Takin control of our own destiny.

[7820]

Not too many IHRA tracks in the west.

[Mark Yacavone]

I was going to make a post on the other thread on this subject, but it looks like Greg touched on my subject matter, so I'll make it here.

What needs to be done ,for now, is support the independent S/SS races and combos throughout the country.
We have a S/SS combo at our nostalgia races twice a year. There are about 40-50 class cars in Az alone. We typically get about 15 of them for our deal . Some of the guys who never show,are usually seen at Boise or Sonoma a few weeks later, pursuing national records or the Wally deal. Only reason I keep having these deals as part of our races,is because I want to, and I get alot of positive compliments from the locals.They never get to see this type of racing locally anymore. I surely don't do it for the profit,b ecause there's not alot there.
I'm afraid that The US Class Nationals was a one shot ,one time deal. It was the Woodstock of class racing. It was the coolest race I've ever been to, and also the hottest!
But you didn't see Alex rushing to put on a second race the following year. He's an enterpreneur and a hustling, hard working guy. If he could make a nice living from these type races, I'm sure he would.

Before we talk about a new series of races,we have to run some numbers. I've got a pretty good deal with Speedworld.We collect $100 lane fee ,which is paid back 100% The track charges $25 for a tech card. I get a smaller % of that ,and they ,of course get the larger.
Now ,the racer is in the gates for $125.slightly less than a divisional race.
Let's say we get 100 cars ,instead of the usual 15. Now we have 10K to pay out.
Nobody wants to race 7 rounds without round money, or a winner takes all situation .
So, realistically ,the winner would get about 4-5 grand. Alot better than a points meet,but nowhere near a Nat'l event payout.
So now you need contingency sponsors tot get where you need to be. Someone has to solicit these awards, collect then ,or see that they get paid out. A fulltime job for someone right there. The promoter has to make it worth his while, in what would be another position in the "association".
We haven't even gotten to tech personnel, rules making people , staff, logistics for all of this.
That brings us to membership fees or dues. Another fulltime job for someone.
As soon as a few people start making a living off this new association, that' s when the complaints and whining will start, ..if not long before that.
I would love to hear some real ideas how to go about all this.
Meanwhile, we need to support the independent races
That's how I see it

[danny waters sr]

I give up. You guys have a great season regardless were you race at and be safe and have fun, Iknow i will .

[Bruce Noland]

Greg,

I agree with you and will help in any way I can.

[njk53]

Speedworld in AZ would be a prime place to have a S/SS event. I have been there a few times every year for the last 5 years and it seem like the owner/promoter is really trying hard to cater to the sportsman racer. It may be worth a look if this takes off.

[Greg Hill]

How about this? A stock and super stock race Labor Day weekend with purses of 5-10k for each winner, class races and a combo race on Saturday night. We would have time to line up sponsors and find a race track in the central part of the country. I'm just throwing this out to see what everyone thinks. How about it Mickey Thompson? Would you be interested in helping?

Greg

[Ricky Clark]

Greg, you know that our gang will support this race if you can get it going. That will make about 10-15 cars.

[Joey Bohannon]

If NHRA is in such bad shape couldn't the loss of Stock and SuperStock drive the final nail in the coffin. I for one like the idea but I would not like to assist in the demise in the NHRA. Let the cars fall where they may and lets do something then. Just my .02

Joe B

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Joey Bohannon

If NHRA is in such bad shape couldn't the loss of Stock and SuperStock drive the final nail in the coffin. I for one like the idea but I would not like to assist in the demise in the NHRA. Let the cars fall where they may and lets do something then. Just my .02

Joe B

Joey, I'm afraid this is THE ONLY way something like this will happen.

[stage1scott]

at least 10 years ago, maybe longer, LACR (now defunct, yes it was a dive) was supposed to go IHRA. I was actually quite excited byt the possibility of a non-nhra track right in the NHRA's backyard and possibly some differnt direction and thinking. It did not come to pass, and the reason I was given was INSURANCE!! the track operator could nly get insurance in this market with a tie to NHRA. without thier sanction, no one would issue aliability policy. any track operators here, please chime in and correct me if I am wrong. Without a proven sanctioning body, liability insurance for the track may not be available. OTOH, I HATE No Hot Rods Allowed for the way they treat sportsman racers, and partly because of this, I haven't had a stocker since 1977.