more embarrasing to him was that "Winston Vision" showed the whole thing for all of the fans and the announcers to see...I hope that CROW he ate tasted good...my other pal Jody Lang in round three eased up against me but he was smart enough to hit the throttle enough to assure that he stayed ahead of me, cause I was about to do the same thing to him, but he respected my abilities and remained the class act that he is!!! That will go down as one of my finest hours in this category!!!

My point to you Chip is be careful what you say and to whom, cause it could cause you to be like him, and/or bitten in the *****!!!

Besides, his car (if you watched the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and saw Bill Goldbergs Dodge Coronet) is worth enough money that it would take 5-8 national events (maybe more) winning $15K a pop to equal what his car would be worth on the auction floor....

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

I'm guessing there used to be good money in class for all brands. We made a good deal winning class with our Dodge Aspen Wagon the past couple of years, but havent had a chance to see what we can get this year.

The day that we feel we can start winning class in our Max Wedge is the day we might considering placing stickers on the car. I guess people wont consider it a true race car until then...

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

There was good money in class for all brands bud, and if my car was rwd, I could've earned more for a class win than I did/do with my fwd'er. Per your last sentence, as long as you leave me (and Steve) out of that thought from your last statement, you might be right. I however hope someday I'll be back on the circuit in such a way that I can see your Max Wedge "RACE CAR" in action...being that it's a Mopar product I'm sure that Steve would like to see it too!

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Gary,
What does you getting beat 3rd rd and your buddy having #54 got to do with Contingency money? There are some people that would rather have a show car than a race car. Like I said in an erlier post it's up to you to decide. One thing I would like you to know. I've been bitten in the ***** before but I can bite back.
Have a good day.
Chip Johnson

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

So, are you suggesting that a nice car can't be a race car. I've seen plenty of beautiful cars that had their looks ruined by TOO many decals. Run them if you want (or must) but just because someone doesn't you seem to be implying that they don't have a "race car". Never seen a decal that would make a car go faster.

I may not be a racer, but my car won 2nd place in the "Drag Car" catagory in the one and only show I will ever put it in. It was part of our club display at a fairly large show. The fact it's run 9.83 @ 136.78 (without decals) means it's a race car to me. No decals now, or ever on my car.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Disdale,
You have a very nice looking and undoubtedly fast car. MY OPINION though you can see it every saturday night down at the Sonic. I really enjoy looking at show cars. I really enjoy watching all cars go down the track. My point being IF YOU EVER WIN A RACE that pays contingency you will regret not having the decals on it when you realize how much money you left on the table.
Chip Johnson

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Chip asked me at Budds Creek did I want a show car or a race car.I told him I wanted BOTH!!
I never understood the concept of having contingency stickers on a car for a company that doesn't pay,or even LIST for a national/divisional. Why give them the exposure?? Of course I'm pickier than most and my sticker layout was changed EVERY year. I have 8 stickers on my car now...sad...but that's all that's available to me.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Chip,

You look at the winners purse and then add about $12,000.00 dollars on top and you have a nice payday. Nice car or not I am putting them on. My friend has won several national events in NHRA and they look at your car for contingency decals late in the day. I remember putting them on the car as late as 10 minutes before the final. If you race alot like you do, you are foolish not to put them on or you can afford to run alot out of your own pocket. I was at Rockingham when you won a div championship and wondered what that day would have paid if it was me, and it was by no means big dollars, but my calculations told me that would have paid for alot the next season. Best part is that the stickers come off if you don't like them. To each persons liking I suppose. But I say Show Me the Money!

Steve

I know that was getting off the thread, but todays contingency deals are lacking. Slow pay or no pay by some ruin it for the other manufacturers that do pay and pay quick (30 days). Ask anyone that races alot and wins occasionally, they can tell you who the deadbeats are. I agree with Terry on non posting manufacturers-no pay no sticker.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Steve,
I agree with You and Terry also. If they don't pay no need to have them on there. One thing nobody has mentioned, IHRA has less contingency this year but at least the ones posting pay in a timely manner. There are decals on my car that don't pay in IHRA but do in NHRA if I ever decide to run over there. There are also a few decals that don't pay contingency but the company was nice enough to discount the parts for me.
Chip

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

That's a great way to lose ALL of your contingency money in IHRA, and in NHRA, those "slapped" decals are not supposed to be counted (I thought NHRA had the same "slap one, lose all" policy, but I did not see that as such in the '09 Rulebook). It's disrespectful to the sponsor at best, and just one more reason the sponsor can question themselves on "Why are we doing this?"

If you don't want to run decals, don't, but I believe it is in our sport's best interest to support the sponsors. Buy the products and run their decals (all the time, not just in the finals). There are a lot of companies who have been VERY good to the sportsman racer, and they deserve every bit of support and advertising we can give them in return.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Hmmmmmmm... You do what you want with your ride. Calling others stupid is no different than Obama calling cops stupid. Makes you look a little smaller Chip.My car has a few stickers. But most of the stuff on my car has lasted long enough that any contingency requirements have expired. Most of us race for the challenge. No way will we get back 10 cents on the dollar. I think that racers that focus solely on the money miss out on why most of us do this. To each his own.

I've read your posts a long time Chip. You don't usually slam folks.

RIP

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

It's disrespectful to the sponsor at best, and just one more reason the sponsor can question themselves on "Why are we doing this?"

And supposed Contingency Sponsors that don't pay are respectful of the racer when they don't pay or are slow to pay? You pay full price for their part, send in your info for contingency, win a race with their sticker and they don't pay. They want their picture for the wall and the ND advertisement but don't pay. Sounds like a deal to me. Some Contingency Sponsors would be better served if they didn't post, that way we all know from the start that there are no smoke and mirrors games about phone calls and e-mails unanswered that generally makes us unhappy. The good guys will always be displayed on the vehicle, the bad guys are there for two rounds and photos. That Micheal is the way it works on this side of the tracks. Now what they do where you race, I couldn't tell. Something tells me that it happens there too. Michael I do agree that you should run them, but tell me that you have not had one that was slow to pay or no pay and that you didn't think "why the hell do I even put this on the car? They don't do anything for me even though they say they will".

Steve

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Absolutely not. That doesn't have anything to do with slapping decals on the car right before the finals, which as previously noted per NHRA rules will get you no money for those late-applied decals, and in IHRA is illegal and make you forfeit ALL contingency awards. Bringing up the few and far between bad sponsors who don't honor their commitments is not an excuse for disrespecting the large number of great sponsors who play by the rules (and expect the racers they support to follow the rules as well).

I've had a couple of slow-payers, but I've never had a "no pay" situation. There are some sponsors who have added additional requirements over the years, or have a limited amount of years that they pay for a product, and that's fine. I've had some "expire", and I've taken those decals off the car. No fuss. -=shrug=-

In order to be paid, per *both* NHRA and IHRA rulebooks, contingency decals must be on the car prior to first round of eliminations, and be displayed throughout eliminations.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

I agree with you Michael. If the racers play to the rulebook in whatever sanction you race in, then the contingency sponsor should also hold up his end of the agreement. If not then the sanctioning body should hold them accountable. No ifs, no ands or no buts. No pay on their part should result in the termination of their contingency deal in the sanctioning body. Don't show up with your trailer full of overpriced goodies, just don't show up. It is a slap in the face when somebody tells you they appreciate your business and then foul up the relationship by being dishonest about when they mail a check or worse yet just plain don't pay. I hear you loud and clear on your points Michael. The reality is that just as we have a few bad apple racers, we also have a few bad apple contingency sponsors. Neither of these will ever change. It is what it is.

Steve

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

SC4400,
I'm sorry for using the word STUPID. I should've said something like Then they will realize what they missed out on.
Chip Johnson

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Because you made the comment that people who don't place decals on their cars have probably never "won" a race (not "one" as you stated). My referrence to Steve's wearing the number 54 on his car is because he was the 4th best of all stocker racers in Div. V last year, and w/o his success racing his Savoy, he wouldn't have earned that honor.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

A different look at decals. Your racecar is a signboard. Depending on how you display your signboard is the same as any outdoor advertising. A signboard in a really busy business/traffic area is expensive. A signboard in the bad area or less traveled street is somewhat cheaper.

I along with many others here can remember the days when you ran a decal for your camshaft that wasn't the camshaft you ran in your car to keep your competitors wondering. Of course this was when a competitive SS car was in the 10k-12k range and gas was under a dollar.

I look at my race operation as a good chance for the aftermarket to display and advertise their product. Not only the car but the driver, the crew (if any), the pit area etc. The sanctioning bodies lack of promotion of the classes I choose to participate in usually regulate the amount of "traffic" or potential buyers of a product. This is why few of us have sponsors inside or outside of the motorsports field. But that is a whole different topic.

Bottom line: I display advertising (decals) of the manufacturers that help to support racing. I run products based not on popularity but products that WORK along with TECH SUPPORT that gets the job done. I will not run decals that claim that their product is only good for a certain amount of time, however, I do understand that parts, like anything else wear out. But by putting a time limit on paying for the advertising that I have done over the years is not acceptable to me, nor should it be acceptable to any of you. My racecar is ALMOST free advertising at every track that I go to until I win, r/u, or win class. Then I get payed. (Sometimes).... I will not spend time and pay phone bills to talk to machines that want me to press two for English. I have done my job. I ran the product. I use the product in customers engines. I display the decals. I tell potential customers of the top of the line components that I use.
Now back to the middle of the last paragraph where I said "ALMOST free advertising". I do now and have in the past charged "up front" for my signboard. It is a nice signboard. It appears at some of the biggest events(Nationals).It is not a regional signboard it travels. It comes with a professional crew. Why shouldn't I get top dollar for my signboard? Many companies that racers deal with are not listed as contingency sponsors for reasons that vary. Usually money. However, any nationally known company and also many regionally known companies know the value of advertising and a target audience. Some companies give me and my customers (yes I pass the savings along) price incentives to display their name on signboards. Whether it be pure product or a small discount they "pay" for their advertising. This varies from 10% off up to complete components to pay for their advertising. This is up front. Nothing if I win or lose.

We need to stop being racing prostitutes and take charge of our own destiny. Not only in advertising but in our sport and its future.

The moral of this story: I run decals that pay me in some timely fashion for the clutter on my racecar. I'm not shy in the least of telling a manufaturer what "I" require in order for "them" to appear on my signboard. In short, every decal that appears on my car has either already paid, or is paying, or will pay for its placement there. I am running less decals than ever due to the economic mess and the ones that have been removed will be replaced when things hopefully recover so no hard feelings there. If you do much racing you know who pays, who dosne't and what are the requirements to collect. In my opinion if the decal is on the car and the product is easily varified (you can see it) then case closed. In other instances such as engine components deep within.....nothing but the decal should suffice. Another complex problem with a very simple answer.

One other thing. Racecars without decals are Great! Nothing impresses me more than a nice racecar, well thought out, clean and put together right. There is no rule that says you have to be in the signboard business.

Re: Lack of contingency decals on cars????
 

Gary,
key word being PROBABLY