Being displaced at a national due to weather

[Chad Rhodes]

We have seen this happen several times now, and NHRA has taken several different approaches. They have moved sportsman to a different facility, and the have postponed them to another weekend. Either way the spectators are not getting to see the sportsman cars run.

In my opinion, ideally, they would upgrade the facilities to accomodate the number of cars and the types of rigs that are common these days, but i know that's a huge investment and not very feasable at some places. So given the following options, which would most RACERS prefer?

a) postpone a week at the same venue, with the offer of free secured parking between events

b) find a suitable venue within a few hours drive (if possible), send the sportsman cars there to run their program down to 16 or 8 cars. At that point they could return to the original venue once the non-qualifiers and some of the alcohol cars are gone, and park on the pavement.

a) is what was done in Reading, b) is what was done in Gainesville a few years back.

My personal opinion is that it is in the best interest of MOST racers to race in the original time alloted, and not have to reschedule vactation and travel time, flights, hotels, etc and just go down the road and race. I would much rather do that than have to either tow home and back again, or fly/rent a car and leave the rig. What is the general consensus?

[danny waters sr]

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

We have seen this happen several times now, and NHRA has taken several different approaches. They have moved sportsman to a different facility, and the have postponed them to another weekend. Either way the spectators are not getting to see the sportsman cars run.

In my opinion, ideally, they would upgrade the facilities to accomodate the number of cars and the types of rigs that are common these days, but i know that's a huge investment and not very feasable at some places. So given the following options, which would most RACERS prefer?

a) postpone a week at the same venue, with the offer of free secured parking between events

b) find a suitable venue within a few hours drive (if possible), send the sportsman cars there to run their program down to 16 or 8 cars. At that point they could return to the original venue once the non-qualifiers and some of the alcohol cars are gone, and park on the pavement.

a) is what was done in Reading, b) is what was done in Gainesville a few years back.

My personal opinion is that it is in the best interest of MOST racers to race in the original time alloted, and not have to reschedule vactation and travel time, flights, hotels, etc and just go down the road and race. I would much rather do that than have to either tow home and back again, or fly/rent a car and leave the rig. What is the general consensus?

Chad ,if this race goes good this weekend without a lot of down-time (cars not on track), you just may see a downsize of car limit per classes, or eventually no sportsman cars at all. I know almost everyone on here will say they would not generate enough money without the spportsman cars,however they( NHRA ) will reduce their cost per National by not having to pay the sportsman classes....You may end up running divisionals only, or limit entries to 32 -64 car fields at Nationals....Just my opinion .....think about it. You better think about supporting your local combo races when you can.....

[SSDA Hemi]

Danny I see it as exactly opposite. Trying to run Alky funny car first thing. Not a good show and lucky no crashes. They need the sportsman cars wether they want to admit it or not.

And as far as the paying the sportsman is saving them money? LOL! Do the math. I wish the purse reflected the entry fee! The $95 national event insurance fee? Again, they need the sportsman more than we need them.

And as far as spectators, I didn't get in to Reading before the quota filled up. I would have went to spectate, but comp one weekend and SS the next. Those are the only two classes I care to see (sorry stockers, like them, but don't spectate). Lost at least $50 for admission and whatever I was going to eat and drink while there($30, I like to eat, LOL). Sure they will still get spectators, but its going to be less ($)...

[danny waters sr]

I'm still predicting at least fewer quota amounts.
If no sportsman they will save on tech help and time as far as fuel check tear-downs ,scales ect........Just my opinion....I hope they still need us ,but it may only be a selected few......

[SSDA Hemi]

To be honest with you, I'm fine as I really like the divisionals better. You are away from business 1 day on Friday and no "Big Show" to be pushed around. More racing and less waiting...

And seeing how this weekend played out. NHRA did me a HUGE favor with their quota system! Did I mention I hate wasting time and waiting...

[Toby Lang]

Originally Posted by danny waters sr

Chad ,if this race goes good this weekend without a lot of down-time (cars not on track), you just may see a downsize of car limit per classes, or eventually no sportsman cars at all.

People have been saying NHRA will get rid of the sportsman classes at national events ever since I started reading online forums (1995.) It should happen any day, right?


-Toby

[Ed Fernandez]

Here we go again

[danny waters sr]

Originally Posted by Toby Lang

People have been saying NHRA will get rid of the sportsman classes at national events ever since I started reading online forums (1995.) It should happen any day, right?


-Toby

Just my opinion Toby, i said it could happen not should......I really hope it don't.....
On a lighter side ,i hope you change your mind about the videos , i love watching them too.....

[bigshow2966]

Won't happen. They need the space filler between fuel rounds. They my reduce quotas since turnaround is down to 60 minutes though.

[herbjr]

Do you feel now NHRA made the right call, they only got part of Sunday completed? Man up and tell me what you think, was it the right call or not?

Herb Jr