The 60th Winternationals - My Take

John DiBartolomeo · 02-18-2020, 07:18 PM

"Growing up, I remember seeing photos of that famous Winternationals banner flying high over the starting line."

https://dragracingedge.com/the-blog/...onals-my-take/

Pistol Pete · 02-18-2020, 08:14 PM

I believe the money they collect at the GatorNationals for doing the track walk goes
to Darrell Gywnn’s foundation.
That’s a great foundation too !!

Frank Castros · 02-18-2020, 08:22 PM

John,
I agree, that WINTERNATIONALS banner would have been a great touch, however the N.H.R.A. is sadly out of touch.

That race is on my bucket list.

B Parker · 02-18-2020, 08:52 PM

I'd like to know how many Sportsman racers there are compared to Pros. How many do you think work for NHRA to promote Sportsman racing? I still can't fathom how any business can turn away paying customers in the numbers they do. What business model is that. BP

oldskool · 02-18-2020, 10:23 PM

'63 Winter Nats.

Mike Pearson · 02-19-2020, 09:37 AM

Seems things on the national event level have gotten away from the original concept of racing the regular classes. The dog and pony show has been getting bigger each year. I have no problem with the "Track Walk" thing and Darrel Gwynn is a fine ambassador to our sport and does good things. Just don't have it at prime time in the racing schedule on Sunday morning. There has to be a better time.
As far as all of the exhibition stuff I really don't think the bulk of the fans want to see that stuff. Nostalgia stuff has no place at the national events as well as bracket cars and JR's.
We have plenty of really cool cars and top notch competition in the classes that compete for divisional and national championships. This is what should be first and foremost at the nationals. If they got rid of some of the "Fluff" then there would be more room in the pits and the schedule for the" real racers".

Bobby DiDomenico · 02-19-2020, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

As far as all of the exhibition stuff I really don't think the bulk of the fans want to see that stuff. Nostalgia stuff has no place at the national events as well as bracket cars and JR's.
We have plenty of really cool cars and top notch competition in the classes that compete for divisional and national championships. This is what should be first and foremost at the nationals. If they got rid of some of the "Fluff" then there would be more room in the pits and the schedule for the" real racers".

At Joliet the past two years the brought in special "Exhibition cars" seemed to be a disaster entertainment wise. Lot of time spent, no real action.

richie 2 · 02-19-2020, 04:08 PM

did any of the show cars even make a decent pass? what a waste of time...

02-18-2020, 07:18 PM	#1
John DiBartolomeo Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Beaver Springs, PA Posts: 494 Likes: 1 Liked 1,282 Times in 159 Posts	The 60th Winternationals - My Take "Growing up, I remember seeing photos of that famous Winternationals banner flying high over the starting line." https://dragracingedge.com/the-blog/...onals-my-take/ Attached Thumbnails __________________ John DiBartolomeo DRC Race Products DragRacingActionOnline.com

02-18-2020, 08:14 PM	#2
Pistol Pete VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Punta Gorda Isles, Fl. Posts: 1,626 Likes: 3,397 Liked 778 Times in 209 Posts	Re: The 60th Winternationals - My Take I believe the money they collect at the GatorNationals for doing the track walk goes to Darrell Gywnn’s foundation. That’s a great foundation too !! __________________ "Pistol" Pete Dutko

02-18-2020, 08:22 PM	#3
Frank Castros VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: The Lowcountry. Posts: 2,959 Likes: 2,548 Liked 2,626 Times in 950 Posts	Re: The 60th Winternationals - My Take John, I agree, that WINTERNATIONALS banner would have been a great touch, however the N.H.R.A. is sadly out of touch. That race is on my bucket list.

02-18-2020, 08:52 PM	#4
B Parker Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 849 Likes: 980 Liked 2,336 Times in 464 Posts	Re: The 60th Winternationals - My Take I'd like to know how many Sportsman racers there are compared to Pros. How many do you think work for NHRA to promote Sportsman racing? I still can't fathom how any business can turn away paying customers in the numbers they do. What business model is that. BP

02-18-2020, 10:23 PM	#5
oldskool VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: The Land of Bayous, Boudin & Crawfish Posts: 1,668 Likes: 223 Liked 747 Times in 362 Posts	Re: The 60th Winternationals - My Take '63 Winter Nats. Attached Thumbnails

02-19-2020, 09:37 AM	#6
Mike Pearson VIP Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,443 Likes: 613 Liked 1,915 Times in 574 Posts	Re: The 60th Winternationals - My Take Seems things on the national event level have gotten away from the original concept of racing the regular classes. The dog and pony show has been getting bigger each year. I have no problem with the "Track Walk" thing and Darrel Gwynn is a fine ambassador to our sport and does good things. Just don't have it at prime time in the racing schedule on Sunday morning. There has to be a better time. As far as all of the exhibition stuff I really don't think the bulk of the fans want to see that stuff. Nostalgia stuff has no place at the national events as well as bracket cars and JR's. We have plenty of really cool cars and top notch competition in the classes that compete for divisional and national championships. This is what should be first and foremost at the nationals. If they got rid of some of the "Fluff" then there would be more room in the pits and the schedule for the" real racers". __________________ Mike Pearson 2485 SS

02-19-2020, 04:08 PM	#8
richie 2 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 967 Likes: 419 Liked 200 Times in 91 Posts	Re: The 60th Winternationals - My Take did any of the show cars even make a decent pass? what a waste of time...