It's a new year, it's a new day

[Frank Castros]

I joined this forum November 24, 2001 and haven't witnessed this much negativity about the sport we all love so much.

The AHFS, Grade Points and the season's schedule are subjects of debate.

Be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.

Use the power of your wallet to make a statement to the National Hot Rod Association.

[Jack Matyas]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

I joined this forum November 24, 2001 and haven't witnessed this much negativity about the sport we all love so much.

The AHFS, Grade Points and the season's schedule are subjects of debate.

Be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.

Use the power of your wallet to make a statement to the National Hot Rod Association.

Not going to events is not the answer as it seems that's what they want and yes I'm mad as hell about the 50 quota at the Gators - many of us ( including myself) were shut out . Happy New Year ! ! ! PS- Check my join date ..........

[Adger Smith]

That Quota number of 50 just proves to me that someone without knowledge of running a race, AKA Bean Counter, is piloting the ship.
I would have thought they would have at least made the quota numbers slightly above a qualified field. IMHO a qualified field is a good way to Eliminate odd numbered fields and produce a better show. Less confusion, too.
Guess our Lonnie didn't have any input.

[Frank Castros]

Jack,

The N.H.R.A. is making the decision to attend National events challenging for some racers.

Grade Points
Event Quotas
Entry Fees
Actual Cost to Attend
Run Schedules
Track Preparation
Pit Space
Payouts

Not a very effective Return On Investment for many.

[Jack Matyas]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

Jack,

The N.H.R.A. is making the decision to attend National events challenging for some racers.

Grade Points
Event Quotas
Entry Fees
Actual Cost to Attend
Run Schedules
Track Preparation
Pit Space
Payouts

Not a very effective Return On Investment for many.

All true - but if we don't go they will replace us in a heartbeat .

[tstickff]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

Jack,

The N.H.R.A. is making the decision to attend National events challenging for some racers.

Grade Points
Event Quotas
Entry Fees
Actual Cost to Attend
Run Schedules
Track Preparation
Pit Space
Payouts

Not a very effective Return On Investment for many.

I disagree, yes you need 8 grade points to enter some of the most popular, if not most of the national events.

If you have to evaluate the cost of entry, cost to “attend”, the run schedule, track prep etc….it sounds like you aren’t happy with NHRA and probably aren’t trying to enter these races anyway?

When is the last time you raced a national event Frank? How many grade points do you have right now?

As far as payouts, are you attending this race or any race for that matter expecting to win every one and when you don’t do you consider this a hardship? We race because we love it, not because we are trying to win and pay our mortgage. This bitching about NHRA and how they are so terrible and expensive, then don’t go. It’s that simple, the days of entering a race for $50 and racing all weekend are over if you’re choosing to enter national events.

The run schedules are what they are, that’s why they are “national events” and not a bracket race, even these big bracket races start in Thursday’s and fridays now.

I get there is a lot of people pissed off about Gainesville, but to be fair I see more people posting and bitching about the process and the race that weren’t going anyway, don’t have a car, and haven’t races in years for whatever reason, and don’t have the grade points, so stop bitching it’s a new year and a new day!

My .02 cents from someone who has been to Gainesville 4 years in a row, yes I paid my dues, spent my money, or wasted my money depending how you see it, but my life my choice.

Thanks, Tim Stickles
1911 stock
1941 Super Stock

[Frank Castros]

Tim,

Don't call me out and I don't owe you an explanation of who I am and what I've done as a racer.

I'm on your side and I'm of the opinion that the sanctioning body doesn't treat the Stock / Super Stock racers well as they should.

So relax and enjoy another great season.

Frank

[tstickff]

Originally Posted by Frank Castros

Tim,

Don't call me out and I don't owe you an explanation of who I am and what I've done as a racer.

I'm on your side and I'm of the opinion that the sanctioning body doesn't treat the Stock / Super Stock racers well as they should.

So relax and enjoy another great season.

Frank

It’s all good, and I wasn’t calling you out, just trying to collect the facts. I respect my elders and you can ask anyone that knows me and they will verify that. Of course NHRA doesn’t treat us great, that’s nothing new, they haven’t treated racers great in decades, this is the NHRA of today and bitching about every thing they do or don’t do just isn’t helping anymore.

Tim

[Frank Castros]

It's all bench racing as it has always been except now there's Social Media and it gets pissy in a hurry.

[DG]

I have the perspective of drag racing in stock/super stock between 1983-2004, getting frustrated with NHRA, stepping away for 14 years and returning to drag racing in 2018. When I decided to come back, I resolved to just grin and bear it, when ever I got disgusted with NHRA, since it was my choice to return. I mainly wanted to spend time at the track with my dad, brothers and friends.

To my surprise, NHRA and track officials for the most part have been very friendly and welcoming. Many facilities have been improved which enhances the experience. I also like the overall changes in the engine rules allowed (lifters, rocker arms and valve springs) to stock eliminator. The cars are faster and engines seem to live longer, win/win. Yes, competitors approved replacement parts, HP factors, possible electronics cheating, national event quotas and certainly overall costs can be a real bummer, but I can add or subtract my participation level however I wish. Plus, as Bobby Fazio says, its a great car show and I love all the cool cars that people race.

Unfortunately, my dad and uncle have passed, old friends are fading away, but were making lots of new friends in the racing family. Its still a lot of fun and I think the active competitors that I talk with, feel the same way. Lets hope NHRA keeps improving and we get to enjoy this great sport with another generation of racers for 20 more years.

Happy New Year,
Darin Grossi