The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

With all the doom and gloom talk of NHRA doing away with class racing, perhaps it's time for the racers to take control of their destiny. It's all a matter of marketing, and the returns from expense that go with it. In the last decade all but a few NHRA class racers have enjoyed substantial returns, usually a result of winning, along with various other perks. The cold hard reality that NHRA doesn't need class racing has become increasingly evident over the last couple years due to it's straying from being a service organization to pure corporate marketing strategy...it's all about selling speed and it's bottom line cost. And since it's a failing direction, they have and will continue to take from us to supplement that strategy until they've used us up, we "cry uncle", or they fold altogether. True, the average Joe Spectator will never grasp the technical concept or methods of class racing, but he and his family aren't deep minded enough about anything in life. He's only interested in entertainment value, and that's who NHRA is after. As a result NHRA now competes with theatrical shows, stick-ball sports, amusement parks, and even circus acts. Thet have thrown themselves on the track of mainstream entertainment market share. Any sales person knows about the "80-20 rule"...80 percent of your business comes from 20 percent of your customer/audience base.

The good news is that other 80 percent is still out there who we can (and should) focus on. What's better is that this group includes the 20 to 30 percent of deep minded society looking for something beyond general theatrics, danger, or glamour. Rich Christensen with his "Pinks All Out" concept continues to prove this every time he's handing out money like candy.

With our current economic condition, many supporters of class racing have changed their strategies both in marketing and spending habits. The proof could be seen when we watched many of the "sticker sponsors" leave NHRA class racing in droves the last couple years. Have they stopped supporting grassroots drag racing? Hardly. Take a look at other series like NMRA, NMCA, and specifically ADRL.. all alive and well. Why? Full grandstands. A good example of the "other 80 percent" rule is ADRL. Their concept is pure genius: a membership program to offset operating costs and racer fees to support a payout program. Then allow members/spectators free admission (not sure if membership required or not..nonetheless a great concept) which builds consession traffic opportunities, creating a standard admission fee alternative. The results are full grandstands and pit traffic, something supporting sponsors LOVE to see. So even though average Joe may consider Class racing "complex" and not quite the same danger and speed, it still offers the same smell noise, and a fair amount of excitement that come with other forms of motorsports action, but is cheap or FREE to attend. So he's able to bring his family and get better value for his money. Not to mention another venue to attract hot rodders who buy products from the same companies that have traditionally supported class racing (I knew many bracket racers who attended national events just to visit the mfr midways back in the day).

We also need to attract TV or video coverage. Nothing attracts spectators better than the psyche of being in a "TV" audience. And class racing offers some of the best damn material for TV audiences..it's just that producers don't know where to look. Imagine the drama that takes place during teardowns as part of a reality show? No different than Science/History/Discovery group of channel's current programming. Orange County Choppers...go figure. Hell, some top rated TV reality shows are far less entertaining and complicated to follow. And some of the best paid comedians in show business don't hold a candle to many of the personalities in S/SS.

Track operators, S/SS associations, and class racers should take notice....while NHRA is looking for an escape clause...we may be staring down the narrow passage leading to our nirvana...maybe the golden opportunity to capitalize on NHRA's struggles. While they fight for the few big golden nuggets in the sand...there's much more in the form of gold pieces as long as we're willing to sift and work through it. It's time to band together and run our own show.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Hurdle # 1, Where are you going to run ? nhra will never let you run at one of their sanctioned tracks, why do you think USCN ran at Byron. Races need to be for everyone across the country, you mite be able to run a couple of races that take in certain area's but I dont see everyone being able to compeat. ADRL dose not compeat with nhra, no S or SS NMCA runs a bracket elim. footbrake only and dose not compeat with nhra.
Only way we can make a move is if nhra tells us we are done otherwise they will just step all over us. Ask Alex Denysenko , he knows all the if ands and buts.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Guess I missed something. When & where did they say they were doing away with class racing?

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

what will the suits put in all that empty slots if they do away with sportsman racing,never happen,if sportsman leave nhra,the nhra is done,will not have a product to justify addmission

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

I agree about the TV coverage I think ESPN could show more sportsman coverage on the national events I love to watch the sportsman finals at national events but its just the finals. I think they should show them round by round in every class that would defently make me and probably thousands of others tune in too.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

If you take a look at the stands at a national meet:
(1) somewhat full when the pro's run
(2) much less full when the stock/superstock run

the majority of people who pay to come to a national meet come to see the sound, fire
and fury of the Pro cars.

I am in the minority that when I attend a national meet I leave the stands after stock,
superstock and some of the super gas class's (I have friends who run all three).

Would I pay to attend a national meet if the door cars are not there? No probably not.

Just my 2 cents.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

I agree with your concerns!!! but is does no good for our classes when NHRA gives us, examples...80-130 car entry spots and we only fill 2/3 of the feild.... If racers were that concerned about losing our classes they would be entering races and showing NHRA....they want be part of racing in the future...if people says it's to exspensive to go racin...then there in the wrong sport... NO EXCUSES....

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Talk, rumors, buzz etc. Nothing was mentioned of official notice. Forget about NHRA ever admitting to such a move. Remember what happended to Modified in 1981 - http://www.competitionplus.com/index...1490&Itemid=24

And Pro Stock Truck 2001 - http://www.competitionplus.com/2004_...ock_truck.html

Do you honestly think NHRA is going to give everyone a heads up if they do? And do they own every dragstrip in this country?

If the suits were honestly worried about filling empty slots do you think they'd think twice about how they schedule sportsman classes? Have you ever sat in on a corporate board meeting and hear how executives talk about customers? "Don't worry, most will buy, some will bitch, and a few will actually make formal complaints...we can deal with them". Does that sound like they honestly care? They only care about making money.

As long as there are complacent racers willing to pay outrageous admission and withstand the inconveniences during major events it's a no brainer NHRA's not going to provide any sort of warning or admission of "writing on the wall". They'll milk it for all it's worth until their fortunes run out. Anyone with half a brain is smart enough not to shoot the golden goose. Show me where things have improved? Can you show me the incentives NHRA has put in place to attract new blood? Grade points, higher entry fees, unchanged payouts, loss of contengency sponsors, reduction of class runoffs, reduction of events that run our categories, class consolidations, I can go on. Where are the positives?

Bob, I know Alex personally and know his primary goal was to prove it can be done. What killed the "sequel" is the same thing that currently hurts NHRA class racing...people whining about the abuse from NHRA but continue to support them regardless. The only way we could do it at "their" sanctioned tracks is if the rest of the class racing community (or all NHRA sportsman members for that matter) bands together and supports their local tracks first and foremost, as well as various regional S/SS associations, foregoing NHRA events. True, they might shut the door on us, and probably be the best thing to happen. Perhaps a wakeup call to NHRA, or even bigger, a final death blow to such an arrogant organization after we establish ourselves as an independent entity. Strength is always in numbers. WJ admitted himself last week at Maple Grove...NHRA works with no more than 2% of their membership.

All great things start with an idea. This is just mine.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

...as far as rumor goes...T/S and T/D is being run as exhibition classes...no weighing, no fuel check, no teardowns. Talk of possible replacement for S/ST, S/G, and S/C. Very fast, dial-in racing with little to no "policing". Reduced technical staff...something that was mentioned on this forum previously. The average Joe Spectator could care less. If you can't see this....you need to get your eyes checked.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Gary, I know your pain about class racing. I have spoken here many times about methods to improve it. I worked with TOP/SS and TOP/STK. Dedication of the racers to re doing class heads up racing is minor. Many will speak about it and sigh about how they miss it. The ones who supported TOP/SS and TOP/STK raved about it and want it to continue. Problem is NHRA will never support 8 guys racing at an event where they have 100 paid entries to just participate in Stk or SS who dont care whether they race anyone as long as they can "participate" in the bracket part of the event. AGE has caught up with the racers. Old guys who understand are leaving the sport or just gave up class racing. Young guys set their sights on having a place to bring their $30,000 to $100,000 cars to run down the track and let off at 1000 ft and hope someone is impressed because they are saving their HP rating. None of the older guys are impressed. They want to see a CLASS WINNER trophy on the shelf. If you find a sponsor who will pay money for class to make it attractive some will STILL not compete. So many cars cannot be made competitive based on factoring fiascos seen at the US nationals and still some cars are kicked out over a cc spec in a book when they are grossly mis factored for lack of interest.
Modified was the answer ahead of its time. Same cubic inchs, carbs open rules but basic chassis. SS and Stk are unfortunately victims of manipulation by Tech rules committee ignoring them and bogus expectations and punishments.
Good Luck
I loved TOP/SS as those who fit easily and supported it. The TOP/STK guys felt the same but there was no incentive for NHRA to support it when TOP/SPORTSMAN and TOP/DRagster had MONEY coming in to support the races...

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

First and foremost we have no negotiating power with NHRA.Even $$$ isn't on our side.They can keep the super classes,add T/S T/D,Pro Mod and make up the cash flow.Would you want to be in charge of rules and enforcement of S/SS?We are the biggest pain in the *** for them,money and enforcement.
And we are NOT a car culture anymore like in the 50-70s.All these people want is to smell nitro fumes,see flames,cars blowing up and get Ashley's autograph.
And lastly,look at some of the mean spirited posts about class at this years race.We can't even get along among ourselves.
Drag racing is going along at the edge of a cliff,it won't take much to push it over the edge.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Well, there is the problem of NHRA making it too expensive. They raised nearly every fee possible on sportsman racers right in the middle of the weakest economy in 30 years or more. But hey, that's just an excuse, right?

People are getting sick of the way NHRA treats them. Good people, long time racers, who have enough money and have good cars as well. You get to a 3 day race, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, late on Thursday night, they stack you outside. Then, Friday morning, while you are waiting outside, behind a line of $1M motorhomes of the pro drivers they are parking first, they run your first time trial. They put you on the track when it is barely prepped. If it rains, they call off class eliminations, and/or time trials, while they drag *** running the pros, with wasted time between sessions. Either that, or they run some exhibition class that has 3-4 wrecks so that running 16 cars one round takes 2 hours.

So, in a poor economy, they increase your cost, and treat you like dirt. But there is no excuse for not falling all over yourself to take an extra day or two off, skip spending money on something else, and line up for more abuse at a higher price. Got it. Thanks.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

I believe most of us do this for fun!! a hobby, or what ever you choose to call it? if i remember correctly hobby's or additional entertainment cost$$$$, everyone needs to quit crying about the ECONOMY. if a real racer want's to get to a race there is always a way...don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with going or getting to a race and being $$$ smart about it,,,, we all like this sport that is why we all still deal with the issues..you can't please everyone..just enjoy what your able to to.. becuase some people can't!!!

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Jim, I do this STRICTLY as a hobby. BUT I WANT IT TO CONTINUE. What do we do when NHRA carves us out of the picture???
As I've asked ad-nauseum...WHAT IS IT THAT PEOPLE THINK NHRA IS NEEDED TO KEEP CLASS RACING ALIVE???? WHAT DO THEY HONESTLY BRING TO THE TABLE? DO WE RACERS WANT TO CONTINUE TO RACE...OR BITCH ABOUT THEM YET CONTINUE SUPPORTING THESE GREEDY BASTARDS???? Class racing will only continue IF we take control of our destiny.....PERIOD.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Where is you're bargaining power.It's their company now not yours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

I don't Ed. That's why I keep saying WE are ultimately in control of class racing's destiny...not just me, just you, or just every other individual stock & super stock racer... ALL OF US COLLECTIVELY. As a united group we DO have bargaining power. That committee B.S. from the last couple years, with reps from each division....was the perfect opportunity for racers, as a collective group, to tell NHRA IT'S OUR WAY OR THE HIGHWAY. But the conceptual attitude of many class racers allowed for the Glendora bozos to walk all over us. Why wasn't my voice heard when my div reps confronted NHRA? I CHOSE NOT TO RENEW MY MEMBERSHIP OUT OF PROTEST. Class racing doesn't exist because of NHRA...NHRA HAS class racing because of US & OUR MONEY.

Sadly, I lack conficence that anyone takes this serious and don't see much point in further voicing my ideas as it's inevitable class racers aren't concerned about this concept or simply in denial...so long as they can hand over their entry money and get to race the next event, everything is just rosey....and that mentality is what WILL kill the sport.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Gary , It seems to me that things will have to get a whole lot worse, racing with NHRA, before they get any better elsewhere. Our S/SS combo numbers have continued to drop off while ALL the other categories have been steadily growing.

It looks to me like during tough economic times, people would rather save their money to hand it over to NHRA, if they have to choose between venues.

What's the answer? Where's the bottom? I don't know. I think C S &N said "the darkest hour is right before the dawn"

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Mark.. To my 1st post if we don't support OUR CLASSES!!! when NHRA gives us the chance to by # of entries. we as racers need to take advantage of that... the superclasses do! the more we all complain and wonder about our future in NHRA does not help the current time's. get on your computer enter a up and coming race and have some fun..................

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Gary I understand but as you can see just by the posts on this thread you will never get the majority to agree to make a move forward. Nothing will happen until we get dumped by nhra, than a need arises and you will be able to deal with racers that want to continue with S & SS and maybe you better start looking now for tech people that mite be interested because without them there is no reason to go forward.

Re: The Fight To Preserve Class Racing
 

Gary, another problem which has developed with sophistication and progress is the cost of parts NOW available to run class. Rules bend , NEW HEADS, Rules bend, new cranks, rods, pistons cams springs. With 90 + classes dividing up those interested in the "class "format most wont change combinations to see more class racing.
It has been proposed to combine classes, delete some for lack of participation and All racers are concerned rightly about the cost to move to another class or car. The long term good is sacrificed for the save money today for the individual while NHRA continues to crank out the classes and allow the variations which make it worse.
Good luck getting most to accept change...