Opportunity for NHRA
 

I don’t normally comment on what NHRA does or doesn’t do but after the registration mess this morning I think NHRA has an opportunity to capitalize on this computer malfunction and meet their goal of making more money and meet the Sportsman racers goal of an increased quota for Gator Nationals. With the Baby Gators the week before an almost full field of Sportsman racers is already on the property. If registration was reopened and a full field of the 6 Sportsman categories was accepted the minimum amount of income to NHRA would be in excess of $100,000.00. This is only car & driver, it does not include the first crew member. Divisional event crew is already there. On Monday one qualifying run, Tuesday first round and then on Thursday car count is back to normal and schedule is as normal for the National event. I think something along these lines would be a win/win for everybody. Pros don’t normally show up until Wednesday so not much of a conflict there.

Any other ideas out there? I’m pretty sure this is an exercise in futility but I was bored. Mike McMahan 2543 G//SA

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

Its a great idea, but obviously NHRA isn't concerned about making more money all the people they turn away all the time.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

You are assuming that every car that is going to the Gators is already going to be at the baby gators. I would assume that most are but there is surly some that aren't so they would need to show up at least 3 days sooner than needed.

Don't worry if the higher ups at NHRA want to make more money they will find a new fee to tack on.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

I heard this today and I think it has some merit. Have the winner and runner up of each class of SS and Stock at the baby Gators receive an automatic entry to the Gators, of course they would have to pay the entry fee. So if you were on the outside looking in it would give the racer one more chance to be in the Gators. It might also have an effect on the AHFS.
Just thinking out loud.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

I believe at the Baby Gators in between the Gators they do a Pro Test Session, maybe Tuesday or Wednesday. Some of the things also to look at, not everyone who's running the BG and Gators cane take that additional time off from work, I know a few who lock their selves in their MH for 3 days to work on a laptop or some fly home for a couple days of work while flying back Wed Night / Thursday, I know it seems like most or all are retired. You have to also look at the staff, I know you mentioned they are already there....well you have to think some of these guys the NHRA is a PT gig for them and have real jobs Mon to Thurs and come in to work on the weekends. I can tell you in D1, we have 4-5 guys who work FT jobs in between coming to work for NHRA.

Like anything, you're going to make some people happy and others not happy, there is no doubt with an additional round being added to the mix you'll prob see 1st round Thursday Night after 2 Time Runs in the AM, this way they can keep on track with the TV times.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

What you are suggesting is similar to Golf, Tennis, and other individual sports. They have play-in tournaments/matches where someone who doesn't have an exemption to the main event can win their way in. You see it at every Grand Slam tennis tournament and every Golf Major (I think). In addition, every National Event field should be 64 cars if possible, 128 at Indy. Does NHRA like bye runs?

NHRA could really improve its product by taking cues from more popular sports.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

Open it up to 100!

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

Regardless of the solution, having actual solutions to the problem or problems in this case. Voicing them in a productive manner has to be the course of action. When nothing but bashing occurs, many just tune it out and go about their respective days.

Just my 2 cents.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

Rule #1 Nhra doesn’t care about sportsman racers
Rule #2 Nhra doesn’t care about sportsman opinions
Rule #3 see rule #1 and rule #2

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

IMO, this is just Fastasyland stuff.
Nobody can agree on any proposals.
99% seem to be here for their own personal agendas..Whatever works for THEM.
Meanwhile entries keep going up, and people keep fighting over them..
Nothing ever changes...

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

The relationship between the NHRA B-O-D and the NHRA Sportsmen is kinda like a

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

There needs to be a LARGE amount of sportsman racers that corner the executives at the Gainesville National event and sit down and demand that they start putting people in positions at NHRA that have actual racing experience, I.E. specific technical knowledge of the classes, and operational know-how of running a drag racing event. There are current division directors that came from outside entities with NO knowledge of any of the sportsman classes, or the operational procedures of NHRA drag racing. They are even referring people to OTHER division directors for questions about racing in THEIR own division! HOW CAN THIS BE! The people in this position are supposed to be the most knowledgeable people that have all the correct and proper answers. The executives need to understand that the commercial aspect is NOT always the most important thing about the event, the actual racing is the most important thing. We as members of the NHRA should be able to demand that the organization runs smoothly with COMPETENT people at or near the top of the executive operations. We as members should have the power to demand that things change, such as sportsman class racers being treated properly, and to have our thoughts and opinions used in decisions by the executives in charge. We do not even have the ability to vote them out if we, the racers, do not agree with what they are doing. Racers make up the membership, so why aren't we able to voice our concerns and have them listened to and acted upon? Oh, and their answer to this whole entry procedure glitch; "Well we'll just open up ten more spots for each of those sportsman classes, that should be enough for anyone else that wanted to get in". Uh, there are over 100 cars in these classes at the baby gators, don't you think the majority of these racers tried to get in. That's how ignorant they are.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

Aren't you special...

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

Aren't I Special? What exactly do you mean by that? Am I wrong for saying what needs to be said? Does anyone else have the balls to stand up for what's right for us sportsman racers? Or are you just one of the sheep that goes along to get along? Sorry if anyone is OFFENDED by me voicing my opinions. But this has been coming for a LONG time.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

No, I just think that you are full of sh!t. Your post comes across as a needy teenager..

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

Many years ago, I was at the Allstars at BG.
Alan Peters comes walking up and says.. Hey Mark , we're having a meeting with (Div 1 director) Greg X. We want you to join us because you know all the details, etc...In other words. I was FOS.
So we met with Greg about some relatively minor issues, such as the points structure, etc.
He listened and dialogued with us. I don't even know what became of the proposals.

The point is, ,,you're not going to demand anything!
What, like you should lower the entries? The suits should take a big pay cut?
128 car fields that take only 1-2 GPs?.
Get a grip and forget about it.
A few racers could get on the same page first, and then approach the DD for a meeting.
Matt (Div 7) is a good guy...but that's about as good as it gets.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

The suits in Glendora read these posts. Right about now, after their third martini….they are LAUGHING their azz off !!!!

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

If an official hasn't downed a firesuit, they don't belong in the NHRA organization.

Casey Miles
248H Stock

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

I started this post as a way for us to discuss ideas of things that could be possible to improve the situation. It was my hope that we could collectively put together a reasonable solution that probably could not be used in this instance but maybe the next time a situation arose might be considered. I wish all of you nothings ever gonna change people would start your own damn post with whatever you want to say and keep your doom & gloom stuff there. Guess that was too much to hope for. Mike McMahan 2543 G/SA

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

Taking your "feels" in to account for or being offensive is part of the problem. You want to bash the current leadership, did you or anyone else inquire about the opens over the past couple of years?

Point is if your so concerned with decisions that are made. Next time an opening is available, why not put your hat in the ring. Or maybe go help at your local track that needs some experienced people willing to help. Might just open your eyes to things.

We all can find the negatives across the landscape. Do something to be part of the solution vs being mad at everything that goes on.

This week alone seen that 2 more small tracks are closing up for good. Keep complaining and bashing things. Just more of a reason for some of those fighting the good fight to call it quits.

Re: Opportunity for NHRA
 

I think we are all forgetting,,The NHRA is a NON profit organization!! So they don't need to make any $$$$. They make enough to pay the help and they're happy!!!