How come Indy has such a low entries
 

I was checking entries for comp,S/S & $. SG,SC are I notice how low the percentage is.Also can anyone tell me at what time the races start on Wed. ? Thanks

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

My guess stock will go down @ 8.00 A.M. Wednesday.

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

In the past, including last year, the first pair of Stockers were in the water box at 8:30 AM, and the schedule indicates that again for this year. Here is a link to the Indy Schedule - http://www.nhra.net/2015/images//NHR...18-II.rev1.pdf

Concerning the low number of entries in certain classes; the entry deadline is Aug. 31 at 1:00PM Pacific Time which is more than 2 weeks from now. Also, many racers prefer to hold on to their entry fee as long as possible, and a few racers may need to earn a grade point before they enter. With that being said, I don't expect Comp, SC, or SG to reach quota; SS, which is at 138, may reach quota.

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Last year was a big anniversary for this race and I'm sure a lot of racers saved up in order to make that one and are too short on cash to try for a repeat.

I hit Indy in 1966 when it was just the Nationals. It was the first year that the smug West Coast racers made the effort to trailer out for it. Amazing show of gassers. All the top name dragster drivers were there and not a Funny Car in sight!

Dale

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

SC and SG never seem to get big fields at Indy. I want to say they're typically around 120 cars for each.

SS is a little low but there are still two weeks until entries are closed. I would imagine it ends up at 160 or so.

Comp is the really depressing one. Only 16 entries at a race where there were 75+ a few years ago...

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

I can't speak for the "smug" west coasters you're referring to Dale,, but long before '66 there were teams from the left side of the country heading to the Nationals.
If you've got about a half hour to spare, go to www.youtube.com and type in:
Ingenuity in Action: a 1959 NHRA film about some young Californians making the trek to Detroit for the Nationals and picking up a caravan along the way. Its one of my favorite documentaries. Sit back and enjoy the way it used to be,,, no charge for the education. By the way,, I'm not qualified to speak about anyone's financial status except my own,, but I'm not you.
Danny Durham

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Dale, next time you are at Pacific or any other track here in the northwest you might want to talk to some of the old timers. I am sure there have been racers from the west coast at Indy since the early 60's.


I have a picture of the GM Auto Sales Willys gasser from Renton, Wa. in the pits at Indy in 1964. I am not sure how to post it on here, but might loan it to Danny Durham and have him post it for me. If someone else has that photo, or others, from this era please post them, thank you.

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Danny and Ron: During the mid 1960s I was living in my native Ohio and drag racing existed in the format of local tracks and National Dragster from the speed shop on Tuesday. Since coverage was primarily from SoCal at that time, my knowledge of Washington cars is limited to after I moved out here in 1978 and returned to the sport in 2013. So, "smug" equals Southern California in the 1960s.

I do remember a huge buzz about the California Top fuel cars coming out for the race. And the California AA/G cars going against Ohio George.

I had no hat and got a 2nd degree sunburn for my first college ID photo.

Having un-offended D6, I have now offended D7. Can't win...

Dale

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Careful Ron,,,,, he changed the font on us! We're in trouble now! I'll hope to see both of you at the divisional this weekend.
Danny Durham

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Thanks guys, just wanted to make sure I wasn't traveling an extra day for nothing.lol. Hope to get a chance to talk to many of you at Indy.Indy is still a special place from the late 60's traveling with my brother, to seeing my friend with stock in the 70's to now just spectating it's still a thrillto go to the BIG Go. Claude Ruel

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

I agree Claude. It may not be the event it used to be,, but its still on my bucket list,, since I've never attended the Nationals. Have fun enjoying it this year.
Danny Durham

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Maybe people are waking up?????

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Everyone knows if you cannot run 8 tenths under, you may as well stay home. It use to be class winners were seated first then the rest of the field was filled in with qualifiers.

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Realistically in stock you need to be a .90 under player to expect to get in the eliminator or win class. As some are saying maybe an all run eliminator would bring more cars. Its a great race and I have run there 2 different times but I don't think I would make the 1200 mile trip and not be able to contend for the eliminator win. With all of the new added classes more cars will equal to more class runoffs and less cars in the combo's. Just something to think about.

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

I think Mike Pearson is more than correct. I just checked the archive for last years qualifiers at Indy and #128 was Matt Antrobuis' H/SA Camaro at -.882 under. Maybe it will be more like .95 under to make the field.
Walt

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

I personally enjoy going to Indy as a vacation, for me it's 1250 miles to get there. I know I will not qualify, but I'll have the time of my life. It's not always about qualifying, it's being in the moment and participating. I could care less if I'm last on the Q sheet( which I have been), at least I can say I was there. You only walk on this earth for such a short time, might as well enjoy what ever blows your skirt up!

Casey Miles
248H

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Go get um Casey. I will be rooting for you to get in!! Have a great time!!

Re: How come Indy has such a low entries
 

Danny you have to attend soon, I've been attending the big Go since the 70's first with my brother hauling his 56 Chev with his Nomad trying to make the field. I remember the jail on site to keep the crazies in check.I miss the motel parking lot mechanical Fest unofficial competitions. I also remember seeing s/s guys rebuilding a motor and transmission in the pits and qualifying with the said piece. Now it's a lot more quiet, safe and clean but it's still the U.S, National.Claude