Big sportsman payout increase at IHRA National Events

John Nechiporchik · 11-25-2014, 11:43 AM

I am pleased the IHRA has stepped up their purse structure AND re-instated the Sportsman categories to their "National " events. This action indicates an organization with leadership that is not afraid to tap into past successes and marry those with a go forward strategy to create a model that fits the present economic and demographic make-up of racers and spectators.
It was not long ago that the IHRA National events at Milan, Martin, Grand Bend( probably others) had crowds five deep at the fences to watch the Fuelers and Pro Stock qualifying and racing action. The stands were packed and the pits were chaotic....but awesome! The Stock/ Super Stock fields were healthy. Hopefully, we can move towards that excitement level again.
We were all waiting to see what the new team at IHRA had planned. Now we are getting a look at their thinking and it appears to be in the right direction for drag racing as a whole.
As indicated in some other posts, it is incumbent on the racers to come to the table and support these efforts by attending these races. If we don't, we'll be cranking out posts on various websites complaining about how IHRA failed.
Personally, I have raced in IHRA divisionals, nationals and NHRA divisionals only. I like racing in both organizations and will prepare my 2015 schedule to participate in both where practical.
I wish IHRA great success as they take positive steps to move forward.
As this week is Thanksgiving, I say thanks for being able to race and make the choices we desire.
Happy Thanksgiving to all on the Class Racer forum.

John

11-25-2014, 11:43 AM	#19
John Nechiporchik Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Grosse Ile Mi. Posts: 316 Likes: 84 Liked 13 Times in 7 Posts	Re: Big sportsman payout increase at IHRA National Events I am pleased the IHRA has stepped up their purse structure AND re-instated the Sportsman categories to their "National " events. This action indicates an organization with leadership that is not afraid to tap into past successes and marry those with a go forward strategy to create a model that fits the present economic and demographic make-up of racers and spectators. It was not long ago that the IHRA National events at Milan, Martin, Grand Bend( probably others) had crowds five deep at the fences to watch the Fuelers and Pro Stock qualifying and racing action. The stands were packed and the pits were chaotic....but awesome! The Stock/ Super Stock fields were healthy. Hopefully, we can move towards that excitement level again. We were all waiting to see what the new team at IHRA had planned. Now we are getting a look at their thinking and it appears to be in the right direction for drag racing as a whole. As indicated in some other posts, it is incumbent on the racers to come to the table and support these efforts by attending these races. If we don't, we'll be cranking out posts on various websites complaining about how IHRA failed. Personally, I have raced in IHRA divisionals, nationals and NHRA divisionals only. I like racing in both organizations and will prepare my 2015 schedule to participate in both where practical. I wish IHRA great success as they take positive steps to move forward. As this week is Thanksgiving, I say thanks for being able to race and make the choices we desire. Happy Thanksgiving to all on the Class Racer forum. John