How would you SAVE CLASS RACING ???

[Ed Wright]

Thanks Ken!

[Michael Beard]

Another idea: Can't pay for Class at 12 events? What about posting for Class (as it was previously contested) at just 3 Sportsnationals and Indy... make them a "destination", something even more special. Additionally, pay contingency for National Records. Get people to truly chase performance and reward them accordingly.

[Mark Yacavone]

Originally Posted by Michael Beard

Another idea: Can't pay for Class at 12 events? What about posting for Class (as it was previously contested) at just 3 Sportsnationals and Indy... make them a "destination", something even more special. Additionally, pay contingency for National Records. Get people to truly chase performance and reward them accordingly.

Michael , I was under the impression that runs of 1.19 under at Divisionals and Opens (including altitude tracks) would get you an instant hit, thereby putting an end to the majority of record setting.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

[Alan Roehrich]

Consolidate classes, to an extent, (say, 1.0 weight breaks, starting at 7.0 for Stock) pay points and money for top ten qualifying as well as class wins, contest class at every event, but only pay points and money for contested wins, singling for class only gets a trophy, and only if you run 0.500 or more under.

That gives companies an incentive to pay, because they pay people trying to go fast, and those people buy parts from them. It puts performance back in the eliminator, while still leaving some of the "dial under/break out" intact to keep money from becoming totally dominant.

We need a better balance between performance and "bracket mode" in order to make class racing more attractive from a sponsor stand point.

But it won't happen, the very suggestion of consolidating classes (especially merging FWD classes in) will result in vehement protests. As will the suggestion that class wins and qualifying pay points and money.

The other thing that is absolutely necessary is promotion of the class racing itself. That is something that is even more completely out of the hands of the racers. It has been proven that the classes can put on a show, and draw a crowd, but like anything else, it must be properly promoted, instead of ignored because there is some level of difficulty involved.

[Bob Don]

Originally Posted by Alan Roehrich

Consolidate classes, to an extent, (say, 1.0 weight breaks, starting at 7.0 for Stock) pay points and money for top ten qualifying as well as class wins, contest class at every event, but only pay points and money for contested wins, singling for class only gets a trophy, and only if you run 0.500 or more under.

That gives companies an incentive to pay, because they pay people trying to go fast, and those people buy parts from them. It puts performance back in the eliminator, while still leaving some of the "dial under/break out" intact to keep money from becoming totally dominant.

We need a better balance between performance and "bracket mode" in order to make class racing more attractive from a sponsor stand point.

But it won't happen, the very suggestion of consolidating classes (especially merging FWD classes in) will result in vehement protests. As will the suggestion that class wins and qualifying pay points and money.

The other thing that is absolutely necessary is promotion of the class racing itself. That is something that is even more completely out of the hands of the racers. It has been proven that the classes can put on a show, and draw a crowd, but like anything else, it must be properly promoted, instead of ignored because there is some level of difficulty involved.

Alan - GREAT stuff. I've always felt qualifying well deserved something (even though I am a bottom feeder).

[art leong]

Post any and all rule and policy changes at least 6 months before they are changed.

[Dick Butler]

Alan, Class can draw a crowd ONLY if there are multiple cars in any class running. If the class has no cars today chances are it never will unless combined with others. Only with PR from track or NHRA.
It has to be done FIRST then the class money can come back. Without the show there is no attraction for a sponsor to get involved.

[Alan Roehrich]

Originally Posted by Dick Butler

Alan, Class can draw a crowd ONLY if there are multiple cars in any class running. If the class has no cars today chances are it never will unless combined with others. Only with PR from track or NHRA.
It has to be done FIRST then the class money can come back. Without the show there is no attraction for a sponsor to get involved.

Hence the first part of my post, the part that mentioned consolidating classes, at least to a certain extent.

[art leong]

Originally Posted by Dick Butler

Alan, Class can draw a crowd ONLY if there are multiple cars in any class running. If the class has no cars today chances are it never will unless combined with others. Only with PR from track or NHRA.
It has to be done FIRST then the class money can come back. Without the show there is no attraction for a sponsor to get involved.

Dick? How would "you" suggest they combine my class with?

[Michael Beard]

Originally Posted by Mark Yacavone

Michael , I was under the impression that runs of 1.19 under at Divisionals and Opens (including altitude tracks) would get you an instant hit, thereby putting an end to the majority of record setting.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Yet another reason to have a real *incentive* to set records. We used to get points for up to 2 records a year in IHRA, but that went away. What's the incentive in NHRA, or is it just the certificate/bragging rights?

To be honest, I don't understand the concern over HP hits. You either build something to go fast or not. If you get hit with HP, running just as fast with more weight is STILL an accomplishment, or you go to another class. Performance is all relative, and it's really power to weight, not the ET/mph on the scoreboard. Hey, don't want the contingency money and bragging rights? -=shrug=- Don't set a record. So... why build a fast car in the first place then?

If HP hits are truly a concern, then why the fuss over Class? Same deal. Go fast, get hit. It should be a badge of honor.

$.02,