The New IHRA ???
 

Being that the sanctioning body has just gotten bought up,if you were the new owners would you leave things as they are or make changes??? Same eliminator categories? Would you combine Stock and Super Stock and maybe add a Nostalgia eliminator with with indexes like Nostalgia Super Stock?
I'd like to see them work on the Divisional events and making them more successful. Div 3 is scattered to the outer limits of the division. They need to bring them into the more central part of the divisions so racers will more likely chase points.They need to come up with a way that the track owners don't take a beating on the divisional events.
IHRA Drag Racing was for me some of the best times of my racing career. Like anything I'm sure that if they throw some funding to help the Pro Am events racers will return, and the investment will follow.
What do you think????

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

I would invite the PURE STOCKERs that have to look exactly like an original and the upgraded look alike in everyway Stockers that run heads up.

http://www.purestockdrags.com/

Would bring back Junior Stock and merge with Pure and regular Stock.
Try and produce more classes that do not require a Roll Bar being added.

Junior Stock always had a wonderful history.
Just need to standardize the rules.

Create a Crate Motor Pure Stock so older cars can compete.

Allow 4 Speed Automatics and 5 Speeds manuals to older cars allowing only 3 or 4 speeds respectively.

May get more cars driven off the street instead of towed.

Drop the Racing Gas and 2 year Harness Certification rule.

my 2 cents.

Dan

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

Jeff, I agree with most of what you said. The Divisional races near us are not that great. Pittsburgh is 85 miles for me. Every other race in Division 1 or 3 are 300+ miles away. In 2003, when I started racing IHRA, I had four (yes, 4) races within a hundred miles [two at Pitt, one at Quaker (25) and Dragway 42 (100)]. Since then, we have lost Quaker, 42, Beaver Springs, Hamilton, and other tracks that were as close, or closer, than almost all the current NHRA/IHRA tracks. And yet, we still have it better than many others. A Nostalgia-type Class for somewhat stock-appearing cars (period correct scoops, no Pro Stock style scoops, etc) might not be a bad idea, but make it 1975 and older, and allow pony cars (Camaro, Nova, Mustang, etc.). Maybe a Quick-8 shootout for Top classes (would have to be Friday night at Double races, or have a seperate 32 car dial-in field and Q-8 no breakout show. Maybe some money (even $100) and points again, for records in S/SS. Just some small things that may help.


An increased payout might help some (currently, other than Pitt, I have to win one day, or R/U both days, to break even or make a small sum). Yes, we don't do this for the money (most of us), but would be nice to know we could get SOME money if we do well. A runner-up at Maple Grove, with some sticker money, I *might* break even (R/U pays $400). Every NHRA/IHRA weekend will cost me close to a thousand dollars in entry, gas, tolls, motel, foods and any extras. The exceptions would be Pittsburgh, Norwalk and Columbus. For these reasons alone, one would THINK that more racers would support their local .90, S/SS, etc Associations. Alas, many do not see it that way.

I wish the new owners in IHRA well, and hope they can change/ improve upon a few things.

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

There are currently seven sportsman classes. Several more classes have been suggested here already. What increase in payout (multiplied by the number of classes) will yield a higher car count to the point that it will cover those increases? It's already been proven that there is not necessarily a direct correlation between payouts and car counts. Where does the money come from? "Well, just get some sponsors!" Sponsors must be able to identify a value and a return on their investment.

Points are inexpensive (administration only), but cash? Class Eliminations are similar to Records: Seems simple enough to do "just a little something" for class winners, right? Based upon projected car counts, the Northern Class Nationals trophy bill alone could approach $3,000.

Ironically enough, we've just started discussing "The Reality of Racing Math" on the new ET Drag Racing magazine. http://etdragracing.com/magazine/

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

Michael , I don't know if you remember it or not ,but when Stanback headache powders used to sponsor us in the 90's i came up with the idea to pay all record setters $25.00 when record was set at an event .The stipulation was put Stanback in the names mentioned on the record sheet which in turn was printed in every issue of Drag Review under records until record was broken or reset ....We paid at our race trailer at that event on the spot for setting record ...Wasn't much ,but was very appreciated from the racers as they were getting nothing but a certificate at that time......( it did help out on the gaskets ).......Stanback was in every record sheet every issue ,and that was cheap advertising .....

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

At the very least,I would expect Stock and Super Stock to be consolidated or eliminated.The numbers are just not there to have a profitable race with 10 or less Super Stockers at most races.

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

Before my time, but I remember you telling me the story. Now there's an example of at least some semblance of a return on investment, with branding/name recognition -- something which would require very little of both the racers and the promoters. How could this general concept be applied today to generate a greater value for existing sponsors and attract new sponsors, thus eventually resulting in a greater draw for racers?

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

I like the idea of adding NSS to the program but again money is an issue, but perhaps the NMCA rules could be added to the IHRA allowing them to compete.
NSS is very popular in the heart of IHRA country and people like to see the old cars compete plus it might give retired racers a new outlet for their need for speed just like the old days.....but perhaps the NMCA will allow use of it's funds for the NSS cars and consider it a part of one of it's races.

JimR

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

I'll just hope for the Pro-Am series to reach IHRA's Div. 7, plus bring back the allowance of Av gas for Stock Eliminator (if it has to be pure gasoline), or allow Unleaded Premium blends in Stock....

Re: The New IHRA ???
 

I would like to see an entry level class with no electronics ,air shifters, or throttle stops. The basics of the way the 90 classes used to be. Everyone cant afford a class car, especially when they are starting out. My two cents, would be hard to police.