What Made NHRA Legitimate to the Racer

Mike Volkman · 08-18-2021, 08:59 PM

Just spent a long conversation with our engine builder, Gale Powley, regarding why and what were the reasons for racing with NHRA. The reasons we do it appear to be no longer there. The only plus they have is Jack Jones and the Iron Man.

Bottom line was the racer believed (past tense) it was the most legitimate place to race because of tech and the officials trying to keep a level playing field and you knew the car in the other lane was more than likely held to the same standards.

In other words, no tech and combinations that are way under factored will be and are the major down fall of why many have lost and will continue to lose the enthusiasm that was once there.

I don't believe and actually do not like the word "fair." I always felt that if a combo could get within a tenth of the legit fast guy there was a chance and it just required some more work.

Having said this, I hope that Bo, Jason, Ken and Little Bohannon can somehow group together and maybe pick up others so that they can have a series among themselves where there is a payout at the end of the year, sponsor support at the races, real tech with adjustments made as needed, along with the recognition of being the best of the best.

The current powers to be (speaking specifically of Glendora) are essentially so lost in the woods with class racing they will need a compass to get it fixed. Then outside of tech, we have the race master (scheduler) not giving a hoot about what it takes to actually race competively in our classes with the get them in and out mentally.

If you never raced Indy in class where you were covered by a tenth or played the game so you didn't line up with the fast guy you won't understand.

IHRA, AHRA, and local tracks that use to actually have a stock/super stock class with tear down are long gone. Hope that NHRA powers see the light and make some changes. Too young to give up on them just yet.

Michael Volkman
412.651.2356

6130 · 08-18-2021, 09:13 PM

Is there literally no tech?

Mike Volkman · 08-18-2021, 09:16 PM

Scales and fuel. Neither of which is needed other than heads-up, class and qualifying runs.

6130 · 08-18-2021, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDS Inc

Scales and fuel. Neither of which is needed other than heads-up, class and qualifying runs.

That's a bunch of cr@p.

What about teardowns?

Mike Pearson · 08-19-2021, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6130

Is there literally no tech?

In recent years before Covid tech was mostly about the safety items needed to race the class you were entered. They would check your class and weight on your weight sticker to make sure that was correct.

Now it is self tech when you fill out your tech card online. They do make spot checks periodically in the lanes for safety compliance.

Fuel and weight after the run

Jim Hanig · 08-19-2021, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Pearson

In recent years before Covid tech was mostly about the safety items needed to race the class you were entered. They would check your class and weight on your weight sticker to make sure that was correct.

Now it is self tech when you fill out your tech card online. They do make spot checks periodically in the lanes for safety compliance.

Fuel and weight after the run

They need the fuel for the scooters

Mike Volkman · 08-19-2021, 10:22 PM

And, if I may make an additional comment. The tech people and other division personnel put in long hours, at slave wages, to support our sport. Inadequate mandates on staffing, enforcement, etc. hinder them from doing the stuff they want and know to do. Our guys in division 2 are pretty fair and good as the other guys in the central/east are without mentioning names. Don't know about out west as I've have no experience but assume they are just like they are here. So you tech guys who love the sport and actually appreciate stock and super stock racing we appreciate you and thanks!

GUMP · 08-19-2021, 10:59 PM

Mike,

I hear what you're saying, but I also think that the NHRA is in a battle to keep this alive.

How often are you a tenth behind?

Daren

TOSTO RACING · 08-20-2021, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDS Inc

And, if I may make an additional comment. The tech people and other division personnel put in long hours, at slave wages, to support our sport. Inadequate mandates on staffing, enforcement, etc. hinder them from doing the stuff they want and know to do. Our guys in division 2 are pretty fair and good as the other guys in the central/east are without mentioning names. Don't know about out west as I've have no experience but assume they are just like they are here. So you tech guys who love the sport and actually appreciate stock and super stock racing we appreciate you and thanks!

This is very true.

Mike I like you lol

Frank Castros · 08-20-2021, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDS Inc

The tech people and other division personnel put in long hours, at slave wages, to support our sport. Inadequate mandates on staffing, enforcement, etc. hinder them from doing the stuff they want and know to do. thanks!

Would it kill the over paid upper echelon leadership to re-appropriate compensation capital to the compensation fund for these support teams?

I already know the answer to this rhetorical question but I put it out there to jog the senses of the dedicated class racers who want a level playing field.

Fund and staff the Technical Dept. with highly skilled and motivated professionals!

08-18-2021, 08:59 PM	#1
Mike Volkman Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 79 Likes: 32 Liked 497 Times in 50 Posts	What Made NHRA Legitimate to the Racer Just spent a long conversation with our engine builder, Gale Powley, regarding why and what were the reasons for racing with NHRA. The reasons we do it appear to be no longer there. The only plus they have is Jack Jones and the Iron Man. Bottom line was the racer believed (past tense) it was the most legitimate place to race because of tech and the officials trying to keep a level playing field and you knew the car in the other lane was more than likely held to the same standards. In other words, no tech and combinations that are way under factored will be and are the major down fall of why many have lost and will continue to lose the enthusiasm that was once there. I don't believe and actually do not like the word "fair." I always felt that if a combo could get within a tenth of the legit fast guy there was a chance and it just required some more work. Having said this, I hope that Bo, Jason, Ken and Little Bohannon can somehow group together and maybe pick up others so that they can have a series among themselves where there is a payout at the end of the year, sponsor support at the races, real tech with adjustments made as needed, along with the recognition of being the best of the best. The current powers to be (speaking specifically of Glendora) are essentially so lost in the woods with class racing they will need a compass to get it fixed. Then outside of tech, we have the race master (scheduler) not giving a hoot about what it takes to actually race competively in our classes with the get them in and out mentally. If you never raced Indy in class where you were covered by a tenth or played the game so you didn't line up with the fast guy you won't understand. IHRA, AHRA, and local tracks that use to actually have a stock/super stock class with tear down are long gone. Hope that NHRA powers see the light and make some changes. Too young to give up on them just yet. Michael Volkman 412.651.2356 Last edited by Mike Volkman; 08-18-2021 at 09:02 PM.

08-18-2021, 09:13 PM	#2
6130 Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Texas Posts: 409 Likes: 295 Liked 117 Times in 50 Posts	Re: What Made NHRA Legitimate to the Racer Is there literally no tech?

08-18-2021, 09:16 PM	#3
Mike Volkman Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 79 Likes: 32 Liked 497 Times in 50 Posts	Re: What Made NHRA Legitimate to the Racer Scales and fuel. Neither of which is needed other than heads-up, class and qualifying runs.

08-19-2021, 10:22 PM	#7
Mike Volkman Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2020 Posts: 79 Likes: 32 Liked 497 Times in 50 Posts	Re: What Made NHRA Legitimate to the Racer And, if I may make an additional comment. The tech people and other division personnel put in long hours, at slave wages, to support our sport. Inadequate mandates on staffing, enforcement, etc. hinder them from doing the stuff they want and know to do. Our guys in division 2 are pretty fair and good as the other guys in the central/east are without mentioning names. Don't know about out west as I've have no experience but assume they are just like they are here. So you tech guys who love the sport and actually appreciate stock and super stock racing we appreciate you and thanks!

08-19-2021, 10:59 PM	#8
GUMP VIP Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Shelby, NC Posts: 1,772 Likes: 2,052 Liked 2,177 Times in 506 Posts	Re: What Made NHRA Legitimate to the Racer Mike, I hear what you're saying, but I also think that the NHRA is in a battle to keep this alive. How often are you a tenth behind? Daren Last edited by GUMP; 08-19-2021 at 11:03 PM.