Level the field
 

Everyone has been addressing the IHRA deal the last few days. Look at some facts.

1) How many people do you think will win 1 race and not come back? I think very few.
2) How many more people will chase the div races trying to finish 3rd or higher. I think more.
3) Under the new system everyone has the option to win 1 and be in.
4) Under the old system very few had the option to max out on claims.

I think the new system will make the championship earned harder than ever. I did'n t like the format when I heard the rumors, but now I've seen it in print I'm looking forward to 2009.

One more thing.
In 2008 I won 3 div races and 1 national in HR to finish 10th. I missed the Summit deal by less than a rd and only had 3 nationals If I could've maxed out I may have done better.
In SR I won a divisional and finished 3rd in div 2.

Under the new format both cars would've been in the shootout.

Can't wait for 2009.

Chip Johnson
HR 10
SR23

Re: Level the field
 

I don't race IHRA as it is too far from Arizona. I went to the inagural Top Stock race as a spectator @ the Norwalk track and I was extremely impressed in not only the facility and staff but the professionalisim of IHRA. To have the owner come around thanking the participants (even myself as they knew I flew in for the race) was just outstanding.
So for what it's worth, as presented, I would be all for this new system. But since I can't race IHRA I really want to show support so NHRA may see the light and use a similar (if not mirror) system. I have always felt the current NHRA points system is geared to the professional level (i.e., those that can travel to any / all races), and to be more specific, having the ability to "throw away" races which were competed with poor results. I know of no other sport, racing included, where one can throw out their "bad day". Well, maybe fishing...:confused:

Re: Level the field
 

I think that the way racers will qualify for the shootout is cool. However, I don't think that a one race shootout is the best way to determine a champion. Too many variables.

Why not make it a three race shootout, fri, sat, sun at the finals with points accumulating to determine the champ. Similar to the old B&M series weekend points. This wouldn't eliminate all of the variables (catastrophic mechanical failure, not being able to attend for whatever reason, etc.), but the better racers will usually perform better overall - and it would require a more consistent performance as opposed to having the chance of luck playing a major role in winning a one race shootout.

Jacob

Re: Level the field
 

Having been in the position of being capable of winning the NHRA Stock World Championship twice and having to choose between going for it and my business folding or just going to work Monday morning and knowing that I "coulda been a contender", I've spoken with many of my close friends for years about a more "localized" World Championship. It's good to see IHRA finally giving the "common man" a fighting chance but don't hold your breath waiting for a change at NHRA. I have always believed that the modern NHRA wants a more "well to do" customer base anyway.

Re: Level the field
 

Chip,
In response to your list of facts:


1. A couple, for sure, and out of those couple there is a chance that one of those will be the champ. That is my only gripe about this system. I wish that they would make it a 4 race minimum, like they do at the divisional level, in order to be allowed in the shootout.

2. I agree, I think more will run at the divisional level.

Looking forward to 09 as well. Hopefully, the new contigency person will do a good job getting sponsors. However, I think he is going to have a very hard time. I have still yet to receive about half of the money I earned in 2008.

Jeff Day
#3731