National Event Alternate List
 

What are your thoughts on a alternate list for national events. When it fills at 8 or 9 grade points, at least let others enter in case someone drops out. I think it would at least show nhra how many racers want to compete at that event. its amazing in div 1 spend all this money and cant even go to one national. It use to be fun , now it isnt

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

That's not a bad idea
But NHRA should really just increase the quotas by 15-20 cars in the sportsman classes
That's only 7-10 additional pairs of cars per class.....
That would prob solve the issue.
It's a shame seeing racers on here inquiring about others withdrawing so they can get into a race.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

My question to the active racers is, what if there weren't grade points or quotas how many more entries would there be over the current criteria?

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

Doubt NHRA would ever do an alternate list, way to much work. As far as unlimited entries, look at the Jegs Sportsnational entry counts where there is no limit. Don't forget that pit space is at a premium at many tracks.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

In my opinion Mr Frank you're probably only looking at 10 or 12 more per event. There would probably be a few more than that at the more coveted races like Maple Grove or Gainesville maybe 20 more than current quotas but there's plenty of room at those places as well. Just my opinion.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

Great idea---As far as pit space goes now that the PRO'S entries have fallen off the extra space usually taken up by their hospitality and merchandise areas should free up a lot of extra room---FED 387

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

I've asked before, why can't the entries be extended to 64 cars? A nice full ladder

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

I think the alternate is a good idea, but
Is it really necessary?
It might be a great for the Racer, but what will it do for NHRA?
After all this grade Point system is for their benefit not the racer.
The system seems to be working well for NHRA.
It has racers attending a lot of divisional and National Open events to earn Grade Points.
This system creates a need for grade points. Without that need a lot of racers would pass on Division races and National Opens.
NHRA needs the GP system to help sell and populate the Divisional events.
When a track owner buys a divisional or National Open they want & need car count to come out with a profit on the event.
I find it difficult to believe NHRA would do anything to dilute the value of the GP system that is working the way they intend it to work.
Can't tell we might even see a Grade Point + system in the future that enhances the program.
JMHO

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

NHRA will never do it,but I think having a dedicated alternate list is a great idea.
The way it is now,a Grade 6 might not be able to get into a race.However,two Grade 7 guys can withdraw in the middle of the night (like the election) and get their buddy (who might be a Grade 2) into the race.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

I have a program from the 1979 US Nationals, it has an entry list included in the program. I don't remember what was required other than $$ to enter, here are the numbers. Only class winners ran the eliminator.

42 years ago, so, maybe not a good comparison to current, but interesting.

Stock--166
Super Stock--211
Modified--226
Comp--101
Pro Comp--37
Pro Stock--34
F/C--29
T/F--54

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

226 Modified and then a few years later they dumped us. Still don't understand.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

The grounds will not hold that many cars today, with most everyone having a motorhome and enclosed trailer. I was there 2 years ago, grounds were totally full.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

Maybe because when you bring it up to 64, and then all the other participants that don't count towards quota get in, it adds another round to the race?

I am all for expanding the car count, just a guess why they don't go to 64 cars.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

Easy solution 64 car qualified field

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

With todays tech?

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

It is not just the pit space, it is the time it takes to get the cars down the track, at least this is what NHRA has told me in the past.

If you were old enough to have gone to Indy in the late sixties watching most of the cars in time trials was like standing next to a busy Interstate one car quickly behind the other. No water burnout and no burnouts past the starting line for most cars.

They would not wait very long for one pair of cars to cross the finish line before they sent another pair.

Of course if you walked through the pits it was mostly passenger cars, pickups and open trailers.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

We discussed this in yesterday's podcast.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

Do You have a link to Your Podcasts ??

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

I like the idea Bucky and it would probably put an end to some of the races not meeting quota because you have several drop on Monday. I think what would really be a big help is if the didn't count the provisional entries towards quota.
Charlotte was at 65 at one point and now has dropped to 63 so two racers have now been locked out that otherwise could've gotten in when those 2 dropped.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

Almost forgot! Click here.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

talk to your district racer rep. alternate list is a big problem, and probaly will not work. you do not have to withdrawal till the monday before the race. how many of the alternates are able to get to track on short notice like that? if you change the withdrawal date, how many racers would be upset if they changed withdrawal period.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

Back in the day, there wasn't a quota for National Events. NHRA would mail out a list of events and you would pick which ones you wanted to enter. About 6-8 weeks before that race you would get an entry form to fill out and pay for your entry. All of a sudden, NHRA noticed that there were 100+ cars at a National and only 50 at the Divisionals. Back then there wasn't any Live drag racing on TV. We had to wait a few weeks to see the race. Now with live TV, it's vital for the racers to be ready on-time. I believe this is the driving force behind lower car counts. I'm sure NHRA makes for $$$ from TV than having a few more sportsman cars enter. It's always all about the $$$$.
Dan
SC4698

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

For those that may not know, the way the online national event entry system is now is that withdrawals need to be done by 12:00 noon PT on the Monday before an event and entries can be submitted up to 1:00 pm PT on the Monday before an event. So there is an hour when people can enter after all of the withdrawals are made if there are any open quota spots. The only thing is that you need to be able to get on your device to do it during that hour and it's "first come, first served".

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

and you have to be able to take thursday,friday, off work, and more days if travel is necessary

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

That's the same if you entered on the first day available.
Dan

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

somewhat. if i go to my boss monday afternoon and say i need this thursday friday and maybe next monday off, he will say get a new job. if i tell him 3 weeks in advance, usually can get those days off.

Re: National Event Alternate List
 

I'd like to tell you it was better being in business for yourself but I can't tell you how many races I've skipped or pulled out of because I needed to be here for work. Working sucks!