Miss the pros? The time they take to run? the noise? the space their outfits take up in the pits? the fact they are the highlight and the Sportsman racing is relagated to Thursday when no one is there to watch?
Might be but.....?
What about the Atmosphere at the race? the cash inflow of spectators? the attraction of sponsors money? the professionalism of their outfits and crews?
Sportsman racing can be made a show of its own with spectators and sponsors but NOT without changes.
Sportsman racing will not live as a participant sport like current points meets. It must be more professional, more spectator oriented and that would require HARD changes for the racers who live and breath bracket racing.
Alcohol cars can be the draw if marketed. The TOP/STK and TOP/SS format if expanded can appeal and draw people and sponsors again. More racers can enjoy the return of Heads up racing at the same time as appealing to Spectators and sponsors. Comp has an appeal .
The Super categories would take changes or could be moved to local racing. People who have an interest in these cars want to race them not watch them and they are not Spectator popular so no spectators would be drawn to the events.
Bottom line is National events ARE THE events but they were ruined by time used by pros and lack of attention to the "dumbing down" occuring in Sportsman racing by poor planning and lack of attention to their appeal values.
Maybe if NHRA has to pay attention to using Sportsman racing it will be the best thing that can happen.
Dick Butler 3529
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