NHRA License Applications @ NPR

Pat Joffrion · 04-18-2009, 05:11 PM

I was approached in the tower by two new “licensed” racers on Wednesday night (4-15-09). They had just completed their final license runs. Both drivers ran faster than 9.99. They had all of their run sheets, physical, and an “old” license application.

I completed their application, signing all of the runs as track manager. When I informed them of the “new” fees to get their license and competition number, they balked. These bracket racers commented to me that they were not going to pay $228.00 for a two-year license with membership.

Because I run an NHRA track, I had to make it clear to them that without a license, they could not run faster than 10-flat at my track. “Fine”, they stated. “We’ll just race at State Capitol, Gulfport, or Hattiesburg! IHRA licenses are good at those tracks!”

Last year, NPR promoted NHRA membership and licenses to the point that we produced between 75 to100 new licensed members. Since the price increase, the score is zero for two. NHRA just lost two racer/members because of the price increase. The price last month was $168.00 each for two years. The economic impact of the price increase just cost NHRA $338.00 (2 * 168). Because the 37% price increase, two potential racers kept their $556.00 in their pocket. They were willing to pay $338.00, but not the extra $120.00.

Economically speaking, in an effort to make an extra $120.00, NHRA has just thrown away $338.00. That means that they will now have to get over 5 new members at the higher price to make up for the two that they just lost to the higher price. Meanwhile, the price increase just cost me two more customers. Good thing we have a good Test-N-Tune on Wednesday nights, because we sure are going to miss our fast bracket racing customers on Saturdays.

I truly hope that the NHRA board of directors will recall their price increase, and give a credit of extended license terms to those that paid the higher fees. In my opinion, a price reduction is the only way for them to increase their membership and revenues generated by the members.

In an effort to get these racers back, I am instituting a new Ten-O category. Many will slow their cars to 10.00 to make the field, I hope… The higher fees are sending our customers to seek alternative venues, so in order to stay on top, NPR needs to make it attractive for racers to bring their toys to come play at our sandbox. I’ll keep you folks informed.

Pat

GEEZ.. As I was reviewing this post, I just heard a radio commercial for a local new-car dealer…. They are actually cutting prices AGAIN in order to get more business. Wonder if word of such economic realities travels west of the Rocky Mountains? Maybe the signal was strong enough to reach the control tower in Atlanta today… Naugh… Doubt it! Slap my face!

04-18-2009, 05:11 PM	#1
Pat Joffrion Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bayou Country, Louisiana Posts: 163 Likes: 0 Liked 6 Times in 2 Posts	NHRA License Applications @ NPR I was approached in the tower by two new “licensed” racers on Wednesday night (4-15-09). They had just completed their final license runs. Both drivers ran faster than 9.99. They had all of their run sheets, physical, and an “old” license application. I completed their application, signing all of the runs as track manager. When I informed them of the “new” fees to get their license and competition number, they balked. These bracket racers commented to me that they were not going to pay $228.00 for a two-year license with membership. Because I run an NHRA track, I had to make it clear to them that without a license, they could not run faster than 10-flat at my track. “Fine”, they stated. “We’ll just race at State Capitol, Gulfport, or Hattiesburg! IHRA licenses are good at those tracks!” Last year, NPR promoted NHRA membership and licenses to the point that we produced between 75 to100 new licensed members. Since the price increase, the score is zero for two. NHRA just lost two racer/members because of the price increase. The price last month was $168.00 each for two years. The economic impact of the price increase just cost NHRA $338.00 (2 * 168). Because the 37% price increase, two potential racers kept their $556.00 in their pocket. They were willing to pay $338.00, but not the extra $120.00. Economically speaking, in an effort to make an extra $120.00, NHRA has just thrown away $338.00. That means that they will now have to get over 5 new members at the higher price to make up for the two that they just lost to the higher price. Meanwhile, the price increase just cost me two more customers. Good thing we have a good Test-N-Tune on Wednesday nights, because we sure are going to miss our fast bracket racing customers on Saturdays. I truly hope that the NHRA board of directors will recall their price increase, and give a credit of extended license terms to those that paid the higher fees. In my opinion, a price reduction is the only way for them to increase their membership and revenues generated by the members. In an effort to get these racers back, I am instituting a new Ten-O category. Many will slow their cars to 10.00 to make the field, I hope… The higher fees are sending our customers to seek alternative venues, so in order to stay on top, NPR needs to make it attractive for racers to bring their toys to come play at our sandbox. I’ll keep you folks informed. Pat GEEZ.. As I was reviewing this post, I just heard a radio commercial for a local new-car dealer…. They are actually cutting prices AGAIN in order to get more business. Wonder if word of such economic realities travels west of the Rocky Mountains? Maybe the signal was strong enough to reach the control tower in Atlanta today… Naugh… Doubt it! Slap my face!