Quote:
Originally Posted by VE6DRW
The demise of NHRA, along with Stock and Super Stock, has been predicted for decades. Yet, spectator attendance at NHRA National events continues to increase. Fans go to see the PROs and a big show; only a few dedicated fans appreciate the sportsman classes.
However, I think a lot of the problem is self-generated by "class racers"; in that the rise of high-tech fast cars by well financed teams is driving "hobbyist" participants out of active racing. Escalating travel costs are also contributing to the issue.
I think NHRA are exacerbating the problem with an outdated format at regional and divisional events, especially when it comes to payouts and the manufacturer contingency program.
I might suggest the following for discussion:
- Lower all Stock and SS indexes by at least 4 tenths.
- Eliminate heads-up no-breakout racing at all but a few select national events (ie: where classes are run).
- Eliminate the AHFS – move to an annual review based on yearly stats.
- Loosen fuel regulations at divisional and regional events.
- Double up all divisional and regional events on extended weekends (to reduce travel costs)
- Increase prize money at regional and divisional races by at least 50% (minimum $3,000 – ideally $5,000 - to win)
- Eliminate the grade-point system for national event entry. Maximum 64 cars in each class – 1st come 1st served - entry criteria.
- Reduce the number of national events for Stock and SS – perhaps 6 maximum (based on geographic regions). Alternate with other sportsman classes at national events to keep overall car counts manageable.
- Restructure the divisional and national title system for sportsman racers to promote easy participation and reduce travel costs.
- Eliminate the manufacturer contingency program. NHRA can adopt a fee-based manufacturers certification/participation program and channel fees into the sportsman prize money.
- Coordinate the individual class-racer associations (12 – at last count) under an umbrella organization to influence event sponsorship from manufacturers and increase payouts.
These are simply brainstorming ideas to provoke discussion. Please, no need for trolls or flame-throwers … |
There is really nothing on here that will help the classracer in my opinion.
lowering the classes .4 will kill 25% of the cars if you look in Nitro Joes stats
Getting rid of most heads-up races will drive more racers away and turn it into bracket race.
If you do a review and add HP at the end of the year, you still have AFHS, and if you get rid of Heads up runs you don't need AFHS. I'm surprised you didn't get rid of qualifying the way its run now.
Why get rid of fuel regulations, oh yeah, its a bracket race under you're new rules.
Good luck on increased prize money.
Some people love national events, and having grade points keep those who want them going to divisionals, dropping nationals and getting rid of grade points will do nothing to help the classes.
Helping reduce travel to win a championship will not help either. you can race your local bracket track, go to the bracket finals and still be a champion.
What don't you like about the contingency program? did you not get paid?
I have received over 1500.00 in contingency this year and am only waiting for a couple still, and only 1 I have had no communication with.
I think if the Associations wanted to be together, they would do it. Thats NHRA racing to fall under one sanctioning body.
If you didn't want to get flamed or trolled on your post, don't post it. everything on this group is up for discussion.