Big Money Class Races-our thoughts

Mike Delahanty · 04-07-2021, 10:32 AM

Bob, several thoughts on this subject to serve up.

From my personal experience, there are a couple of key success factors that make these races attractive, fun and successful.

Exclusivity – Stock and SS only. Bo said it best – “a race where STK/SS is celebrated and not tolerated”.

The ability to race more than once. 2-3 races including an optional Combo

Some entertainment. At SGMP it was the 64 car Shootout. At St. Louis it was the CIC race. At Ken’s race later this summer it will be the Top Stock Race. And the evening Racer parties are icing on the cake.

NHRA came pretty close to getting this right last year with the Speedweek at Columbus that had the LODRS and the SportsNATIONALS back to back. I think the back to back Division races were a brilliant idea and see that that concept is back in several places this year with National Open/LODRS doubles. But the same issues with an NHRA race were there….long waits, Top Sportsman crash cleanups, yada-yada-yada……

One of the biggest challenges for the promoter is date, location and cost. I think the two recent races were too early to have broad appeal. Both tracks appeared to be great choices for the racer. While St. Louis was great for the racer, I would have concerns about the cost to the promoter especially if scheduled in “Prime Time”.

The idea of several Regional Associations getting together for a joint race has been bantered about but faces the problem of “when and where”. Bringing Buckeye, GLSSA, Can-Am, Midwest and Heartland Associations together could make for a great race. And we have talked about an All-Star Challenge race that pits 4-8 from each Association …… that would be the entertainment. But where is the right track in the right spot to get good support from these Association racers?

I raced at Ken’s Numidia race last year and it was fantastic. From what I’ve seen so far it may be the best balance of date, location, entry fee, and payout. The Numidia track is well suited for this type of race with a beautiful location, solid prep and lots of places for watching… especially the hill overlooking the finish line. It was mostly D1 racers last year but I expect a good D3 turnout this year, especially with the D1 Numidia LODRS race and National open the week before.

I think Michael Beard’s Class Nationals may have had the success formula pretty close. The late August date for the second race may have been it’s undoing.

Stock and SS racing is headed for some good times with these independent events. Thanks to the promoters and the supporting companies.

04-07-2021, 10:32 AM	#5
Mike Delahanty VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,200 Likes: 0 Liked 271 Times in 53 Posts	Re: Big Money Class Races-our thoughts Bob, several thoughts on this subject to serve up. From my personal experience, there are a couple of key success factors that make these races attractive, fun and successful. Exclusivity – Stock and SS only. Bo said it best – “a race where STK/SS is celebrated and not tolerated”. The ability to race more than once. 2-3 races including an optional Combo Some entertainment. At SGMP it was the 64 car Shootout. At St. Louis it was the CIC race. At Ken’s race later this summer it will be the Top Stock Race. And the evening Racer parties are icing on the cake. NHRA came pretty close to getting this right last year with the Speedweek at Columbus that had the LODRS and the SportsNATIONALS back to back. I think the back to back Division races were a brilliant idea and see that that concept is back in several places this year with National Open/LODRS doubles. But the same issues with an NHRA race were there….long waits, Top Sportsman crash cleanups, yada-yada-yada…… One of the biggest challenges for the promoter is date, location and cost. I think the two recent races were too early to have broad appeal. Both tracks appeared to be great choices for the racer. While St. Louis was great for the racer, I would have concerns about the cost to the promoter especially if scheduled in “Prime Time”. The idea of several Regional Associations getting together for a joint race has been bantered about but faces the problem of “when and where”. Bringing Buckeye, GLSSA, Can-Am, Midwest and Heartland Associations together could make for a great race. And we have talked about an All-Star Challenge race that pits 4-8 from each Association …… that would be the entertainment. But where is the right track in the right spot to get good support from these Association racers? I raced at Ken’s Numidia race last year and it was fantastic. From what I’ve seen so far it may be the best balance of date, location, entry fee, and payout. The Numidia track is well suited for this type of race with a beautiful location, solid prep and lots of places for watching… especially the hill overlooking the finish line. It was mostly D1 racers last year but I expect a good D3 turnout this year, especially with the D1 Numidia LODRS race and National open the week before. I think Michael Beard’s Class Nationals may have had the success formula pretty close. The late August date for the second race may have been it’s undoing. Stock and SS racing is headed for some good times with these independent events. Thanks to the promoters and the supporting companies. __________________ Been racing Stock and S/S cars since 1973.